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Simon is a monster/faun and human romcom, with Tarzan and Jane vibes, fated mates, he falls first and instant attraction. While this story is part of a series, you can read this spicy story as a stand-alone.
Simon hadn’t always walked on two legs. In fact, he had spent most of his life on four legs, as a goat and companion to a human raised by fae. He hadn’t seen himself as a pet; he had been much too smart for that. Simon had grasped human speech, surpassing the intelligence of the average goat, a concept beyond his comprehension.
His companion knew, though, treated him as his equal and when it came time to protect her, he jumped at the chance and the spell reversing potion fell onto his fur and changed him into what he was that day... a two-legged monster.
Simon ran away from his human and wandered the Monktona Wood alone. He learned to walk on two legs, used his hands, made tools, and built a home. He was more than an animal then, but speaking had been the last thing on his mind.
That changed when he stumbled upon a human female that made his heart beat faster and stirred something in his pouch.
Lucy was shy around males, no thanks to her father and her emotional disinterest towards the other opposite sex. Her curiosity about how the world worked and a desire to know all the things sparked something new inside her during a feverish dream with a not so human male.
While Lucy was was supposed to gather information and map out the Monktona Wood, an ogre came in to steal her away, it was a mysterious faun that took her first.
He was mute, he was touchy-feely, demanding, and he would not let her go.
He scented her, claimed her, and it would have taken the Moon Goddess herself to rip them apart.
Simon hadn’t always walked on two legs. In fact, he had spent most of his life on four legs, as a goat and companion to a human raised by fae. He hadn’t seen himself as a pet; he had been much too smart for that. Simon had grasped human speech, surpassing the intelligence of the average goat, a concept beyond his comprehension.
His companion knew, though, treated him as his equal and when it came time to protect her, he jumped at the chance and the spell reversing potion fell onto his fur and changed him into what he was that day... a two-legged monster.
Simon ran away from his human and wandered the Monktona Wood alone. He learned to walk on two legs, used his hands, made tools, and built a home. He was more than an animal then, but speaking had been the last thing on his mind.
That changed when he stumbled upon a human female that made his heart beat faster and stirred something in his pouch.
Lucy was shy around males, no thanks to her father and her emotional disinterest towards the other opposite sex. Her curiosity about how the world worked and a desire to know all the things sparked something new inside her during a feverish dream with a not so human male.
While Lucy was was supposed to gather information and map out the Monktona Wood, an ogre came in to steal her away, it was a mysterious faun that took her first.
He was mute, he was touchy-feely, demanding, and he would not let her go.
He scented her, claimed her, and it would have taken the Moon Goddess herself to rip them apart.
- GenresFantasyMonster Romance
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
40 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 14, 2025
This was such a cute story! The development of Simon and Lucy’s relationship was beautiful and so swoony! Lucy’s inner dialogue was hilarious and so relatable! Simon was so damn sweet and adorable. They were both strong and fearless. The buildup to the spice was wonderfully balanced. There was an innocence and purity to their romance that made the heat hit the spot. This story had mystery, heartwarming scenes, action and a lovely HEA. I’m looking forward to reading the previous books in the series! Thank you Vera Foxx for the eARC!
April 9, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: All the books in this series so far were orc focused, so I was fascinated to see this book pop up with a faun! I found this story absolutely charming, as I anticipated I would. Now, don't mistake my saying 'charming' to mean that this story lacks spicy times because omg it does not lack there at all.
As a neurospicy person I found Lucy to be wonderfully relatable in her choices and inner monologue. How could I not be when that inner monologue includes phrases like "My ADHD just can’t, right now." Because MOOD. Lucy is sharp, observant, and the way she's written feels familiar; like the frustration I get when I have too many thoughts and my brain isn't an internet browser I can just open more tabs on. Lucy is also a Book Girlie and I LOVE IT. "They touched me so intimately and made me feel things I never thought possible. I felt a stirring in my body, right now when I thought about him, and my cheeks grew warm at the memory of his hands on me. Maybe I was broken. I liked creepy dudes that came into my tent! I had to stop reading dark romance."
I found Simon a really intriguing character because I feel like I haven't really seen this type of story arc before? Simon started as a fully animal goat and the companion of a human (Calliope) but we are told very early on during his character introduction that over time he's become something...more. And while he's mostly content with those changes Simon is also having to navigate new feelings like loneliness and isolation. "These natural elements had become my steadfast companions ever since my transformation into what I was now. I felt as if I was connected with nature, and a good thing too, since I could not communicate with anyone else. My face just could not form the words that I wanted. Not that I had tried. I had spent most of my time thus far learning to walk, using my hands, and making tools. I knew how to by watching the orcs from afar. It was difficult, but I tried to make them myself, so I did not have to steal them. I only borrowed what I needed. Most of it was from Calliope and her male. Speaking? I did not have time for it. Now, I was getting lonely. Being a full animal, I enjoyed companionship with my human. Watching over Calliope for so long had ingrained in me a sense of belonging, and now I did not know what to do with myself. I wanted...someone else to take care of." Seeing how Simon has to learn to balance old fully animal instincts with the instincts of a faun is a really engrossing aspect to this story. Especially considering the type of goat Simon seems to have started life as (IYKYK).
These two are intriguing characters on their own but wowser do sparks and more fly when they're together. Loved this book. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a neurospicy person I found Lucy to be wonderfully relatable in her choices and inner monologue. How could I not be when that inner monologue includes phrases like "My ADHD just can’t, right now." Because MOOD. Lucy is sharp, observant, and the way she's written feels familiar; like the frustration I get when I have too many thoughts and my brain isn't an internet browser I can just open more tabs on. Lucy is also a Book Girlie and I LOVE IT. "They touched me so intimately and made me feel things I never thought possible. I felt a stirring in my body, right now when I thought about him, and my cheeks grew warm at the memory of his hands on me. Maybe I was broken. I liked creepy dudes that came into my tent! I had to stop reading dark romance."
I found Simon a really intriguing character because I feel like I haven't really seen this type of story arc before? Simon started as a fully animal goat and the companion of a human (Calliope) but we are told very early on during his character introduction that over time he's become something...more. And while he's mostly content with those changes Simon is also having to navigate new feelings like loneliness and isolation. "These natural elements had become my steadfast companions ever since my transformation into what I was now. I felt as if I was connected with nature, and a good thing too, since I could not communicate with anyone else. My face just could not form the words that I wanted. Not that I had tried. I had spent most of my time thus far learning to walk, using my hands, and making tools. I knew how to by watching the orcs from afar. It was difficult, but I tried to make them myself, so I did not have to steal them. I only borrowed what I needed. Most of it was from Calliope and her male. Speaking? I did not have time for it. Now, I was getting lonely. Being a full animal, I enjoyed companionship with my human. Watching over Calliope for so long had ingrained in me a sense of belonging, and now I did not know what to do with myself. I wanted...someone else to take care of." Seeing how Simon has to learn to balance old fully animal instincts with the instincts of a faun is a really engrossing aspect to this story. Especially considering the type of goat Simon seems to have started life as (IYKYK).
These two are intriguing characters on their own but wowser do sparks and more fly when they're together. Loved this book. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2025
Lucy is getting ready to go on the adventure of her life. She's in a different realm and she's being sent out to explore. She's on Bergarian, a new world,a place to learn, search and discover. She is preparing to leave and has a few issues. Her father is a very protective father and has been for the 29 years she's lived. She knows he can't go and she's trying her best to get him to settle down and not get too excited. Finally she's ready. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand she's off.
One of the females guards, Elmira, tells her that she's like a child because her mind is full of curiosity. Then Lucy sees a dragon! She squeals and stands on the moving cart and gazes in awe and wonder. But she's a scientist and raised as such so the curiosity is ingrained.
Simon is half goat half man and is digging roots out when he catches a smell that draws him. He follows the scent to a camp where he sees a female and wonders if the scent is her. He leaves to keep from being discovered. But one of the Orcs found some fur which he shows to Lucy. She immediately is intrigued. She gets her microscope but it shows human characteristics she figures the bit of fur has been cross contaminated. The next day Lucy and Elmira are looking around when Lucy discovers what are called whisps. Elmira tells her they take her to her fate/mate but are trouble makers too so that sometimes it gets a little difficult on the path they set on.
When he hears this Simon begins to believe that she is his. That night Simon sneaks into her tent and spends time with her. He marks her with his scent. The next morning when Lucy comes out all activity ends because the shifters and orcs smell the scent mark. As they are trying to figure who did it Lucy notices the ground tremble. She gets everyones attention and then the camp is overrun with animals. OGRE!! Lucy is tossed over the head guard's shoulder and he runs. The battle starts when the ogre catches sight of the human.
Dutton hides her in a log and covers it with shrubs then sprinkles a plant that hides scent then he returns to the fight. Simon finds her. Lucy is surprised and shocked and intrigued and wants him. But what is he? A faun? A satyr? Simon is excited to finally have his Lucy. Then the roar of the OGRE sounds and he cradles her and she tells him run. So he runs and heads to his home which is on a cliff. Now he can show her how he can care for her.
Well Lucy is in for a lot of adventures mostly not welcomed but with some good things too. But what about her dad? The wolves? The orcs? How will she ever explain to anyone how her body aches for this individual?
Definitely a Me Tarzan You Jane theme going but oh so delicious to read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of the females guards, Elmira, tells her that she's like a child because her mind is full of curiosity. Then Lucy sees a dragon! She squeals and stands on the moving cart and gazes in awe and wonder. But she's a scientist and raised as such so the curiosity is ingrained.
Simon is half goat half man and is digging roots out when he catches a smell that draws him. He follows the scent to a camp where he sees a female and wonders if the scent is her. He leaves to keep from being discovered. But one of the Orcs found some fur which he shows to Lucy. She immediately is intrigued. She gets her microscope but it shows human characteristics she figures the bit of fur has been cross contaminated. The next day Lucy and Elmira are looking around when Lucy discovers what are called whisps. Elmira tells her they take her to her fate/mate but are trouble makers too so that sometimes it gets a little difficult on the path they set on.
When he hears this Simon begins to believe that she is his. That night Simon sneaks into her tent and spends time with her. He marks her with his scent. The next morning when Lucy comes out all activity ends because the shifters and orcs smell the scent mark. As they are trying to figure who did it Lucy notices the ground tremble. She gets everyones attention and then the camp is overrun with animals. OGRE!! Lucy is tossed over the head guard's shoulder and he runs. The battle starts when the ogre catches sight of the human.
Dutton hides her in a log and covers it with shrubs then sprinkles a plant that hides scent then he returns to the fight. Simon finds her. Lucy is surprised and shocked and intrigued and wants him. But what is he? A faun? A satyr? Simon is excited to finally have his Lucy. Then the roar of the OGRE sounds and he cradles her and she tells him run. So he runs and heads to his home which is on a cliff. Now he can show her how he can care for her.
Well Lucy is in for a lot of adventures mostly not welcomed but with some good things too. But what about her dad? The wolves? The orcs? How will she ever explain to anyone how her body aches for this individual?
Definitely a Me Tarzan You Jane theme going but oh so delicious to read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
Finding out about Simon’s past and how he became the fainting goat that we fell in love with but that he was also a faun was awesome. From the moment he bounced into the other book and fainted, I loved him and his antics. The fact that he is a faun now was just more fun for me. He impressed me so much in this book. Not only does he pull pranks and steal things, but he is extremely smart and cunning. Lucy and her father are humans that want to learn more about the magical lands from a scientific point of view. She is to head an expedition into Monktona Woods, as really only the orcs know that land well. Now that the orcs are looking for mates and are starting to get them, but others- werewolves, fae, etc,. Want to go there to see if their mates are there. Dutton and a bunch of werewolves go with Lucy to protect her, but things go wrong right away as an ogre smells her and Simon realizes that Lucy is HIS> and total mischief and mayhem ensues. Lucy is to record everything in her notebooks with pencils, that way the land is pure and trash free, and only non electronic devices for specimen gathering, etc. They are to meet two orcs, one of which is Sugha. (I love him! I also can’t wait for his book!) Honestly, Lucy and Simon’s meeting is hilarious from my pov, and scary from hers. I kinda feel bad about it. Lucy is drawn to Simon and he is very protective. Things get steamy and hot, plus some scary parts and some sweet parts. There were a lot of my questions answered from Calliope’s book. As well as other questions I had about Monktona Wood. The fight scenes were awesome. Lucy’s dad is a riot. lol. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
✅️ Tarzan × Jane Retelling
✅️ Fainting Faun
🖤 Dark Undertones (Read Trigger Warnings)
✅️ Spice
✅️ Ode to Greek Mythology
✅️ Fated Mates
✅️ Magic
💚 Simon and Lucy 💚
Will absolutely begin this review stating this was very out of my typical genre (monster realm) and was my introduction to Vera Foxx.
Lucy is our FMC and is a very curious and innocent, researcher who comes from Earth to the land of Bergarian to document the Monktona Wood. Simon, our MMC is a faun, who was once a goat. Albeit, we learn more of his past as the story progresses as it's not that simple. They cross paths and it's really a complete road to self-discovery, independence and let's say …sexual awakening for each.
I thought it was hysterical Simon had the whole fainting goat syndrome. He was a very cute character. Especially when he was re-learning to communicate. I adored the internal dialogue he was going through.
While I enjoyed the storyline overall, I was not a fan of the direct references to Narnia. The FMC's name being Lucy and falling for “Mr. Tumnus” was a bit too on-the-nose. Took me out of the story and felt a bit too fan fiction.
Not that I wasn't a fan of the concept, just wish it hadn't been such a literal translation. Totally respect the vision, though.
Enjoyable read!
** Thank you to Booksprout and the author for an e-ARC **
✅️ Tarzan × Jane Retelling
✅️ Fainting Faun
🖤 Dark Undertones (Read Trigger Warnings)
✅️ Spice
✅️ Ode to Greek Mythology
✅️ Fated Mates
✅️ Magic
💚 Simon and Lucy 💚
Will absolutely begin this review stating this was very out of my typical genre (monster realm) and was my introduction to Vera Foxx.
Lucy is our FMC and is a very curious and innocent, researcher who comes from Earth to the land of Bergarian to document the Monktona Wood. Simon, our MMC is a faun, who was once a goat. Albeit, we learn more of his past as the story progresses as it's not that simple. They cross paths and it's really a complete road to self-discovery, independence and let's say …sexual awakening for each.
I thought it was hysterical Simon had the whole fainting goat syndrome. He was a very cute character. Especially when he was re-learning to communicate. I adored the internal dialogue he was going through.
While I enjoyed the storyline overall, I was not a fan of the direct references to Narnia. The FMC's name being Lucy and falling for “Mr. Tumnus” was a bit too on-the-nose. Took me out of the story and felt a bit too fan fiction.
Not that I wasn't a fan of the concept, just wish it hadn't been such a literal translation. Totally respect the vision, though.
Enjoyable read!
** Thank you to Booksprout and the author for an e-ARC **
March 12, 2025
This book was so good! The characters and world are so well-written and interesting. Truly delightful!
Lucy is a sheltered human who has travelled from Earth to Bergarian with her father for scientific research. Simon was a goat but is now a faun after he got hit with a magic potion and he is struggling to adjust.
They cross paths when she goes into the forest for science. He smells her & senses their mate bond. Then he watches her camp. (And he maybe kinda sneaks into her tent to watch and scent mark her while she sleeps.) Things escalate and they end up in the forest together, getting to know each other. Simon is all in on the mate thing, Lucy is not. The journey we go on with them as they explore and learn is really sweet.
This book made me laugh, cry, swoon, clutch my pearls, kick my feet, and feel joy.
Now, grown up talk. There are some non-consensual things that happen (scenting, touching, etc.) and the spice is open door, so check the content warnings if you are concerned about any of these things.
This is my first Vera Foxx book and I cannot wait to read more of her books! Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of Simon's ARC team.
Lucy is a sheltered human who has travelled from Earth to Bergarian with her father for scientific research. Simon was a goat but is now a faun after he got hit with a magic potion and he is struggling to adjust.
They cross paths when she goes into the forest for science. He smells her & senses their mate bond. Then he watches her camp. (And he maybe kinda sneaks into her tent to watch and scent mark her while she sleeps.) Things escalate and they end up in the forest together, getting to know each other. Simon is all in on the mate thing, Lucy is not. The journey we go on with them as they explore and learn is really sweet.
This book made me laugh, cry, swoon, clutch my pearls, kick my feet, and feel joy.
Now, grown up talk. There are some non-consensual things that happen (scenting, touching, etc.) and the spice is open door, so check the content warnings if you are concerned about any of these things.
This is my first Vera Foxx book and I cannot wait to read more of her books! Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of Simon's ARC team.
March 13, 2025
I was so grateful for getting an ARC 💚 I am a huge fan of Vera Foxx’s writing and have read all her books! I have been eagerly waiting for this release and Vera did not disappoint!
What I love the most about Vera’s books is that they are all interconnected in some way. With the Promised Mates of Monktona Wood being one of her newest series, it warms my heart to see how far the world of Bergarian has come since the days before the Dark War.
In this book we meet Lucy, a human woman from Earth, with a passion for science, who embarks on a journey to Bergarian in an effort to discover more about Monktona Wood, formerly known as the Dark Forest. From the first moment Simon sees her traveling through the forest, he knows she was meant to be his. When Simon is forced to step in and saves her from an ogre, sparks immediately fly. While a little reluctant at first, Lucy soon realizes that what she feels for her furry companion is special. Together, they help each other grow and become the people they were always meant to be despite all the odds stacked against them.
The book was adorable, funny, & had my feet kicking! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
What I love the most about Vera’s books is that they are all interconnected in some way. With the Promised Mates of Monktona Wood being one of her newest series, it warms my heart to see how far the world of Bergarian has come since the days before the Dark War.
In this book we meet Lucy, a human woman from Earth, with a passion for science, who embarks on a journey to Bergarian in an effort to discover more about Monktona Wood, formerly known as the Dark Forest. From the first moment Simon sees her traveling through the forest, he knows she was meant to be his. When Simon is forced to step in and saves her from an ogre, sparks immediately fly. While a little reluctant at first, Lucy soon realizes that what she feels for her furry companion is special. Together, they help each other grow and become the people they were always meant to be despite all the odds stacked against them.
The book was adorable, funny, & had my feet kicking! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
March 13, 2025
This book was so good. I don’t know what I was expecting but it delivered! All the books so far in this series have been great and Vera Foxx does not disappoint. Definitely recommend reading the TW for this book as it touches on some sensitive subjects. Simon & Lucy’s relationship developed so well throughout. I do think that it was mainly based around their relationship and not many things were happening in the background that differed from the first two books. Simon learning how to talk and respect boundaries was really exciting to read. Lucy had to open up and learn to trust after being so sheltered from her father. Character development throughout this was just great. Super spicy much like her other reads, possibly more. I’ve never read a book where the MMC is a faun, this was very new for me but the Greek God element was a nice change.
I would’ve liked more with Simon’s parents etc & super excited for Slaugh���s book. It did take me a while to get into the story but once I was there I couldn’t put it down! So grateful to be selected as an ARC reader for this🧡
FMC - Lucy
MMC - Simon
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I would’ve liked more with Simon’s parents etc & super excited for Slaugh���s book. It did take me a while to get into the story but once I was there I couldn’t put it down! So grateful to be selected as an ARC reader for this🧡
FMC - Lucy
MMC - Simon
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
March 13, 2025
I have read most of the books by Vera Foxx, and this one did not disappoint! I haven’t really read a book where the main characters are a human with a faun mate, but I couldn’t stop reading once I started (and have already re-read it a second time). I had already read the previous book where Simon was introduced, so I was eager to see what happened with his character. Lucy was such a lovely character to add to this world; I loved her scientific fascination with the realm and it made their love even more enjoyable to read (and more spicy). Their innocence as their learned about each other and being mates was different compared to other characters in her previous books (in my opinion). They are such a super sweet couple! This can be read as a stand alone, but I personally am glad I read the first two Monktona Wood books before reading this one (and have also read the Under The Moon books that introduced other characters mentioned in these books). I can’t wait to read more from this series once released and hope to see more of Simon and Lucy!
March 17, 2025
This retelling of Tarzan and Jane was everything I never knew I needed. From the giggles and the parts where I just couldn't help but fall in love with a faun.
Simon is still getting used to his new body. Going from being a goat to now a faun, he's not used to walking on two hooves.
Lucy is in a new world. She's learning new things...for science. And when that new world has things such a werewolves, dragons, fae, orcs, and so much more, her scientist curiosity keeps her intrigued.
The last thing she expected was to be a human in this new world, and find a mate.
After an Ogre catches Lucy's scent, she's scooped up-saved- by Simon. Trying to get him to understand that he needs to return her to the group is not an option for him. She's his and he can protect her. But when he gets frustrated with his lack of ability to talk he bleats in her face. No being able to help herself, Lucy starts to fall.
With lots of laughter, some tears shed, and an endless supply of spice, I feel like this is the perfect way to have a Tarzan and Jane retelling.
Simon is still getting used to his new body. Going from being a goat to now a faun, he's not used to walking on two hooves.
Lucy is in a new world. She's learning new things...for science. And when that new world has things such a werewolves, dragons, fae, orcs, and so much more, her scientist curiosity keeps her intrigued.
The last thing she expected was to be a human in this new world, and find a mate.
After an Ogre catches Lucy's scent, she's scooped up-saved- by Simon. Trying to get him to understand that he needs to return her to the group is not an option for him. She's his and he can protect her. But when he gets frustrated with his lack of ability to talk he bleats in her face. No being able to help herself, Lucy starts to fall.
With lots of laughter, some tears shed, and an endless supply of spice, I feel like this is the perfect way to have a Tarzan and Jane retelling.
March 4, 2025
I have had my eye on this series for a while and so I haven't read them in the right order. oops. But that was because I got a really nice ARC copy of Simon who appeared in the previous book. This one does have a short summary of his adventure from Valpar that helped a lot. I tried reading without it and had to go back.
The new world was fun to explore. I like that our new human bean is looking at the world from a research approach. Lucy and not Mr.Tumnus are start as strangers and then cute and then get so comfortable with each other you just want to leave them alone to do whatever diffidently freaking thing they are doing. It's quite the wild ride.
Overall a light hearted book with lots of fun. I found a lot of moments where I was smiling and just wondering that the heck is happening. In a good way.
Favorite quote with no spoilers "I already put up the f*cking flowers, and she doesn't want it anymore?"
The new world was fun to explore. I like that our new human bean is looking at the world from a research approach. Lucy and not Mr.Tumnus are start as strangers and then cute and then get so comfortable with each other you just want to leave them alone to do whatever diffidently freaking thing they are doing. It's quite the wild ride.
Overall a light hearted book with lots of fun. I found a lot of moments where I was smiling and just wondering that the heck is happening. In a good way.
Favorite quote with no spoilers "I already put up the f*cking flowers, and she doesn't want it anymore?"
March 25, 2025
I seriously mean it when I say Vera is my Paranormal Queen! This Tarzan and Jane was 👩🏽🍳💋! From Simon starting to learn to talk and his internal dialogue with my female, his patience with Lucy accepting him and the care that he provided, including her clothing! He was the standard for going after that ogre, if you can't love me like Simon loves Lucy, I don't want it! Lucy my girl, the respect I have for you, smart, sweet, curious, respecting nature, loving her dad so much, knowing that she wanted love but had not found the other half of her soul, her soulmate, nature calling for them, it was so amazing, the twists and turns, the emotions you feel with them, writing is superb, spice was amazing, a little of each supernatural previous characters were shown, as always Kane baby, luvs you and your pouting #verafoxx #verafoxxauthor #simonverafoxx #montokawoodsverafoxx #bergarianseries #newbookalert #paranormalromancebooks #kindleunlimited #bookstagram #booktok #arcreader #fatedmates
March 1, 2025
Lucy is in Wood to study the creatures and surroundings. This is her first time without her father to accompany her. Really the first time without him period. They have close scientific father daughter relationship. She has always wondered why she hasn’t had the urges of desire towards males too. But with this step of independence she will find way more than she could ever imagine.
Simon is a faun but hasn’t always remembered being. He was spilt on by a potion and transformed from a goat to a faun. He wants to learn to be less animal but more so with the finding of a smell. He has found his own mate and wants to be more man for them. He has a human mate so he works at being more human than beast.
Their journey has so many obstacles with coming from different backgrounds and worlds. But with magic it is best not to question everything.
Simon is a faun but hasn’t always remembered being. He was spilt on by a potion and transformed from a goat to a faun. He wants to learn to be less animal but more so with the finding of a smell. He has found his own mate and wants to be more man for them. He has a human mate so he works at being more human than beast.
Their journey has so many obstacles with coming from different backgrounds and worlds. But with magic it is best not to question everything.
March 13, 2025
SUPER SWEET SIMON
While a standalone, Simon is Book 3 of the Promised Mates of Monktona Wood and definitely should be read in the order they were written.
Now this faun/human rom/com, fated mates story is absolutely brilliant. The world building from Vera Foxx is intricate, engaging and immersive. As the characters jumped from tree to tree, climbed rocky mountains or ran through the dense wood, I felt every moment, imagined every action and enjoyed the emotion within each detail. The characters are sweet and endearing while being stubborn and persuasive. The Bergarian realm continues to be one of my favourite fantasy worlds to dive into and as each character brings further knowledge about the world to light, the more excited I am to delve back in. There is nothing more I enjoy than recommending books, and this book is definitely a five-star read.
While a standalone, Simon is Book 3 of the Promised Mates of Monktona Wood and definitely should be read in the order they were written.
Now this faun/human rom/com, fated mates story is absolutely brilliant. The world building from Vera Foxx is intricate, engaging and immersive. As the characters jumped from tree to tree, climbed rocky mountains or ran through the dense wood, I felt every moment, imagined every action and enjoyed the emotion within each detail. The characters are sweet and endearing while being stubborn and persuasive. The Bergarian realm continues to be one of my favourite fantasy worlds to dive into and as each character brings further knowledge about the world to light, the more excited I am to delve back in. There is nothing more I enjoy than recommending books, and this book is definitely a five-star read.
March 18, 2025
What could be better than a mate with pockets?! I honestly had no clue what to expect from Simon, though I was pleasantly surprised. It was an entertaining fun world. One I would love to revisit. I don’t know what I loved more Lucy and her honest thoughts. I would have definitely had plenty of the same. Simon and his new faun learning. He was so adorable and watching him learn how to interact with Lucy kept me turning the pages. Or the community of Characters from beginning to end. I absolutely loved everything each one brought to the story. I plan to do some back reading. For real this is not a serious read but one that was completely hilarious and reminded me of why reading can truly be so much fun. Looking to lighten your day and put a smile on your heart the. Let this faun carry you away!
March 24, 2025
The Sweet and Salacious Faun
Simon’s story took me a bit longer to finish because life was life-ing, and every single bit I read I enjoyed it profoundly.
Our little faun always believed he was a monster, unable to talk, stranded, and well he also felt a bit abandoned by the one person that rescued him.
But once you are in Monktona you are destined to meet your fate.
Enter Lucy, a researcher from Earth, that is in Bergaria to record everything and anything she finds in The Wood. The mysterious forest that houses the Orcs and other creatures.
By decree of the Queen, Lucy embarks on the adventure of her lifetime.
This story was whimsical, funny, and overall heartwarming. We see the growth not only on Simon and his newfound abilities but also in Lucy and her thirst for knowledge and accepting magic is real and always has been. It’s wholesome with a cherry on top and I want more.
Simon’s story took me a bit longer to finish because life was life-ing, and every single bit I read I enjoyed it profoundly.
Our little faun always believed he was a monster, unable to talk, stranded, and well he also felt a bit abandoned by the one person that rescued him.
But once you are in Monktona you are destined to meet your fate.
Enter Lucy, a researcher from Earth, that is in Bergaria to record everything and anything she finds in The Wood. The mysterious forest that houses the Orcs and other creatures.
By decree of the Queen, Lucy embarks on the adventure of her lifetime.
This story was whimsical, funny, and overall heartwarming. We see the growth not only on Simon and his newfound abilities but also in Lucy and her thirst for knowledge and accepting magic is real and always has been. It’s wholesome with a cherry on top and I want more.
June 5, 2025
This book is book 3 in the Promised Mates of Monktona Wood series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. It has Tarzan meets Jane vibes in the beginning with Simon learning to speak and learn boundaries. He falls first when he discovers he has a mate. Simon thought he was a monster, unable to talk, alone in a strange new body. Our little faun wanted someone to love. Then comes Lucy, a researcher from Earth, to record everything she learns in Monktona Wood, the mysterious forest that orcs and other creatures live in. Lucy has a thirst for knowledge but struggles to accept magic exist. I really loved Simon's growth in confidence in himself and the story of finding out where he came from. I really loved the epilogue, it was so heartwarming. I am a long-time reader of Vera Foxx, I love all her books. If you love fated mates and the PNR world, Vera Foxx is your girl.
March 6, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect with this book, but I’m not disappointed. Lucy and Simon are very adorable together. Lucy starts out this shy and awkward researcher who couldn’t handle men. Then comes in Simon who is determined to make Lucy his. They’re awkward and not on the same page at first. But slowly with time they grow close and confident. I loved seeing the interactions with the orcs and shifters. Especially the females and Lucy’s dad and his mate. It was funny and sweet. You can really see the love between Lucy and Simon throughout the book. It shines brightly like a star in the dead of night. Their relationship makes me feel whole inside. This was a nice read.
March 13, 2025
After reading Thorn and Valpar I was really looking forward to reading Simons story and yet again Vera did not disappoint, think (faun) Tarzan meets Jane with a lot more steam, you can’t help but love poor Simon and as the story progresses you find how he became to be the Simon he was in Valpar, and why apparently he is the only one, or is he? you’ll find cameos and mentions of characters from not only the under the moon series but also the gods series too, the intricate way Vera can entwine her whole world of bergarian and earth and other realms is nothing short of spectacular, another must read to add to the collection, highly recommended!
March 14, 2025
This book was everything I had hoped for and more!! When I learned Vera Foxx was writing Simon's story next in this series (books 1 (Thorn) and 2 (Valpar) are PERFECTION btw) I was beside myself with excitement.
Did you ever watch Narnia as a teen and maybe have teensy tiny crush on Mr. Tumnus?? ('ello James McAvoy!) If so, this story hits the spot!!!
Simon is an adorable faun man, not understanding why in the world his mate Lucy wouldn't want him touching her boobs, but does his absolute best (in his own sweet, silly way) to convince her that she is HIS.
The Monktona Wood series has to be a top favorite of mine and I can't wait for more!!!
Did you ever watch Narnia as a teen and maybe have teensy tiny crush on Mr. Tumnus?? ('ello James McAvoy!) If so, this story hits the spot!!!
Simon is an adorable faun man, not understanding why in the world his mate Lucy wouldn't want him touching her boobs, but does his absolute best (in his own sweet, silly way) to convince her that she is HIS.
The Monktona Wood series has to be a top favorite of mine and I can't wait for more!!!
March 5, 2025
**arc review**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
I was so excited to dive into this book and it did not disappoint! I love me a good Tarzan/Jane retelling and this was great! Lucy was really cute in her personality and I enjoyed seeing her bloom into a confident woman and sex fiend 😂 Simon was just UGH. I need him. He was adorable but was also feral af and I was obsessed! His temper tantrums were ridiculously funny. I loved getting to see the couples and characters from the last books come back again. Overall just really love the world of the Wood and its inhabitants!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
I was so excited to dive into this book and it did not disappoint! I love me a good Tarzan/Jane retelling and this was great! Lucy was really cute in her personality and I enjoyed seeing her bloom into a confident woman and sex fiend 😂 Simon was just UGH. I need him. He was adorable but was also feral af and I was obsessed! His temper tantrums were ridiculously funny. I loved getting to see the couples and characters from the last books come back again. Overall just really love the world of the Wood and its inhabitants!
March 7, 2025
I loved the story of Simon, faun, and Lucy, human. Simon is a funny, innocent character, and Lucy is a researcher. The depth of character development and the relationship building were fun and spicy. Reading about orcs and ogres was great. I love the Montoka Wood. I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you want a Tarzan and Jane vibe, this book is for you. HEA ending. This book is part of a series but can read as a stand-alone. Now I need to read Thorn book 1 and Valpar book 2 because I love this new genre of monster books.
March 10, 2025
I loved Simon and Lucy's story!
I loved how curious Lucy is. How scientific her mind is. I love how she comes out of her shell and how the bond helps both of them
I love how Simon grows and learns. He's so cute! The spice was spot on as always!
I loved the cameo appearances of previous characters.
I loved Lucy's dad and Rune. This book had me laughing out loud at parts and saying aww at parts and crying at others . Great read!!!
This is a standalone read but I would recommend to read Valpar before this book
I loved how curious Lucy is. How scientific her mind is. I love how she comes out of her shell and how the bond helps both of them
I love how Simon grows and learns. He's so cute! The spice was spot on as always!
I loved the cameo appearances of previous characters.
I loved Lucy's dad and Rune. This book had me laughing out loud at parts and saying aww at parts and crying at others . Great read!!!
This is a standalone read but I would recommend to read Valpar before this book
March 14, 2025
If you're looking for a different type of love story then this book is the one for you. Lucy is a curious, sheltered, and reserved young woman who finds herself held "captive" by Simon, a faun that has been living in solitude. Simon realizes right away that Lucy is his mate and is determined to show her that they are made for each other. That she is his and he is hers but first he's got to get Lucy to let down her walls and be open to the belief in fated mates. It's a great journey filled with humor, possessiveness and steamy scenes.
March 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
Of all the main characters in these books, these two have been my favorite. It's a shame their story became a bit lackluster the further the story went on.
Like, all of their problems became non-problems that they either only briefly dealt with, or they didn't deal with them at all.
This was still fun and cute, don't get me wrong. I'm just sad I didn't love it as much at the end as I did at the beginning.
Of all the main characters in these books, these two have been my favorite. It's a shame their story became a bit lackluster the further the story went on.
Like, all of their problems became non-problems that they either only briefly dealt with, or they didn't deal with them at all.
This was still fun and cute, don't get me wrong. I'm just sad I didn't love it as much at the end as I did at the beginning.
August 24, 2025
I Love Simon so much, I was so excited when I realized we were getting his story next because the way that book 2 ended had me INVESTED in Sweet Simon. Vera does a fantastic job at adding humor into her stories and this book was no different it had me giggling and kicking my feet.
Simon and Lucy’s story was angsty, and the subplot that went with it was so good I loved seeing Simon not only fall in love but find his purpose in life🥰.
🐓pocket
Fated mates
Fainting Goat Tendencies
Communication Barrier
Tarzan & Jane Vibes
Simon and Lucy’s story was angsty, and the subplot that went with it was so good I loved seeing Simon not only fall in love but find his purpose in life🥰.
Fated mates
Fainting Goat Tendencies
Communication Barrier
Tarzan & Jane Vibes
March 14, 2025
I love Simon and Lucy. It gives Tarzan and Jane vibes but make it Faun x Human. Lucy, our FMC, is intellectual and craves the knowledge of everything in her new environment. She's not familiar with attraction and romance until Simon, the most adorable and handsome faun, makes an appearance. Simon, our sweet faun, is possessive, curious, and quite the spicy charmer. I laughed and swooned through out! Vera never disappoints, 10/10 recommend 👌🏽 FOR SCIENCE!
March 18, 2025
slow beginning, but once the steam hits…
I was really excited and curious to read this book. I’ve read Thorn and Valpar, and really enjoyed those books. Simon’s story was unique, romantic and funny. This is definitely a romantic comedy.
I really loved Simon’s growth and increase in confidence throughout the story. Lucy was a consistent shoulder for him to lean on, and encourage his own exploration.
I was really excited and curious to read this book. I’ve read Thorn and Valpar, and really enjoyed those books. Simon’s story was unique, romantic and funny. This is definitely a romantic comedy.
I really loved Simon’s growth and increase in confidence throughout the story. Lucy was a consistent shoulder for him to lean on, and encourage his own exploration.
May 21, 2025
We finally got Simon's story. We first met him as Calliope's goat companion aka best friend who later turned into a Faun and ran away.
Simon was always lonely and didn't know anything from his past or what he was but he finally gets his answers.
He meets his mate who is great BTW and learns his true origins. He isn't just a faun he's much more. Now I can't wait for the next story which is Sugha my favorite Orc.
Simon was always lonely and didn't know anything from his past or what he was but he finally gets his answers.
He meets his mate who is great BTW and learns his true origins. He isn't just a faun he's much more. Now I can't wait for the next story which is Sugha my favorite Orc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
There’s something about fated mates that’s always going to do it for me! Vera Fox is an author that I know is going to give me a great story, humor, romance and spice🌶️. I loved Simon and Lucy’s story! This was my first Faun story and I was not disappointed.
Spice can be found in chapters 6,13,14,18,20,25,26,27,28,32,37,38,42. Yup, lots of🌶️.
Spice can be found in chapters 6,13,14,18,20,25,26,27,28,32,37,38,42. Yup, lots of🌶️.
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