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Monster Security Agency #5
Guarded by the Leshy
I am a force of nature, misshapen and untameable, until I meet her.
My mission is to deliver the human bride to her husband-to-be. She's to be married into one of the most powerful families in the state. Her husband is a spiritual leader, and he has one condition - she must prove she's worthy. Through the deepest woods, she must walk alone to meet him at the luxurious, isolated resort where their fates will be bound. The bride's father is not heartless, though. He knows the woods are dangerous, so he hires me to escort and protect his daughter.
Because I can become one with the trees...
I am to guard her from the shadows. My voice - the rustle of leaves, my hands - the branches she clings to. She must never know I'm there, even as her sweet innocence coaxes my body into taking a shape that allows us to touch. I change what I am, just for her.
This love is forbidden. She belongs to someone else, and I belong to the forest.
Monster Security Agency is the most elite bodyguard service in the world. These monster bodyguards are lethal, powerful, and determined to protect their clients at all costs. They shouldn't fall in love with their principals, but if they do? Things are bound to explode. Here come spicy, romantic, and action-packed tales by your favorite paranormal and sci-fi romance. Dive into the world of the Monster Security Agency.
My mission is to deliver the human bride to her husband-to-be. She's to be married into one of the most powerful families in the state. Her husband is a spiritual leader, and he has one condition - she must prove she's worthy. Through the deepest woods, she must walk alone to meet him at the luxurious, isolated resort where their fates will be bound. The bride's father is not heartless, though. He knows the woods are dangerous, so he hires me to escort and protect his daughter.
Because I can become one with the trees...
I am to guard her from the shadows. My voice - the rustle of leaves, my hands - the branches she clings to. She must never know I'm there, even as her sweet innocence coaxes my body into taking a shape that allows us to touch. I change what I am, just for her.
This love is forbidden. She belongs to someone else, and I belong to the forest.
Monster Security Agency is the most elite bodyguard service in the world. These monster bodyguards are lethal, powerful, and determined to protect their clients at all costs. They shouldn't fall in love with their principals, but if they do? Things are bound to explode. Here come spicy, romantic, and action-packed tales by your favorite paranormal and sci-fi romance. Dive into the world of the Monster Security Agency.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2024
300 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Cara Wylde
145 books643 followersCara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 10, 2024
2.4/5
What the fuck was that? He painfully peels his wooden cock so they can fuck?
It was written like a 15 year old wrote it (over explaining everything and reiterating the same points over and over as well as recapping things that happened like 4 pages ago). And the characters were both tedious and annoying.
Also. She fucked a tree.
Monster (leshy/tree man). Double virgins. She is scared of nature. His past mate was murdered by her father. He almost lets her die a few times on purpose. Assassins for some reason. Anal (vines). Choking. Sap for cum. DP (vines). OMD (she is engaged to a cult leader of people who fuck trees). OWD (his past partner was killed by her father when he cut down trees). Age gap (must be huge but not defined). He will outlive her. No cheating. Breakup (a week). Pregnancy (tree baby from a literal seed). C section birth. Epilogue with birth and low contact with her family.
Weird.
What the fuck was that? He painfully peels his wooden cock so they can fuck?
It was written like a 15 year old wrote it (over explaining everything and reiterating the same points over and over as well as recapping things that happened like 4 pages ago). And the characters were both tedious and annoying.
Also. She fucked a tree.
Monster (leshy/tree man). Double virgins. She is scared of nature. His past mate was murdered by her father. He almost lets her die a few times on purpose. Assassins for some reason. Anal (vines). Choking. Sap for cum. DP (vines). OMD (she is engaged to a cult leader of people who fuck trees). OWD (his past partner was killed by her father when he cut down trees). Age gap (must be huge but not defined). He will outlive her. No cheating. Breakup (a week). Pregnancy (tree baby from a literal seed). C section birth. Epilogue with birth and low contact with her family.
Weird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
i just don't vibe with cara wylde's writing style T_T
but this was heaps better than the golem story
but this was heaps better than the golem story
December 18, 2025
Taran and Thea
October 12, 2024
Imagine falling in love with a tree-like being.
Guarded by the Leshy is the 5th book in the “Monster Security Agency“ series that I’ve read, and I recommend it for the plant-lover novelty only.
I’m trying to figure out why I’m lukewarm about this book. The relationship build-up was well done and the backstory was interesting. I mostly bought into Taran and Thea’s love for each other.
Taran’s wooden nature obviously made coupling a challenge. There are woodie precedents: the wooden door in Unhinged, and the dryads in Sap and Spile. Both are by Vera Valentine, and both are essentially shifters so the congress has no painful bark involved. Ok, maybe the doorknob in Unhinged was a challenge.
I think what’s missing in Guarded by the Leshy is the fun. It’s too sweet, too earnest without some humor. I would have also loved to see Thea’s nonprofit focus on replanting and for it to work with the larger leshy community. And why no comeuppance for her dad? Is that nitpicking? Maybe.
Anyway, I’d recommend it for the novelty only, of being one of the few plant-like romances in print. A new tree-shifter romance, Nocturnal by Clio Evans, is the most satisfying of all of the creatures with true woodies. It’s dark and thrilling.
Guarded by the Leshy is the 5th book in the “Monster Security Agency“ series that I’ve read, and I recommend it for the plant-lover novelty only.
I’m trying to figure out why I’m lukewarm about this book. The relationship build-up was well done and the backstory was interesting. I mostly bought into Taran and Thea’s love for each other.
Taran’s wooden nature obviously made coupling a challenge. There are woodie precedents: the wooden door in Unhinged, and the dryads in Sap and Spile. Both are by Vera Valentine, and both are essentially shifters so the congress has no painful bark involved. Ok, maybe the doorknob in Unhinged was a challenge.
I think what’s missing in Guarded by the Leshy is the fun. It’s too sweet, too earnest without some humor. I would have also loved to see Thea’s nonprofit focus on replanting and for it to work with the larger leshy community. And why no comeuppance for her dad? Is that nitpicking? Maybe.
Anyway, I’d recommend it for the novelty only, of being one of the few plant-like romances in print. A new tree-shifter romance, Nocturnal by Clio Evans, is the most satisfying of all of the creatures with true woodies. It’s dark and thrilling.
October 11, 2024
Guarded by the Leshy by Cara Wylde Review.
❗️Spoilers ahead.❗️
Thea is the daughter of wealthy parents who own one of the biggest furniture companies in the US. Her brother did something big that made their fathers friend (who is 20 years older than Thea, may I add) basically blackmails her parents into forcing Thea to marry him so her brothers “scandal” wouldn’t be revealed to the world. (Old dude owns a newspaper company)
So he tells Thea and her parents that she must cross the woods to his resort in 3 days as a “ritual.” Seems easy, right? Expect no one knows that Thea suffers from biophobia. Fear of nature.
Cue Taran. A Leshy bodyguard who works for the MSA (Monster Security Agency.) Thea’s father hires him to make sure his daughter makes it to the resort but no one must know that he is there. Not even Thea. Well that backfires after some assassination attempts and Taran has no choice but to reveal himself. Thea is scared of him at first but starts to become more comfortable with him. They start to have feelings for each other but Taran is worried because no Leshy has ever been with a human. They are just mot atomically compatible.
Thea later finds out about Soren (old dude) and what’s really going on at the resort. She basically reveals that’s going on to everyone at the wedding and then walks off like a boss to Taran who takes her to his oasis.
My take?
Honestly, in my opinion, the first love scene between the two characters felt.. a little fast and not put together very well. Yes, there was some attraction there. They were sitting in the “nest” and all of a sudden “I want you to be my first. Let’s do it here and now.” kind of thing. I feel like the author could have taken a bit more time with the scene instead of rushing right into it. I felt like the main characters could have bonded more.
I did like however, that after Thea and Taran are together right after she leaves the resort, things are a bit rocky. It’s not happily ever after right away. They both admit that they didn’t think it through. He doesn’t need food or shelter like Thea does. He didn’t think that far into providing from her but he does try his best.
4/5 Stars!
❗️Spoilers ahead.❗️
Thea is the daughter of wealthy parents who own one of the biggest furniture companies in the US. Her brother did something big that made their fathers friend (who is 20 years older than Thea, may I add) basically blackmails her parents into forcing Thea to marry him so her brothers “scandal” wouldn’t be revealed to the world. (Old dude owns a newspaper company)
So he tells Thea and her parents that she must cross the woods to his resort in 3 days as a “ritual.” Seems easy, right? Expect no one knows that Thea suffers from biophobia. Fear of nature.
Cue Taran. A Leshy bodyguard who works for the MSA (Monster Security Agency.) Thea’s father hires him to make sure his daughter makes it to the resort but no one must know that he is there. Not even Thea. Well that backfires after some assassination attempts and Taran has no choice but to reveal himself. Thea is scared of him at first but starts to become more comfortable with him. They start to have feelings for each other but Taran is worried because no Leshy has ever been with a human. They are just mot atomically compatible.
Thea later finds out about Soren (old dude) and what’s really going on at the resort. She basically reveals that’s going on to everyone at the wedding and then walks off like a boss to Taran who takes her to his oasis.
My take?
Honestly, in my opinion, the first love scene between the two characters felt.. a little fast and not put together very well. Yes, there was some attraction there. They were sitting in the “nest” and all of a sudden “I want you to be my first. Let’s do it here and now.” kind of thing. I feel like the author could have taken a bit more time with the scene instead of rushing right into it. I felt like the main characters could have bonded more.
I did like however, that after Thea and Taran are together right after she leaves the resort, things are a bit rocky. It’s not happily ever after right away. They both admit that they didn’t think it through. He doesn’t need food or shelter like Thea does. He didn’t think that far into providing from her but he does try his best.
4/5 Stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
No recomiendo❌
La verdad, es que estaba buscando un libro de cambiantes o al estilo de las nuevas especies, y pensé que este era parecido, pero no. Es un libro que la verdad quisiera olvidar que leí jajsjajsjaj😅 ademas es bastante aburrido, los dos protas son muy juego sin sal, y la historia es flojísima también.
La verdad, es que estaba buscando un libro de cambiantes o al estilo de las nuevas especies, y pensé que este era parecido, pero no. Es un libro que la verdad quisiera olvidar que leí jajsjajsjaj😅 ademas es bastante aburrido, los dos protas son muy juego sin sal, y la historia es flojísima también.
October 17, 2024
I like my monsters to look like monsters, but not like a tree. This is not at all what I picture when I think of a Leshy.
March 19, 2025
This one did not catch me as well as some of the other ones in the series this one was very long and lanky and draggy and just not something I enjoyed
November 18, 2024
Cara has me as a life long reader/fan in me.
Taran and Thea are perfect opposites and complimentary to each other. The concept of having a phobia like Thea's (biophobia is an irrational fear of nature or living things that can lead to alienation from the natural world) was an eye opener to me. I know there are a numerous amount of phobias and this was definitely a what int he world response. Taran ranks up there as a great guy (wink wink) because he took the job withthe knowledge of her family background and how it coincides with his.
This story is heartwrenching but at the same time it reminds you that the most fearful things in your life can be overcome withthe right suport and the determination.
Taran and Thea are perfect opposites and complimentary to each other. The concept of having a phobia like Thea's (biophobia is an irrational fear of nature or living things that can lead to alienation from the natural world) was an eye opener to me. I know there are a numerous amount of phobias and this was definitely a what int he world response. Taran ranks up there as a great guy (wink wink) because he took the job withthe knowledge of her family background and how it coincides with his.
This story is heartwrenching but at the same time it reminds you that the most fearful things in your life can be overcome withthe right suport and the determination.
July 29, 2024
Part of the Monster Security Agency series each can be read as a standalone with a monster and the one who captures his undivided attention. Taran is a sexy monster tasked with guarding a human women by her father who doesn’t know he exist well she isn’t supposed to know he has the ability to blend in with the forest, he accepted the job to get revenge on his target her father and he didn’t count on one tiny human women changing his path because from the moment he started guarding her he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Thea is sweet when she struggles with fears of everything in nature after being forced into a marriage, she didn’t want to her dad’s friend to keep them from blackmailing her brother she has to make a three-day forge through the woods alone to prove her worth of a marriage to him. She doesn’t know anything about the blackmail only that her loyalty lies with her family and will marry a man she doesn’t want. Taran notices she is struggling from the beginning just walking through the forest so he helps by making her path easier moving the trees/bushes/roots but he also protects knowing something is off but when he reveals himself to her by way of saving her the magnetic pull between them is there and the closer she travels to her destination the strong the pull between the two of them are but she gets to see a side of the leshy that most don’t know exist but will she get the truth of why she was being forced to marry a man old enough to be her father, forced to marry a man she didn’t want, will she learn the truth about the blackmail, will she choose herself over a since of loyalty, will he convince her to give him a chance or give them a chance, will her father be okay with it, and will the women who is afraid of nature find happiness with nature?
November 25, 2024
La autora corrió un montón de riesgos con esta historia... y la aplaudo por ello 😀 De ahí mis 5 estrellas. Y porque me divertí mucho, jiji.
Thea tiene biofobia, según ella. (Ponele). Se asusta con cualquier cosa viva que haya cerca. Taran es un Leshy, que vendría a ser alguien con mucha forma de árbol que no es un árbol. (Más o menos). Para más detalles, lean la historia 😁
Bueno, así las cosas, ella tiene que cruzar un bosque, a él lo contratan como guardaespaldas con la condición de que se mantenga oculto, y hay gente delirante que la ataca... con lo que se terminan viendo las "caras".
Qué decir, me divertí mucho con esta historia. Por empezar, es el monstruo más original de todos: es una planta. No come, no duerme, no bebe agua como nosotros y no respira con pulmones, sino con todo el cuerpo. Tiene tronco, ramas y raíces. La gran cosa es que puede moldear su físico a la apariencia que quiere, lo que le permite pasar inadvertido y es muy útil en su trabajo. Lo único que hay un detalle de la reproducción que se mantiene similar a la de los mamíferos (porque si no, no habría smut, jeje, astuta escritora) pero todo lo demás, es diferente y me gusta mucho como lo pensó y lo cuenta la escritora. Muy bien por ella ahí.
En cuanto a Thea... es todo un personaje. Cuando deja de estar asustada, piensa y toma decisiones, lo que no es poco decir. Me gustó, ella me gustó.
"Cerré los ojos y me relajé, dejando que el agua fría me aliviara. También tenía el pelo sucio, pero no tenía fuerzas para lavármelo. No tenía jabón ni champú. No había pensado que me pararía a bañarme en el bosque, un lugar literalmente de pesadilla para mí. Sí tenía pasta y cepillo de dientes, y no los había usado esta mañana. Cogí mi mochila y los saqué. No había excusa para ignorar mi higiene dental. Ni siquiera mi biofobia o el hecho de haber sido atacada por dos asesinos en veinticuatro horas". No me puede caer mal una chica que en medio del caos, sigue lavándose los dientes con toda responsabilidad 😂
Taran también, tiene lo suyo... "Si ella miraba, hubiera visto que no había árbol en el río. Después había uno. Después no estaba más" 🤣
Bueno, la cosa es que estos dos también son intensos, pero lidian con enormes, realmente enormes diferencias. Y me gustó como lo trató la autora.
Tiene una parte triste, y hay mucho de concientización ecológica en la narrativa, pero no me pareció exagerado ni demás. Me gustó también ese balance.
Yo lo recomiendo 100%, leánlo. Y después me cuentan si no empiezan a mirar con más atención a los árboles que las rodean 😉
P.D.1: Ah, aquí hay malo malvado, pero como no va por ahí el eje de la cuestión, lo desactivan pronto. Eso también fue un respiro agradable; el foco de la historia está puesto en como hacen ellxs para conciliar sus diferencias 🥰
P.D.2: JAMÁS me la voy a creer en esa parte en que lo quieren poner de "controlador" a Taran. No es creíble, es el masculino más dulce que hay. Le gana a la araña y todo, y eso es muuucho decir.
Thea tiene biofobia, según ella. (Ponele). Se asusta con cualquier cosa viva que haya cerca. Taran es un Leshy, que vendría a ser alguien con mucha forma de árbol que no es un árbol. (Más o menos). Para más detalles, lean la historia 😁
Bueno, así las cosas, ella tiene que cruzar un bosque, a él lo contratan como guardaespaldas con la condición de que se mantenga oculto, y hay gente delirante que la ataca... con lo que se terminan viendo las "caras".
Qué decir, me divertí mucho con esta historia. Por empezar, es el monstruo más original de todos: es una planta. No come, no duerme, no bebe agua como nosotros y no respira con pulmones, sino con todo el cuerpo. Tiene tronco, ramas y raíces. La gran cosa es que puede moldear su físico a la apariencia que quiere, lo que le permite pasar inadvertido y es muy útil en su trabajo. Lo único que hay un detalle de la reproducción que se mantiene similar a la de los mamíferos (porque si no, no habría smut, jeje, astuta escritora) pero todo lo demás, es diferente y me gusta mucho como lo pensó y lo cuenta la escritora. Muy bien por ella ahí.
En cuanto a Thea... es todo un personaje. Cuando deja de estar asustada, piensa y toma decisiones, lo que no es poco decir. Me gustó, ella me gustó.
"Cerré los ojos y me relajé, dejando que el agua fría me aliviara. También tenía el pelo sucio, pero no tenía fuerzas para lavármelo. No tenía jabón ni champú. No había pensado que me pararía a bañarme en el bosque, un lugar literalmente de pesadilla para mí. Sí tenía pasta y cepillo de dientes, y no los había usado esta mañana. Cogí mi mochila y los saqué. No había excusa para ignorar mi higiene dental. Ni siquiera mi biofobia o el hecho de haber sido atacada por dos asesinos en veinticuatro horas". No me puede caer mal una chica que en medio del caos, sigue lavándose los dientes con toda responsabilidad 😂
Taran también, tiene lo suyo... "Si ella miraba, hubiera visto que no había árbol en el río. Después había uno. Después no estaba más" 🤣
Bueno, la cosa es que estos dos también son intensos, pero lidian con enormes, realmente enormes diferencias. Y me gustó como lo trató la autora.
Tiene una parte triste, y hay mucho de concientización ecológica en la narrativa, pero no me pareció exagerado ni demás. Me gustó también ese balance.
Yo lo recomiendo 100%, leánlo. Y después me cuentan si no empiezan a mirar con más atención a los árboles que las rodean 😉
P.D.1: Ah, aquí hay malo malvado, pero como no va por ahí el eje de la cuestión, lo desactivan pronto. Eso también fue un respiro agradable; el foco de la historia está puesto en como hacen ellxs para conciliar sus diferencias 🥰
P.D.2: JAMÁS me la voy a creer en esa parte en que lo quieren poner de "controlador" a Taran. No es creíble, es el masculino más dulce que hay. Le gana a la araña y todo, y eso es muuucho decir.
February 1, 2025
✨Taran, a Leshy, is assigned to Thea’s case by the MSA. His handler chose him specifically because there are only two rules: Thea must make it across the forest alone, and he cannot be seen. Hired by her father for his ability to blend into the surroundings, Taran reluctantly takes the job. However, as he guards his principal, he begins to develop feelings for her, and what started as a job soon becomes something more.
Thea, loyal to her brother, reluctantly accepts a marriage proposal from a man twenty years her senior. To honor the engagement, she must reach him in three days, navigating the forest surrounding his compound. The problem? She suffers from biphobia—an intense fear of nature. When things take a dangerous turn, her bodyguard reveals himself, and Thea starts to grow feelings for him. But will it be enough to make her turn her back on her family?
📚 Tropes: Monster Romance, Fated Mates, Arranged Marriage
✨ I had no idea what a Leshy was going into this, and based on the cover, I thought he was some kind of deer hybrid. Boy, was I surprised to find out he was literally a tree! Honestly, this whole book wasn’t for me. Not only is she terrified of nature, but then she’s fated to be with a tree? Like, I get it, I’m not the biggest fan of nature either, but sometimes you’ve just gotta put on your big girl pants and take a walk in the woods. I really need to stop going into books blindly.
Rating:
⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:
🌶️🌶️
Thea, loyal to her brother, reluctantly accepts a marriage proposal from a man twenty years her senior. To honor the engagement, she must reach him in three days, navigating the forest surrounding his compound. The problem? She suffers from biphobia—an intense fear of nature. When things take a dangerous turn, her bodyguard reveals himself, and Thea starts to grow feelings for him. But will it be enough to make her turn her back on her family?
📚 Tropes: Monster Romance, Fated Mates, Arranged Marriage
✨ I had no idea what a Leshy was going into this, and based on the cover, I thought he was some kind of deer hybrid. Boy, was I surprised to find out he was literally a tree! Honestly, this whole book wasn’t for me. Not only is she terrified of nature, but then she’s fated to be with a tree? Like, I get it, I’m not the biggest fan of nature either, but sometimes you’ve just gotta put on your big girl pants and take a walk in the woods. I really need to stop going into books blindly.
Rating:
⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:
🌶️🌶️
July 21, 2024
Guarded by the Leshy by Cara Wylde
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Okay, so I had no idea what a leshy was going into this book, and come to find out that it is a Slavic forest deity. I love that my monster romances can be educational 🤣
ANYWAY! This is Cara Wylde’s second book in the Monster Security Agency and I was hooked from the beginning because I had NO idea how this was going to work out between these two, initially. Our FMC, Thea, struggles with biophobia and our MMC, Taran, is literally the embodiment of nature, albeit sentient.
Taran is tasked with guarding Thea, and Thea is not supposed to know about his presence; which should be easy since he can blend in, in the forest. Taran took this job with not so great intentions, as a means to get revenge on Thea’s father. Little does Taran know that Thea will soon consume his thoughts and his motivations during his protective detail change.
Now, besides Thea’s immense fears, there is other drama surrounding her situation in the form of Thea being promised to another man. Thea is essentially blackmailed into marrying this man (though she doesn’t know why), and must go through a trial of trekking through the woods solo in order to be “worthy” of the marriage. Do things go according to plan? NOPE. Things end up getting dangerous pretty quickly and we find out some ick information about Thea’s betrothed.
NOW! How do these two come together? Taran is not supposed to let Thea know he exists and he’s the representation of her fears. Circumstances force Taran’s hand and we come to find that Taran is a delicious cinnamon roll…he’s crunchy on the outside (the bark…duh! *IYKYK*), but soft and gooey for Thea - providing her comfort when she needs it in the sweetest way. I mean that man senses Thea’s distress and literally moves parts of the earth so she can travel more easily! Then…don’t even get me started on the delicious, intriguing and satisfying way he uses vines/branches/leaves/wood 😏
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Okay, so I had no idea what a leshy was going into this book, and come to find out that it is a Slavic forest deity. I love that my monster romances can be educational 🤣
ANYWAY! This is Cara Wylde’s second book in the Monster Security Agency and I was hooked from the beginning because I had NO idea how this was going to work out between these two, initially. Our FMC, Thea, struggles with biophobia and our MMC, Taran, is literally the embodiment of nature, albeit sentient.
Taran is tasked with guarding Thea, and Thea is not supposed to know about his presence; which should be easy since he can blend in, in the forest. Taran took this job with not so great intentions, as a means to get revenge on Thea’s father. Little does Taran know that Thea will soon consume his thoughts and his motivations during his protective detail change.
Now, besides Thea’s immense fears, there is other drama surrounding her situation in the form of Thea being promised to another man. Thea is essentially blackmailed into marrying this man (though she doesn’t know why), and must go through a trial of trekking through the woods solo in order to be “worthy” of the marriage. Do things go according to plan? NOPE. Things end up getting dangerous pretty quickly and we find out some ick information about Thea’s betrothed.
NOW! How do these two come together? Taran is not supposed to let Thea know he exists and he’s the representation of her fears. Circumstances force Taran’s hand and we come to find that Taran is a delicious cinnamon roll…he’s crunchy on the outside (the bark…duh! *IYKYK*), but soft and gooey for Thea - providing her comfort when she needs it in the sweetest way. I mean that man senses Thea’s distress and literally moves parts of the earth so she can travel more easily! Then…don’t even get me started on the delicious, intriguing and satisfying way he uses vines/branches/leaves/wood 😏
December 16, 2025
Ich bin ein großer Fan des Monster-Romance Genres und speziell die „Monster Security Agency“ Reihe hat mir bis jetzt wirklich gut gefallen. Auch dieses Buch hier ist grundsätzlich wohl nicht schlecht, hat mich aber leider überhaupt nicht erreicht.
Taran und Tea sind ein großartiges Liebespaar und die Gefühle zwischen ihnen waren für mich als Leser buchstäblich greifbar. Leider war es das dann aber auch schon mit den Dingen, die mir an diesem Buch gefallen haben. Die Story selbst hatte für mich irgendwie keinen wirklich handfesten „Kern“, an dem ich mich als Leser hätte festhalten konnte. Alles war so süß und unschuldig und tralala. Zwischendurch ist mir dann immer wieder mal die Aufmerksamkeit entglitten, weil der Geschichte einfach jeglicher Spannungsbogen gefehlt hat und der Plot für mich persönlich überhaupt nicht fesselnd war. Dazu kommt leider noch, dass ich mit Taran als Leshy so überhaupt nichts anfangen konnte. Ich mochte seine Persönlichkeit, seine Lebenseinstellung und vor allem seine Hingabe für Tea, aber mit seiner Baum-Pflanzen-Form als Monster konnte ich mich das gesamte Buch über nicht anfreunden. Ob es an diesem Buch gelegen hat oder ob Pflanzen-Monster einfach nicht so mein Ding sind, kann ich leider nicht sagen, da dies mein erstes Buch mit einem Monster in dieser Richtung war.
Auch wenn das Buch nicht wirklich schlecht war, bin ich trotzdem enttäuscht und kann ich hier nicht mehr als 2 1/2 Sterne vergeben.
Taran und Tea sind ein großartiges Liebespaar und die Gefühle zwischen ihnen waren für mich als Leser buchstäblich greifbar. Leider war es das dann aber auch schon mit den Dingen, die mir an diesem Buch gefallen haben. Die Story selbst hatte für mich irgendwie keinen wirklich handfesten „Kern“, an dem ich mich als Leser hätte festhalten konnte. Alles war so süß und unschuldig und tralala. Zwischendurch ist mir dann immer wieder mal die Aufmerksamkeit entglitten, weil der Geschichte einfach jeglicher Spannungsbogen gefehlt hat und der Plot für mich persönlich überhaupt nicht fesselnd war. Dazu kommt leider noch, dass ich mit Taran als Leshy so überhaupt nichts anfangen konnte. Ich mochte seine Persönlichkeit, seine Lebenseinstellung und vor allem seine Hingabe für Tea, aber mit seiner Baum-Pflanzen-Form als Monster konnte ich mich das gesamte Buch über nicht anfreunden. Ob es an diesem Buch gelegen hat oder ob Pflanzen-Monster einfach nicht so mein Ding sind, kann ich leider nicht sagen, da dies mein erstes Buch mit einem Monster in dieser Richtung war.
Auch wenn das Buch nicht wirklich schlecht war, bin ich trotzdem enttäuscht und kann ich hier nicht mehr als 2 1/2 Sterne vergeben.
July 14, 2024
🌿ARC Review🌿
Guarded by the Leshy by Cara Wylde, is part of the Monster Security Agency Series. It is a §ëxƴ, bodyguard, opposite attracts, monster/human romance with danger, overcoming fears, family drama and very *interesting & satisfying* uses of vines/leaves/branches/bark/wood. 😏 Thea is the young human woman that Leshy Bodyguard Taran is protecting. The story starts out with Thea having to survive a 3 day journey into the forest. It is to marry & (to prove her worth 🤨) to her dad's friend to prevent a blackmail of her brother from happening. Taran is hired by her father to protect her and make sure she arrives to marry his friend - all kept a secret from Thea. Thea also doesn't know the reason for the blackmail and out of misplaced loyalty agrees to help. She hasn't shared with anyone of her phobia of nature. Taran is witness to Thea trying to walk thru the forest. From the very beginning, he knows something is causing Thea's distress and assists by making her path easier to walk in the forest by having the trees/bushes/roots move out of the way. Taran protects Thea. 💚 Taran reveals himself to Thea during a time he saves her. As they learn more about each other, they are drawn to each other. Will Thea marry her Dad's best friend? Or will Taran convince her to give their attraction a chance? You will have to read to find out!
Guarded by the Leshy by Cara Wylde, is part of the Monster Security Agency Series. It is a §ëxƴ, bodyguard, opposite attracts, monster/human romance with danger, overcoming fears, family drama and very *interesting & satisfying* uses of vines/leaves/branches/bark/wood. 😏 Thea is the young human woman that Leshy Bodyguard Taran is protecting. The story starts out with Thea having to survive a 3 day journey into the forest. It is to marry & (to prove her worth 🤨) to her dad's friend to prevent a blackmail of her brother from happening. Taran is hired by her father to protect her and make sure she arrives to marry his friend - all kept a secret from Thea. Thea also doesn't know the reason for the blackmail and out of misplaced loyalty agrees to help. She hasn't shared with anyone of her phobia of nature. Taran is witness to Thea trying to walk thru the forest. From the very beginning, he knows something is causing Thea's distress and assists by making her path easier to walk in the forest by having the trees/bushes/roots move out of the way. Taran protects Thea. 💚 Taran reveals himself to Thea during a time he saves her. As they learn more about each other, they are drawn to each other. Will Thea marry her Dad's best friend? Or will Taran convince her to give their attraction a chance? You will have to read to find out!
July 26, 2024
Thea Everhart is the only daughter of a very wealthy man. Turns out that her father is basically being blackmailed by Thea’s unwanted finance’(?). If Thea does not marry the man his media empire will release a story about her brother that could destroy her family name, and possibly the company her father built. The thing that makes the least sense to Thea however, is that as a condition of the marriage Thea is required to hike three days through deep woods alone to reach the wedding venue and prove herself worthy. Taran Sylvan is employed by Monster Security Agency and even though he does not normally protect humans, his boss convinces him that he is the most qualified for this particular assignment. As a Leshy Taran can move quickly and quietly through the woods because no one not even the woman he is supposed to protect can know that she has a bodyguard. But how can he guard the woman whose father murdered the female Leshy he called mate is something he is not sure he can do.
While this was a very enjoyable book, it is also extremely weird. The usual girl meets boy, and they fall in love, but just the fact that one is very much a human being, and the other is literally part of the forest is quite bizarre. It all works out in the end, but again it is just impossibly unrealistic, which I guess is the point. The characters were all well written and engaging, and this is a very steamy, although very unusual love story with a surprising twist and a happy ending. If you love this author and the monster/human romance genre then you will enjoy this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
While this was a very enjoyable book, it is also extremely weird. The usual girl meets boy, and they fall in love, but just the fact that one is very much a human being, and the other is literally part of the forest is quite bizarre. It all works out in the end, but again it is just impossibly unrealistic, which I guess is the point. The characters were all well written and engaging, and this is a very steamy, although very unusual love story with a surprising twist and a happy ending. If you love this author and the monster/human romance genre then you will enjoy this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 27, 2024
Thea (h), a young woman with severe biophobia, sets out on a trek through a forest as a test set by her fiancé, Soren to prove her worth before their wedding. She's unaware that she's being watched and protected by Taran (H), a leshy—a guardian of the forest—hired by her father from the Monster Security Agency. Taran is conflicted by his animosity towards humans and their impact on nature and his obligation to protect Thea, especially as he finds himself drawn to her. As Thea navigates the forest, she encounters various challenges, and Taran intervenes discreetly, helping her without revealing himself, until an attack forces him to do so. Thea finds unexpected comfort and strength in Taran, and as they get to know one another, things heat up between the two with some interesting anatomical differences. Their connection deepens and Taran reveals his tragic past and the environmental destruction caused by her family's business. Yet, despite their connection, Taran is conflicted about their relationship, knowing the obstacles they face due to their differences. When the journey through the forest ends, Thea must confront those closest to her and make a choice about what her future will be. Hot and steamy monster-human romance, exploring, love, resilience, challenges, differences, trauma, family, and building a life together.
August 4, 2024
Gleeful Goblin Review: Talk about opposites attract with this book! We have our MMC who is a Leshy, basically a sentient tree even by his own description and our human FMC "I suffered from a rather severe case of biophobia. Fear of nature. My therapist had diagnosed me a few years ago, but I asked her to keep it between us. I didn’t want my parents to think that I was... defective. They had high expectations from both me and my brother, and as the little sister, I’d always felt like I was at a disadvantage. Okay, so I suffered from biophobia. It wasn’t the end of the world. I could handle it if I just stayed inside."
Now, unfortunately she can't just stay inside because for one, she wouldn't meet the tree man of not even her wildest dreams, but secondly she's on a mission of self sacrifice in the name of love for family that requires her to brave a large forest. Her father has hired our MMC to protect her on her journey and remain totally unseen the entire time. But what fun would that be if everything went to plan? Seeing our mismatched pair go from basically loathing the concept of each other to snuggled up for life is wonderful...naturally. ;) 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now, unfortunately she can't just stay inside because for one, she wouldn't meet the tree man of not even her wildest dreams, but secondly she's on a mission of self sacrifice in the name of love for family that requires her to brave a large forest. Her father has hired our MMC to protect her on her journey and remain totally unseen the entire time. But what fun would that be if everything went to plan? Seeing our mismatched pair go from basically loathing the concept of each other to snuggled up for life is wonderful...naturally. ;) 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2024
I didn’t know what to expect going into this book. I’d never even heard of a leshy monster, but I’m here for new adventures. I love this series, and this book was no exception.
Thea has severe biophobia, and she has to hike through the woods for three days to marry someone who has propositioned her family for her hand. I was very impressed that she managed to make it into the woods at all in the beginning. Sure, her sudden cure for her phobia is a little unrealistic, but this is a monster book. I’d personally prefer it to be unrealistic.
Taran is fascinating. All I could compare him to in my mind was the Ents from LOTR. Who wouldn’t want a little Treebeard action? The vines and sap sound very intriguing, in my opinion. The steps he’s willing to take to be with Thea are heart warming. I did feel like he had to compromise way more than she did, though, which feels a little unfair. They’re happy, though.
I also felt like the ending was rather rushed. The bulk of the book is quite detailed, but the resolution just felt very abrupt to me. I would have liked a few chapters of how they went about making a life for themselves. I also loathe third act breakups, even if I can understand why they happened.
Overall, 4/5 stars and 2/5 spice.
Thea has severe biophobia, and she has to hike through the woods for three days to marry someone who has propositioned her family for her hand. I was very impressed that she managed to make it into the woods at all in the beginning. Sure, her sudden cure for her phobia is a little unrealistic, but this is a monster book. I’d personally prefer it to be unrealistic.
Taran is fascinating. All I could compare him to in my mind was the Ents from LOTR. Who wouldn’t want a little Treebeard action? The vines and sap sound very intriguing, in my opinion. The steps he’s willing to take to be with Thea are heart warming. I did feel like he had to compromise way more than she did, though, which feels a little unfair. They’re happy, though.
I also felt like the ending was rather rushed. The bulk of the book is quite detailed, but the resolution just felt very abrupt to me. I would have liked a few chapters of how they went about making a life for themselves. I also loathe third act breakups, even if I can understand why they happened.
Overall, 4/5 stars and 2/5 spice.
July 26, 2024
Taran Sylvan is a leshy which is sentient tree like LOTR Ents. He works for the Monster Security Agency and is the bodyguard chosen by Bill Everhart for his daughter Thea. She is to go through a forest for three days to prove herself to her soon to be husband, Soren Sinclair. But, no one is to see him. There are rules to this engagement on both sides. However, things don’t go as planned and Taran finds himself in a quandary. The Everhart’s are rich due to their furniture company and to make furniture you need wood. Finding out Mr. Everhart’s practices broke my heart. Finding out what Taran had gone through did so as well. Thea is nothing like her father and Taran is drawn to her. He saves her and then there are some freaky revelations. I was livid with her parents and Mr. Sinclair. I got so upset, I cried and cursed, etc. I also thought Taran was wonderful. I pretty much spent the latter third of the book going, “WHAT???!?!?!?” lol I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2025
This was really… meh. Firstly, okay, I am open-minded, but the fact that this guy is a literal fucking tree was a little much. Especially since his only personality is, like… tree.
Also, not to be a stickler for biology, but… why does he have vines? Trees do not have their own vines? Vines are like separate plants that just happen to grow on trees…
Anyways. It was really weird how Taran mentions he has some serious beef with her family, so much so that he almost lets her get attacked… and then it literally never comes up again until the end of the book. That was weird and definitely felt planted (no pun intended) after the fact to make the plot make sense.
Then, despite knowing that a relationship between a human and a tree would likely come with certain challenges, the two of them literally just give up when they realize the meadow or wherever the fuck he lives doesn’t have WiFi and indoor plumbing. Then suddenly it occurs to him that they could make things work if they found a house with a yard? Like, I can suspend my disbelief, but this was just bad writing imo.
Also, not to be a stickler for biology, but… why does he have vines? Trees do not have their own vines? Vines are like separate plants that just happen to grow on trees…
Anyways. It was really weird how Taran mentions he has some serious beef with her family, so much so that he almost lets her get attacked… and then it literally never comes up again until the end of the book. That was weird and definitely felt planted (no pun intended) after the fact to make the plot make sense.
Then, despite knowing that a relationship between a human and a tree would likely come with certain challenges, the two of them literally just give up when they realize the meadow or wherever the fuck he lives doesn’t have WiFi and indoor plumbing. Then suddenly it occurs to him that they could make things work if they found a house with a yard? Like, I can suspend my disbelief, but this was just bad writing imo.
July 23, 2024
Guarded by the Leshy was a pleasantly surprising monster romance. Taran is a Leshy, a monster I hadn't heard of before. He's a tree shifter without a truly humanoid form. I enjoyed the creativity the author used in how he functioned. Thea was a deeply traumatized main character who had to face her unexplained biophobia to cross a forest in three days just to be blackmailed into marrying someone she barely knew to protect her brother.
When the author explained that Thea was required to cross a forest in three days to prove her "worthiness" to marry this old rich dude I was curious. When the author presented a tree-person who fell instantly in love with a person terrified of every plant, insect and animal, I didn't know where the story would go but I was full of even more curiosity.
Overall this was an interesting read with insta-love, creative monsters, and lots of drama.
When the author explained that Thea was required to cross a forest in three days to prove her "worthiness" to marry this old rich dude I was curious. When the author presented a tree-person who fell instantly in love with a person terrified of every plant, insect and animal, I didn't know where the story would go but I was full of even more curiosity.
Overall this was an interesting read with insta-love, creative monsters, and lots of drama.
July 26, 2024
Guarded by the Leshy, a tale of forbidden love is another entertaining story in the Monster Security Agency series.
Taran a Leshy forest deity has been hired by Thea Everhart’s father through the MSA to secretly accompany her in a trek alone through the forest to reach her fiancée.
A test to prove how worthy a wife she will make.
Taran has no love of the man whose company Everhart furniture has practically decimated the forest but he takes the job with his own goals in mind.
This was another enjoyable read from author Cara Wylde with a protective MMC who didn’t see it coming when he begins to want more than to protect his unaware charge.
A nicely written and imaginatively conceived story unfolds with intrigue, spice, romance, and likable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taran a Leshy forest deity has been hired by Thea Everhart’s father through the MSA to secretly accompany her in a trek alone through the forest to reach her fiancée.
A test to prove how worthy a wife she will make.
Taran has no love of the man whose company Everhart furniture has practically decimated the forest but he takes the job with his own goals in mind.
This was another enjoyable read from author Cara Wylde with a protective MMC who didn’t see it coming when he begins to want more than to protect his unaware charge.
A nicely written and imaginatively conceived story unfolds with intrigue, spice, romance, and likable characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2024
Thea head to endure so much from her family expecting her to marry an older man she didn't love. She was willing to do that for her brother from some scandal. What she didn't expect was to find the love of her life in a leshy. She was terrified of nature, attacked twice by assassins, and nearly married an occult leader, but Taran was there to protect her. Taran was a broken man. He lost his intended mate years before to the very family he was a protecting. But Thea was innocent of her father's doing and she is his fated mate. Once Thea and Taran moved past their difference and how awful of parents Thea has, their life changed for the better.
Family drama, dysfunctional family, fated mates, prejudices, and HEA makes this story very interesting. Very original.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Family drama, dysfunctional family, fated mates, prejudices, and HEA makes this story very interesting. Very original.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2024
Loved this book in the MSA!
Taran, a leshy, now works for MSA after a tragedy in his life but only works with monsters. Until one assignment has him bring a bodyguard to a human. But not just any human, the daughter of the man who caused the death of his ex.
He is supposed to follow her in the forest on her way to her fiance's resort and make sure nothing happens to her without letting her know that he's there, but that plan blows up when she's attacked multiple times.
While he's helping her, he realizes that she is his mate, but they aren't sure how it would work since he's a leshy and she's human.
I loved this book, but one thing I have to wonder about is if her life span will extend. If he lives hundreds of years, what will he do if his soulmate only lives for another 60-ish years.
Great book!
Taran, a leshy, now works for MSA after a tragedy in his life but only works with monsters. Until one assignment has him bring a bodyguard to a human. But not just any human, the daughter of the man who caused the death of his ex.
He is supposed to follow her in the forest on her way to her fiance's resort and make sure nothing happens to her without letting her know that he's there, but that plan blows up when she's attacked multiple times.
While he's helping her, he realizes that she is his mate, but they aren't sure how it would work since he's a leshy and she's human.
I loved this book, but one thing I have to wonder about is if her life span will extend. If he lives hundreds of years, what will he do if his soulmate only lives for another 60-ish years.
Great book!
August 1, 2024
I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I'd never heard of a Leshy before, who looked like trees and could change shape, but now I hope to read more romances with them! I liked both Thea and Taran. Thea had to trek a three-day journey through the woods to reach her husband-to-be. Her father secretly hires a bodyguard to keep her safe who could blend in and be essentially invisible. No one- including Thea- would ever know he's there. He doesn't like humans, but accepts the job to get revenge on her family. Thea is being blackmailed to save her brother by marrying Soren, and even though she has a phobia of nature, and this is his cruel game to torture her, she's trying to be brave. Will Taran protect her or get his revenge? How will these two start a relationship? What will happen if she doesn't marry Soren? What will happen to her brother? I was hooked! 5 stars.
August 14, 2024
This was such an enjoyable book in a brilliant series and no I didn’t know what a Leshy was but with the hot and steamy times with the vines well lets just say where is this forest so I can walk through lol. Anyway Taran is a Leshy a tree shape shifter but has no true humanoid form but wow he doesn't need one and there is Thea who is being blackmailed into marriage to save her brother but she must pass through the forest in 3 days and to be worthy to marry her fiancé but along the way she is shadowed by Taran for her protection by her father who owns Everheart Furniture that has decimated the forest that he lives in but takes on the job not knowing he would be losing his heart to Thea and her simple touch. Great book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2024
Romance with a "tree" essentially, but worth it.
Finally someone doing DP again. The scenes were spicy, but realistic. I wasn't super pleased that he was essentially a tree with a face most of the time, because that sounded a bit disturbing. When he was more humanoid, even just half way, I preferred that. I was also a little disappointed at how quickly the actual "interaction" finally went. He was "huge" but... it went right in? That bit annoyed me but all the vine play and sap made up for it 😉. (First scene is about half way through."
P.s. Why they couldn't get a house just outside the city with more land was a bit confusing to me, but I guess they had their reasons. I'm just glad it finally had a HEA after so many ups and downs. Though, I do think her father should have suffered a bit more and at least been made to replant the trees.
Finally someone doing DP again. The scenes were spicy, but realistic. I wasn't super pleased that he was essentially a tree with a face most of the time, because that sounded a bit disturbing. When he was more humanoid, even just half way, I preferred that. I was also a little disappointed at how quickly the actual "interaction" finally went. He was "huge" but... it went right in? That bit annoyed me but all the vine play and sap made up for it 😉. (First scene is about half way through."
P.s. Why they couldn't get a house just outside the city with more land was a bit confusing to me, but I guess they had their reasons. I'm just glad it finally had a HEA after so many ups and downs. Though, I do think her father should have suffered a bit more and at least been made to replant the trees.
July 19, 2024
looking at trees a bit differently after this one lol
Didn’t know what a Leshy was before reading (they are apart of Slavic mythology). This was extremely interesting and different from the monsters I usually read about. The tree like qualities while also being able to change shape, size, and appearance while still being wood was fascinating. I won’t lie, some of those spicy scenes literally made me think about the forest scene in Evil Dead (1981) which I know is so problematic of me. Though in my defense, it’s definitely giving a very similar vibe. I also really love that the MMC is such a sweetheart for the MFC and the chemistry between the two is just pure bliss. Such a great read!
Didn’t know what a Leshy was before reading (they are apart of Slavic mythology). This was extremely interesting and different from the monsters I usually read about. The tree like qualities while also being able to change shape, size, and appearance while still being wood was fascinating. I won’t lie, some of those spicy scenes literally made me think about the forest scene in Evil Dead (1981) which I know is so problematic of me. Though in my defense, it’s definitely giving a very similar vibe. I also really love that the MMC is such a sweetheart for the MFC and the chemistry between the two is just pure bliss. Such a great read!
July 23, 2024
Thea, the FMC, is forced to hike through a forest for three days to prove her worth to the man she is forced to marry. He is blackmailing her father to get Theas hand in marriage.
Tarans job is it to guard and protect Thea through her journey, but without her noticing. But when danger awakes he is forced to reveal himself and their unconventional love story begins.
But with Theas biophobia and other drama their journey is anything but easy.
The spice is great and the various uses of vines, branches and leaves will have you blushing.
The tropes are:
- opposite attracts
- monster/human romance
- family drama
- overcoming fears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tarans job is it to guard and protect Thea through her journey, but without her noticing. But when danger awakes he is forced to reveal himself and their unconventional love story begins.
But with Theas biophobia and other drama their journey is anything but easy.
The spice is great and the various uses of vines, branches and leaves will have you blushing.
The tropes are:
- opposite attracts
- monster/human romance
- family drama
- overcoming fears.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews