I’ve been burned before and I’ve learned my lesson. So the only thing this small town sea monster is looking for is a good review, not a fated mate!
As a chef and I know all about how to handle the heat in the kitchen, even if it takes all eight tentacles to do it! The same doesn’t apply to my love life. Once burned, twice shy. I’m steering clear.
When famous human food critic Olivia Zeston walks into my brand new restaurant, she turns the heat up instantly. So much so that she’s in danger of melting...

I’ve been burned before and I’ve learned my lesson. So the only thing this small town sea monster is looking for is a good review, not a fated mate!
As a chef and I know all about how to handle the heat in the kitchen, even if it takes all eight tentacles to do it! The same doesn’t apply to my love life. Once burned, twice shy. I’m steering clear.
When famous human food critic Olivia Zeston walks into my brand new restaurant, she turns the heat up instantly. So much so that she’s in danger of melting my icy resolve. Even worse, as soon as we start talking I realize she’s more to me than just another hurt and lonely soul in need of comfort. She’s my fated mate. The only problem? I don’t want a fated mate. I can’t be tied to anyone for the rest of our lives. I’ve learned the hard way that having those sorts of expectations is a recipe for heartache.
But beneath the veneer of Olivia’s cheerful confidence, there’s a woman who just needs to be loved. Can I stop myself?
I swore I’d never go down this path again, but here I am falling head over tentacles. The draw to her is like a rip tide, pulling me under. But this city girl from the other side of the world will never settle for a small town sea monster. Just when I’ve decided to risk handing her my heart on a plate, I realize I might have bitten off more than I can chew?