The Saltwater Curse

By: Avina St. Graves

Narrated by: Arya Jacobs, Sean Crisden

A woman escaping her past…

Kristy Gallagher has slayed a monster before. When she could no longer live with her husband’s abuse, she plunged a knife into his neck. Then, she fled his family’s criminal empire—changing her name and traveling to the far reaches of the world, before finding her safe haven in Bali.

She’s used to looking over her shoulder but nothing could prepare her for the monster that lurks beyond the shore. Sharp claws, grasping tentacles—Krakens are real, and their King has decided she’s to be his bride.

A monster trying to end a curse…

Ordus is King of the Dead Lands, the last Kraken of his bloodline, and the final hope to break a terrible curse that plagues his lands. He must find his destined bride, his soul mate, and marry her to save his kingdom.

His fated mate shouldn’t be a human, but something about her calls to him like no other creature ever has. He drags her to his island, kicking and screaming, begging to be returned to the mainland.

Ordus must convince her he’s not a monster to be feared, but her soul mate who will protect her from anything and anyone who means her harm.

Including his own people.

A dark and delicious tale about what makes a monster—THE SALTWATER CURSE is inspired by the Hades/Persephone myth. Only with a lot more tentacles.

©2025 Avina St. Graves (P)2026 Avina St. Graves

Repetitive internal dialogue

Duet narration on this is PERFECTION. The story however….
it was very slow paced and drawn out. I struggled with the FMC’s internal dialogue being very repetitive, specifically with the PTSD she has from her past domestic violence. Her thought pattern is so redundant, not one single chapter goes by where she isn’t rambling about being triggered, terrified or angry because of her ex. By 3 chapters in it’s like we get itttt already, but you get to hear lots more about for a couple dozen more chapters.
For being a monster romance this was very timid on the spice but it was still a fun ride.

beautiful doesn't describe it enough.

I couldn't get enough omg I lovedddd this book. absolutely stunning. Spicy and full of plot at the same time. And that twist gave me whiplash!

ps. Vas was the cherry on top and I hope he is forever blessed with coconuts haha.