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Mythical Mishaps #1
Shroom for Improvement
Mushroom fae Claude Stinkhorn leads an extraordinarily boring life. He works as a conductor on Remy’s underground railway, lives alone in a windowless, basement apartment, and occasionally enjoys a moderately priced chai latte. He’s never been happier.
After the death of his absentee father, Claude inherits a house. But it’s no ordinary house. It’s a mansion, it’s sentient, it’s a pain in the ass, and Claude must perform an ancient magical ritual twice a year to keep it alive.
There are just two problems. One, nobody can tell Claude what the ritual involves. Not even the property’s motley crew of occupants. And two, Claude has always sucked at magic. He needs help from an expert…
Professor Sonny Daye has been working on the same mycology paper for the past few decades, but he’s not giving up. After all, his findings could eradicate famine and help save the planet. He knows with first hand research he’ll have it finished in no time. But first hand research means talking to a mushroom fae, and mushroom fae are a notoriously tight lipped and secretive species.
Luckily for Sonny, the perfect opportunity lands directly in his lap. Which is great news, and not in the least bit weird or suspicious…
Shroom for Improvement is an MM romance and the first in the Mythical Mishaps series of interconnected standalones. Expect silliness, slow burn, low angst, fae magic, silliness, the most bonkers of side characters, and did I mention silliness?
After the death of his absentee father, Claude inherits a house. But it’s no ordinary house. It’s a mansion, it’s sentient, it’s a pain in the ass, and Claude must perform an ancient magical ritual twice a year to keep it alive.
There are just two problems. One, nobody can tell Claude what the ritual involves. Not even the property’s motley crew of occupants. And two, Claude has always sucked at magic. He needs help from an expert…
Professor Sonny Daye has been working on the same mycology paper for the past few decades, but he’s not giving up. After all, his findings could eradicate famine and help save the planet. He knows with first hand research he’ll have it finished in no time. But first hand research means talking to a mushroom fae, and mushroom fae are a notoriously tight lipped and secretive species.
Luckily for Sonny, the perfect opportunity lands directly in his lap. Which is great news, and not in the least bit weird or suspicious…
Shroom for Improvement is an MM romance and the first in the Mythical Mishaps series of interconnected standalones. Expect silliness, slow burn, low angst, fae magic, silliness, the most bonkers of side characters, and did I mention silliness?
420 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2024
359 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
Jemma Croft
9 books253 followersJemma is a regular human author living in Bristol, UK, with her husband, daughters and an anxiety-ridden Brussels Griffon.
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
March 29, 2025
So. Much. Fun.
The last time I was having such a good time throughout the whole book had been while reading Mate Hub: Legend by Marie Reynard.
This was simply awesome, from the first page to the last (well, the epilogue had sex but thankfully not only sex so I'll not hold that against the author).
The MCs were lovely and had multi layered personalities. I loved Claude and Sonny. Loved that the author let me wait for their first kiss (and more) until 50% in, because the chemistry had been sizzling, so no complaints from me.
The secondary characters were fantastic, like Jenny the sentient house (they were the star of the book for me), and the sentry fae Willow and Oggy, the custodians of Stinkhorn Manor.
The plot was hilarious but never cringey (despite the topics it covered, lol), the storyline was intriguing and thankfully there was no info dump, every wonderful aspect of the world was woven seamlessly into the plot.
I was surprised how much love the author poored into the seemingly smallest details.. Lucy providing Sonny with books bound with vegan leather and second hand clothes (because he was vegetarian and all for saving the environment), the MCs making calls on FaeTime, it felt like the author had a great time while writing.
Tldr: fun and silly read, full of heart and magic.
The last time I was having such a good time throughout the whole book had been while reading Mate Hub: Legend by Marie Reynard.
This was simply awesome, from the first page to the last (well, the epilogue had sex but thankfully not only sex so I'll not hold that against the author).
The MCs were lovely and had multi layered personalities. I loved Claude and Sonny. Loved that the author let me wait for their first kiss (and more) until 50% in, because the chemistry had been sizzling, so no complaints from me.
The secondary characters were fantastic, like Jenny the sentient house (they were the star of the book for me), and the sentry fae Willow and Oggy, the custodians of Stinkhorn Manor.
The plot was hilarious but never cringey (despite the topics it covered, lol), the storyline was intriguing and thankfully there was no info dump, every wonderful aspect of the world was woven seamlessly into the plot.
I was surprised how much love the author poored into the seemingly smallest details.. Lucy providing Sonny with books bound with vegan leather and second hand clothes (because he was vegetarian and all for saving the environment), the MCs making calls on FaeTime, it felt like the author had a great time while writing.
Tldr: fun and silly read, full of heart and magic.
December 1, 2024
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Jemma Croft can write tf out of any story. Her writing is easy to read without being simple, the characters are to die for, the depth of the emotions is amazing without being cheesy and the plot here was absolutely ridiculous and funny. If you put all that in a blender and add a few dozen of squeaky tiny mushroom fae, you get this utter delight of a book.
Both Sonny and Claude jump off the page with how amazingly written they are. They both are endearing and special and so very imperfect, they are perfect. They're love story is sweet and a very slow burn (say 50% kissy time). I have so many highlights of their interactions it's not even funny.
The cast of secondary characters add flavour to the mix and each of them is essential. Especially Jenny. I just love Geneviève, it's the best house.
This being Jemma, you can expect wanking and farting jokes galore, but make it "tactful" (yeah, maybe not).
I love this story, so funny and adorable and wholesome.
Jemma Croft can write tf out of any story. Her writing is easy to read without being simple, the characters are to die for, the depth of the emotions is amazing without being cheesy and the plot here was absolutely ridiculous and funny. If you put all that in a blender and add a few dozen of squeaky tiny mushroom fae, you get this utter delight of a book.
Both Sonny and Claude jump off the page with how amazingly written they are. They both are endearing and special and so very imperfect, they are perfect. They're love story is sweet and a very slow burn (say 50% kissy time). I have so many highlights of their interactions it's not even funny.
The cast of secondary characters add flavour to the mix and each of them is essential. Especially Jenny. I just love Geneviève, it's the best house.
This being Jemma, you can expect wanking and farting jokes galore, but make it "tactful" (yeah, maybe not).
I love this story, so funny and adorable and wholesome.
March 31, 2025
I do think this could have been 200 pages shorter and still told the same story. It dragged so much that I did find myself losing interest, especially as what the ritual entailed was so obvious from very early on. It just felt like there was a lot of repetition and waffling descriptions of the house that didn't really add anything except more eccentricity.
I did like that there were different types of fae, and I enjoyed the map showing the kingdom too.
Sonny was actually really interesting and I feel like I inadvertently learnt a lot about more eco friendly gardening. Claude on the other hand didn't really grab my interest. He was very uninteresting and kind of overshadowed by almost every other character.
The sentient house was different though, and I'm pretty sure I haven't read about that before.
I'm hoping book two is better - I only read this because I was so interested in book two and wanted all the info 😂
I did like that there were different types of fae, and I enjoyed the map showing the kingdom too.
Sonny was actually really interesting and I feel like I inadvertently learnt a lot about more eco friendly gardening. Claude on the other hand didn't really grab my interest. He was very uninteresting and kind of overshadowed by almost every other character.
The sentient house was different though, and I'm pretty sure I haven't read about that before.
I'm hoping book two is better - I only read this because I was so interested in book two and wanted all the info 😂
March 17, 2025
This was so freaking hilarious. So cute. So original. So all the things. I love Jemma Croft's writing. This is the second book of hers I've read and I am solidly a fan for life. Looking forward to reading Mash's book.
Also, I loved By the Pint by Jemma, so if you haven't read that go do so.
Also, I loved By the Pint by Jemma, so if you haven't read that go do so.
May 29, 2025
This was good. Fun and cute. But way longer than it needed to be. So much detail about soil health and fungi.
December 8, 2024
Awwwww I just wanna wrap Sonny up and keep him forever. He’s such a mushroom and plant daddy klepto and I adore him. Claude was all grumpy and loner-y but came out of his shell pretty quickly once he felt emotionally safe. They were good for each other. The house was such a funny pervert but in a somewhat innocent way and the “guests” were weird but entertaining. Also, I’m a fan of any and all dad bods, so that was a nice touch.
Spice: 3.5/5
Triggers: kidnapping, discussion of child abandonment, references to bullying, stalkerish behavior, threat of demise of sentient being, mental torture of side character (off page), voyeurism by sentient house, off page historic parental death, rec drug use, sexual harassment (not MCs), attempted murder (not involving MCs, mostly unkillable being), body insecurities, suggestion of suicidal ideation of side character
Spice: 3.5/5
Triggers: kidnapping, discussion of child abandonment, references to bullying, stalkerish behavior, threat of demise of sentient being, mental torture of side character (off page), voyeurism by sentient house, off page historic parental death, rec drug use, sexual harassment (not MCs), attempted murder (not involving MCs, mostly unkillable being), body insecurities, suggestion of suicidal ideation of side character
October 19, 2025
Where do I start?! I loved every bit of this book! This book was cozy and cute, so very silly but it was also so heartwarming and loving.
Claude is just a simple guy, but he's lonely and Sonny is so passionate, kind, and a bit silly. They are so good together and the flirting and gentle way they ease into their romance. OMG. there is nothing like heartbreaking about this book but I love them so much it brought me to tears. They needed each other. I loved the longing they both had, the lingering looks, and things like that. I was worried the slow burn would be too slow but the pacing for everything felt perfect!!
The story is so fun, you'll LOVE the house and all its inhabitants. Oggy and Willow are just the best and honestly, if I could I would go stay in the house and never leave. I even found love for Jasper and Mrs Zeigler. (I actually really liked that little storyline) I enjoyed the found family bit of this book. My Claude has some abandonment issues and he was so alone in the world, so seeing him find a place and finding his people was so heartwarming. Even Sonny found his place and it was like finishing a really satisfying puzzle because everyone just fit together SO WELL.
The silliness in this book though, I was laughing out loud so much while reading! I tried to make the book last because I was enjoying it so much but I still finished too quickly. (that's what he said) But pee bales, phallic-shaped houses, and all the silly shirts Sonny wears- this book just had me giggling over everything. 1000000/10 will cherish this book and it may be my new favorite Jemma Croft book??
Claude is just a simple guy, but he's lonely and Sonny is so passionate, kind, and a bit silly. They are so good together and the flirting and gentle way they ease into their romance. OMG. there is nothing like heartbreaking about this book but I love them so much it brought me to tears. They needed each other. I loved the longing they both had, the lingering looks, and things like that. I was worried the slow burn would be too slow but the pacing for everything felt perfect!!
The story is so fun, you'll LOVE the house and all its inhabitants. Oggy and Willow are just the best and honestly, if I could I would go stay in the house and never leave. I even found love for Jasper and Mrs Zeigler. (I actually really liked that little storyline) I enjoyed the found family bit of this book. My Claude has some abandonment issues and he was so alone in the world, so seeing him find a place and finding his people was so heartwarming. Even Sonny found his place and it was like finishing a really satisfying puzzle because everyone just fit together SO WELL.
The silliness in this book though, I was laughing out loud so much while reading! I tried to make the book last because I was enjoying it so much but I still finished too quickly. (that's what he said) But pee bales, phallic-shaped houses, and all the silly shirts Sonny wears- this book just had me giggling over everything. 1000000/10 will cherish this book and it may be my new favorite Jemma Croft book??
March 20, 2025
This was such a sweet book! It was a bit long but very entertaining. Sonny and Claude were so cute together! The entire world building was imaginative and I loved it! Everyone at Stinkhorn Manor were funny and I adored Willow and Oggy.
I really enjoyed how Sonny explained everything in regards to mushrooms and the soil and growing plants. I could see why Claude loved to listen to him speak at night.
This was like a fairytale for bc adults.
I really enjoyed how Sonny explained everything in regards to mushrooms and the soil and growing plants. I could see why Claude loved to listen to him speak at night.
This was like a fairytale for bc adults.
April 7, 2025
It's too long, and the sex scenes started to wear on me on account of being a bit paint-by-numbers even when they got (mildly! so mildly!) kinky, plus if you haven't figured out the secret of the magical ritual by halfway through then I really can't help you, but as it happens Spouse and I are listening to the audiobook of Merlin Sheldrake's hilarious, brilliant, gee-whiz!, utterly glorious Entangled Life, about fungi, so I was in a position to appreciate all the lore about mushrooms, mycelium, and soil amendment, and also in a position to appreciate that it seems to have been well researched. Yes, I enjoyed this book in large part because of the mycology, don't @ me.
3.5 stars rounded up because it was fun despite its longueurs (and I'm not talking about Claude's dick, either) and because I got the impression that the author really wanted to show us all a good time.
3.5 stars rounded up because it was fun despite its longueurs (and I'm not talking about Claude's dick, either) and because I got the impression that the author really wanted to show us all a good time.
March 27, 2025
I don't usually read books reviewed as cutesy and ridiculous - they're not my cup of chai tea. This, however, was both of those things and I still loved it. Low angst, original, witty, and great writing. The image of 'his arousal jutting out like a gangplank' still had me giggling two days later. If you need something to take you out of the shit show that is the state of our world in 2025, then this'll do the trick.
September 5, 2025
So much fun!
This book is worth it for the chapter titles alone! I giggled my way through it and SUPER enjoyed it!
This book is worth it for the chapter titles alone! I giggled my way through it and SUPER enjoyed it!
April 12, 2025
This was so sweet and cute and lovely!
I don't have it in me to write a full review but I loved it.
I'm glad I persevered past the beginning which has one of the main characters having on page sex with a random person. I HATE that! Especially since he has a crush on the other main character already.
But, after that point this book was perfect and lovely and I really enjoyed myself and I'm so glad I persevered.
This is surprisingly an educational book about the importance of fungi.
I don't have it in me to write a full review but I loved it.
I'm glad I persevered past the beginning which has one of the main characters having on page sex with a random person. I HATE that! Especially since he has a crush on the other main character already.
But, after that point this book was perfect and lovely and I really enjoyed myself and I'm so glad I persevered.
This is surprisingly an educational book about the importance of fungi.
November 2, 2025
4.75 ★
⋆°.☾⋆.ೃ࿔*:⋆
fae, dual pov, LGBT, grumpyxsunshine, slow burn, found family, and the one bed trope? sheesh, i am SHOCKED at how severely underrated this book and author is.
⋆˚࿔ “𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.”
a magical house brings claude and sonny together, forcing them to nurture their relationship (and undeniable crushes on each other) as business associates. there, they meet multiple residents, each character having endearing and entertaining qualities, ensuring you getting attached to and amused by each and every one.
⋆˚࿔ “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥—𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥.”
i don’t read many MM romances and was questioning how i would feel about this, but i was pleasantly surprised! i was yearning and kicking my feet alongside both protagonists throughout the whole 400 pages. not to mention, the world building was brilliant and completely enticing! ppl have commented that it could’ve been cut down a couple hundred pages. and sure, i could see how it may have dragged on a bit. but honestly? drag on further, i <3 this story.
⋆˚࿔ “𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 ‘𝘨𝘰𝘵’ 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 ‘𝘨𝘰𝘵’ 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦? 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵?”
but i will say this, if you are against crude language/humor, i would turn away from this. there are innumerable dick/jizz jokes in here. i will also mention there are several, descriptive smut scenes. other than that, i would strongly recommend. but i also may be biased- i’m a heavy mood reader and this checked all my boxes atm🙈
⋆°.☾⋆.ೃ࿔*:⋆
fae, dual pov, LGBT, grumpyxsunshine, slow burn, found family, and the one bed trope? sheesh, i am SHOCKED at how severely underrated this book and author is.
⋆˚࿔ “𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.”
a magical house brings claude and sonny together, forcing them to nurture their relationship (and undeniable crushes on each other) as business associates. there, they meet multiple residents, each character having endearing and entertaining qualities, ensuring you getting attached to and amused by each and every one.
⋆˚࿔ “𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥—𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥.”
i don’t read many MM romances and was questioning how i would feel about this, but i was pleasantly surprised! i was yearning and kicking my feet alongside both protagonists throughout the whole 400 pages. not to mention, the world building was brilliant and completely enticing! ppl have commented that it could’ve been cut down a couple hundred pages. and sure, i could see how it may have dragged on a bit. but honestly? drag on further, i <3 this story.
⋆˚࿔ “𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 ‘𝘨𝘰𝘵’ 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 ‘𝘨𝘰𝘵’ 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦? 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵?”
but i will say this, if you are against crude language/humor, i would turn away from this. there are innumerable dick/jizz jokes in here. i will also mention there are several, descriptive smut scenes. other than that, i would strongly recommend. but i also may be biased- i’m a heavy mood reader and this checked all my boxes atm🙈
August 28, 2025
Sweet, funny and so silly. A perfect pick me up for a gloomy day. new to reading more humor heavy books but I'm sure I will read more. Fae is usually my least liked fantasy creature/paranormal. But still enjoyed this one. 3.5 stars.
December 20, 2024
Oh my days, I adored this book, I can't explain how I just smiled the whole time when I was reading it! I loved the world building, it has some great traditional fantasy elements, while also being so utterly silly and weird. It was just such a fun book to read. Filled with nonsense and fun, a little pining, and a lot of dick jokes! The addition of so many strong side characters added such depth to the story, the story was well developed and it felt like a pantomime at times cause I was pulling my hair out wanting the characters to catch on to what the ritual was that would save the day. Honestly just a really quirky rom com vibes, with a ridiculous amount of dick jokes, and a sprinkling of mystery, with an ominous countdown until they need to save the day. Cannot recommend more, one of my favourite reads of the year, this author is so good! I can't wait to read whatever comes next! I received an ARC of this book but the review is my own.
March 27, 2025
This book was bonkers! Loved it, haven’t laughed like that in a while. I loved both characters Sonny and Cloude were really sweet and reading about their feelings evolving was super cute. The house, Oggy and Willow all chaos surrounding this magical world was perfect!
December 10, 2024
"Self-love saves lives."
How do I even cap-ture the vibe and feelings of this book into words? It was 450 pages of goofy, ridiculous shenanigans full of mycelium magic. But only in the best way. If Jemma writes it...I will read it.
Sonny and Claude are so adorable. I loved their banter and interactions as they slowly realized they were both pining for the other. And I mean SLOWLY. But the build up is totally worth it. When we finally get to that first spice scene....spore-tacular! Thank goodness for a slightly perverted, meddling peen castle. Well done, Jenny.
And I can't not mention the hilarious and wacky cast of side characters. They were all amazing. Everyone's personalities were so unique and fun to read. Love them all so mush. Except Mr. Greene. He is definitely not a fun-gi.
I had a great time reading this book and I can't wait to see what else we get from Jemma's magical brain.
How do I even cap-ture the vibe and feelings of this book into words? It was 450 pages of goofy, ridiculous shenanigans full of mycelium magic. But only in the best way. If Jemma writes it...I will read it.
Sonny and Claude are so adorable. I loved their banter and interactions as they slowly realized they were both pining for the other. And I mean SLOWLY. But the build up is totally worth it. When we finally get to that first spice scene....spore-tacular! Thank goodness for a slightly perverted, meddling peen castle. Well done, Jenny.
And I can't not mention the hilarious and wacky cast of side characters. They were all amazing. Everyone's personalities were so unique and fun to read. Love them all so mush. Except Mr. Greene. He is definitely not a fun-gi.
I had a great time reading this book and I can't wait to see what else we get from Jemma's magical brain.
February 14, 2025
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
MM, Claude & Sonny, not-so-grumpy-sunshine, fae
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Claude spends his days as a train conductor on Remy’s underground railway and his life could not be any more predictable, but it’s also as lonely as a deserted island.
Enter Sonny, the university professor who thinks Claude, a shroom fae, will be able to help him with the paper he has been working for years. Sonny sees Claude as the perfect research subject—and maybe more.
Claude inherits Stinkhorn Manor when his absent father passes way. The mansion is sentient, with separation anxiety problems. To keep the house alive, Claude must perform an ancient magical ritual twice a year. There's just one tiny problem: he has no clue what the ritual entails and he is also terrible at magic, on top of this those who know the ritual are bound by magical silence, leaving Claude to stumble through the chaos.
Sonny, ever the mycology expert, soon finds himself at Claude’s side in Stinkhorn Manor. Together, they aim to unravel their mysteries—both magical and romantic.
I started reading Jemma’s books in October, and devoured them all! Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the next installment (woe is me). This book had me laughing out loud at 2am. It’s full of silly humor, including pee, jizz, and fart jokes, but it’s also incredibly heartwarming. Watching Claude’s relationship with Sonny grow, and seeing Claude envision a life less lonely is truly touching.
The inhabitants of Stinkhorn Manor add to the hilarity and depth of the story. For fans of Jemma’s work, there’s a cameo from Goldie of "By the Fae."
And now, I wait impatiently for Mash’s book, werewolves are my weakness.. 🐺
“And I summarised everything I’d experienced in the past few hours in only two short words. “Well, shit.””
“I already wanted to brush my fingertips all over them. And he had dimples. Motherfucking dimples.”
Thanks Jemma for the ARC 💕
MM, Claude & Sonny, not-so-grumpy-sunshine, fae
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Claude spends his days as a train conductor on Remy’s underground railway and his life could not be any more predictable, but it’s also as lonely as a deserted island.
Enter Sonny, the university professor who thinks Claude, a shroom fae, will be able to help him with the paper he has been working for years. Sonny sees Claude as the perfect research subject—and maybe more.
Claude inherits Stinkhorn Manor when his absent father passes way. The mansion is sentient, with separation anxiety problems. To keep the house alive, Claude must perform an ancient magical ritual twice a year. There's just one tiny problem: he has no clue what the ritual entails and he is also terrible at magic, on top of this those who know the ritual are bound by magical silence, leaving Claude to stumble through the chaos.
Sonny, ever the mycology expert, soon finds himself at Claude’s side in Stinkhorn Manor. Together, they aim to unravel their mysteries—both magical and romantic.
I started reading Jemma’s books in October, and devoured them all! Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the next installment (woe is me). This book had me laughing out loud at 2am. It’s full of silly humor, including pee, jizz, and fart jokes, but it’s also incredibly heartwarming. Watching Claude’s relationship with Sonny grow, and seeing Claude envision a life less lonely is truly touching.
The inhabitants of Stinkhorn Manor add to the hilarity and depth of the story. For fans of Jemma’s work, there’s a cameo from Goldie of "By the Fae."
And now, I wait impatiently for Mash’s book, werewolves are my weakness.. 🐺
“And I summarised everything I’d experienced in the past few hours in only two short words. “Well, shit.””
“I already wanted to brush my fingertips all over them. And he had dimples. Motherfucking dimples.”
Thanks Jemma for the ARC 💕
not-interested
June 16, 2025I knew one of the MC’s hooks up with someone else before they get together, but I didn’t realize they had still MET just weren’t together so will have to pass
October 31, 2025
Only good vibes 🍄
May 15, 2025
Character- 4.5/5
Plot- 4.75/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.75/5
I am genuinely and pleasantly surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this story. Its just such a relaxing, weird, fun rollercoaster of a read, and I just thoroughly loved it. This is humour, British charm and raunchiness all tied up in a tightly written and incredibly entertaining book.
The characters, including the side characters, all feel unique and individual, all with their own quirks and weird idiosyncrasies. There is really not a boring character in this book, except for the intentionally uptight Claude, whose whole character journey centres around him opening up to the much freer Sonny. They both have that undeniably cute fumbling chemistry that's addictive to read, all through the lens of this slow burn romance that becomes more and more pronounced as the book goes on.
The plot is...well equal part stupid as it is thoroughly hilarious and entertaining. Essentially, Claude has inherited a sentient mushroom house shaped like dicks, which will fade into nothingness if he doesn't figure out how to perform a secret mushroom fae related magic ritual. Absolutely. Wild.
Its so out there, and I love that, especially because so much of this book is just filled with great banter, wacky world building and incredibly fun characters. Its paced very well, with a little bit of a slow start but necessary for establishing the rest of the story and characters.
What more can I say, I honestly did not expect to enjoy this fantasy romp as much as I did. Its genuinely quite a funny and enjoyable book that totally took me by surprise. Thanks for reading, I'm now going to submerge myself in the rest of Jemma Croft's antics, peace out!
Plot- 4.75/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.75/5
I am genuinely and pleasantly surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this story. Its just such a relaxing, weird, fun rollercoaster of a read, and I just thoroughly loved it. This is humour, British charm and raunchiness all tied up in a tightly written and incredibly entertaining book.
The characters, including the side characters, all feel unique and individual, all with their own quirks and weird idiosyncrasies. There is really not a boring character in this book, except for the intentionally uptight Claude, whose whole character journey centres around him opening up to the much freer Sonny. They both have that undeniably cute fumbling chemistry that's addictive to read, all through the lens of this slow burn romance that becomes more and more pronounced as the book goes on.
The plot is...well equal part stupid as it is thoroughly hilarious and entertaining. Essentially, Claude has inherited a sentient mushroom house shaped like dicks, which will fade into nothingness if he doesn't figure out how to perform a secret mushroom fae related magic ritual. Absolutely. Wild.
Its so out there, and I love that, especially because so much of this book is just filled with great banter, wacky world building and incredibly fun characters. Its paced very well, with a little bit of a slow start but necessary for establishing the rest of the story and characters.
What more can I say, I honestly did not expect to enjoy this fantasy romp as much as I did. Its genuinely quite a funny and enjoyable book that totally took me by surprise. Thanks for reading, I'm now going to submerge myself in the rest of Jemma Croft's antics, peace out!
December 18, 2024
Well, my goodness how do I describe the absolute treasure that is this book. How do I put into words the joy, laughter, merriment and utter chaos fun that is this story? I guess by trying.
Claude Stinkhorn has inherited his father's house, and unbeknownst to him, his equinox responsibilities. THIS HOUSE!!! Claude is a mushroom fae, but is also a train conductor with a fondness for puzzles. In order for this house, and all of its magic to stay, Claude must perform the equinox ritual. Problem, no one talks abouts it, in fact they can't. Oh, the house is sentient. There is a full B&B with guest, and two wonderful custodians of the manor.
Sonny Daye is a professor of mycology and fae-glamour. And has been trying to get Claude to talk to him for the last three years about mushroom magic. He has been riding the train, just to try to get Claude to talk to him. And the house, yes, the house, has put the two of them together to figure this out.
The cast of characters, the house itself, and the absolute ride that is this book. I cannot recommend it enough. Jemma took us on such a trip, I was laughing out loud so much, I had to stop reading I did not want the story to end.
Claude Stinkhorn has inherited his father's house, and unbeknownst to him, his equinox responsibilities. THIS HOUSE!!! Claude is a mushroom fae, but is also a train conductor with a fondness for puzzles. In order for this house, and all of its magic to stay, Claude must perform the equinox ritual. Problem, no one talks abouts it, in fact they can't. Oh, the house is sentient. There is a full B&B with guest, and two wonderful custodians of the manor.
Sonny Daye is a professor of mycology and fae-glamour. And has been trying to get Claude to talk to him for the last three years about mushroom magic. He has been riding the train, just to try to get Claude to talk to him. And the house, yes, the house, has put the two of them together to figure this out.
The cast of characters, the house itself, and the absolute ride that is this book. I cannot recommend it enough. Jemma took us on such a trip, I was laughing out loud so much, I had to stop reading I did not want the story to end.
June 27, 2025
MM Urban Fantasy
Grumpy / Sunshine
Sassy Sentient House
Adorable MCs
Opposites Attract
Cute, Awkward Banter
Cozy & Spicy
Slow Burn
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Wow, how adorable is this book?! I have to say one of my new favorite genres (sub-genre? IDK) is this Cozy & Spicy (Cozy Smut? Spicy Coziness?) that I have seen a bit more of lately. This fits that perfectly. You have this story that's just so adorable, funny and low angst and just gives you good feelings... then it hits with this dirty spice that ALSO gives you good feelings (wink, sorry, couldn't be avoided).
Claude and Sonny are two opposites that come together to solve the mystery or mushroom magic, with the help of a pervy sentient house and a houseful of wild and amazing characters. This really is just so much fun. And the slow burn with Claude and Sonny is pretty swoony, even amongst all the silliness. Its heartwarming and feel good!
Its a short and sweet review here because really all I have to say is that its funny, cozy and spicy! Loved it.
Grumpy / Sunshine
Sassy Sentient House
Adorable MCs
Opposites Attract
Cute, Awkward Banter
Cozy & Spicy
Slow Burn
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
Wow, how adorable is this book?! I have to say one of my new favorite genres (sub-genre? IDK) is this Cozy & Spicy (Cozy Smut? Spicy Coziness?) that I have seen a bit more of lately. This fits that perfectly. You have this story that's just so adorable, funny and low angst and just gives you good feelings... then it hits with this dirty spice that ALSO gives you good feelings (wink, sorry, couldn't be avoided).
Claude and Sonny are two opposites that come together to solve the mystery or mushroom magic, with the help of a pervy sentient house and a houseful of wild and amazing characters. This really is just so much fun. And the slow burn with Claude and Sonny is pretty swoony, even amongst all the silliness. Its heartwarming and feel good!
Its a short and sweet review here because really all I have to say is that its funny, cozy and spicy! Loved it.
December 29, 2024
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - parental death (off page, decapitated, mentioned), recreational drug use (marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms), kleptomaniac MC, depiction of dead animal (mouse, not graphic), parental abandonment and subsequent abandonment issues incl depression, isolation and loneliness (mentioned), sexual harassment (not between the MCs), bullying (scs), attempted murder (scs), suggestion of suicidal thoughts (sc), body insecurities, alcohol and party drug culture, smoking (scs), general alcohol consumption, crimes (of a sc, mentioned), vomiting (sc, off page)
CW - light bondage, toys, edging (off page)
Tropes - silly (like actually though), slow burn, fantasy, mushroom fae x magpie fae, one bed
Representation - queer rep, gay rep, midsize MMC
When Jemma said this was silly, she 100000000% meant it lmao; I can't even tell you how many times I snorted reading this.
This was honestly so cute and so fun while the MCs got to know each other beyond Sonny's (MMC) light (affectionate) stalking. As an avid romance reader, I knew the answer to the big problem that drove the plot of this book and, because I have 0 patience, I was screaming at the characters to figure it out 💀. HOWEVER, I get it. There was absolutely no reason for them to draw the conclusion that they needed to so early on; I found it both amusing and frustrating having to read them figure it out 😅.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - parental death (off page, decapitated, mentioned), recreational drug use (marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms), kleptomaniac MC, depiction of dead animal (mouse, not graphic), parental abandonment and subsequent abandonment issues incl depression, isolation and loneliness (mentioned), sexual harassment (not between the MCs), bullying (scs), attempted murder (scs), suggestion of suicidal thoughts (sc), body insecurities, alcohol and party drug culture, smoking (scs), general alcohol consumption, crimes (of a sc, mentioned), vomiting (sc, off page)
CW - light bondage, toys, edging (off page)
Tropes - silly (like actually though), slow burn, fantasy, mushroom fae x magpie fae, one bed
Representation - queer rep, gay rep, midsize MMC
When Jemma said this was silly, she 100000000% meant it lmao; I can't even tell you how many times I snorted reading this.
This was honestly so cute and so fun while the MCs got to know each other beyond Sonny's (MMC) light (affectionate) stalking. As an avid romance reader, I knew the answer to the big problem that drove the plot of this book and, because I have 0 patience, I was screaming at the characters to figure it out 💀. HOWEVER, I get it. There was absolutely no reason for them to draw the conclusion that they needed to so early on; I found it both amusing and frustrating having to read them figure it out 😅.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
December 19, 2024
True to the title, this book grew on me. The overall vibe was initially more humorous than romantic. I wasn't sure what to think for a bit, but I just needed to practice some patience: beneath the crude jokes and general silliness is a cute fantasy romance. I think Croft put it best with the line "bonkers but loveable."
I cannot forego mentioning the food. This book made me SO hungry. I have never craved eggs and sprouts more in my life.
Thanks so much to the author for the chance to check out the ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I cannot forego mentioning the food. This book made me SO hungry. I have never craved eggs and sprouts more in my life.
Thanks so much to the author for the chance to check out the ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
December 5, 2024
This was so much fun (and so delightfully silly!). If you want tricksy fae magic, more pee and jizz jokes than you can shake a stick at and a found family of adorable weirdos (including a sentient house!!) then look no further!
When Claude Stinkhorn, a mushroom fae, finds out his father has died and he has inherited the title of Lord Stinkhorn, he isn’t sure what to think. He’s even more surprised when he discovers he’s also inherited a sentient house, complete with a B&B full of weird and wonderful guests. But it comes with a caveat… he has to complete a ritual every six months to keep the house ‘alive’… but unfortunately, no one seems to be able to tell him what the ritual entails.
Feeling desperate, he enlists the help of Professor Sonny Daye, a mushroom and magic expert who works at a prestigious university… only to find out that Sonny is the same fae he has been butting heads with for years at his job as a train conductor! Now he has to figure out how to save the house, whilst trying to navigate his feelings for the pretty magpie fae who has spent years stealing his valuables.
Will Sonny and Claude figure out the secret to Stinkhorn manner? Will the kooky guests stop trying to murder each other for ten minutes? Will Sonny’s pee bale truly change the world of gardening? And will Claude making it through this before Sonny ends up stealing his heart as well as his cufflinks?
This was such a lighthearted read with characters you can’t help but fall in love with. If you need something low-angst and high-humour, give this a go!
The only reason this missed out a star from me is because I figured out the ‘mystery’ really early in the book, so the rest of the time I was furiously yelling at the characters to get their shit together 😹 I also feel like I could have done with more background as to the other B&B guests and less repetition on the mystery of the ritual (but again, that’s just me - no doubt other people will enjoy those elements more!
Read Shroom for Improvement for:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Unique take on fae magic
✨ Magical ritual that one can talk about
✨ A kinda pervy sentient house 😹
✨ Many many pee and jizz jokes
✨ Nerds in love
✨ Quirky found family
✨ Evil estate agents
✨ Saving the world one pee-bale at a time
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! It’s available on 18th December! 💕
When Claude Stinkhorn, a mushroom fae, finds out his father has died and he has inherited the title of Lord Stinkhorn, he isn’t sure what to think. He’s even more surprised when he discovers he’s also inherited a sentient house, complete with a B&B full of weird and wonderful guests. But it comes with a caveat… he has to complete a ritual every six months to keep the house ‘alive’… but unfortunately, no one seems to be able to tell him what the ritual entails.
Feeling desperate, he enlists the help of Professor Sonny Daye, a mushroom and magic expert who works at a prestigious university… only to find out that Sonny is the same fae he has been butting heads with for years at his job as a train conductor! Now he has to figure out how to save the house, whilst trying to navigate his feelings for the pretty magpie fae who has spent years stealing his valuables.
Will Sonny and Claude figure out the secret to Stinkhorn manner? Will the kooky guests stop trying to murder each other for ten minutes? Will Sonny’s pee bale truly change the world of gardening? And will Claude making it through this before Sonny ends up stealing his heart as well as his cufflinks?
This was such a lighthearted read with characters you can’t help but fall in love with. If you need something low-angst and high-humour, give this a go!
The only reason this missed out a star from me is because I figured out the ‘mystery’ really early in the book, so the rest of the time I was furiously yelling at the characters to get their shit together 😹 I also feel like I could have done with more background as to the other B&B guests and less repetition on the mystery of the ritual (but again, that’s just me - no doubt other people will enjoy those elements more!
Read Shroom for Improvement for:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Unique take on fae magic
✨ Magical ritual that one can talk about
✨ A kinda pervy sentient house 😹
✨ Many many pee and jizz jokes
✨ Nerds in love
✨ Quirky found family
✨ Evil estate agents
✨ Saving the world one pee-bale at a time
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! It’s available on 18th December! 💕
December 31, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
This was a hysterical ride from beginning to end, Claude & Sonny were so gone for each other since their first interactions on the train that I was already obsessed with them from the beginning. All it took was a sentient house, a bunch of d*ck jokes and some “self-love” to bring them together. Jenny, the sentient house who watched their *every* move, was by far one of the funniest characters always jumping in and making jokes or suggestions when you least expected it. There was a point in the story that had my heart hurting for this house and all it had been through. Who would have thought a house would make me so emotional but the obvious care it had for this found family of misfits at the manor was so sweet. Everyone who lived there, or was forced to stay, helped Claude discover and determine his new life surrounded by friends rather than alone. Even Sonny, found a community that accepted his wonderful quirks, pee-bale and all! This was a cozy and sweet romance with the right amount of spice to make things interesting. Make sure add it to your 2025 TBR because you don't want to miss it!
This was a hysterical ride from beginning to end, Claude & Sonny were so gone for each other since their first interactions on the train that I was already obsessed with them from the beginning. All it took was a sentient house, a bunch of d*ck jokes and some “self-love” to bring them together. Jenny, the sentient house who watched their *every* move, was by far one of the funniest characters always jumping in and making jokes or suggestions when you least expected it. There was a point in the story that had my heart hurting for this house and all it had been through. Who would have thought a house would make me so emotional but the obvious care it had for this found family of misfits at the manor was so sweet. Everyone who lived there, or was forced to stay, helped Claude discover and determine his new life surrounded by friends rather than alone. Even Sonny, found a community that accepted his wonderful quirks, pee-bale and all! This was a cozy and sweet romance with the right amount of spice to make things interesting. Make sure add it to your 2025 TBR because you don't want to miss it!
November 24, 2025
i really really enjoyed the concept of this book.
it was the definition of cozy fantasy, a perfect read for fall, if you ask me.
all the fae and the distinctions between them and all the magic, wow!!
it was funny too! mostly corny and inappropriate jokes but i actually had fun.
sonny was by far my favourite and i loved him with claude!
i would have liked more about oggy & willow, they were really interesting.
i'm glad sonny chose claude & the house afterall, i even liked mrs ziegler and the demon's bickering!
im not sure i particularly liked mash, but i would love to read his book, it sounds so interesting!:(
he was not a good friend though, that much i can tell.
jenny should have gotten a lecture & claude should have confronted her, but i'm glad everyone was okay in the end!!
it was the definition of cozy fantasy, a perfect read for fall, if you ask me.
all the fae and the distinctions between them and all the magic, wow!!
it was funny too! mostly corny and inappropriate jokes but i actually had fun.
sonny was by far my favourite and i loved him with claude!
i would have liked more about oggy & willow, they were really interesting.
i'm glad sonny chose claude & the house afterall, i even liked mrs ziegler and the demon's bickering!
im not sure i particularly liked mash, but i would love to read his book, it sounds so interesting!:(
he was not a good friend though, that much i can tell.
jenny should have gotten a lecture & claude should have confronted her, but i'm glad everyone was okay in the end!!
June 26, 2025
I liked the humor. It showed that I have a deeper reservoir for dick jokes than I was previously aware of. I think you'd have to be in the right mood for this book, because its very low stake, silly, and downright juvenile at times. I loved the sentient house and the weird cast of characters.
I do think the book was a bit too long by about 25%. It ended up feeling repetitive, and I got kinda bored and wanted to read something else. I am also a bit annoyed that the conflict resolution was so obvious, and the relationship could have progressed more smoothly. The problems were "barely an inconvenience" and therefore should've been resolved more swiftly. I'd still be happy to read the sequel.
I do think the book was a bit too long by about 25%. It ended up feeling repetitive, and I got kinda bored and wanted to read something else. I am also a bit annoyed that the conflict resolution was so obvious, and the relationship could have progressed more smoothly. The problems were "barely an inconvenience" and therefore should've been resolved more swiftly. I'd still be happy to read the sequel.
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