Guarded by the Kraken (Monster Security Agency #5) (2024)

Title: Guarded By The Kraken
Author: Cassie Alexander
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 5/5 🌶
Spoilers: No
This Book Left Me Feeling:
😭🥰😍🥵🔥🌊
Genre:
Monster Romance
Tropes:
Bodyguard, Loss, Mutual Grief, Body Positivity, Tentacles, Br€€ding.

About The Book:
Guarded By The Kraken is a monster romance with sci-fi vibes. It's a story filled to the brim with love and positivity and an amazing message of overcoming loss while still embracing what was lost. It may make you cry along the way but the HEA is way worth it!

What Will Stay With Me:
The spice WAS INSANE! You could boil water with the heat inside this book.

Review:
Holy Macaroni.
I do not know how she does it, but every single time Cassie Alexander releases a book I love it more than the last.
Every single time I'm gushing about it being my new favourite and I will just never get enough of the way she writes.

Okay, about the actual book. The characters are insanely loveable, flawed and complex beings and I would read ten books of them together. The world being built in this series is absolutely brilliant. There's so much going on and so many moving parts, but none of it feels forced or like there's info dumping.

I love that this dipped into sci-fi a bit because that's my favourite genre and it was so so well done. I want to find out what happened with all that after the events of the book!

In short (before I get sucked into detailing every single part of the book and the endless list of reasons I loved it) I loved this and I would 20/10 recommend this to anyone who has even once had a fleeting thought of "ohh tentacles 👀"

I absolutely loved this book! Cassie's writing has quickly become one of my favorites. Elle and Ceph are just so well written. It's so nice to have an actual smart FMC who doesn't act stupid or give into miscommunications for the plot.
Now, I personally don't think about things too hard when it comes to monster books but I don't think I would have ever thought up this way a kraken and a human shack up and I appreciate that.
And that epilogue? *chefs kiss* Bless this woman for giving us that and bless her for giving me this ARC cause that's just what I needed.

I really loved this. It is so refreshing to see a FMC in her 30s and I have never seen one with no breasts. That was a really wonderful surprise and I am sure it will mean a lot to women who are dealing with the same issue to see themselves represented in such a positive and genuine way.

I really loved how the relationship developed, the plot was great and the spicy bits were definitely spicy, very sex positive (but like not in a preachy way) and like he just twisted it off? I was not expecting that. Great read.

**I was given an ARC copy with no conditions**

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Guarded by the Kraken is one story in the Monster Security Agency series, which comprises many different authors, all writing smutty monster romance. I have reviewed another MSA book of Cassie's, Guarded by the Spider. It has the same narrators.

Elle is hired to go below to the deepest trench in the Ocean for a science research project. She is given the chance to discover a potential new language, race of monsters, etc. There is a large metal mechanism at the bottom of the ocean, and Elle is tasked to discover its secrets! She is assigned a body guard that is from the Kraken population. Ceph is required to bond with her in order to keep her safe, however, he ends up mating with her.

The two begin their adventure together, working together to solve whatever this puzzle is. Meanwhile, they get to know each other better. One thing I really appreciate about Ceph is, even though the mating was accidental, he does not force her into wanting it. He would let her return to the land if she chooses to do so.

I did not see all the twists and turns that happened. I constantly wondered a LOT of things while listening to this story. My brain kept working to find how this was going to work. Elle and Ceph could not even touch. She could not leave the science center without a special suit. I will let you read for yourself what happens, but you will not be disappointed.

I highly recommend reading this book via the audiobook. The narrators are class acts. They make you feel a part of the story. At one point, I thought my chest was going to explode, others I sad cried, I happy cried, I laughed and giggled...I kicked my feet happily.

Definitely check your triggers, there is violence, also some br33ding kink in there. Spoiler: Epilogue contains the pregnancy, so if you don't want that, skip the epilogue.

Well now I just want my own Kraken. I’m pretty sure I fell for Ceph around the same time he fell for Elle *heavy sigh*

Yes, I know Ms Cassie said it’s heavy on pregnancy, but honestly, it’s not. Yes the loss of an egg (child) is mentioned and yes the longing for children is mentioned, it’s more of a highlight to the story… but it does have Breeding Kink, and boy does it have that 🥵

And fates bless them aliens for that one scene *heavily fans my face* …yes you read that right .. BUT don’t jump to conclusions, they’re a big part of the plot, but not in the apocalypse alien invasion sense so calm down.

This book does have some emotionally heavy triggers, Ms Callie mentions them, a they are a major plot driver in the beginning of the book. There is a warning in the book. So be aware.

Let’s see if I can sum this up. Ceph is a kraken hired to protect a scientist , Elle, while she does classified research at the bottom of the Georgia trench. It’s so classified, she doesn’t even know what it is until she gets there… and by there , I mean a fancy underwater facility at the bottom of the ocean.

She has to bond with the kraken to be able to communicate telepathically, and during the process, unbeknownst to her, Ceph bonds with her (as in falls in love/ finds his fated partner).

Here are some of my favourite highlights 😏

As a courting present this dude makes her replica dild*’s of his “pumping arm*… 3 in fact, different sizes, cuz his can change depending on how *coughs* full he is. And there’s a ring on the biggest one ….

When they eventually get to touch…Elle finds out what that ring is for…… and then… then… the top part moves 🫣🥵 anyway… it’s HOTTT!!! I have got to get me one of those!

Ceph is protective, devoted, romantic… and he uses her mind to figure out what she wants when she asks him to talk dirty to her… I mean… COME ON! 🥵

This book has a little bit of everything. Drama, suspense, sci-fi, paranormal elements, action, tragedy, spice… you name it. I mean Ms Cassie had me crying at some point. But my absolute favourite part is during the epilogue 🤤 but I won’t spoil that little gem for you *giggles*

*there are some minor editing errors in the ARC I received but they do not retract from my honest opinion of the book in its totality *

'You have always carried oceans in you Elle'.

Ceph is dealing with personal loss when he is given a new body guard job, this time its protecting a human. Elle is task to investigate a relic in the ocean, that is secret to her fellow crew members. But due to its location she is given protection by a kraken. The pair must go through a 'mating' procedure to be able to communicate. This also allows them to get to know one another & unbeknownist to them both, start to fall for each other. It may not be what they each were looking for, but it may be what they both need.

Love how Cassie is able to weave such heartfelt stories, that you fall for the main characters & cheer for them to find love in one another. It may not be the most conventional partnership, but enjoyed as the story unraveled & they found a way to be together. And as always knows how to bring the heat. Highly recommend for monster / tentacle romance lovers.

I listened to the audiobook. I loved the female narrator, but had trouble at times understanding the male narrator. Barring that, these two did an amazing job bring this story together.

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: HEA
POV: dual 1st person POV
Narration: dual narration
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: bribery, mentions of cancer and mastectomy, death of a child (recounted), death of a sibling (recounted, breast cancer), death of a spouse (recounted), depictions of deep water, divorce, grief, kidnapping, murder
Kinky Content: breeding kink, masturbation, mutual masturbation, oral, praise, prehensile tentacles, sex toys, voyeurism
standalone: book 4 of Monster Security Agency series
final thoughts: this was such an unexpected read! There were plot twists left and right and I was left guessing right up through the epilogue. The world building was great, the storyline was interesting, and the romance was so sweet. As with most monster romances, there were some funny miscommunications and word choices that had me laughing.
This was a highly emotional read that didn’t feel emotionally taxing with the rest of the plot happening and plenty of pop culture references to keep your mind light. While the triggers do follow the characters through most of the book, it was not overwhelming, and the triggering scenes were nondescriptive.

Both narrators were able to capture the characters so well without their opposite character voices being cringy

read this book if you love
🫡 big MMC
💂 bodyguard
🍪cinnamon roll MMC
🍆 fancy peens
💞 fated mates
🎣 fish out of water
😳 forbidden lovers
🏝️ forced proximity
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 found family
🎁 grand gestures
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
👦 he falls first and hard
🤫 hidden secrets
🩹 hurt/comfort
💘 instalove
🪄 magic
🦑 monster romance
💞 mutual pining
❓ mystery
🥰 nicknames
🔀 opposites attract
💖 paranormal romance
🌀 plot twists
😜 possessive MMC
🙏 praise
🤐 secret relationship
💓 slowburn
🌍 world building
💼 workplace romance

Well, that book was a-m-a-z-i-n-g !

Ceph and Elle are both great characters and I loved their depth.

I loved that we have a strong/smart FMC and a MMC that is not scared of that !

Their story is really beautiful and I found it truly great that they had to work through their trauma together and both accepted each other's past.

The book made me laugh, cry, giddy and Oooooh so HOT
(where can one find herself a Ceph ?!)

And these last chapters.... pretty sure my 'breeding hole' was crying of jealousy.

It was a real hit and run for me from Cassie !

**It does have a pregnancy trope at the end (and mentions of the lost of a child) thoughout the book), so if you're not into that, maybe it's not the story for you, BUT I DEFINATELY recommend it for the others !

Holy sh*tballs Batman.
I couldn’t tell you the last time I read something THAT GOOD.

The world building, the character development, THE PLOT AND THE SPICE 👏🏽 The smidge of slowburn that turned into a roaring fire. 🥵
The way these two characters mesh is so organic that you don’t even consider this book as sci-fi/fantasy. Their romance doesn’t feel rushed or juvenile or overdone. It’s just…✨perfect✨.
There’s no miscommunication, no drama, no alphahole sh*t and no *I dOnT nEeD nO mAn* hyper-independent FMC.
The love story is 10/10 and AT NO POINT are you able to foresee the future these two could have as being a possibility because they’re completely incompatible.
It’ll take you by surprise and when it really picks up you won’t be able to put down.
I promise.
I was SO MAD at the end because I want more.
I would easily read a series of just these two together.
Add it to your TBR right now, because tentacles. 🤣👀🫣🐙

♡𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 &| 𝚎𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠♡
4.5 🌟
-
Hunni, Cassie always gets me with the monster romance, and this book is no different! Why would I want a Kraken because of this book.
The audiobook is amazing!
Highly recommend! Read NOW.
eBook 𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎!
-
Thank you, Cassie Alexander, for the ebook and audiobook for my honest review.

"Because even if you deny it, I feel you in my soul-I cannot let anything happen to you."

If I were to choose one quote to talk about the relationship between Ceph and Elle in this book, it would be the one above. They are both so curious about each other from the start, even despite Ceph's resistance, but they ultimately try to fight it. They find every reason to think that they can't make this work... but the pull is just too strong.

Elle ends up in danger due to the job she is working, which is why Ceph is guarding her in the first place, but the danger is from a unsuspected source... and Ceph realizes he needs to protect her for more than one reason. She is not a damsel in distress by any means, but she sure is the love of his life. Which is very hard for him to admit, and very hard for her to accept.

Guarded by the Kraken contains:
-second chance romance
-fated mates
-telepathy
-slow burn
-tentacles
-unbreakable bond
-healing together
If these things are up your alley, as well as a hint of science and a good plot, this book is for you. I absolutely loved this book, and I loved Cassie's writing! Ceph and Elle made my heart swell so much.

2.5*

I’ll be honest, I’m here for one reason, and that’s not to be caught up in all this plot. Too much story in the story.

"Because, little pearl, I know that if I found you and you found me and there were some true way for us to be together, a chance at that happiness is worth all the pain in your air or in my sea."~Cepharius🐙❤️❤️

Ahhh. Myyy. Romantic heart!!! I have so much to share on how this story made me feel. Where do I begin. Do I recommend? Ohhh my gosh, yass!!! Get your copy as soon as possible because it's really really good. Enjoy it and let this book carry you away to the depths of the sea where an unlikely connection is going to leave you wanting to meet a tall, strong, sexy kraken. I know. I wrote KRAKEN wonderful reader. Yes, Monster Security Agency has a sensitive soul working in the ocean and you're gonna want to meet him.🤩 Cassie has outdone herself with this one. But there are some trigger warnings, which Cassie shares before the story begins. Loss of a spouse and child. Depression. Loneliness. Grief. Loss of a close family member to cancer. The main FMC is dealing with having had a double mastectomy b/c she has the brca gene. Body image issues. Divorce. If you feel uncomfortable in any way with that, then this might not be for you.

Elle is 35, incredibly smart, is a scientist for the Aquatic Life Research company. She's down to earth, relatable, has insecurities, but doesn't use her intelligence as a I'm better than you chip on her shoulder. She's sent on a highly classified job, yes under the deep ocean, like the Mariana Trench to do some research. She just doesn't know what it all entails. Think of the movie, The Abyss. Because there will be some sci-fi moments coming up. But before she can go out into the cold inky blackness of the water, Elle will have to have a bodyguard of sorts that will accompany her. Which will change her life completely.😲 Get ready girl. You're about to meet your destiny.😍😍😍

Ceph maybe seen as a monster, which in my eyes, he is far far from that. This guy is the opposite of what that word means. He has so much goodness in him that he doesn't see it himself. He's got a heart of gold. He's still grieving the loss of his wife and baby. He doesn't want this assignment. Protect an air breather. A land person. Bahh!! No. But if he gets it over with, he can be alone forever. Which he wants. But he has to bond with Elle, meaning touch, so they can communicate telepathically. Well, let me tell you, secrets and feelings are going to get the water to simmer then boil as their connection deepens into strong feelings. They're super cute with each other. Funny. The movie talks. What is real. What isn't. But don't get it wrong, this guy is completely smitten with Elle. Their chemistry is building and building.🔥🔥🔥🔥 He wants to court her. Yes. Ceph even asked her that. He wants to touch her. Love her. Have her. He needs her. Don't worry Elle needs him just as much.

"I wanted to keep her. I just didn't know how."🥹🥰

There are many secrets, plot twists, deception, action that will unfold as Elle and Ceph deal with what is hidden in the water. I won't spoil that here. And yesss there is steam.🧖🏻‍♀️🐙 Hot smexy times are going to roll and spin in the water.😝😝🥵🥵🥵 Get ready. He makes her feel beautiful and sexy. Whole with nothing missing. Elle worships him as the gorgeous gentle kraken he is. Can they make it work?

"Whatever future we were hurtling towards, we were going there together."

This has great world building. I was wanting their HEA like my heartbeat.💓 It has all the emotional feels. No hiding. Everything out in the open with honest conversations, even if it hurt to hear. Plenty of humor and teasing. Plexiglass window touches. Glowing bioluminescent colors in the water. You get it.🤭 English tea sets. Small white dogs.🤣🤣 I love their closeness, their out of this world connection. And they're not afraid to say those 3 little words.💋 That book cover is cool. Love it!!! And yes, I do trust you, Cassie.😉 Fantastic book!! Happy reading.❤️❤️❤️❤️

🪸🌊🛸Thank you to Cassie for an early book via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review. Get your book ASAP!!!!🛸🌊🪸

4.75 stars. Cepharius, the male kraken lead, has separated himself from his people for years, not wanting to share the telepathic sphere they communicate with as he mourned the death of his wife and unborn child. Content to act as wildlife ranger, he’s not happy to be recalled by his brother, the king, and given the task of bonding with a human to provide protection.

Elle, the female human lead, is a field researcher, struggling with her marital relationship and living in general after her sister’s death from breast cancer and her own double mastectomy. Going through the process of acclimatisation to living on the sea floor, she’s angry when her husband calls to tell her he wants a divorce to have children with someone else.

Neither Elle nor Cepharius wants a relationship, even if it’s just protector/protectee, but both are shocked to find themselves caring for the other, especially Cepharius upon realising she’s an unheard-of second mate. But Elle is on the sea floor for serious research, and there are real risks present - more than just the environment. Also, she’s a creature of the air and he’s a creature of the water, so a longterm relationship isn’t viable…

This long story is dual POV, well written, and a high intensity, highly emotional, adventurous fantasy/sci fi romance. I enjoyed the way both characters worked together to better their emotional health. I enjoyed Cepharius’ confidence that Elle was his mate, even though the situation was so rare as to be mythical. I enjoyed the way he approached her and looked to court her, and chuckled at the courting process. I enjoyed Elle’s work focus, the seriousness with which she approached it, and the sensitivity which she gave the situation. I enjoyed the way both characters interacted intimately, even before physical contact was an option. I enjoyed the supportive and engaged secondary characters, and the care for all. I was amused by some of the cultural differences that had to be negotiated and I enjoyed the ending for both Elle and Cepharius. I cried reading this story - it was intense and I definitely had to be in the right headspace; mind your triggers.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

Protecting her in the deep ocean

Cassie Alexander has written another brilliant monster romance story, this one set in the deep ocean.

Cepharius is a kraken who's kept to himself after the death of his mate and has spent the last few years guarding a herd of manatyls for the Monster Security Agency. But he's summoned by his brother and given a new job of guarding a human investigating a sunken structure at the bottom of a deep trench. His problem is that to be able to protect her fully he has to form a connection (mentally) with her and when they do he's surprised the bond is stronger than he'd expected. Though he finds he doesn't want her to, he accepts that she will have to return to the surface after this job.

Elle is in a bad place herself, having recently lost her sister to cancer and undergoing surgery herself, she's surprised to be dumped by her husband as she's on her way to the research centre. But she focuses on her job and is intrigued when she learns that she'll be protected by a kraken and to do so he must form a bond with her. But the more time they spend working together the closer they become and when they discover the secrets of the structure she's been hired to investigate, he'll do everything to keep her safe.

Their story is well told with wonderful detail (I loved the mention of the difficulties of going to such depths with the change in pressure, and how they worked round not being able to touch) and some great twists. There are plenty of troupes covered: fated mates, kraken/human romance, bodyguard, mutual grief & loss, cancer, plenty of spice 🌶, a touch of kink, tentacles and more. The characters Elle and Ceph have great chemistry and I loved the epilogue, WOW.

The narrators both do this book justice, reading it with so much emotion and feelings, you can imagine yourself being a fly on the wall to the action (they are the same narrators who did "Guarded by the Spider").

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Guarded by the Kraken is part of the Monster Security Agency series of stand-alone erotic romances about monstrous bodyguards who fall in love with their human charges.

Elle is a scientist hired to do research on the ocean floor, and I admired her determination. Cepharius is a kraken member of the Monster Security Agency who has been hired to protect Elle. To do so, he has to establish a telepathic bond with her, and the story gets interesting (and sometimes quite humorous) when they start sharing thoughts and emotions. I particularly enjoyed some of Ceph’s confusion seeing images in Elle’s mind of various movies.

I loved learning about the kraken and how they share experiences over the ‘qa (a sort of psychic network). I would have enjoyed learning more about their underwater world and their culture (and would happily read more books in this setting), but the focus here is on Elle’s research and her relationship with Ceph. Both characters have experienced trauma. She lost her beloved sister and her breasts to breast cancer and then lost her marriage, while he lost his wife and son. It’s sweet seeing how they become intimate, develop trust in each other, and are able to help each other heal from these losses.

I don’t want to give away any details, but I enjoyed the mystery and science fiction aspects of the plot.

The audiobook production was good, and the story works well in audio. I enjoyed the duel narration by Avery Caris for Elle’s point of view and Jonathan Lake for Ceph’s point of view. Both narrators have good enunciation and pacing, distinct voices that suit the characters, and the ability to convey the emotions and intensity of the story effectively. This definitely isn’t safe for work or for children, but it was fun to listen to privately.

I recommend this book for fans of scifi romance and erotic monster romance. Note that the book contains violence, swearing, and very explicit sex scenes.

I received a free ARC and an advanced listener’s copy of the audiobook from the author. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

This was .... Weird. And for monster smut that's saying something!

PLOT:
Cepharius is a kraken suffering the loss of his mate and their egg, he's deeply wounded and has isolated himself as a result. He meets Elle, a scientist who needs protection for the job she's doing and he agrees to help after his family gets him to agree. Elle and cepharius are both damaged in their own ways and come from different species but they bond and dedicate themselves to each other regardless.

THOUGHTS:
This started off so interesting in the beginning, if a little dry, Elle heads off on a research vessel to do.... Something on the sea floor that only she can do. There's magic and other species introduced right away, she has to "bond" with cepharius so they can talk to each other (kind of a mind link thing) and there's this air of mystery about why she's down there.

We feel for Cepharius who's clearly still grieving and not up for the job rn, but agrees because his king (his brother) and family need him to.

They get together and hit it off but then things get odd, there's aliens, shape shifting, magic and spaceships all of a sudden and it felt really jarring to me. Like we have a relatively normal story and the romance is progressing then BAM alien spaceship robot and babies conspiracy. It felt kind of janky and I felt like the plot smothered the romance a lot.

SMUT: you know why most of us read these books... and it's not for a lot of plot. IMO, the smut was pretty good, fun, flirty and logistically (he's basically like a giant squid) interesting.

All in all it was not the book for me but it's not bad at all. I would have preferred less intrigue and weird elements but it was written nicely and the characters are great.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

Cassie Alexander is a relatively new author to me, as this is her second book that I have read (the other is also in this series). This book had me FEELING so many intense and powerful emotions. I usually go into a book blind, but I read the author’s note, and so I knew that there was some pretty heavy subject matter being covered (death in the family, cancer, loss of a child - so check those TWs). With that knowledge, I didn’t think I would have been affected the way I was since I was “prepared,” but I wasn’t ready for what I was going to feel while going on this journey with Cepharius and Elle. I was giggling at banter, fanning my face, and then I was brought to tears. I’ve read over 170 titles so far this year, and very few have made me tear up, and even less have made me cry - maybe 5? This story put me through the wringer before things turned out beautifully, and it was a journey I would go on again.

Cassie does a fantastic job with her world-building, the plot was engaging and exciting, and I was fully invested in the MCs. Both Ceph and Elle are extremely intelligent, have experienced trauma and are struggling with grief, and have strong personalities. When these two come together due to a job pairing surrounded in secrecy, it is an exciting and wild ride. Ceph falls first and Elle is right behind him. I was SO invested in how these two were going to work…an air-breather and an ocean-dweller? The odds are not in their favor, so BUCKLE UP!

This is more of a slow burn, but once the flames get going…🐙Oh.🐙My.🐙Tentacles.🐙

THAT EPILOGUE?! 🥵🥵🥵🥵 Get me a kraken during mating season pronto!

glad I didn’t skip

This is a good one for all the kids like me that thought Ariel was NUTS for wanting to leave the ocean. I almost skipped this entry in the series but I am glad I didn’t. I usually have a very hard time with books where the MMC has lost a wife/family because the FMC usually ends up feeling like a consolation prize. The ocean setting and archeological undertones pulled me in though. I think it helps that in this story, she is a real mate also, not just someone he begrudgingly fell in love with. I, admittedly, still did get those little pangs of sadness and irritation when the MMC thought about his first mate and child. (**More detail in spoiler section**) Overall, I loved the underwater setting, the plot, and the resolution. The FMC was smart and endearing. The MMC was sweet.

**spoilers beyond this point**

I found that the MMC thought about his first mate at very inopportune times, and while that may be an accurate representation of grief, in the context of a love story where the FMC has to also feel it via psychic connection, it’s yucky. They can hide very little from one another so she knows and feels it pretty much every time he thinks about his first mate and child. I will note, this doesn’t seem to bother the FMC, and good for her, but I’m not that strong of a soldier. At one point they are in a spicy scene and he thinks about his first mate. Mostly, they are almost flashes of feelings or thoughts about her but I still didn’t love it. (I know that may just be me.) The chapters from the MMCs point of view saved my overall opinion of him though, because I did feel like he loved the FMC.

What’s it about?
Elle is a scientist commissioned for a confidential project deep on the ocean floor. Seph, a kraken, has been commissioned to guard her. In order to do that, they must bond so they can speak mind to mind. But once they bond, Seph knows immediately that Elle is his mate. But how can they be together when she lives in the air and he lives in the ocean?

Soon the two are speaking mind to mind as they discover a hidden secret among the deepest depths of the ocean.

My thoughts:
This book was sooooo good. It’s like Sphere meets 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, meets romance and I was here for every single moment of it.

I loved the overall plot. The secret thing hidden beneath the ocean and what it turned out to be made my little inner sci-fi nerd heart sing. The suspense in this book was surprising and highly engaging. I couldn’t put it down.

The characters were phenomenal. Elle’s elective mastectomy following her sister’s death from breast cancer and how her scars affect her psyche added surprising depth to the story.

And the romance. I’m not often swept away by insta-love, but I feel like when you get into mated monster territory anything goes and makes sense. Not only did it work here, but Cassie actually made me cry over these two.

I listed to an advanced copy of the audiobook, and was swept away by both narrators. Incredible range and emotional depth.

If you’ve never given Cassie Alexander a try, now is the time to do so!

Monster Romance at its Finest

I received this ebook and accompanying audiobook as an arc, and was highly looking forward to reading it, as I loved Cassie’s other Monster Sercurity book Guarded by the Spider. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

First off, the narrator on the audiobook do such a wonderful job infusing such life and personality into the characters. Top notch job on the audio, highly recommend.

Secondly, the story itself was so well done! Honestly, it will have you feeling all sort of emotions. Both of the main characters have had such hard pasts, so it really makes you feel for them and root for their happily ever after. You will cheer, gasp, and probably tear up a bit. Also the level of suspense, mystery, and intrigue going on in this book is mind blowing! It will have you hooked from the beginning because you are absolutely going to want to keep reading to figure out what is going on.

Overall, love it. Definitely worth the read and very well done. Cassie doesn’t usually disappoint and this one definitely didn’t.

When Elle is brought to a research facility on the ocean floor to unravel a mystery in the deep, she is assigned a kraken bodyguard. Cepharious is hesitant to work amongst the air-dwellers, but one touch of Elle has his mate bond roaring to life. As they both try to overcome their traumatic pasts, Elle and Ceph attempt to figure out their mission and navigate their connection.

Elle and Ceph are trauma bonded and perfect, and I will accept no other answers. Both reeling from losing family, their find solace in each others' minds in the literal bottom of the ocean. This is a second chance for both of them. As they get closer to finding answers, they also find ways to get *closer* to each other. Ceph takes his courtship seriously, and I was there for every spicy rock. The air vs. water dynamic didn't hinder them from having fun, and they even got some help from the other side. That ending was perfect, and as usual, the author's epilogue doesn't leave too much wondering. Newsletter artwork, here I come!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4,5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - 3,5

This was a wild ride and OMG did I love every page of it! I never expected to read kraken romance and love it, yet here I am. Cassie and her world building is something which will never cease to amaze me.

Make sure to check TW before reading this book as it discusses some heavy topics, such death in the family, cancer, loss of child.

This story took pain and trauma of MMC and MFC and crafted it into something magical.

Spice is indeed spicy and if you have a chance listen to the audiobook, as the narration was amazing! There were moments when i was checking if nobody can listen lol.
I loved the humour of MFC and several times i laughed out loud. I got hooked from pave one, and couldn’t put the book down. I have finished this book in one sitting.
MMC was cute and charming and i can’t believe i am saying this as he is a kraken but he is going on book my boyfriend list immediately!

Thank you for this story Cassie. I loved every minute of it.

Guarded by the Kraken was my first Cassie Alexander book and part of the Monster Security Agency series. I knew when I heard about this book that I was going to want to read it and it was beautifully done. We see a lot of grief with both characters, Doctor Elle Kepzler and her kraken bodyguard Cepharius are both dealing with loss. They guard their minds and their hearts. Ceph bonds with Elle to be able to communicate with her while he’s protecting her during a deep sea stint where Elle is sent to try to decipher an object found in the deepest parts of the ocean. They become increasingly closer during their time together and Ceph guards her with his life. Ceph was so incredibly sweet. He’d been through so much and just wanted to be left alone for the rest of his life to be miserable. Elle brings him back to life and vice versa. The premise of this one and the work Elle does was super interesting and creative! I loved the writing. This was such a good book! So sweet and so sad, I even cried 🥹I can’t wait to read more of this series!

Such an amazing story with all of the feels! Cassie Alexander hits another out of the park!! Elle and Ceph is a romance for the ages! Sweet, spicy, dramatic, angsty, a touch of sci fi, sadness anger, your traditional douche-canoe, 🎶 and a partridge in a pear tree🎶!!!

Elle is super smart scientist that studies linguistics of monster civilizations and Ceph is the kraken assigned to guard her deep beneath the ocean! An unlikely pair, and both suffering from past trauma, they still manage to find common ground and build a bond!

I DEVOURED this book in one sitting! I could not put it down! It was THAT good! A fantastic monster romance, outstanding characters with great depth, spicy kraken mating scenes and almost more twists, turns and emotional break downs than one book can hold!

I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in this series! If it is anywhere NEAR as good as the first, I am 100% sold! Amazing job as always Cassie!! Thank you for another phenomenal book!

We're back with the Monster Security Agency!

This time we meet human scientist Elle and krakenkind MSA Cepharius. These two have been through the wringer even before the start of this book, and the author does not spare them. (Don't worry, there's definitely a HEA)

What I Loved:
♡ The setting! Deep underwater, high tech scientific research pod, its giving Bioshock. I'm a big nerd for deep ocean meets tech.
♡ Elle is a relatable character. Not a pick me, not over the top. She's just a real woman with real life tragedies.
♡ Cepharius is hot. Hands down. Love me a kraken and he delivers. Despite what he's been through, he does his job and does it well!

What I Didn't:
Honestly, it's hard to nitpick this book. It was at one moment heart wrenching, and the next it was action packed and thrilling! That being said:
♡ I feel as though the "ship" wasn't super fleshed out and hard to understand. But isn't that the point of aliens?

The best book in this series by far!

Great moments of intimacy, the hardest thing to write as an author. There were still issues with exposition and world-crafting, but it would make the length of this novel even longer, though I adore long novels that are properly written. (Not unlike Stephen King's original The Stand!)

Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣 💣 💣
Dark: 💀💀
Triggers: Claustrophobia, thalassophobia (fear of large or deep water), teraphobia (fear of monsters), aquaphobia (fear of drowning).
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: Nicely done. The obligatory sex scene is... quite extensive but not boring.
Length: Approximately 458 pages
Recommend: YES! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 If there is one book in this series to get, this is it!

It has been so long since l've cried while reading, but this book just gave me all the feels

Elle and Ceph have both been through heartache and loss, thinking they wouldn't ever find happiness again, let alone at the bottom of the ocean. When Elle, a very intelligent scientist with so many letters after her name, takes a trip to an underwater base to inspect something unusual, she is given a bodyguard, Karken Cepharius.

I don't want to give too much away, I could easily give you a play-by-play, but trust me, you want to read it for yourself. They grow such a beautiful relationship This is one book that will bring you on a rollercoaster ride. I had tears, suspense, and so much action.

The spice level is off the charts; he makes her a replica to use! 🫢🫣The love that these two have is absolutely stunning. I love a book with a HEA. Cassie broke my heart, then picked up every piece and put it back together. My savior

Get ready for some underwater steamy, tentacle-y good times with Guarded by the Kraken. Elle is a scientist who studies ancient monster culture and takes a job at a station at the ocean floor. Cephareus is a kraken hired to be her bodyguard while she discovers a seemingly new (or very old) monster relic. However, in order to telepathically communicate with her he has to bond with her as his mate.
Both of these characters are dealing with past trauma and grief and I loved how they slowly opened up to one another. I also loved the forbidden aspect of their relationship that had me questioning how they would end up being together (since she breathes air and can’t survive in the sea and he can’t survive in open air). This book definitely took me on a wild journey and I absolutely could not put this book down! For anyone that loves a good monster romance, this is definitely one to read!

This was my first book of Cassie Alexander's, and I absolutely loved it! I love monster romance, and this is not my first Kraken book but definitely a first that takes place at such depths of the ocean. I did wonder with how deep below the surface the story takes place how the relationship would progress between Cepharius and Elle, but I should have never doubted. Also be sure to check your triggers because this book does touch on some sensitive topics, but they are handled beautifully by the author. Elle has to handle being dumped by her husband, months after losing her sister to breast cancer and also undergoing a double mastectomy. While Ceph has closed himself off from his people after the tragic death of his wife and unborn child. Seeing how their unexpected mating takes them both by surprise, Ceph and Elle work on healing each other's trauma so that their second chance romance can bloom. There are twists and danger on their journey, but they do get their happily ever after. I can't wait to read more from the author as well as more from the Monster Security Agency series!