There's a Monster in the Woods

Spooky Boys, Book 0.5

By: Fae Quin

Narrated by: Liam DiCosimo

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

A lonely man, a lonely monster, what could go wrong?

Ellis Clearwater: There's an honesty in the turning of the earth, in the turning of the seasons, and I've always preferred its quiet, steadfast company over that of other people. Left alone with an inherited cottage and my beloved pup Rotho to look after, my days are largely given to tending the garden, save for periodic errands in town.

My town's annual "sacrifice" to the "monster in the woods" is the stuff of children's rhymes and fairytales, little more than a bit of playacting and red paint. At least, it was until I saw an impossibly tall, naked, antlered creature deep in the woods. And now, even though good sense—and Rotho—caution me against my own curiosity, I can't help but tempt fate with baskets of vegetables, bread, and a growing connection to the monster, Styx.

Before I realize what's been planted between us, something new has taken root. Something raspberry sweet and chocolate dark, ready to be harvested by searching hands and seeking mouths.

The Spooky Boys series invites you to visit a world where things that go bump in the night aren't just fantasy. These standalone novels feature monsters that are spicy, fun, and sometimes furry.

©2022 Fae Quin (P)2024 Podium Audio

Perfection!

"My name is Styx, the wind murmured.
You have entered my forest.
You have accepted my gifts.
From the moment I saw you, I knew you were mine."

MITW follows Ellis, a loner who loves to garden. He stumbles upon a monster (Styx) in the woods one day while walking home. Apparently, the legend is true. From there, it's the beginning of their slow burn love. Every day, Ellis wakes up to find a vegetable from his garden ready for harvest, picked, and left on his front porch with the utmost care. They they start leaving gifts of sorts for one another every night. One night, Styx finally approaches Ellis, and they start hanging out every night. Eventually, their friendship blossoms into more, and they start "exploring" other feelings. There's some conflict with Ellis's neighbor who doesn't want competition growing pumpkins that take place, but things end as they should. Ellis is just a big old sweetheart, and so is Styx. They're just perfect for one another. I absolutely loved this Spooky Boys story and this series! Definitely recommend if you're into monster romance!

Just reread via audiobook, and it was perfection! Liam Dicosimo did a fantastic performance! He definitely enhanced the story, and I was already in love with it!

Super cute and soft!

3.5 stars - this managed to be very cozy and sweet, while also so h*rny lol.

Really enjoyed the confidence arc the MC gets after getting comfortable with his monster friend/lover. The pining and curiosity both leads have towards each other was super endearing.

HOWEVER - the POV of the MC is whatever the guy version of "not like other girls" and I couldn't get over how not like other people the MC needed to let us know he was. Might have been a situation where first person POV didn't work for me, but it the cozy farming elements made up for it.

Also - those poor pumpkins!