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Faetales #2
Stealing the Bogeyman's Bride
Auralia thought her biggest mistake was falling in love with the wrong fae twelve years ago. Until she fell in love with an Unseelie she can never be with.
Anyone who witnesses the glares and harsh words between Auralia and Donovan believe they hate each other. But under all that annoyance is a passion they can’t quench.
There's no future for them, though. Out of deceit, she’s bonded to the worst fae in the realm. And when her estranged husband tells her it’s time to return to him, she’s forced to say goodbye to her dream life in the Unseelie Royal Court and to Donovan. At least they’ll never discover her unforgivable secret.
However, Donovan has a different idea of how their parting is going to go—or how it will never go, because he’s not giving up his broody Unseelie. Not ever. Even if he has to steal her.
***
Stealing the Bogeyman's Bride is a dark and very spicy short story inspired from fae folklore and was first published as a draft on Kindle Vella. Some tropes include unrequited love, grumpy (her)/sunshine (him), rivals to lovers, damsel in distress, good guy gone bad for her, fairy heat, and no one touches her but me.
Anyone who witnesses the glares and harsh words between Auralia and Donovan believe they hate each other. But under all that annoyance is a passion they can’t quench.
There's no future for them, though. Out of deceit, she’s bonded to the worst fae in the realm. And when her estranged husband tells her it’s time to return to him, she’s forced to say goodbye to her dream life in the Unseelie Royal Court and to Donovan. At least they’ll never discover her unforgivable secret.
However, Donovan has a different idea of how their parting is going to go—or how it will never go, because he’s not giving up his broody Unseelie. Not ever. Even if he has to steal her.
***
Stealing the Bogeyman's Bride is a dark and very spicy short story inspired from fae folklore and was first published as a draft on Kindle Vella. Some tropes include unrequited love, grumpy (her)/sunshine (him), rivals to lovers, damsel in distress, good guy gone bad for her, fairy heat, and no one touches her but me.
133 pages, ebook
Published October 20, 2023
About the author
Poppy Minnix
18 books157 followersPoppy Minnix (she/her) writes spicy romance with heart, heat, and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. A Maryland-based author, she's a proud ally, enthusiastic hugger, and certified hot mess powered by ADHD and caffeine.
As a mood writer, she long ago gave up resisting the voices in her head (aka: characters who demand the spotlight). Whether she’s letting a fae muse hijack her thoughts or adding a dash of chaos, humor, and unexpected love interests to her contemporary plots, she’s all about embracing the messy, magical journey of falling in love.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrapped in a blanket cocoon, plotting with fellow romance nerds, or trying to remember why she walked into a room.
Warning: Her books contain varying degrees of steam, swearing, and relatable characters who fall hard and love even harder.
Catch up with her here or on social media; https://linktr.ee/PoppyMinnix
As a mood writer, she long ago gave up resisting the voices in her head (aka: characters who demand the spotlight). Whether she’s letting a fae muse hijack her thoughts or adding a dash of chaos, humor, and unexpected love interests to her contemporary plots, she’s all about embracing the messy, magical journey of falling in love.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrapped in a blanket cocoon, plotting with fellow romance nerds, or trying to remember why she walked into a room.
Warning: Her books contain varying degrees of steam, swearing, and relatable characters who fall hard and love even harder.
Catch up with her here or on social media; https://linktr.ee/PoppyMinnix
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
October 29, 2023
Auralia has made an oath to represent the Unseelie Crown Court. But she has a dark secret. A mistake she did years ago comes back to haunt her. But her love for another at court makes everything all the more difficult.
Stealing the Bogeyman’s bride is the second installment of the faetales, and as usual, I haven’t read the first one, but I was caught up with it in the very first chapter.
The two POV’s in this story is Auralia and Donovan. I really did like the story, and I wanted to know what would happen so I kept on reading. The plot twists were good, and I enjoyed where the story was going. Also, Auralia. My beloved.
If you like fae stories, fantasy, smut, I’d really like to recommend this!
Happy reading!♥️
I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Stealing the Bogeyman’s bride is the second installment of the faetales, and as usual, I haven’t read the first one, but I was caught up with it in the very first chapter.
The two POV’s in this story is Auralia and Donovan. I really did like the story, and I wanted to know what would happen so I kept on reading. The plot twists were good, and I enjoyed where the story was going. Also, Auralia. My beloved.
If you like fae stories, fantasy, smut, I’d really like to recommend this!
Happy reading!♥️
I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2023
This was not English
October 12, 2023
Quick read about the push-pull romance between two members of one of the Unseelie's Court. It's the second book in the Faetales series but I read it as a standalone and didn't have any issues with it.
Auralia and Donovan are madly attracted to each other -- but Auralia has been tricked into marrying/mating with an evil Boggart who makes her feed information to him about the court. The sexual tension and spice is great but for such a short book, I almost wish that there had been more spice (but it's still pretty spice).
The plot isn't too complex but works wonderfully for the novella length and builds the tension between the characters. Honestly, it's one of the best novellas that I've read on the plot and spice.
Thank you Book Sirens and NetGalley for an ARC of this novella!
Auralia and Donovan are madly attracted to each other -- but Auralia has been tricked into marrying/mating with an evil Boggart who makes her feed information to him about the court. The sexual tension and spice is great but for such a short book, I almost wish that there had been more spice (but it's still pretty spice).
The plot isn't too complex but works wonderfully for the novella length and builds the tension between the characters. Honestly, it's one of the best novellas that I've read on the plot and spice.
Thank you Book Sirens and NetGalley for an ARC of this novella!
December 16, 2023
Auralia and Donovan are the stars in this book. It has a lot of action that I really enjoyed, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens to the bogeyman. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2023
Well wasn’t that just too freakin short!! But AMAZING! I gobbled these pages up, I loved everything about these characters, the storyline and all the great emotions they took through. I really hope there is more to come from this fantastic word that I’m still learning about.
November 8, 2023
★ ★ | 🌶🌶🌶🌶
18+ | Check TW
!! POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD PROCEED WITH CAUTION !!
*A special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
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I don’t think I fully knew what to expect from this book. But, I don’t think it was for me.
I found that I was really confused by what was happening. I came into this book without reading the first book— which is supposed to be okay— but I felt like this book lacks context without the first book. It felt like we were just thrown into the middle of the story. And the passage of time just felt weird.
This book is marketed as erotica, so I expected it to have a lot of smut. It was definitely more smut than plot. It was a little more smut than plot than I normally enjoy. The plot was really just a vehicle for the smut.
If you are craving something really smutty, this is an option. But if you like a little more plot with your smut, I’d skip this one.
18+ | Check TW
!! POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD PROCEED WITH CAUTION !!
*A special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
.
.
.
.
.
I don’t think I fully knew what to expect from this book. But, I don’t think it was for me.
I found that I was really confused by what was happening. I came into this book without reading the first book— which is supposed to be okay— but I felt like this book lacks context without the first book. It felt like we were just thrown into the middle of the story. And the passage of time just felt weird.
This book is marketed as erotica, so I expected it to have a lot of smut. It was definitely more smut than plot. It was a little more smut than plot than I normally enjoy. The plot was really just a vehicle for the smut.
If you are craving something really smutty, this is an option. But if you like a little more plot with your smut, I’d skip this one.
March 15, 2025
So so good. I loved the tension between Donovan and Aurelia. It all makes sense after a few chapters.
The world weaved through the book is so imaginative and I love seeing it while reading! Thank you and well done!
The world weaved through the book is so imaginative and I love seeing it while reading! Thank you and well done!
December 18, 2023
please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: HFN- will be continued in book 3
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: kidnapping, coercion, violence, torture (off page), mental manipulation, mentions of abuse, attempted SA
standalone: book 2 in The Featales series but can be read as a standalone with no plot holes- author also gives a synopsis of what was missed if you skipped book 1
final thoughts: I wish these were novels instead of novellas- I want so much more!!!
A quick and entertaining read with interesting MCs who have a push and pull, will they wont they relationship but it’s clear that they’re in love with each other and just haven’t accepted it yet.
Lots of hidden secrets, twists, pining, action, and spicy scenes for a novella!
read this book if you love
😬 angst
🤫 hidden secrets
🌈 LGBT+ representation
🌀 plot twists
☠️ “touch her and die”
🔎 adventure
❓ mystery
🔮 supernatural creatures- fae
🪄 magic
💖 paranormal romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: HFN- will be continued in book 3
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: kidnapping, coercion, violence, torture (off page), mental manipulation, mentions of abuse, attempted SA
standalone: book 2 in The Featales series but can be read as a standalone with no plot holes- author also gives a synopsis of what was missed if you skipped book 1
final thoughts: I wish these were novels instead of novellas- I want so much more!!!
A quick and entertaining read with interesting MCs who have a push and pull, will they wont they relationship but it’s clear that they’re in love with each other and just haven’t accepted it yet.
Lots of hidden secrets, twists, pining, action, and spicy scenes for a novella!
read this book if you love
😬 angst
🤫 hidden secrets
🌈 LGBT+ representation
🌀 plot twists
☠️ “touch her and die”
🔎 adventure
❓ mystery
🔮 supernatural creatures- fae
🪄 magic
💖 paranormal romance
October 17, 2023
The Bogeyman is a slimy toad of a fae who Auralia has dreamed of escaping for years. She's denied her heart and relationship dreams because she knows she can't run forever.
Donovan has been in love with Auralia for years. He's dedicated to his people, but his heart and mind long to be with Auralia every day. He's willing to fight for her. He's willing to kill for her. He just needs to know what or who she's hiding from.
Book 2 of Faetales expands upon the universe and histories of the characters. It's a continuation of some of the struggles of book one with a focus on different characters. It does end on a HFN cliffhanger. It's darker than book 1 and more violent. It is fast paced but the relationships are highlighted well. I enjoyed the snark between Donovan and Auralia. They know how to push each other's buttons.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Donovan has been in love with Auralia for years. He's dedicated to his people, but his heart and mind long to be with Auralia every day. He's willing to fight for her. He's willing to kill for her. He just needs to know what or who she's hiding from.
Book 2 of Faetales expands upon the universe and histories of the characters. It's a continuation of some of the struggles of book one with a focus on different characters. It does end on a HFN cliffhanger. It's darker than book 1 and more violent. It is fast paced but the relationships are highlighted well. I enjoyed the snark between Donovan and Auralia. They know how to push each other's buttons.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2023
After having read the first fae novellette I had no idea Donovan and Auralia's story could be so beautifully complicated. This is just a novella but first of all it's beautifully written, the plot was unexpected in its complexity but one that I have enjoyed very much.
I got incredibily attached to these characters in such a few seconds that it's going to be difficult to wait for book 3. These characters are loyal to a fault, they are supportive and friendships and relationships are an important aspect of this novelette.
Donovan's possessiveness was a turn on and Auralia's apparent detachment to it was so good that anybody fell for it. Everything she did and endured to protect her friends and people she loved was heartbreaking. And the way the story turned out really was chef's kiss!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I got incredibily attached to these characters in such a few seconds that it's going to be difficult to wait for book 3. These characters are loyal to a fault, they are supportive and friendships and relationships are an important aspect of this novelette.
Donovan's possessiveness was a turn on and Auralia's apparent detachment to it was so good that anybody fell for it. Everything she did and endured to protect her friends and people she loved was heartbreaking. And the way the story turned out really was chef's kiss!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆
4/5 Spice
For fantasy-lovers looking for a steamy and enchanting evening of reading!
This lovely (and spicy) novella was such a joy to read! It was, as advertised, a fantastic one-night read for me.
Despite it's very manageable length, there was depth to the world, vivd imagery, and a cast of characters that I knew quite well by the end of the story.
Donovan was top tier book boyfriend material, and Auralia was sassy, competent, and relatable. The spice was also *chefs kiss*.
I really can't say enough good things; I'd much rather spend an evening with these characters than watching a movie, that's for sure!
4/5 Spice
For fantasy-lovers looking for a steamy and enchanting evening of reading!
This lovely (and spicy) novella was such a joy to read! It was, as advertised, a fantastic one-night read for me.
Despite it's very manageable length, there was depth to the world, vivd imagery, and a cast of characters that I knew quite well by the end of the story.
Donovan was top tier book boyfriend material, and Auralia was sassy, competent, and relatable. The spice was also *chefs kiss*.
I really can't say enough good things; I'd much rather spend an evening with these characters than watching a movie, that's for sure!
October 16, 2023
Quick, short, steamy read. Perfect for when you are in a reading slump. It has plot, it has steam, spice, feelings, everything...
I'm just gonna say this if you have a chance read first books first. I didn't, unfortunately, and don't get me wrong this IS standalone, but I think that I would be better if you read first book before this one because they are interconnected so there is possibility for you to get confused.
All in all, I enjoyed reading it, this is great short read that will bring you all the feels.
⭐️5/5
🌶3/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm just gonna say this if you have a chance read first books first. I didn't, unfortunately, and don't get me wrong this IS standalone, but I think that I would be better if you read first book before this one because they are interconnected so there is possibility for you to get confused.
All in all, I enjoyed reading it, this is great short read that will bring you all the feels.
⭐️5/5
🌶3/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2023
This was a thrilling and spicy unseelie story following our foursome from Book one, The Springfest Sprint. Auralia has been keeping a secret regarding what happened to the previous king. To safeguard her friends and her secret, Auralia knows she must leave with the Bogeyman.
Donovan has always been attracted to Auralia, but lately it seems as if there connection might be something even deeper. He will do anything to save Auralia and bring her home where she belongs.
I loved this dark faerie romance and following the developments in the Unseelie kingdom. If you love faerie tales with spice, this book delivers!
Donovan has always been attracted to Auralia, but lately it seems as if there connection might be something even deeper. He will do anything to save Auralia and bring her home where she belongs.
I loved this dark faerie romance and following the developments in the Unseelie kingdom. If you love faerie tales with spice, this book delivers!
May 16, 2026
When I got a hint of Aura's and Donovan's relationship at the end of the first book, I had no idea it was going to be this complicated and in-depth. For a novella series, this is an incredibly well thought out world. I loved these characters, I loved the tension, and I loved the loyalty even in the most questionable of circumstances. Donovan's dominant protectiveness over Auralia was probably my favorite part and what I found to be the most sexy. So, so good. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one!
October 18, 2023
This Novella was written perfectly! It's action packed, in depth details, spice, and magic packed into 200ish pages!!
I didn't read the 1st book in the trilogy and you can read this as a stand alone, but I suggest reading the 1st book if you can.
I'm looking forward to the 3rd book!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Georgie Monroe for the opportunity to to read this ARC. My thoughts are my own!
I didn't read the 1st book in the trilogy and you can read this as a stand alone, but I suggest reading the 1st book if you can.
I'm looking forward to the 3rd book!!
Thank you to Netgalley and Georgie Monroe for the opportunity to to read this ARC. My thoughts are my own!
Read
October 24, 2025So I did a thing... The Georgie Monroe pen name has officially transitioned to my original pen name Poppy Minnix! Which means... more books! And more Faetales!
October 9, 2023
Stealing the Boogeyman’s Wife is book 2 of the Faetales series and I am absolutely obsessed! I am 100% invested in this story line and I can’t wait for the next chapter (early 2024). Fans of ACOTAR & FBAA will love this novella series.
December 10, 2023
So I thought that book 1 of this series was good! This was even better! The story was absolutely brilliant, completely action-packed, and I really liked Auralia and Donovan! It's safe to say I can't wait for the next book in this series!
November 1, 2023
I somehow didn't notice it's book 2 in series before requesting it via NetGalley. As it is the whole plot with the Boogeyman (yes, that's literally his name) starts in book 1.
I appreciate trigger warnings and disclaimers at the beginning. I wish more books did that tbh.
The plot is well summarized by the title alone. The FMC is hellbent on dealing with her problems alone. The MMC is hellbent on helping her no matter what he says. He's really sweet guy.
Erotica is hot, the plot is... Well, there is a plot apparently. SOME FAE HAVE BAT WINGS. I feel this aspect if it was underappreciated.
I liked the book well enough. It was fun, but nothing to write home about.
I appreciate trigger warnings and disclaimers at the beginning. I wish more books did that tbh.
The plot is well summarized by the title alone. The FMC is hellbent on dealing with her problems alone. The MMC is hellbent on helping her no matter what he says. He's really sweet guy.
Erotica is hot, the plot is... Well, there is a plot apparently. SOME FAE HAVE BAT WINGS. I feel this aspect if it was underappreciated.
I liked the book well enough. It was fun, but nothing to write home about.
October 29, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Was this book a fun read and would I still recommend others check out this series? Definitely! This book was just a bit darker than the first one. The first book was fun and sexy while still dealing with the plot of females being forced into marriage. Book two however deals with some very serious trauma and has the dreaded "lack of communication" trope. Were the sexy time still fun? Absolutely. I just found this book to be a little more serious than I was expecting and didn't like that most of our MC's problems could have been solved/helped if she was just open and honest with her friends.
Was this book a fun read and would I still recommend others check out this series? Definitely! This book was just a bit darker than the first one. The first book was fun and sexy while still dealing with the plot of females being forced into marriage. Book two however deals with some very serious trauma and has the dreaded "lack of communication" trope. Were the sexy time still fun? Absolutely. I just found this book to be a little more serious than I was expecting and didn't like that most of our MC's problems could have been solved/helped if she was just open and honest with her friends.
October 30, 2023
Auralia is meant to be the Bogeyman's wife but she's fallen in love and in denial over Donovan an unseelie fae for his safety. She doesn't want the Bogeyman to invade anyone's dreams, making them live their worse nightmare or memories. Now he's decided to take back what's his but is Auralia even his anymore.
This short novella is not short in spice or characher motivation. I felt it was a bit fast but it still works and enjoyed it. Solid 4 stars for the length and spice if you are looking for something quick to read between books.
This book was provided by Netgalley
This short novella is not short in spice or characher motivation. I felt it was a bit fast but it still works and enjoyed it. Solid 4 stars for the length and spice if you are looking for something quick to read between books.
This book was provided by Netgalley
February 5, 2025
This was a great 2nd book in the series! The push and pull between the love interests was amazing and I really enjoyed the folklore added to this one! I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
If you want a quick read after a reading slump that makes you fall in love with reading again, this is it!
If you liked Acotar or the Fourth Wing series, you’ll love this! (I might like it even more more than those! But shhhh…don’t tell anyone😬… or even better, go tell everyone!
If you want a quick read after a reading slump that makes you fall in love with reading again, this is it!
If you liked Acotar or the Fourth Wing series, you’ll love this! (I might like it even more more than those! But shhhh…don’t tell anyone😬… or even better, go tell everyone!
October 25, 2023
ARC REVIEW: Stealing the Bogeyman’s Bride by the author was a quick but spicy dark fae romance building out the authors unique fae world. Even though it’s a novella, I thought the pacing was good and the characters were well established. It was an interesting take on fae mates and I look forward to reading more in this world and meeting the other characters she’s written about!
November 8, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Georgie Monroe for giving me a copy of the book.
It is a second books in the Faetales series. It is fast paced and a quick read with a lot of smut. I enjoyed the relationship between the MC's.
It is a second books in the Faetales series. It is fast paced and a quick read with a lot of smut. I enjoyed the relationship between the MC's.
November 13, 2023
I’m shook!
This story, although short, packs a punch. Donovan sets the bar high for romance novel heroes. There is so much emotion, tension and suspense packed in this novelette. I thought the first book in this series was going to be hard to top, but the author came through. I will be chomping at the bit for the next one.
This story, although short, packs a punch. Donovan sets the bar high for romance novel heroes. There is so much emotion, tension and suspense packed in this novelette. I thought the first book in this series was going to be hard to top, but the author came through. I will be chomping at the bit for the next one.
October 20, 2023
Slight cliffhanger but Enh.
I did like Donovan’s romance and the fae world building
I did like Donovan’s romance and the fae world building
November 2, 2023
As I opened this book I knew I couldn't start it without reading the first. I dove head first into the story and was hooked from thh begining. It was such a fun, fast-paced read and I am glad I started there becasue it gave context to who our MMC was for this book.
Now this book delved into a world of secrets and a love you know you want but you stop yourself from having. I loved the banter and the fight for a love that you know you are destined to have. Plus the spicy scenes were on point! I am very intrigued with this story and cannot wait for the third installation.
I am hoping for more 4 way scenes ;) Thank you NetGalley for the early review copy!
Now this book delved into a world of secrets and a love you know you want but you stop yourself from having. I loved the banter and the fight for a love that you know you are destined to have. Plus the spicy scenes were on point! I am very intrigued with this story and cannot wait for the third installation.
I am hoping for more 4 way scenes ;) Thank you NetGalley for the early review copy!
January 1, 2024
Oh this was so good. It can read as a standalone but I definitely suggest reading the first book before this one. It just all falls into place perfectly and makes it a much better read. I am so excited for the next book. I love all the main characters and their connection, their passion, and chemistry. So hot. 🥵 and actually kinda dark. It was great.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2023
First of all, I was intrigued by this book based upon the blurb and the lore. However, I had some issues with it, not the least of which was feeling immediately and irretrievably as though I’d been dropped into a middle or interstitial portion of a story and not a beginning. The different beings and their hierarchies are a lot to keep straight as one reads further.
Additionally there’s a free for all vibe to the sexual content that I’m not a huge fan of, although I certainly can’t discourage if it’s your cup of tea. TBH, I was hoping for more of a straight up romance, perhaps with several obstacles, etc., but here not so much.
There’s lots of flouncing off and miscommunication during pivotal scenes between Auralia & Donovan, and it becomes a bit tiresome.
I received an advance reader copy of this book for which I’m pleased to leave this honest review.
Additionally there’s a free for all vibe to the sexual content that I’m not a huge fan of, although I certainly can’t discourage if it’s your cup of tea. TBH, I was hoping for more of a straight up romance, perhaps with several obstacles, etc., but here not so much.
There’s lots of flouncing off and miscommunication during pivotal scenes between Auralia & Donovan, and it becomes a bit tiresome.
I received an advance reader copy of this book for which I’m pleased to leave this honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews