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Monstrous #7.5
A Collection of Monstrous Short Stories
Revisit the Monstrous couples from the first seven novels of the series in this collection of sixteen short stories. Plus, meet a new Monstrous couple in a brand new 20k-word novella, Ruke.
Catch up with the original monster-human couple, Danny and Wyn, in their Wastes-style adventures; witness Moth and Wyn’s blossoming and potentially concerning friendship; find out all the new ways Edin has been frustrating Hunter (lovingly) since their story ended; and join Lor and Jugs in welcoming a new furry addition to their monster-world family.
Want to find out more about Wyn’s ex Orlith? In this collection, you can take a peek at some very old letters between the two telyths, read Orlith’s historic (pre-Danny) attempts to seduce our favourite grumpy Soul Eater, and meet his uptight and righteous older sibling.
Ruke (A Monstrous Novella)
In the brand new novella Ruke, human Jamie finally finds the one being he can trust after a lifetime of loneliness…
I was born the night monsters rose on earth. I’m a true child of the new world. I’ve never met a single other soul except for my dad, who decided to keep us out here in the Wastes when he escaped with me from the hospital that catastrophic night.
But now Dad’s gone, and I’m alone. Completely alone. I don’t trust humans—not raiders, not the military, not all the people living in those big dirty coastal cities—so I find the most remote spot I can to settle down and live out the rest of my life on my own, just like my dad always taught me was safest.
But I’m not on my own out here. Something is here with me—someone is leaving me strange gifts by my campfire every night. And suddenly, I realise that I don’t want to be alone anymore. I don’t want them to go.
When he finally shows himself to me, I realise that my mystery companion out here isn’t human.
And that suits me just fine.
This is a collection of short stories set within the Monstrous universe, a post-apocalyptic m/m fantasy series that features monsters and human men falling in love. It is best to read the series in order.
Warning: These stories contain explicit sexual content and are not suitable for young readers. The introduction for each short story contains content and spoiler warnings specific to that story. Main content warnings include explicit sexual content, non-human genitalia, mentions of death, injury and violence, restraint and mentions of past trauma, but please check the warnings specific to each short story.
Catch up with the original monster-human couple, Danny and Wyn, in their Wastes-style adventures; witness Moth and Wyn’s blossoming and potentially concerning friendship; find out all the new ways Edin has been frustrating Hunter (lovingly) since their story ended; and join Lor and Jugs in welcoming a new furry addition to their monster-world family.
Want to find out more about Wyn’s ex Orlith? In this collection, you can take a peek at some very old letters between the two telyths, read Orlith’s historic (pre-Danny) attempts to seduce our favourite grumpy Soul Eater, and meet his uptight and righteous older sibling.
Ruke (A Monstrous Novella)
In the brand new novella Ruke, human Jamie finally finds the one being he can trust after a lifetime of loneliness…
I was born the night monsters rose on earth. I’m a true child of the new world. I’ve never met a single other soul except for my dad, who decided to keep us out here in the Wastes when he escaped with me from the hospital that catastrophic night.
But now Dad’s gone, and I’m alone. Completely alone. I don’t trust humans—not raiders, not the military, not all the people living in those big dirty coastal cities—so I find the most remote spot I can to settle down and live out the rest of my life on my own, just like my dad always taught me was safest.
But I’m not on my own out here. Something is here with me—someone is leaving me strange gifts by my campfire every night. And suddenly, I realise that I don’t want to be alone anymore. I don’t want them to go.
When he finally shows himself to me, I realise that my mystery companion out here isn’t human.
And that suits me just fine.
This is a collection of short stories set within the Monstrous universe, a post-apocalyptic m/m fantasy series that features monsters and human men falling in love. It is best to read the series in order.
Warning: These stories contain explicit sexual content and are not suitable for young readers. The introduction for each short story contains content and spoiler warnings specific to that story. Main content warnings include explicit sexual content, non-human genitalia, mentions of death, injury and violence, restraint and mentions of past trauma, but please check the warnings specific to each short story.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2023
825 people are currently reading
1894 people want to read
About the author
Lily Mayne
26 books5,406 followersLily Mayne writes what she loves to read: achingly sweet yet gritty romances against unusual backdrops—dark, futuristic, dystopian and more. She currently lives in the UK with her husband and several fluffballs, who like to make a lot of noise while she’s writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
May 25, 2023
I'm not a big fan of ficlets, but this is Lily Mayne we're talking about, and this collection also includes a novella featuring a new couple (Ruke and Jamie).
Adventures of Wyn and Danny
I'm gonna say it. Don't hurt me, please.
Wyn and Danny's book (the first in the Monstrous series) is intense and dark. It's sexy, yes, with moments of banter, but it isn't a lighthearted book.
Since then, the couple has become commercialized. Lily's fanclub is very vocal about what she should write. My feed was full of memes, polls, and fanart, to the point I had to mute the group because it was ruining the books for me.
What I'm getting at is that I don't really care for the Wyn/Danny shorts. IMO, they're too cutsey and don't stay true to the original character sketches.
My favorite stories:
"Monstrous Christmas on the Homestead" featuring Edin (guess who brings home the Christmas tree?), Hunter, and Charlie, which I've read before but was worth rereading.
"Ghost and Aury Take a Trip" (these two are so quiet, they really deserve some joy and privacy).
"Lor and Jugs Get a Pet" (because it's Lor and Jugs and now April forever; also, Torv, Jugs' new body guard, is awesome!).
"Moth and the Soul Eater Have a Bonding Experience" (Wyn teaching Chuck how to wield a kitchen knife is the LOL moment I didn't know I needed).
And finally, the novella I was waiting for: Ruke
This one was just about perfect.
The scene where Ruke loses his arm is completely off page, and not much is ever said about it. Ruke heals, and that's that. I needed more.
Jamie could never have been with a human, and I'm so happy he and Ruke found each other so neither would be lonely for the rest of their days.
The gift exchanges were too wholesome, seriously. 😭
Adventures of Wyn and Danny
I'm gonna say it. Don't hurt me, please.
Wyn and Danny's book (the first in the Monstrous series) is intense and dark. It's sexy, yes, with moments of banter, but it isn't a lighthearted book.
Since then, the couple has become commercialized. Lily's fanclub is very vocal about what she should write. My feed was full of memes, polls, and fanart, to the point I had to mute the group because it was ruining the books for me.
What I'm getting at is that I don't really care for the Wyn/Danny shorts. IMO, they're too cutsey and don't stay true to the original character sketches.
My favorite stories:
"Monstrous Christmas on the Homestead" featuring Edin (guess who brings home the Christmas tree?), Hunter, and Charlie, which I've read before but was worth rereading.
"Ghost and Aury Take a Trip" (these two are so quiet, they really deserve some joy and privacy).
"Lor and Jugs Get a Pet" (because it's Lor and Jugs and now April forever; also, Torv, Jugs' new body guard, is awesome!).
"Moth and the Soul Eater Have a Bonding Experience" (Wyn teaching Chuck how to wield a kitchen knife is the LOL moment I didn't know I needed).
And finally, the novella I was waiting for: Ruke
This one was just about perfect.
The scene where Ruke loses his arm is completely off page, and not much is ever said about it. Ruke heals, and that's that. I needed more.
Jamie could never have been with a human, and I'm so happy he and Ruke found each other so neither would be lonely for the rest of their days.
The gift exchanges were too wholesome, seriously. 😭
May 26, 2023
Charlie and Moth's elf thing is still my favourite short 😂 I just love Moth 🥰
I loved Jamie and Ruke, so cute!
Looking forward to Lyri now, and Danny's reaction (and what Wyn will do) if he ever meets April!
I loved Jamie and Ruke, so cute!
Looking forward to Lyri now, and Danny's reaction (and what Wyn will do) if he ever meets April!
May 18, 2023
This collection of Monstrous Short Stories is so much fun. I love getting to revisit these characters and seeing the mischief and mayhem caused by their crazy antics. I love getting to see my favorite characters interact, there is a great conversation between Wyn and Moth, they are both so funny and similar, making their scenes together very special.
I also enjoyed reading the sweet bonus scene between Lor and Jugs, their story completely emotionally wrecked me, so getting some sweet and low angst moments between the two was very welcomed.
I also enjoyed the Orilith teasers. He is quite a spitfire who is always looking for trouble, I look forward to his story. I also really liked the Ruke monster novella. This was a different type of monster/human romance where the human was born on the day of the void/apocalypse. Therefore his interactions and perception of other humans are filled with mistrust. He has a sweet romance with his monster that made for one great story. This author has such talent for writing a love story between opposites personalities and this novella is another great example.
Overall I loved all of these entertaining stories. They show the depth of the friendships and relationships between all the characters and I always love revisiting them.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
I also enjoyed reading the sweet bonus scene between Lor and Jugs, their story completely emotionally wrecked me, so getting some sweet and low angst moments between the two was very welcomed.
I also enjoyed the Orilith teasers. He is quite a spitfire who is always looking for trouble, I look forward to his story. I also really liked the Ruke monster novella. This was a different type of monster/human romance where the human was born on the day of the void/apocalypse. Therefore his interactions and perception of other humans are filled with mistrust. He has a sweet romance with his monster that made for one great story. This author has such talent for writing a love story between opposites personalities and this novella is another great example.
Overall I loved all of these entertaining stories. They show the depth of the friendships and relationships between all the characters and I always love revisiting them.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
January 18, 2025
Como en toda colección hay relatos muy buenos, otros no tanto, algunos demasiado chistosos y otros en los que ya me cansé un poquito de tantas escenas +18, porque si algo tienen en común es que la gran mayoría desembocan en eso: los personajes todo el tiempo candentes y posteriormente tener sexo.
Cosas por destacar o anotar:
➤Me ha servido para darme cuenta que Charlie y Moth probablemente sean mi pareja favorita.
➤Y para reafirmar que Charlie y Wyn son mi segunda sin duda alguna.
➤Y donde Edin y Hunter son mi tercera.
➤Me encanta la dinámica de Charlie y Wyn.
➤Que Aury y Ghost dejaron de ser tan importantes y no protagonizan tantas historias cortas al igual que Rig y Gloam. Y aún así, ambas parejas me gustan mucho.
Todavía me falta leer dos historias más pero me esperaré un tiempo, quizás cuando salga la novela de Lyri.
Cosas por destacar o anotar:
➤Me ha servido para darme cuenta que Charlie y Moth probablemente sean mi pareja favorita.
➤Y para reafirmar que Charlie y Wyn son mi segunda sin duda alguna.
➤Y donde Edin y Hunter son mi tercera.
➤Me encanta la dinámica de Charlie y Wyn.
➤Que Aury y Ghost dejaron de ser tan importantes y no protagonizan tantas historias cortas al igual que Rig y Gloam. Y aún así, ambas parejas me gustan mucho.
Todavía me falta leer dos historias más pero me esperaré un tiempo, quizás cuando salga la novela de Lyri.
November 4, 2024
I’ve been reading this on and off for over a year now. I read the stories in tandem with the main books, and it was really fun. I ended up putting the book on hold once I got to Orlith’s and Ruke’s stories, and finally finished them with the audiobook. Reading Ruke has reignited my excitement for Lyri’s book 😭 I can’t wait I just want more monstrous stories
Moth and the Rycke - 4 stars
Moth is constantly breaking my heart I can’t wait to read his book
The Adventures of Danny and Wyn – Part One - 3.5 stars
Wyn loses half a star for being an ass at the start of
The Adventures of Danny and Wyn – Part Two - 3.75 stars
A Monstrous Christmas on the Homestead - 4 stars
Ghost and Aury Take a Trip - 5 stars
They get all the starts just because they’re my favourites (so far)
Charlie and Moth’s Safehouse Honeymoon - 5 stars
This is like a wonderful little epilogue for me since I just finished Moth and I love seeing him and Charlie happy and in love
Moth and the Soul Eater Have a Bonding Experience - 4 stars
OKAY I like Wyn again, I swear Lily wrote this just to make me get over Wyn being rude to the diner lady
Hunter and Edin Pay the Nebraska Base a Visit - 3.5 stars
The Adventures of Danny and Wyn – Part Three - skipping this for now cause I need more Charlie and Moth content
Moth and Wyn Visit a City - 4.5 stars
Charlie and Moth Do the Elf Thing - 5 stars
It’s Charlie and Moth, ofc I’m gonna give it 5 stars
Gloam Worships His Hardworking Firebrand - 3 stars
I’m sorry my brain is too full of Lor and Jugs to enjoy this, it’s not their fault
Lor and Jugs Get a Pet - 4 stars
Short and sweet
The Orlith Chronicles -
Ruke - 5 stars
Moth and the Rycke - 4 stars
Moth is constantly breaking my heart I can’t wait to read his book
The Adventures of Danny and Wyn – Part One - 3.5 stars
Wyn loses half a star for being an ass at the start of
The Adventures of Danny and Wyn – Part Two - 3.75 stars
A Monstrous Christmas on the Homestead - 4 stars
Ghost and Aury Take a Trip - 5 stars
They get all the starts just because they’re my favourites (so far)
Charlie and Moth’s Safehouse Honeymoon - 5 stars
This is like a wonderful little epilogue for me since I just finished Moth and I love seeing him and Charlie happy and in love
Moth and the Soul Eater Have a Bonding Experience - 4 stars
OKAY I like Wyn again, I swear Lily wrote this just to make me get over Wyn being rude to the diner lady
Hunter and Edin Pay the Nebraska Base a Visit - 3.5 stars
The Adventures of Danny and Wyn – Part Three - skipping this for now cause I need more Charlie and Moth content
Moth and Wyn Visit a City - 4.5 stars
Charlie and Moth Do the Elf Thing - 5 stars
It’s Charlie and Moth, ofc I’m gonna give it 5 stars
Gloam Worships His Hardworking Firebrand - 3 stars
I’m sorry my brain is too full of Lor and Jugs to enjoy this, it’s not their fault
Lor and Jugs Get a Pet - 4 stars
Short and sweet
The Orlith Chronicles -
Ruke - 5 stars
Read
January 18, 2024I don't know how to rate this
May 18, 2023
Beautiful cover and snippets with our favorite monsters’ life
“This is a collection of short stories for the Monstrous series that were first (for the most part) published on the author’s website.”
I was in a lucky position that I already knew about the short stories during the last year. Who started the series now, they are in a more amazing position because they can read them after their currently finished books.
It’s a mixed kind of stories. Some of them mostly sweet hotness, some sweet, hot and funny, some is romantic. And my absolute favorite kind is when Moth and Wyn has their bonding time:)
There is new story with everyone’s favorite, Orlith and with Lor and Jamie too.
And at the end a brand new couple!! The longest short story in the collection ( not as ‘short as Lor’🤪) and it stole my heart. It’s sweet with hurt/comfort elements- what I love- and a lovely hea.
I already used Lily’s short stories to revisit the series, and now I’m happy to see it in a beautiful collection. You should pay closer attention to the cover too! It was made by the stellar artist Virginie Mechant, and I spent a fun time connecting her designs to the characters. Also pro tip! Read the Author’s Notes! It’s quite informative about Ruke, and the quote from Rig is hilarious!
Happy reading!
I have received an ARC from the Author and I’m leaving a honest and unbiased review.*
“This is a collection of short stories for the Monstrous series that were first (for the most part) published on the author’s website.”
I was in a lucky position that I already knew about the short stories during the last year. Who started the series now, they are in a more amazing position because they can read them after their currently finished books.
It’s a mixed kind of stories. Some of them mostly sweet hotness, some sweet, hot and funny, some is romantic. And my absolute favorite kind is when Moth and Wyn has their bonding time:)
There is new story with everyone’s favorite, Orlith and with Lor and Jamie too.
And at the end a brand new couple!! The longest short story in the collection ( not as ‘short as Lor’🤪) and it stole my heart. It’s sweet with hurt/comfort elements- what I love- and a lovely hea.
I already used Lily’s short stories to revisit the series, and now I’m happy to see it in a beautiful collection. You should pay closer attention to the cover too! It was made by the stellar artist Virginie Mechant, and I spent a fun time connecting her designs to the characters. Also pro tip! Read the Author’s Notes! It’s quite informative about Ruke, and the quote from Rig is hilarious!
Happy reading!
I have received an ARC from the Author and I’m leaving a honest and unbiased review.*
September 23, 2024
Reread via audiobook.
MOTH AND CHARLIE YOU HAVE MY WHOLE HEART.
.
.
.
.
This series of shorts is made up of several shorts that were already published on Lily's website in the previous year plus 3 new novellas: correspondence between Orlith and Wyn, Orlith and his Big Bro meet in London, and Ruke the brand new monster-human pairing.
What can I say?
Lily Mayne's writing is like crack. I can't get enough and I can't put the book down until it's done.
She's one of the very few authors that I can still eyeball read by and let me tell...that's talent!
Ruke the brand new novella has:
A new green alien-ish monster with FOUR ARMS and SPECIAL PIPEAGE PEOPLE!!!
Even though I wanted a bit more description lolol. But I'm sure we'll see these guys again.
Also, Orlith is up to no good and Wyn isn't gonna be happy with him the next time they meet.
There may be carnage. I can't wait!
Confession: Did anyone else read Moth and Charlie's chapters before any of the others or was it just me? LOL
MOTH AND CHARLIE YOU HAVE MY WHOLE HEART.
.
.
.
.
This series of shorts is made up of several shorts that were already published on Lily's website in the previous year plus 3 new novellas: correspondence between Orlith and Wyn, Orlith and his Big Bro meet in London, and Ruke the brand new monster-human pairing.
What can I say?
Lily Mayne's writing is like crack. I can't get enough and I can't put the book down until it's done.
She's one of the very few authors that I can still eyeball read by and let me tell...that's talent!
Ruke the brand new novella has:
A new green alien-ish monster with FOUR ARMS and SPECIAL PIPEAGE PEOPLE!!!
Even though I wanted a bit more description lolol. But I'm sure we'll see these guys again.
Also, Orlith is up to no good and Wyn isn't gonna be happy with him the next time they meet.
There may be carnage. I can't wait!
Confession: Did anyone else read Moth and Charlie's chapters before any of the others or was it just me? LOL
January 15, 2025
I will always love any and all Monstrous short stories. Give me all of them!
Orlith’s letters to Wyn are a masterpiece! 😂
Ruke and Jamie are so freaking precious 🥺🥰❤️🫶🏼
Million stars
Orlith’s letters to Wyn are a masterpiece! 😂
Ruke and Jamie are so freaking precious 🥺🥰❤️🫶🏼
Million stars
February 19, 2025
Tbh most of these short stories were 3 stars tops, but if you’re just really missing these characters and getting impatient waiting for book 8, (like I am) they’re kinda fun.
If you’re not a super fan I would just skip to Danny & Wyn part 3 (because it was really hot) then read the Moth and Charlie stories for the same reason and the Lor/Jugs story because it’s Lor and Jugs!! Then read the Orlith chronicles for comic relief, and then Jamie/Ruke is like a 3.5 you could take it or leave it.
I never want to rush an author, but I do wish Lily would get back to this series. Not just because I want Lyri's story (although I DO), but also because I really REALLY want Orlith's story! He is my fave. And I would also like Sam's (Samson's? I forget) story. Does anyone ever start writing fan fiction because they literally can't wait any longer for a book to come out?? I've never written fanfiction before but I might be at that point....
If you’re not a super fan I would just skip to Danny & Wyn part 3 (because it was really hot) then read the Moth and Charlie stories for the same reason and the Lor/Jugs story because it’s Lor and Jugs!! Then read the Orlith chronicles for comic relief, and then Jamie/Ruke is like a 3.5 you could take it or leave it.
I never want to rush an author, but I do wish Lily would get back to this series. Not just because I want Lyri's story (although I DO), but also because I really REALLY want Orlith's story! He is my fave. And I would also like Sam's (Samson's? I forget) story. Does anyone ever start writing fan fiction because they literally can't wait any longer for a book to come out?? I've never written fanfiction before but I might be at that point....
Read
June 24, 2023*no rating because I’m not even sure how to rate this*
Most of the short stories I had read in the past and remember loving them at the time. The only new ones to me were Lor’s and Orlith’s short stories which were alright. The new novella, Ruke, was alright. Nothing too exciting about it and it didn’t advance the overall plot.
Between the last short stories I loved, and the new novella that I didn’t love it’s too hard to settle on a single rating 🤷🏼♀️
Most of the short stories I had read in the past and remember loving them at the time. The only new ones to me were Lor’s and Orlith’s short stories which were alright. The new novella, Ruke, was alright. Nothing too exciting about it and it didn’t advance the overall plot.
Between the last short stories I loved, and the new novella that I didn’t love it’s too hard to settle on a single rating 🤷🏼♀️
June 7, 2023
I love ALL my precious monsters and I can't pick a favorite.
But if I did... it's still Edin. 😘
5 stars
4 on the spice scale
But if I did... it's still Edin. 😘
5 stars
4 on the spice scale
Read
April 2, 2024putting this on hold for now, no rating
August 22, 2023
Great little collection of short stories to compliment the main series.
April 30, 2025
Don't get me wrong, I'm the BIGGEST superfan of the Monstrous series, but this collection of short stories was just not it for me. The audio was fantastically narrated, as always, but it's just a series of sexy clips and... that's it. I think I wanted more actual content and not just the characters having sex. It was... fine. But it honestly wasn't what I was looking for.
July 3, 2023
I loved this collection of shorts, esp revisiting Moth & Charlie being ridiculously in love. The new novella at the end was sweet but a little too short to get any kinds of invested but I’m probably spoiled by the longer tomes Mayne has been writing lately.
February 24, 2024
A Collection of Monstrous Short Stories
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cute
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cute
May 21, 2023
Oh course this was absolutely perfect.
I know all the shorts up until the new ones were amazing, as I'd read them while they were on Lily's site. If you never managed to catch them, you can read them all right here in one place, perfectly packaged with new content on top of it! 😍 Also, the new content is exclusive to this book, so if you don't want to miss anything Lily Mayne/Monstrous series related, this needs to be picked up.
What's New In This Book:
Lor and Jugs Get a Pet
Absolutely wonderful new short where Lor and Jugs, our wonderful and beautiful couple from Monstrous #7, are settling into their *very* hard earned happily ever after.
It's sometime after that book (Lyri is back, but we don't see him. And we don't know if all the other couples who showed up at the end of the book are off to the Mabs yet and so are gone from Lor's palace or gone from the Lor's world entirely. I guess, in end, it doesn't truly matter.) and Jugs is settling into life with the love of his life nicely.
He is beyond happy, but is a little sad that he'll never get nostalgic things again, like cookies or listening to his walkman and so on and so forth. Because to him, the world was normal, and then 30 years goes by and he wakes up and a lot has changed. Has to be hard to adjust to that, and knowing that the world he knew is forever gone just like that for him.
But, he still tries to bring some of his world to Lor, as the baker of the palace tried her best to replicate some cookies. They're not the same as our cookies, but still pretty good. At least, Lor and the guards think so. Including Jugs' new guard Tova, who is funny and quirky - and totally deserving of his own story like Seis ahem - in his own right.
Also, the ever cute and adorable and sweet Lor has a gift for Jugs as well. A 'puppy' that will become his new pet. Kind of like a dog, but...a monstrous dog, of course ;)
Jugs is immediately smitten, although that doesn't stop him from wanting some, ahem, alone time with his Lor from time to time 😉
It was just the perfect short, and I hope we get to have more shorts of these two in the future. They are just so sweet and adorable and perfect together. (Plus, I'll never tire of Lor's adorable ear twitches when he's embarrassed)
The Orlith Chronicles: Correspondence and Orlith & Faralin
Two new Orlith shorts, getting more of this absolutely fabulous telyth who thinks he's above humans and is absolutely dazzling. But also that attitude might be covering up some much deeper insecurities and loneliness.
The first short, correspondence, was funny letters from him to Wyn that have Orlith involved in big historical events of the past, like causing Julias Caesar's death and being the one to come up with all of Shakespeare's famous play ideas lol, and one very short and funny letter back from Wyn.
In the second one, we get to meet a whole new teylth in the form of Orlith's sibling, Faralin, who is much more serious and steadfast and introspective than Orlith. They lecture Orlith a lot on ridding the world of parasites - which, fair - and other important responsibilities that Orlith sometimes likes to...neglect a little bit.
Also, we get a little more into his feelings about Wyn and Danny. And that he also has some plans to try out a human of his own...or Wyn's human, which...uh, good look Orlith lol. That'll end well 😂
But also, underneath, I think Orlith feels a little insecure, especially now that Wyn is forever off the market for any hook ups, and Orlith, who has great disdain for all humans, doesn't quite understand what makes Danny special. Although Danny is beautiful, he's still just a human.
(Well, seems to me like Orlith needs his own human to knock him off his ass ;) Can't wait!)
Ruke
And then finally we get Ruke a whole new story about new characters we've never met before. It's a short, 20k novella, which of course Lily Mayne uses that short length to make us completely fall in love with Jamie, our human, and Ruke, our monster.
They start out SO adorable and SO believable. As Jamie, who has grown up only knowing his dad his whole 20 or 21 years (Jamie's kinda lost track of time out there all on his own in the wastes since his dad died 3 or so years prior), is weary of humans and doesn't like being around them.
But also being on his own...is very lonely. So when it's clear that something or someone keeps leaving gifts for him, Jamie starts leaving gifts back and they are very adorable exchanges. And when Ruke finally shows himself to Jamie, it doesn't take long for Jamie to fall head over heals for the amphibian, humanoid like creature.
And Ruke was already there with Jamie. He started leaving gifts for the very purpose of courting Jamie. And he took Jamie giving gifts back to him as a sign he returned the affections.
But nothing happens right away, and Ruke waits for Jamie to say something before they become physical.
The way Ms. Mayne is able to craft a love story so well and so amazingly well done, in such a short amount of time, is amazing. Just, so well done. And I loved these two and kindaaaa wish it'd gone the way of Lor and turned into a whole book haha.
But also, we do have to finally get to Lyri and Cat, so maybe it's a good thing haha. But I'm in love with Ruke and Jamie just like the rest of our Monstrous couples.
Can't wait for Lyri! I'm so excited to get to know the spitfire twin brother of Lor, who will capture the heart of Cat, our mysterious leader who had refused, twice, to come back to the raider camp, all for Lyri. Ahhh, love 😍
Seriously pick this up if you haven't or hadn't been planning to. It is SO worth it.
My Ratings for the Monstrous Series:
🔆 Soul Eater: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Edin: 4.5 Stars (my review)
🔆 The Rycke: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Wyn: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Gloam: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Moth: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Seraph: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A Monstrous Christmas in the Camp: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Lor: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A Collection of Monstrous Short Stories: 5 stars
🔆 Lyri: TBR
I know all the shorts up until the new ones were amazing, as I'd read them while they were on Lily's site. If you never managed to catch them, you can read them all right here in one place, perfectly packaged with new content on top of it! 😍 Also, the new content is exclusive to this book, so if you don't want to miss anything Lily Mayne/Monstrous series related, this needs to be picked up.
What's New In This Book:
Lor and Jugs Get a Pet
Absolutely wonderful new short where Lor and Jugs, our wonderful and beautiful couple from Monstrous #7, are settling into their *very* hard earned happily ever after.
It's sometime after that book (Lyri is back, but we don't see him. And we don't know if all the other couples who showed up at the end of the book are off to the Mabs yet and so are gone from Lor's palace or gone from the Lor's world entirely. I guess, in end, it doesn't truly matter.) and Jugs is settling into life with the love of his life nicely.
He is beyond happy, but is a little sad that he'll never get nostalgic things again, like cookies or listening to his walkman and so on and so forth. Because to him, the world was normal, and then 30 years goes by and he wakes up and a lot has changed. Has to be hard to adjust to that, and knowing that the world he knew is forever gone just like that for him.
But, he still tries to bring some of his world to Lor, as the baker of the palace tried her best to replicate some cookies. They're not the same as our cookies, but still pretty good. At least, Lor and the guards think so. Including Jugs' new guard Tova, who is funny and quirky - and totally deserving of his own story like Seis ahem - in his own right.
Also, the ever cute and adorable and sweet Lor has a gift for Jugs as well. A 'puppy' that will become his new pet. Kind of like a dog, but...a monstrous dog, of course ;)
Jugs is immediately smitten, although that doesn't stop him from wanting some, ahem, alone time with his Lor from time to time 😉
It was just the perfect short, and I hope we get to have more shorts of these two in the future. They are just so sweet and adorable and perfect together. (Plus, I'll never tire of Lor's adorable ear twitches when he's embarrassed)
The Orlith Chronicles: Correspondence and Orlith & Faralin
Two new Orlith shorts, getting more of this absolutely fabulous telyth who thinks he's above humans and is absolutely dazzling. But also that attitude might be covering up some much deeper insecurities and loneliness.
The first short, correspondence, was funny letters from him to Wyn that have Orlith involved in big historical events of the past, like causing Julias Caesar's death and being the one to come up with all of Shakespeare's famous play ideas lol, and one very short and funny letter back from Wyn.
In the second one, we get to meet a whole new teylth in the form of Orlith's sibling, Faralin, who is much more serious and steadfast and introspective than Orlith. They lecture Orlith a lot on ridding the world of parasites - which, fair - and other important responsibilities that Orlith sometimes likes to...neglect a little bit.
Also, we get a little more into his feelings about Wyn and Danny. And that he also has some plans to try out a human of his own...or Wyn's human, which...uh, good look Orlith lol. That'll end well 😂
But also, underneath, I think Orlith feels a little insecure, especially now that Wyn is forever off the market for any hook ups, and Orlith, who has great disdain for all humans, doesn't quite understand what makes Danny special. Although Danny is beautiful, he's still just a human.
(Well, seems to me like Orlith needs his own human to knock him off his ass ;) Can't wait!)
Ruke
And then finally we get Ruke a whole new story about new characters we've never met before. It's a short, 20k novella, which of course Lily Mayne uses that short length to make us completely fall in love with Jamie, our human, and Ruke, our monster.
They start out SO adorable and SO believable. As Jamie, who has grown up only knowing his dad his whole 20 or 21 years (Jamie's kinda lost track of time out there all on his own in the wastes since his dad died 3 or so years prior), is weary of humans and doesn't like being around them.
But also being on his own...is very lonely. So when it's clear that something or someone keeps leaving gifts for him, Jamie starts leaving gifts back and they are very adorable exchanges. And when Ruke finally shows himself to Jamie, it doesn't take long for Jamie to fall head over heals for the amphibian, humanoid like creature.
And Ruke was already there with Jamie. He started leaving gifts for the very purpose of courting Jamie. And he took Jamie giving gifts back to him as a sign he returned the affections.
But nothing happens right away, and Ruke waits for Jamie to say something before they become physical.
The way Ms. Mayne is able to craft a love story so well and so amazingly well done, in such a short amount of time, is amazing. Just, so well done. And I loved these two and kindaaaa wish it'd gone the way of Lor and turned into a whole book haha.
But also, we do have to finally get to Lyri and Cat, so maybe it's a good thing haha. But I'm in love with Ruke and Jamie just like the rest of our Monstrous couples.
Can't wait for Lyri! I'm so excited to get to know the spitfire twin brother of Lor, who will capture the heart of Cat, our mysterious leader who had refused, twice, to come back to the raider camp, all for Lyri. Ahhh, love 😍
Seriously pick this up if you haven't or hadn't been planning to. It is SO worth it.
My Ratings for the Monstrous Series:
🔆 Soul Eater: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Edin: 4.5 Stars (my review)
🔆 The Rycke: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Wyn: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Gloam: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Moth: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Seraph: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A Monstrous Christmas in the Camp: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Lor: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A Collection of Monstrous Short Stories: 5 stars
🔆 Lyri: TBR
December 20, 2023
Solid 4⭐️
I enjoyed all the stories except Ruke’s and Jamie’s, for the sole reason that I think the author didn’t manage to capture what she was hoping for, reading the author’s note. All of the rest were cute, sexy, absurdly funny and oh so heartwarming ❤️❤️❤️ these monsters and their humans live in my head rent free
I enjoyed all the stories except Ruke’s and Jamie’s, for the sole reason that I think the author didn’t manage to capture what she was hoping for, reading the author’s note. All of the rest were cute, sexy, absurdly funny and oh so heartwarming ❤️❤️❤️ these monsters and their humans live in my head rent free
October 11, 2024
Muy rico ver a todos los humanos con sus monstruos relajados y enamorados 🤩 ... El libro es deli, pero le falta algo para que sea un mordisco bien sabroso... 🤷🏻♀️
January 2, 2025
Happy 2025, well at least realize your needs.
June 18, 2025
I figured this was the right time for me to read this since I just finished a reread of the series. Wyn is the pissy comic relief and most of the stories are mostly smut. They’re fun lil snapshots of monsters we know well. I liked Ruke and Jamie’s story, although I wish it’d been longer. They are super duper cute. I love me some shy loner boys.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: dismemberment, animal attack, concussion, implied pedophilia, apocalypse, corrupt dilatory, bug-like parasites, death, grief, childbirth (vague, past), heart attack (past, side character),corrupt government, references to torture and captivity, references to fighting ring, reference to drugging, discussion of extinction of sentient species
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: dismemberment, animal attack, concussion, implied pedophilia, apocalypse, corrupt dilatory, bug-like parasites, death, grief, childbirth (vague, past), heart attack (past, side character),corrupt government, references to torture and captivity, references to fighting ring, reference to drugging, discussion of extinction of sentient species
February 7, 2025
This was so fun! If you are a fan of Lily mayne's monstrous series this will be the ultimate pleasure read!
We have a lot of short stories (including fun new characters).
The only thing I didn't like was the excess of spicy.
People that read the shorts as they were coming out (in the authors website) probably didn't feel much but if you read all the stories together the sex scenes definitely seem a little too much, i fund myself skipping them (but this could be a me problem, I'm not very spice oriented lately). Other than that? Perfect 5*
We have a lot of short stories (including fun new characters).
The only thing I didn't like was the excess of spicy.
People that read the shorts as they were coming out (in the authors website) probably didn't feel much but if you read all the stories together the sex scenes definitely seem a little too much, i fund myself skipping them (but this could be a me problem, I'm not very spice oriented lately). Other than that? Perfect 5*
May 31, 2023
The four stars is for everything up until the new stuff added. Pretty much all of the shorts and novellas she’s released over the past couple years are perfection.
The one star was taken off because I really don’t care about Orlith as a character and the pacing of the new short with the new monster/human pairing was really off. They were really sweet but the way the story was told was off balance and I felt a bit disappointed when it was over.
Still love this universe.
The one star was taken off because I really don’t care about Orlith as a character and the pacing of the new short with the new monster/human pairing was really off. They were really sweet but the way the story was told was off balance and I felt a bit disappointed when it was over.
Still love this universe.
May 5, 2025
I am all vibes and no brains, so forgive me while I ramble/flail/scream/potentially sob.
I'll start by saying that I missed access to the shorts on the website by DAYS. My stupid self kept saying, "I'll get to them soon!" Well. I'm a joke. They were down when I was finally ready to dive in. 100% my fault and I am forever a failure to monster fvckers everywhere.
So now that that's out of the way... HOW DID I EVER LIVE WITHOUT READING THESE SHORTS? What was life before them? Who was I then? Was I happy? I can't imagine that I was.
A pitiful existence.
Speaking of pitiful (me), can I be "friends" with Orlith so he can look down upon me with disdain? It's literally all I want in life. He can step on me, and I will thank him and ask for more. I am FERAL for Orlith. Don't @ me.
RUKE? Excuse me. I will be sobbing into my pillow because he is an angel and should be protected at all costs. My one. 😭😭😭 I f*cking quit.
Lily manages to slamdunk our hearts once more. The collection of shorts is funny, sweet, h0rny, and full of monster/human love. The characters, world, and storyline are so wonderfully built. The love is real. The joy is real. Hunter's thighs are real. 👀
Lily, never stop. I'm begging.
Note: I received the ARC for this collection.
Thank you, Lily. 😭
I'll start by saying that I missed access to the shorts on the website by DAYS. My stupid self kept saying, "I'll get to them soon!" Well. I'm a joke. They were down when I was finally ready to dive in. 100% my fault and I am forever a failure to monster fvckers everywhere.
So now that that's out of the way... HOW DID I EVER LIVE WITHOUT READING THESE SHORTS? What was life before them? Who was I then? Was I happy? I can't imagine that I was.
A pitiful existence.
Speaking of pitiful (me), can I be "friends" with Orlith so he can look down upon me with disdain? It's literally all I want in life. He can step on me, and I will thank him and ask for more. I am FERAL for Orlith. Don't @ me.
RUKE? Excuse me. I will be sobbing into my pillow because he is an angel and should be protected at all costs. My one. 😭😭😭 I f*cking quit.
Lily manages to slamdunk our hearts once more. The collection of shorts is funny, sweet, h0rny, and full of monster/human love. The characters, world, and storyline are so wonderfully built. The love is real. The joy is real. Hunter's thighs are real. 👀
Lily, never stop. I'm begging.
Note: I received the ARC for this collection.
Thank you, Lily. 😭
May 19, 2023
If you’re already up to date with the Monstrous series, I don’t have to convince you to read this.. it’s Lily Mayne. She writes it and we devour it. Most of these shorts have already been published and read on Lily’s website but with the release of them all into one book brings some brand new shorts and a spectacular novella with a brand new monster/human couple. That’s right friends, Lily actually wrote a novella this didn’t turn into 100k words *chuckles*. Ruke is totally adorable btw, he trills like a little budgie and my heart couldn’t take it, so enjoy that melting. Just having all these shorts in one book was like having the gang back together again. I still don’t have a favourite.. I adore grumpy Wyn, I fall for Lor every time he speaks, Gloam is my stoic angel and Moth will always need hugs.
Read
February 10, 2025“I taught [Chuck] how to impale someone’s face with her tail spikes,” he said, distorted voice flat. “You’re welcome.”
I choked. “What?”
The moment [the Soul Eater] was gone, Danny turned back to us. “I’m sorry,” he whispered frantically. “I tried to stop him, I swear. Please don’t stop me from seeing her.”
- from “Charlie and Moth’s Safehouse Honeymoon”
“Please be careful. I know I shouldn’t encourage it, but maybe… maybe just kill anyone who looks at you funny. Don’t give them a chance to start anything.”
I rolled my eyes. “Everyone looks at me funny.”
“Well everyone’s an asshole.”
- from “Moth and Wyn Visit a City”
*************
Monstrous Series
Book 1 - Soul Eater - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Edin - 3.0 stars
Book 3 - The Rycke - dropped
Book 3.5 - Wyn - skim/skipped
Book 4 - Gloam - skipped
Book 5 - Moth - 4.5 stars
Book 6 - Seraph - audio tbr
Book 7 - Lor - tbr
Book 8 - Lyri - release tbd
May 22, 2023
I just wanted to say three things:
1. As always Lily spoiled us with another amazing love story 😭. Ruke and Jamie are the cutest couple ever! I enjoyed their sweet interactions so much 😫!!
2. I was so happy to see an extra of Lor and Jugs. I missed them 🥺.
3. ORLITH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! I laugh so hard at those letters 😂, and the relationship with Wyn. I want to see them interact in the future.
Mood: Waiting for the next book in the series because I don't know how to live my life without my favorite monsters in it.
1. As always Lily spoiled us with another amazing love story 😭. Ruke and Jamie are the cutest couple ever! I enjoyed their sweet interactions so much 😫!!
2. I was so happy to see an extra of Lor and Jugs. I missed them 🥺.
3. ORLITH LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! I laugh so hard at those letters 😂, and the relationship with Wyn. I want to see them interact in the future.
Mood: Waiting for the next book in the series because I don't know how to live my life without my favorite monsters in it.
March 24, 2025
this was exactly what i needed 🤭
a cute short story collection of all our adorable couples 💗
i miss all of them sm stop ✋🏼 i’m so happy for them 🤧
i can’t wait for lyri to come out i will absolutely eat it UP.
🛑 MINOR SPOILERS
quotes:
“Danny is the most perfect creature that has ever been and will ever be in existence in all the worlds, including ours and including this one. He transcends all others. I worship him.”
UGHHHH 😩
‘I loved Gage so much it consumed me.’
‘I would kill anyone and anything to keep him safe. Even if it destroyed a part of me in the process.’
stop it 🥲
“Why are you trying to piss off the Soul Eater?” Moth hissed at me as we ascended the stairs. I snorted. “I’m not. He’s just so fucking sensitive.”
“He can probably hear you.” “Yeah. Probably.” Shooting Moth a side-eyed smirk, I added in an innocent tone, “Then I guess I probably shouldn’t mention you saying he’s too old to have a threesome with—” I heard a confused yet rabid snarl from the camp behind us, a split second before Moth clamped his hand over my mouth.
I CANT 😭
“Why would I risk my life now when I have everything to live for?” He gave me a sweet, fanged smile. “Because of you.”
edin and hunter are underrated i love them 💘
“You are my shiya, Jamie,” he told me softly. “My one. I knew it when I saw you.” Drawing our linked hands up, he pressed my palm to his forehead. “I felt it here. I knew.”
i did not expect ruke and jamie but they’re so damn adorable 🙈
of course all the other couples were included as well but i just wrote some of my favourite moments.
i also loved wyn and moth’s relationship 🙌🏼
and i might be the only one (i hope not) but i kinda wanted to see orlith and wyn’s scenes (iykyk) 😋
a cute short story collection of all our adorable couples 💗
i miss all of them sm stop ✋🏼 i’m so happy for them 🤧
i can’t wait for lyri to come out i will absolutely eat it UP.
🛑 MINOR SPOILERS
quotes:
“Danny is the most perfect creature that has ever been and will ever be in existence in all the worlds, including ours and including this one. He transcends all others. I worship him.”
UGHHHH 😩
‘I loved Gage so much it consumed me.’
‘I would kill anyone and anything to keep him safe. Even if it destroyed a part of me in the process.’
stop it 🥲
“Why are you trying to piss off the Soul Eater?” Moth hissed at me as we ascended the stairs. I snorted. “I’m not. He’s just so fucking sensitive.”
“He can probably hear you.” “Yeah. Probably.” Shooting Moth a side-eyed smirk, I added in an innocent tone, “Then I guess I probably shouldn’t mention you saying he’s too old to have a threesome with—” I heard a confused yet rabid snarl from the camp behind us, a split second before Moth clamped his hand over my mouth.
I CANT 😭
“Why would I risk my life now when I have everything to live for?” He gave me a sweet, fanged smile. “Because of you.”
edin and hunter are underrated i love them 💘
“You are my shiya, Jamie,” he told me softly. “My one. I knew it when I saw you.” Drawing our linked hands up, he pressed my palm to his forehead. “I felt it here. I knew.”
i did not expect ruke and jamie but they’re so damn adorable 🙈
of course all the other couples were included as well but i just wrote some of my favourite moments.
i also loved wyn and moth’s relationship 🙌🏼
and i might be the only one (i hope not) but i kinda wanted to see orlith and wyn’s scenes (iykyk) 😋
May 20, 2023
If you’re a fan of the Monstrous series, what’s not to love with this collection of short stories from all the characters we’ve obsessed over these last handful of years!
I had read most when they were first published on her website, so it was fun to revisit some of the old, but also great to get treated to some new. Not just new stories, but new characters. Lily actually managed to stick to producing something short (*cough* Lor *cough*) this time with the introduction of Ruke and his human Jamie, and what a lovely little short it was. I hope we get more time with them in future books!
Fun, fun, fun!
I had read most when they were first published on her website, so it was fun to revisit some of the old, but also great to get treated to some new. Not just new stories, but new characters. Lily actually managed to stick to producing something short (*cough* Lor *cough*) this time with the introduction of Ruke and his human Jamie, and what a lovely little short it was. I hope we get more time with them in future books!
Fun, fun, fun!
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