Someone You Can Build a Nest In follows our main character Shesheshen as she first wakes up from hibernation. It’s not her usual awakening. This time it’s because she is being attacked! After fighting off her attackers and devouring one in the process, Shesheshen falls off a cliff. Thankfully she is found by the sweet and warm-hearted Homily. Shesheshen has never experienced human kindness and in this first encounter she begins to feel something she’s never felt before, love. Shesheshen doesn’t experience love the way humans do though and has to fight her monstrous instincts to lay her eggs in Homily. Will she fight the urge to turn the one she loves into a nest or will her natural childbearing habits win?

This book was fun! It’s definitely not something I would recommend to every person but if you like a good time with a creepy cute vibe then this might be a read for you! The story does feel a little bit like someone with ADHD wrote it because the plot shifts a couple of times but not every rabbit hole is a bad one! The ending was a bit whomp whomp but it was still very on brand given the rest of the book. Wiswell does a great job capturing the story from the monster’s perspective and I enjoyed a lot of Shesheshen’s reaction to many of her human interactions. The narrator, Carmen Rose, has a very even voice. There’s slight inflection here and there but most of the characters sounded like one character imitating multiple characters. Overall I feel this book is a solid 3/5 stars! It’s cute, it’s quirky, but is a smidge long and the pacing is a little off but overall a fun little story.

a strange and beautiful tale of monstrous love that's sure to tug at your heartstrings while simultaneously fulfilling all of your gruesome desires. this is one of the weirdest books i've read and i loved every second of it.

The monster Shesheshen is awoken early from her hibernation by monster hunters and forced to into a fight that leads her straight to Homily. Homily is a kind woman who helps Shesheshen recover from her wounds with secrets of her own. As Shesheshen begins to develop feelings for Homily she has to learn what it means to be human and to be monstrous.

This was is a fantasy horror told from the perspective of the monster, who learns monsters aren't the most monstrous thing in this world. It was full of twists that I really enjoyed, and I loved Shesheshen's perspective.

And I thought the narrator did a wonderful job bringing each individual voice to life.

Someone You Can Build a Nest In
by John Wiswell
Cozy Horror Fantasy
NetGalley Audio ARC
Pub. Date: Apr. 2, 2024
Tantor Audio
Age: 16+

Shesheshen is a monster able to shapeshift, incorporating bones, rocks, and other objects to be able to pose as something else. Shesheshen's hibernation is interrupted by hunters sent by the Baroness to kill Shesheshen and to bring back Shesheshen's heart to remove the curse Shesheshen is accused of putting on the Barroness's family, which she did not do.

But the hunters were able to hurt her, and in escaping she fell off a cliff. Homily, a warm-hearted woman, believed Shesheshen was human and tended to Shesheshen's injuries.

Shesheshen wakes and thinks Homily would make a great meal or a nice nest for her eggs. But as the two 'women' get to know each other, Shesheshen falls in love. But Shesheshen is still being hunted by the Baroness, who is also Homily's mother.


I used the main character's name a lot in my description as it was used A LOT in the story. Yeah, I get it's needed when there are multiple characters, but when Shesheshen is the only character in the area, using the name became monotonous, boring, and irritating.

That was the main downside to this story. It was cute with morbid humor which caused me to snort laugh a few times, and could have been so much better if the characters' names weren't used so many times.

It was an easy read, (I listened to the audio and the narrator was great!) and a lot was guessable as the plot played out. There is violence and graphic morbid humor, but even so, I think it's still suitable for readers starting at a mature 16.

One more star would've been given if Shesheshen's (and other's) name(s) hadn't been repeated so much.

3 Stars

A beautifully warm and humorous horror tale about what it is to be human, what it means to love someone deeply, and how to get past painful family dynamics, Someone You Can Build a Nest In. The story is recounted from the perspective of a monster that begins to fall in love. She possesses a blue bear, imaginatively called Blueberry, the extraordinary capacity to replicate human hands down to the last detail, and menacingly nasty threats.

An enduring and sweet romance between two people who have both been hurt by people who were supposed to love them. The protagonists voice is sarcastic and relatable, while also being tenderly fragile with emotions shes never had to deal with before. This one goes out to all my lesbian monsterfuckers, come get your gelatinous slime x human girlfriend pairing.

Have you ever heard of cozy horror? Would you like to learn what cozy horror would even be then this is the book for you!
This book is definitely dark and gory and has some pretty great body horror which i loved. This is a solid horror book even if that was all it had been but it wasn't! This book has so much more to offer. This book also had a beautiful romance at its core and the writing just felt warm and cozy in a way that just felt like home. The way the author described the love interest just made her feel so warm and comfortable even with her being a strong and tough individual
This book has a solid fantasy base as well. The world Wiswell created for these characters was stunning. The monsters and magic were amazing and the plot twist had me gasping. Overall this was an amazing book and definitely something I had never seen before.

I am in TEARS!!! What a fantastic horror fantasy novel. Shesheshan is such a terrifying monster so it was incredibly fun to hear this story from her POV as she learns about herself and what it means for her to fall in love. I was also obsessed with the Baroness (any story that has a Baroness is chef’s kiss, honestly) and the naming conventions of her children were so up my alley. I recommend this so highly to anyone who likes horror/fantasy and unconventional love stories.

Shesheshen is a cute book with a plethora of exciting elements. I was over the moon to get my hands on this book, and I absolutely adore the concept and the cover art. Shesheshen is also an LGBTQIA+ lead character, which is fantastic and always a favorite. I enjoyed her character arc and development throughout the story and how she went from wanting to “build a nest” in her girlfriend to wanting to protect and be with her girlfriend.
My cons are that it was a little hard to follow what was happening for some reason. It felt like the story jumped around a little too much. Also, the narrator’s accent wasn’t my favorite, and she was a little too breathy.
That said, I strongly recommend this novel if you’re looking for a supernatural romance with some minor spice, an LGBTQIA+ lead, and a unique “monster” character I’ve never seen before.

Shesheshen is a monster in the forest feasting on the local villages and constituting herself of their various parts. After a night that did not go to plan she wakes up to Homily, a human woman, (unnecessarily) tending to her injuries. They embark on a journey together that starts out with Shesheshen having a snack-sized travel companion to her having the worst possible outcome: falling in love.

This book is funny and tender while also having disgusting bodily soup descriptions. The irreverent tone and fast-paced plot have you cheering for our monster for the entire book.

The audiobook for "Someone You Can Build a Nest In" whisked me away into a bizarre yet cozy fantasy world. At its heart is Shesheshen, a lovable monster navigating the complexities of romance within the human world.

The humor woven throughout the story kept me grinning from ear to ear, and Shesheshen's unique perspective on humanity added a refreshing twist to the romance genre. Despite minimalistic worldbuilding, the characters and their relationships shine brightly, particularly Shesheshen and Homily.

Carmen Rose's narration was impeccable, effortlessly bringing each character to life with distinct voices and inflections. Her performance enhanced the story's whimsical atmosphere, making it a delight to listen to. (She does have an accent so you may need to lower the playback speed.)

Overall, "Someone You Can Build a Nest In" is a delightful book that's perfect for anyone seeking a blend of humor, romance, and cozy fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my unbiased review.

📣📖 PUB DAY REVIEW 📖📣 Someone You Can Build A Nest In by John Wiswell 🪹🦌🌿🗡❤️

So, cozy horror is apparently a genre? This story somehow accomplishes being both horrifying and wholesome at the same time and I was absolutely delighted with the experience of it.

I requested this audiobook from Netgalley because 1) the title, 2) the cover, and 3) the whimsical vibe. Despite that it brings together two genres I usually don't read as much - horror and romance - this book with its clever tone and beautiful themes is a contender for making my list of 2024 favorites.

Don't get me wrong - this is a horror novel with viscera and death and bodily goo. The horror elements highlight the themes of the treatment of those who are different, and questioning what is it that makes someone a "monster." This story also depicted some of the most lovely depictions of a partner healthily caring for her partner who is actively dealing with trauma, encouraging healthy boundaries, and providing supportive space. And that partner returning the care to support the other navigating her own challenges, bodily and otherwise, while appreciating their differences. I didn't know a horror novel could be so heartwarming and even romantic.

The writing style is witty and whimsical and will make you laugh while also making you relish certain sentences for their meaning and their wording. I look forward to reading more from this author.

The audiobook is fantastic! The narrator Carmen Rose has a gorgeous, deep voice that fits the tone of the MC. I was captivated.

This is a unique read that would appeal to folks looking for something different and lovely but also a bit thrilling with some blood and goo.

Thank you to Tantor Media and Netgalley for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book is witty and fun and I’ve never loved a blue bear and a worm so much. I didn't expect this to be 5 stars when I started, but man I LOVED this! :)

Thank you Tantor Audio and DAW/Astra House for my free copy of Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell — available Apr 2!

Read this if you:
👻 are into the "cozy horror" genre that's been a thing lately
😆 struggle to get along with your in-laws
❤️‍🔥 are looking for a unique version of a love story

Shesheshen is pursued by monster hunters one day and finds herself injured and in trouble. But a kindly female human stumbles across her and takes her in, and Shesheshen falls hard for Homily before she even understands what's happening. But humans and shapeshifting monsters love differently, and Shesheshen will need to figure out how to make this relationship work without eating Homily or laying carnivorous eggs inside her.

I didn't know what to expect based on the chaotic synopsis of this book, but it was SUCH a fun little story — charming, horrifying, and heartwarming in turn. Shesheshen learning how to love is everything. There are some characters you will love to hate, and this made it extremely easy to root for Homily and Shesheshen. It's an odd mashup of genres, but I think cozy horromantasy is probably the most apt description. If you enjoy Rachel Harrison books and/or The September House, you'll probably love this one too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was an unexpected delight from beginning to end. Its premise is refreshingly unique: a shapeshifting monster, Shesheshen (shuh-SHE-shen), faces grave injury from a mob hunting her down. Nursed back to health by a woman who turns out to be a monster hunter, Shesheshen finds herself rapidly and unexpectedly falling in love. While I anticipated entertainment, I didn't foresee being so captivated, enchanted, and moved to tears.

Throughout the story, we delve into the mind of this unconventional 'monster,' gaining insight into her species' habits and needs, which are vastly different from humans'. Yet, we also discover her striking humanity: her desire to protect her home, her longing to know her absent mother, and her tumultuous journey of falling in love. Shesheshen makes for a compelling protagonist—unique enough to intrigue yet entirely relatable.

Her love interest, Homily, adds depth to the narrative with her insecurities, self-sacrifice, and profound affection, intensifying the stakes when conflicts arise. While some characters verge on being cartoonish, it adds to the charm and atmosphere, offering a welcome balance to the dark horror romance.

Admittedly, the audiobook narrator's style may initially be jarring, but after some time I realized that the more brusque/muted tone fit with that of a creature unfamiliar with human interactions.

This book navigates themes of gore, body horror, parental angst, and abusive relationships, including a detailed depiction of child deat.

Despite its dark moments, the book left me feeling warm, fuzzy, and hopeful. Wiswell crafts enjoyable characters whose observations and adventures feel fresh and significant. While the story stands on its own, the desire for more adventures with Shesheshen and company lingers. I'd love to read more about them. If you're drawn to tales of misunderstood monsters, unlikely romances, and resilient female characters, this book is a must-read! I can't wait to see more from this author.

Special thanks to NetGalley, John Wiswell, and DAW for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this ARC copy!

I really do not know what to say about this book. I don't usually read the synopsis about books because I like to be surprised and I am definitely surprised. I still dont really know what happened in this book or how we even got to the ending but I was entertained the whole time, and I still can not tell you what that book was even about.

There is a lot of body horror which does not bother me at all, but if it is definitely something you need to be comfortable with going into this story.

Someone You Can Build a Nest In cannot be summed up in any pithy manner, but I will try - this is a story with an immense amount of body horror, but also so much tenderness and care. It is an outsider story that explores humanity in literally trying to become a human. The story has a romance with an asexual love interest and found family. I have never read anything like it and am so incredibly glad to have found it. I truly cannot recommend it enough, maybe it could be best described as a cozy horror-romance.

Interestingly, I also saw parallels between Someone You Can Build a Nest In and Beautyland - the perspectives of the main characters as outsiders trying to understand humanity and why people function the way that they do. The stories are in completely different universes, but maybe those universes could be cousins.

I listened to this novel and highly recommend the narrator, she did an incredible job of bringing life to this story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Instant 5-star read. Profoundly funny and comically deep, this story surprised me in so many ways. Someone You Can Build a Nest In isn't the type of story you'd imagine when you hear about a monster romance, but it's one that I will recommend forever.

Our protagonist, Shesheshen, brings a uniquely just perspective to the lives of the humans she's all-too-eager to consume. When she meets Homily, we get to see how someone can love a person who doesn't have the strength to love themselves and she teaches us that generosity can be a symptom as much as a virtue.

Cozy horror is not something I thought I'd enjoy as much as I did, but then this book happened. This is the perfect mix of cute and weird, with that dash of gore to top it all off we love so much.
I absolutely loved Shesheshen's journey throughout the story. This book is also very funny, which I didn't expect at all but thoroughly enjoyed. I guesses the reveal quite early, which is fine because I've been guessing stuff for years.
I received an ARC for the audiobook and highly recommend it, the narrator did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life.

Thank you Netgalley and Tantor for the ARC.

A wounded monster on the run encounters the daughter of a prestigious monster hunting family. Mistaking her for human, the daughter tends to her wounds as a friendship and then a romance develops. While at a glance this is a fantasy love story, however the author has a lot to say about loving and supporting someone who is being abused and loving and supporting someone who has survived abuse. Shesheshen and Homily's relationship felt real, lived in, and gut wrenching. Shesheshen as a narrator brought well needed humor to the story. Come for the monster love story, stay for the sneaky snark.