Needing the Kraken

Cursed Mermen #6

by Aramis Jordan

A man on the run.
A dangerous sea witch offering shelter.

Nobody can know who Sebastian really is. Driven from his home and chased by the king’s henchmen, Sebastian runs into Malik, a sea witch and kraken shifter. At first he’s repulsed by Malik’s eight long tentacles, but with nowhere to go, Sebastian has no choice but to fling himself into Malik’s many arms.

Malik is the mightiest witch in the New World. His magic grants him dark powers, but the one thing he can’t have is love—because Malik guards a deep secret. When Sebastian comes to him for protection, he grants it. As they grow closer, the pressure on Malik to reveal his best-kept secret mounts. But what if the truth sends Sebastian running into the arms of his enemies?

That would be a disaster—Sebastian needs his dangerous kraken protector just as much as he needs those tentacles to wrap around him tightly and do unspeakable things to him.


Tropes: Forced Proximity, Secret Identity, There's only one bed, My dark protector is as dangerous as he is hot!

Needing the Kraken is a 72,000 word MM romance. It features an intense love story, plenty of steam, secret identities and a non-binary main character (Malik). This gay, paranormal romance is a standalone and the final book in the Cursed Mermen series. HEA guaranteed!

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Transgender, Historical, Shapeshifters, LGBT, Magic

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2022

About the author

Aramis Jordan is a self-professed MM romance addict and has vowed to write every book they’d love to read but cannot find. A firm believer in “the steamier, the better,” Aramis likes to turn up the heat in their paranormal romance novels.

Splitting their time between an office job and creative endeavors, Aramis’s life is powered by breakfast cereal and chai latte. When not writing or reading, Aramis enjoys going for scenic walks while listening to obscure rock music.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~]

No rating, as I stared skimming around 30 percent.

The writing style is overly elaborate, and I couldn't warm up to either MC.

The orgasmic egg birthing scene in the last chapter is ... uh, something.

Lots of tentacle sex if that's your thing.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puerto Rico, 1725

King Philip V’s henchmen are after Sebastian. Hiding in a dark alley, he meets Malik the sea witch and kraken shifter, even though it’s short, the man got under his skin.
With no place to go, he travels to Malik’s hut deep in the Puerto Rican forest, to find shelter and protection. And oh my goodness does he find protection!

Besides the delicious breathtaking sex scenes, there’s more to enjoy, the threat of the King’s soldiers who want to take Sebastian’s life, and the magic Malik possessed.
Both Malik and Sebastian have a secret.
Malik is smitten by Sebastian. He pleasures him all the time. Dang, Malik working Sebastian’s body with his tentacles was hot af!! Malik is certain Sebastian will run when he’ll find out when he’ll reveals his human body.
Little does he know!

If anyone can top this kraken sexiness from this story, I’d like to know, I doubt there is. My goodness, the sex was incredibly intense, sensual, and inventive, every tenth of an inch was palpable, it was scorching, I was afraid my iPad would go up in flames, thát hot!!
Smut with depth, because yes there’s a story, and I won’t spoil it, and yes it’s all wonderfully written and creatively designed. I loved Sebastian and Melik.
Gosh, the ending… I adored the unexpected outcome!
A wonderful conclusion to a beautiful enchanting series!

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Hanna W · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was sooo good. I devoured this so fast! I really loved it.
This is honestly the first book I read from this author and therefore the first book of this series. (The book can still be read as a standalone). But now I HAVE to read the other ones 😩 you probably know how it is 😂

This story was perfect in every way. From the characters to their background stories and the way they fell for each other. I loved everything. And the book was definitely more than 🌶️🌶️.

I really enjoyed reading this book and will probably start reading the whole series right away🫢

[I received an digital arc and this is my honest opinion]

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHH What a way to wrap up this series! I have been waiting and waiting for Malik's story ever since he was first introduced and Aramis delivered on every level! Seriously - you consentacles fans - this is your answer to a great tentacles romance.

We met Sebastian in a previous book as well, who protested a bit too much that he wasn't a fan of the idea of tentacles LOL. Well, now he needs some help and he finds safety with Malik.

The thing I loved most was Malik and his backstory, and how he came to be who he is. We've seen him in previous stories before, but now we really get to know all about him. I will leave things a surprise for readers, but I thought everything was written so well for him. Loved it!

The steam is HOT for these two - I love everything that they do together, and how they fall for each other. Seriously, loved them.

And the ending!! I love how it brings it all back and we get to see everyone we've met over the course of this series. And, maybe most of all, I'm pumped for the next series from this author.

[gena_bookish_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh hell noooo, because I didn't expect this to hit that hard 😳 Wtf! I mean yeah I knew that I would like this because MERMEN but again.. this was crazy good guys. 😩 You had me totally captured with these horny dudes that they want to fuck 24/7 and now you give me a.. half man, half kraken creature that also happens to be a badass witch? Holy. Shit. This man has like tentacles that are so big and thick, they produce this sticky fluid.. and he wants to shove them all the way up your.. I mean his.. Sebastian's 🍑. I died.

Okay. Deep breaths. I can do this. 👀

So this book was crazier than the rest in a way that left me in awe. Malik, the sea witch, was born as a girl but he always felt like this wasn't him. He wanted to change. This body he was born with wouldn't give him happiness? Wouldn't satisfy him? I'm sorry I can't find the right words. The main point is that he wanted to become a man. So he did. He used his magic and turned himself into a male. He had all these manly characteristics and looks. With one exception. He didn't have a cock.

Nope. He still had female genitalia 🙈 This fact totally saddened him and however hard he tried to change this part of him too.. he was never successful.

So! One day my boy said fuck it all and if I can't have one cock I'll transform myself to a legit cecaelia (half kraken) and I'll have 8! That's the spirit babe! Keep 👏 it 👏 up! 😌

This book is not for everyone. And I'm telling this because it contains mpreg and scenes that will leave you thinking like.. what the hell I'm reading 😳 Yes I'm totally speaking about the part where Malik inserts his eggs inside Sebastian in order for him to cum unlimited times and fertilize them... Okay okay I'm shutting up. No more spoilers.

And don't let me start with the part where Malik shoved 10 inches of his tentacle inside Sebastian. You think this is nuts? Wait until this becomes 8 feet. Lol okaaaaay I said NO MORE SPOILERS.

Did I say that this was crazy good? Scratch that. This was crazy HOT.
On another note.. it was both. The author left me speechless with this book and I can't wait to see what else they have in store for us.

[Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes... · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting, but it sort of… got in its own way in parts by being so over the top.
I really hated the whole convoluted way gender dictated whether one could be a witch or not… it seemed like a weak reason for the gender shifting situation , and I wasn’t thrilled by having that sprung on me the way it was. There’s nothing wrong with it per se, it just really seemed to come out of left field and really didn’t feel … necessary, I guess. There was enough going on with the whole sex-crazed mermen, and Malik having tentacles that made everything extra-exciting, and the body issues (I liked the way that was handled, that alley-way scene was one of my favorites…). There was just a bit too much over-the top stuff, like the whole ovipositor scene… geez. It was… a lot, and just didn’t seem to fit with the vibe of the rest of the story. It was like it couldn’t choose between being erotica and romance. Idk, anyways I said I wasn’t going to spend much time reviewing 3star reads and here I am rambling on… but I think it’s just because this left me a little flummoxed lol. Plenty of people seem to love it so hey if you’re curious give it a go, it sure was interesting and very creative.

2023 Review disclaimer: This year I'm only writing reviews for 4- and 5- star reads, OR if I find myself wildly impassioned (positively or negatively) to do so. I have about 150,000 things on my plate and need to maintain sanity, so this is a line I'm drawing in the sand for my own happiness ❤️

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Fun historical tentacle romance

Although the last in the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. There is a spoiler for a specific event in the first book, but it probably won't hinder someone's enjoyment of those MCs' HEA unless sensitive to spoilers of all types.

While Sebastian is a Spanish bastard prince who grew up in the shadows of court intrigue and led a failed coup for the Spanish throne and Malik is a witch who grew up in the wilds of the jungle with no time or inclination for societal norms or niceties, both MCs have a lot more in common than they originally think. They're both cocksure (to their detriment at times), independent, smart and charming; they also feel an emptiness inside for a lasting companionship that they believe they can't have bc no one can be trusted with their secrets or their hearts.

The characters are interesting enough to keep me invested in the story, but I'ma be honest, there isn't a whole lot outside of lots of really sticky sex lol. With Malik having magic that can do pretty much anything, the danger is mostly background noise until one of the MC's fatal flaw, cockiness causes an issue. Beyond that, it's Malik and Sebastian building a home and trust together while having lots of tentacle sucker sex natch. It's a quick, enjoyable read especially for fans of tentacle action.

[Merit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tentacles that go further than tentacles have gone before.
If you know what I mean. ;)

This story is mostly (tentacle) smut, with very long sex scenes, but surprisingly different every time so it was never boring. Woven into this is a very sweet love story. There is zero relationship angst. Malik and Sebastian only have eyes for each other and begin to care for each other from the moment they meet. It's safe to say this is the sweetest and lightest book in this series.

The background story gives some action and adventure without it getting dark, and was competently interspersed with the romance. Malik is super protective of Sebastian and will burn the world down to keep Sebastian safe. He was super sweet and very different from the Malik that made an appearance in the first book in this series. He has some insecurities that Sebastian dealt with very well.

As it contains tentacles, this story should come with a warning for eggpreg/mpreg. Can easily be skipped if this is not your thing (it only happens toward the end).

[Aimee Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series and was looking forward to finally getting Malik's story. But wow, I wasn't expecting what I got. I'm not saying this as a bad thing. I loved Malik's back story. I wasn't upset about the tentacle play either. Things got a little over the top for me, though, as we got to the end of the story. The last few books in this series have had extreme and very long sex scenes, but this one took the cake. I actually ended up skipping over most of the ending because I just couldn't take the ridiculousness of what was taking place.

Malik and Sebastian's first encounter doesn't go so well, but they meet again when Sebastian is on the run and takes refuge with Malik. Sebastian has a very interesting back story as well. I loved both our characters and I even loved them together. But I found that all the sex and especially the....hhhmmm...how should I say this without giving anything away. We'll call it the "orgasmic fertilizing of eggs". It was just too much for me.

With all that said, I still adore Malik and Sebastian's story. Aramis Jordan is a fantastic author and really knows how to tell a story. And I also want to thank Aramis for gifting me with the ARC copies of these books. They have definitely opened me up to new things when it comes to the mm romance genre.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh, la la, chéri!

This, the final book of the Cursed Merman series, was a perfect blend of erotic sexy times and intriguing storyline (and that has nothing to do with hidden/secret identity being my hands-down favourite romance trope of all time!). I admit being more than a little uncertain about the mpreg mentioned in the "About this book" page as it's not something that appeals to me in particular (and I find secret baby/accidental pregnancy, etc. in MF romance to be off-putting) but Aramis hasn't led me astray thus far so I dove right in anyway.

Malik, the sea witch, is full of contradictions. Eccentric and secretive, he's a loner who is a little lonely, a strong independent witch who secretly yearns for acceptance from a special someone. Sebastian had secrets too and they are coming to a head as his enemies start closing in, there aren't many who could protect him. Too bad he and Malik, his only hope, got off to such a rocky start.

This book doesn't start off with the bang that the rest of the series does, and I was a little surprised with the outcome of the alley encounter. Things heat up eventually, but there was a lot more heart than I was expecting. I loved that Malik is non-binary thought it added an interesting layer to the relationship.

I have a pretty open mind, or at least I try, but haven't really experimented with some of the more niche fetishes that are explored in not only this book but the series as a whole and I am here for it all. This is only the second "tentacle" romance I've read and it was pretty eye-opening, I had no idea what I was missing out on and am having so much fun being exposed to new, exciting kinks. I guess that's probably why I've enjoyed this series so much, there is such variety that you are bound to hit on or discover something you like but it's also easy enough to skip something that you are absolutely not into.

This more than any other in the series can be read as a standalone. While Sebastian makes a brief appearance in Book 4: Courting the Merman, and Malik is mentioned in all of the previous books, virtually no background is revealed about either character that enriches this book. The reverse is also true, fans of the series are going to want to read Malik's story, believe me, if you've been along for the whole ride you definitely don't want to skip this one.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've devoured every single book in this series, and Malik and Sebastian's romance was another steamy delight! As always, Aramis Jordan delivered on the spectacularly steamy, sexy moments--this time with a delightfully tentacle-y twist--but I was pleasantly surprised by how much plot was packed into this book as well. Both Malik and Sebastian won over my heart as they struggled with feeling unlovable and unwanted, and I was intrigued by the king's persistent chase of Sebastian throughout the story. In fact, had Sebastian not been fleeing for his life, I don't think he and Malik would have ended up together at all, and it definitely drove their romance forward in multiple spots throughout the story. I've been curious about Malik for a while now, and I really enjoyed getting to learn more about his magic and potion making, as well as finally understand what led him to transform his body the way he did. My god were their sexy times absolutely spectacular, and while some of the activities they got up to in bed did blur the line between fact and fiction, I didn't even care. Sebastian was downright needy for Malik's tentacles, and I couldn't get enough myself. I knew they had a strong physical connection keeping them together, but it wasn't until Sebastian got captured that I saw how much the two of them truly meant to each other. I thought Malik was going to burn the entire world down just to get Sebastian back in his arms, and Sebastian's only thoughts after capture were of Malik and how much he missed him. The way they solidified their commitment to each other after was really sweet to me, and from that point on I knew their love would last forever. I was not expecting their journey to end with a rapidly expanding family, but what a way to close out the series!

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions. 

[Dear Reader 0801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this final installment in this series. It was different from prior books as neither character is a merman but one of the main characters is the enigmatic sea witch, Malik. It was just as spicy as prior books and I felt it focused a lot on building the relationship between the characters and character development.

Malik is a mystery as the potion making sea witch who enables the merman to form legs. He’s charming as well but there is an air of loneliness as he keeps certain things secret. He has a chance encounter with Sebastian, who harbors his own secrets and is on the run. Sebastian initially displays a distaste for Malik and his unique form but opens up his mind and his heart to embrace Malik for all that he is.

I enjoyed that this book was different from prior books in not only the setting but also the dynamic between the characters seems lighter and less angsty. There is the drama and danger of Sebastian’s past they must deal with but once they are at Malik’s hut, the story focuses on the two of them and building trust. They both have difficult secrets they have not shared with others. Finding someone to share that with is the focus of their time together. The story does not disappoint with the steamy tentacle scenes that rival prior books!

I’m looking forward to the spin-off that’s eluded to in the epilogue. I’m sure it will have lots of interesting characters in the Fae realm. I enjoyed that the epilogue gave a glimpse at prior couples in the series in a little send off and I wonder if anyone makes a guest appearance in the new series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was...interesting.

I liked the premise and was drawn into the general story trajectory and was tantalized by the tentacle love... But somewhere between the beginning of the middle and the very end I got lost. The spice was there, oh holy good night, was it there, but that was kind of what carried the story. There were feels and they came on slowly since admissions were kind of few and far between with most of the feels being revealed through actions and inner dialogue rather than being shared and communicated.

The scene where certain personal truths were shared and explained was actually done well with tact, heart, and acceptance. Perhaps it was a little too easy, but by this point there was a whole lot of drama put behind them, danger conquered, and time for genuinely deep feelings to take root. I didn't mind that it was more tender and sweet rather than complicated.

And we have the implantation and birthing scenes....oh my... If that kind of cephalopod stuff is not your thing, understandable, just skip ahead.

Also, if this is the first book of the series that you read, as was the case for me, there's nothing included, even in the epilogue, that would give spoilers for any of the previous books. There are a couple characters and groupings that interested me in the epilogue, but I have to say, despite that interest, those stories will likely not make the top ten on my To-Read list merely because the writing is very word heavy with less progress achieved than expected with the sheer number of words. I totally feel the reviews of readers that said they skimmed a whole lot. At times I wish I had.

[Trish Skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing series comes to an end, and Aramis Jordan completely outdid themself and took us out with a bang!!!
This is the story of Malik, the great sea witch and kraken shifter (umm hello tentacles!!) who made it possible for the mermen we came to know and love to gain their legs.
Malik has led a good life, though a solitary one. His magic is great and powerful, and his potion to give mermen legs is famous all over the world. When he sees a beautiful man in danger, he’s happy to be the knight in shining armor.
Sebastian has spent a long time on the run from his native Spain. He knows he’s always in danger of being caught by the king’s soldiers, but he won’t let that stop him from living his life.
Until he’s caught and has no other option but to beg the sea witch for help. Sebastian is not safe and can’t protect himself, and Malik is gracious enough to help. What starts as a tentative friendship quickly morphs into lust, and these two can’t keep their hands (or anything else) off of each other!
This is the most emotional story of the series. Both men are holding secrets, and struggle with trusting enough to let them go. They are incredibly sweet and vulnerable together, and Aramis managed to write a 🔥🔥 scene so beautiful I cried!!
I absolutely loved these two and this whole series. Though I’ll miss them, we get a tiny peek at the next series and I am PSYCHED!!
Thank you for bringing us this wonderful magical world Aramis 💜💜💜

[S.M. LANYON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it♥️

NEEDING THE KRAKEN is amazing!
The chemistry is off the charts!
The sex is unimaginable and oh-so-damn hot!
The shock value of the nature of the sexual relationship between Malik and Sebastian, considering the anatomical difference in the appendages used for penetrative sex, was only rivalled by their growing emotions for one another. ❤️
Magic, political conspiracy, male pregnancy/breeding, HEA,❤️
These two are drawn to each other immediately, and there was not much they could do to fight the incredible attraction they felt.
The story was beautifully executed, very much character driven, full of colourful detail, adding charm to the overall narrative and drumming up the appeal of both characters.❤️
I loved them both, but I must say Malik captivated my heart pretty much right away. He struggled to keep his secret, especially because he wanted to get closer to Sebastian and be honest about what was holding him back.❤️ Sebastian had to deal with his own issues of mistrust just as well, before either of them was ready to be convinced they were safe and cared for the other.❤️
These two men were so sweet, so kind and understanding, they just made me swoon❤️
Overall, this book was a fast-paced, action-packed, magic galore, a smut infused read. I couldn't put it down❤️

[Roger R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book in the “Cursed Mermen” series. If you have read couple books in the series, you would know who Malik was. He’s the witch who developed potions for mermen to become human and satisfy their bedding needs. Would have loved seeing this one made into a movie and see how/what tentacles can do to a guy! Definitely 5 stars.

The story focuses on Malik, a Kraken shifter who happens to be a witch. He happened to see this hot guy running from some men. He managed to hide Sebastian and found out he was running from the guards of the King of Spain who wanted his head for a infraction he committed. However, when Malik was in “heat” his tentacles came out and it surprised and shocked Sebastian to the point he ran away and was caught by the guards. Malik concocted a plot to help Sebastian escape and they were able to run away to Malik’s hideout/lab. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book to read to find out what happens between them and if Sebastian was able to stay out of King of Spain’s reach!

[Kate Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

spicy!

‘Needing The Kraken’ is the sixth and final installment in Aramis Jordan’s ‘Cursed Mermen’ series. While it is the last in a series, I read it as a standalone with no trouble. It left me curious about the previous books in the series, but the book focused on the two main characters with almost no one else showing up.

I expected this book to be hot. The description promised me a dirty read, but I had no idea the filthy good time I was really in for! This is one of the filthiest things I’ve read. The magic of the story allows the characters to get dirty in mindboggling ways.

It took me a bit to read this one, but I had a little trouble connecting with Sebastian. I found him a little grating. Eventually, he grew on me. Thankfully, there was enough emotionally compelling content and spice to pull me through until Sebastian grew on me.

Overall, ‘Needing the Kraken’ is crazy fun to read for the spice. There are also some great emotional beats. Malik’s inner struggles were especially compelling. If you want something hot as fire, this is a superb choice.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the absolute perfect romance for the end of this amazing series! Malik our witch and kraken is so powerful, but deep down he is truly lonely. He does so much to help out the mermen in all the previous books, I needed him to find his own peace and happiness. He was so willing to bring Sebastian into his home and protect him. They do start off with a tentative tentacle friendship that grows into so much more. The steamy scenes with these two are quite unique, vivid and hot! Well, you know, there are tentacles, everywhere! This romance was mystical, dangerous, and passionate! I am not going to give away the beautiful ending, but I will say it looks like there is going to be a spinoff series!

[Maitana C · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I want to say, I cannot wait to go back and read the rest of this series. I loved this book, it was everything and more!!

Anyone looking for a good tentacle romance, this is it!! Hurt/comfort, close proximity, some magic and of course the steam. This book was 5/5 on all parts.

Malik’s story was so interesting, and it was written beautifully. I don’t want to ruin it for other readers, but I really enjoyed this authors depiction of the backstory.

Sebastian and Malik are perfect, the spice was off the charts, there wasn’t a single part of this story that was lacking. I will be buying a physical copy, and reread this every chance I get. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and then dive into anything else this author puts out.

5/5 🌟

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malik is an easy character to invest in— his history will pull you in, and change the person you thought you knew from previous books in the series (gentle note that this is part of a series, and while the romance can stand alone, context on characters and world building can be found in earlier works— as a bonus, they’re also full of heat and interesting characters). I liked Malik, liked how the relationship developed with Sebastian, and I appreciated the blend of feelings and heat (heat levels are high. Plus, tentacles.) All in all, a really enjoyable read. 4.5 stars.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read a couple other books in this series, but this one was by far my favorite. Great world building. I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Sebastian and Malik had such wonderful chemistry. Sebastian is on the run and in need of protection and Malik was the one to give it despite a hurtful first meeting. I was fascinated by Malik and heartbroken over his loneliness; his longing for acceptance and love. I couldn't put this book down in my obsession for their happy ending. Wonderful steamy scenes as well! My favorite is the one towards the end, which was not what I would have expected, so it was a nice surprise. 5 stars.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY MOLY!!!!

WOW!!! WOW!! CURSED MERMEN has been such an unimaginable adventure. This is Book #6 and it answers sooo many questions. This offering is stacked with whoa moments and strange happenings. Malik the Sea Witch is more powerful than you think. Rescuing Sebastian is his greatest feat. This Book is beyond wild and ARAMIS JORDAN took full creativity to new heights. I loved this Book. Thank You Aramis Jordan for creating a world where absolutely ANYTHING is possible!!! I've enjoyed being entertained where there are no limits. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS MAGNIFICENT CURSED MERMEN SERIES!!!!!!!!!!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Needing the Kraken, by Aramis Jordan, was good. I enjoyed it.

This installment is the first book and series I started to read from the author, but now I have to read the rest of the Cursed Mermen series. Needing the Kraken Aramis by Jordan can be read as a standalone, but I will read the other books in this series. This story was fascinating in every way. The main characters' background stories and their love story were beautiful. This book was engaging; I will buy the rest of the series soon. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[ReadsALotOfMM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book was part of a series when I snagged the arc, and it's the first book that I've read from this author. I can tell you they did an amazing job, because I'm going to be picking up the rest of the series and anything I can get my hands on right away.

Malik and Sebastian were amazing, and I knew going into the book that I was going to get some monster-y fun, and I wasn't disappointed. I pretty much finished this in one sitting, and I was honestly really happy with how good the plot was. I came for the steam, but I stayed for the story!

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Well this was different to my typical paranormal reads. Although it’s fairly short and the last in a series it does it’s world building well and succinctly. The historical setting was strong as well. I also think the trans/non-binary lead is done well. The story was not particularly deep but engaging.
I did skim some of the sex scenes that went on much too long. There was some stuff that’s not my personal bag too, but that’s my preference.
Not sure if I would read more by this author but I’m glad I tried this rec.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this series has come to an end! I’ve loved every single book, and this is one of the best. It’s so different with the sea witch/kraken Malik and the human Sebastian ending up together. Those two together burned up my kindle and me!!! The s*x scenes are seriously hot and twisted - tentacles ya’ll.
On top, the story and plot are really good as well and as always well written and perfectly paced. I highly recommend this whole series and I can’t wait to read Aramis Jordan’s future work.

[Kathreadsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this m/m fantasy romance from author Aramis Jordan!

If you want some hardcore tentacle smut scenes, this is the book for you! But the steamy scenes are balanced by a really sweet romance between Malik and Sebastian, where they love and accept each other in really beautiful ways.

This book has a gender fluid main character, and the author deals with this is a respectful and beautiful way.

I really loved this book!

[Alex Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honour of receiving this as an ARC in return for a honest review.

My goodness I had some many feelings about this book. This was definitely a case of Aramis saving the best story until last in the series. The challenges in this one touched my heart in the most deepest way.

This was a fantastic conclusion to the best mm series I have read. I adored all the characters but there was something particularly special about Malik and Sebastian. The themes covered in this book were just on another level and done in a sensitive way.

Malik is definitely one of my favourites throughout the series. I was intrigued in what type of character he would be and I was not disappointed. Really interesting backstory. Sebastian was described beautifully also.

Aramis masterfully threaded all the books together making this one the most epic conclusion to a wonderfully spicy series aswell as teasing us for the next series which I cannot wait to read!

[Janette · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a way to wrap up this series! The final installment of Cursed Mermen continues in the same magical, fantasy-filled fashion as those before it, and it brings that same heat, lust & sensuality as well. At its heart, to me this story is about vulnerability and acceptance. Both Malik and Sebastian have their own insecurities, and I love the way their connection helps them to find their footing and begin to accept not only each other, but also themselves.

[Maria771 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Sebastian and Malik, it is the 6th book in The Cursed Merman series. Please read the trigger warnings. This book is my favourite in the series. It takes you on an incredible imaginative journey. The characters have amazing chemistry and suit each other perfectly. The surprises keeps you reading well past your bedtime. Definitely recommended.

I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.