The Collector 4: Eight Arms to Hold You by Ally Blue Is a homoerotic paranormal romance.

In the past, Carson Cordova was determined to find the elusive catch of diamonds, but he noticed a flash of a creature near a mysterious island that he had never seen before. After an incident occurs during an underwater dive, Carson seeks vengeance and captures one child that appears human, but in reality is a shape shifter. Carson takes him in as his own.

In the present day, Austen Bell is at the end of his rope. He has had difficulties holding down a job, especially after Hurricane Katrina, which made it impossible for him to keep a steady job even with his extensive experience as a deep-sea diver. The only thing keeping him sane is his freedom to go out on his boat, Jess, and his love of the sea. Austin is out on Jess when he notices a body in the water. He brings the young man, Luke Cordova, home and is immediately captivated by his ethereal beauty. While bandaging Luke’s wounds, the two of them seem to be drawn towards each other. The kiss they share not only rocks their lives, but changes both of them forever.

Luke and Austin make love in a beautiful and caring scene. Austin awakes to find Luke gone, but he is determined to find him again. Luke returns back home, but has to sneak in. His home situation is more like a prison where if he displeases his father, an occurrence which happens frequently, he is beaten. Luke is lucky that when he shifts into his other form, an octopus, his injuries heal. The one thought that steadies Luke is his growing feelings for Austin. Luke decides the only way out for him and Austin is to go plead for help with the other person looking for the treasure. Will the opposition find a way to help Luke and Austin? Will Luke and Austin find a way to be together?

Ms. Blue created a fascinating addition to The Collector series in Eight Arms to Hold You. Austin has had many difficulties is his life recently, but he never gave up hope. When he meets Luke, Austin puts forth all his efforts into finding his love. The concept of a unique race existing is not a new one, but it makes a fascinating plot line. It is mesmerizing to almost watch how Luke changed from one form to the other. It was awesome how Austin was accepting of Luke’s ability to change when even Luke’s adoptive father could never accept it. The love between Luke and Austin is beautiful to behold. Thanks to Ms. Blue for writing such a wonderful book.

Reviewed by: Teresa