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Mushy Stuff

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Looking to find herself and grow her social media following, Lydia moves from the big city to a new town. Just days before she starts a new job, she decides to head out on an adventure to find content to photograph and share with her followers. Armed with her smart phone, a portable power bank, and an unmatched enthusiasm for mushrooms, Lydia heads out to a trail that local foragers recommend as the best spot to find mushrooms.

The locals did mention that Lydia shouldn’t go deep into the woods. There’s a small creek that they were adamant that she shouldn’t cross. But Lydia isn’t worried about that, she’s just going to take some pictures. What could she possibly need to worry about?

When Lydia wanders too far off the trail, she finds herself surrounded by types of mushrooms that she’s never seen before. She immediately begins photographing and filming everything. In her excitement, she’s failed to notice a figure in the shadows.

Someone…or something has caught her scent and is watching her.

When Lydia is faced with the monster in the woods, will she run from him in fear? Or will she recognize the kindred spirit buried deep inside?

Mushy Stuff is super spicy MF monster romance between a human FMC and a non-human MMC. It is the first in a series of interconnected standalone books. Happily ever after guaranteed.

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2025

28 people want to read

About the author

Lyra Lorne

1 book1 follower

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5 stars
10 (31%)
4 stars
14 (43%)
3 stars
6 (18%)
2 stars
1 (3%)
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1 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Nahabedian.
796 reviews21 followers
September 29, 2025
Liked it

I really enjoyed this story and think it would’ve been even stronger as a full-length novel. There was so much more we needed to see between Lydia and Wold. Since it’s a novella, the insta-love worked fine for me, but I did wish we’d had more time watching them actually fall in love during the days she was with him.

The story really picks up after the market, and this is where a longer format would have elevated things. Wold’s family plays a big role, but we only get a quick skim of his mother and childhood before moving on. The whole situation felt a bit coincidental, and I think it needed more background instead of being delivered all at once on a single page.

The ending, though, was so sweet. I really loved it. And the bonus novella with Allium and Faylen ended up being my favorite. Maybe it’s because they had more history and it wasn’t insta-love, but I thought their story was more compelling. I would’ve happily read a longer version of theirs, though as a novella it was nearly perfect.

One thing that did pull me out a bit was the writing. I think it could’ve used another editing pass or some beta reader feedback. There was quite a bit of repetitive dialogue, which made it feel clunky in spots. For example, the word market appeared 46 times and at one point, seven times on a single page in the same paragraph. Little things like that stood out and distracted me from the story.

That said, I really did enjoy both stories, and I’m grateful to Lyra for the ARC and the chance to explore this world.
Profile Image for Megan.
415 reviews10 followers
September 28, 2025
3.5/5 stars

Lydia, in search of mushrooms to observe and enjoy, ends up going a little too far into the woods and discovering a whole new world that she didn't know existed. As she explores, she starts to feel a looming presence - enter Wold. The half elvish forest guardian takes her back to his cave home and takes care of her - he feeds her, protects her. She's intrigued and inquisitive, not so much bothered by his appearance. She actually finds herself strangely attracted to him, and she leans into that without much thought or consideration. Lydia lives on vibes, and we're here for it.

I liked Wold's unintentional humor when he didn't understand words that Lydia used, and she had to explain it to him. Those parts made me laugh. I did like Lydia's whimsical care-free character, but I felt like the relationship between them happened really fast. A little too insta-lust/love for me (I like a little angst, a little longing), but that definitely is a personal preference. But I get it. Sometimes, when you know, you know even when it's a bioluminescent fae forest guardian. 😉

It has a lot of the trademark monster romance elements -
✅ Monster doesn't totally understand humans
✅ Human doesn't quite fit in with human world
✅ Monster provides safety and protection
✅ Monster has extra fun body parts (IT GLOWS)
✅ They get it on. A lot. And he blows her mind (he has a forked tongue and knows how to use it)

I liked it. It was a cute monster romance with a few darker elements sprinkled in. Nothing too detailed or too heavy. Overall, a good debut from this author, and she already hinted to the next book in the series.

Thank you to Lyra Lorne for an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Annette.
127 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2025
4.5⭐️ The cover and the title scream hear me out, dont they?!? Weeeeell… until you get to know the hard (hihi) facts: build in vines for very special occasions 😏 a extra long forked tongue he really likes to use 🤭 and a fancy peen 👏🏻 smash!
Profile Image for Bookfairymel .
172 reviews13 followers
September 29, 2025
I always love when a monster stays monstrous throughout the whole book! I think Wold is everything fun trait monster lovers adore in one, fur, tail, horns, claws, special equipment, fangs, long tongue and magic, he had it all! Combined with his soft nature and fierce protectiveness of Lydia, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Lydia was so sweet and kind, anyone who talks to plants can do no wrong in my book. She went through so much and was so strong, while keeping her softness and loving those around her. After being afraid of Wold, she just wanted to be his friend, to soften his loneliness, and that moment made me love her as well. I honestly loved their dynamic, of Lydia being open and curious and Wold being surprised by her and adoring her.

The spice was early on and continued for quite awhile in the beginning. And there was plenty of tropes we all know and love! Primal play, special equipment, back door play, glowing climax, extra long tongue, biting, vine bondage and a mate bond, there was plenty to enjoy. Also my personal favorite of him being able to smell her needs. We both to see both sides of Wold, the tender protective nurturer and the feral, rough beasts ready to take what he wants. I loved both sides of him and so did Lydia *wink wink*. Things got a bit action and exciting in the middle which kept me engaged, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! With a HEA guaranteed at the end, I definitely recommend this one!
Profile Image for Hillary.
522 reviews16 followers
September 27, 2025
💚🤎 Mushy Stuff ARC Review 🤎💚

Thanks so much to Lyra Lorne for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Mushy Stuff is a fantasy monster romance and book 1 in the Guardian Mates series. Lydia has just relocated from the big city to a small town. Eager to explore, she ignores the local’s advice to stay out of certain parts of the forest. When she stumbles upon Wold, an antlered forest being, can she overcome her fears and get to know this mysterious stranger?

This was a cute monster romance. I liked Wold and Lydia and their relationship together. This was an interesting world and i enjoyed the magic system within it. I did feel like this book was a little quick in the insta-lust aspect and would have liked a little more development of the relationship initially, but that’s a “me” issue and not a book issue.

Overall this was a cute four star read. I enjoyed the world and the characters, even if some parts of the story felt rushed. This book does have some darker moments, so please check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book had lots of spice throughout with non-human anatomy and insta-lust, so overall three flames for spice

If you’re a fan of low-angst monster romance with fun magic, interesting world building and lots of spice, then absolutely pick this one up!
Profile Image for Shelby.
111 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2025
4 ⭐️
4🌶️

Listen. You already know I’m just here for the vibes anytime I read a monster romance and you know what…I had a great time. We have a quicker instaspice and HEA, but again, no complaints here. Wold (MMC) is a half Elfish, Guardian monster dude that protects the forest and has a love for mushrooms. Lydia (FMC) is a cutesy human influencer obsessed with mushrooms that accidentally gets trapped in the fae realm when walking too far into the forest while trying to create mushroom content. Despite their attraction and deep fated-mate feelings, Wold wants to protect Lydia from the dangers of the fae realm by sending her back home. In order to get Lydia back home, they go into town to buy spell supplies, but she is quickly kidnapped. It’s cozy, spicy, and I love how super protective Wold is of his mate when she is stolen by the bad elf dude. Hope to see if the author continues the series, I would definitely read more about this world.

-MF monster romance
-fated mates
-bioluminescent pp
-unique tongue action
-“run”
-consent king
-whole lotta spice
Profile Image for Andi Downs.
1,419 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2025
I had the pleasure of following this via another source and have loved every chapter along with some wonderful art, the author shared with those who subscribed, online. It was a joy to re-read this story in one sitting.

Lydia is an influencer and wanted to explore the woods with plans to collect photos of mushrooms. Despite being warned to not stray from the set path, she does. Making unusual discoveries in the process. As she soon discovers, she is not alone in these woods. Wold is the guardian of the forest and the monster to Lydia's human persona. There is a lovely story around these two and Wold's world, filled with magic and creatures that surprise and excite Lydia. They made a great couple and their adventure which is filled with spice and angst, before their Hea is an enjoyable one.

There is also a nice little short at the end of this tale to enjoy. :) I'm excited to see what else this author and artist will bless us with. :D I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Annabelle.
34 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2025
4⭐️ 4🌶️

-Primal chase
-Extra long tongue
-Sunshine FMC
-HEA

Mushy stuff is a fast paced romance between a human and a fae guardian.

Our human FMC is obsessed with mushrooms (relatable) and gets sucked into the fae world while hunting for pretty mushrooms to share on her mushroom social media.

Our guardian MMC guards the fae world from humans and is instantly drawn to our human. He has been alone most of his life and had a very rough lack of childhood. Our MMC is a big softie who clearly just wants to be loved and will protect our FMC at all costs.

Mushy stuff is an insta lust/love story between our main characters who seem to be pulled together by an unknown source and instantly connect. The spice is frequent and high with an extra long tongue and vine shibari.

The story starts off quite light but does get darker due to the way the Elven in this world treat everyone else. Please check the trigger warnings.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
237 reviews17 followers
October 3, 2025
This book was fantastic! A debut—and absolutely not my last from this author.

It had everything I crave in a monster romance: plenty of spice, fated mates, a FMC with an obsession, characters who are both likable (and lickable), a unique monster with special appendages, and those glorious “I need my woman back” vibes.

I adored both Wold and Lydia. The insta-love just worked here because the characters themselves were so wonderful. Before the heat, there’s a surprising amount of heart—care, kindness, and tenderness woven in that made me root for them even harder.

I wasn’t sure where the story was headed at first, but once the market scene hit, things really took off with adventure and tension. (Let’s just say I’ll never look at a gold statue the same way again.)

For my fellow monster lovers, this one deserves a spot on your TBR. And if you haven’t dipped into monster romance yet? This is the perfect book to start your newest obsession.
26 reviews
September 25, 2025
4.25/5 stars
Absolutely adorbs. But not without a little conflict, some tension and angst.

Our human gal is pretty much head over heels in love with both Wold and his world, and ready to take up residence is in his cozy den immediately. But Wold’s world has some really dark characters, that he can’t rightly protect her from, so he’s having to plan her return back to the human realm.

Some chaos and bad actors ensue - plus the introduction of some really sweet found family, and ultimately a HEA.

The spice is spicy, but doled out in a measured way. Adds to the story but certainly not ever present.

All that today, super cute, and a nicely fleshed out plotline that resolves well without being nothing but fluff.
Profile Image for Rachel.
22 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2025
Lydia ignores the warning not to cross the creek on her hunt for interesting mushrooms. And any good fantasy/monster romance reader knows what happens when you enter the Fae lands...

Obviously, you find a super hot mushroom daddy who wants to keep you in his mushroom cave with him forever.

Mushroom Guardian Wold typically goes out of his way to avoid humans. But something about Lydia calls to an instinct he didn't know he had. The only problem? He has no idea how he's going to keep her safe from the other residents who have a thing for humans.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys plentiful open door spice with creative monster anatomy, protective MMCs and sunshiney FMCs, and a magical setting with creative world-building.

Thank you to Lyra for the ARC!
Profile Image for Jen Is Reading.
190 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2025
A delightfully quirky, sweet, and spicy debut that completely swept me away.

Lydia and Wold’s first meeting is unexpected and a little chaotic, but what follows is a cozy, heartwarming romance filled with humor, charm, and plenty of heat.

Lydia rolls with the oddities of her situation, while Wold—after decades of being alone—finds himself utterly enchanted by her. Their chemistry is undeniable, balanced by tenderness and passion. They are a great couple, and it is easy to root for their happiness together.

Fast-paced, steamy, and surprisingly cozy, it had me captivated, and before I realized it, I had finished it all in one sitting. I hope to read more from the author in the future!
Profile Image for Jennifer Gibson.
439 reviews70 followers
September 25, 2025
I originally had this book on my radar due to Lianne's absolutely gorgeous art so I am so glad I found this!

Lyra really has crafted such a cute and cozy world. Human Lydia is a mushroom influencer and on one of her many hikes. She wanders into a completely new area to her, finding many undiscovered mushroom varieties. Suddenly, there is a huge humanoid shape behind her in the forest, a Guardian. Wold is his name, and soon they discover Lydia is trapped there. As they figure out how to send her back, they begin to get closer and closer.

I really enjoyed learning the lore of this world, the Guardians vs Elves vs humans. And top tier spice, with a mating bond to match.

Profile Image for Robyn G.
Author 1 book49 followers
September 16, 2025
The title really works for this book!
Mushy Stuff was an amazing debut and I throughly enjoyed it!
Wold and Lydia had an eventful first meeting but once Lydia got over the shock she like took it in her stride.
Wold had been alone for so long other than the occasional human he was still so surprised to see Lydia.
This was cosy and sweet but also had me flicking through the pages so quick to find out what happens next.
I loved how this all played out and the little novella at the end was a nice touch too! i did wonder about them!
I hope we see more from this world!
Profile Image for Dark Reader.
385 reviews13 followers
October 4, 2025
Mushy Stuff is a cute monster romance with some rom-com type elements thrown in. The FMC, Lydia, is a human who encounters the MMC, Wold, an elvish forest guardian who takes her in. The juxtaposition of their two worlds makes for an interesting read, especially because she doesn't feel like she belongs in her own world.

The spice here is solid monster romance spice - interesting monster body parts, plenty of sexy time, and variations in the dynamics between the characters. I enjoyed this and can't wait to see more from this author!
Profile Image for Laura Jones.
382 reviews79 followers
September 16, 2025
I'm obsessed. I fell in love so hard with Wold he was just the perfect monster. I love how Lyra(author) made him different with his looks it's an odd combination but just right for Lydia. This is a fast-paced romance with a whole lot of smexy time with a rather long tongue and very unique c**k. I've seen a lot of things book couples have in common but never mushrooms so that is a first for me but it was them to a T. soulmates to the end.
Profile Image for Dimpled Hot Mess.
16 reviews
September 23, 2025
I could honestly say that I am very excited to read this series because this book right here was Fae Smut Central. If you're looking for tropes such as:
- Woods Chase
- Possessive MC
- Pween Pocket
- Fated Mates
- Extra Long Tongue
- Short Read
- Details
Then this is the books for you because I am excited to read more details in the next book
Profile Image for Lou Xavier (witchinthewest).
83 reviews6 followers
September 27, 2025
A debut with all the mushy and 🍄🍄‍🟫 goodness!
What a sweet and quite nicely spicy fantastical romance! Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this as an ARC before its release!
The story puts together a modern world human and a monster living in the fae realm. But if I’ve learned one thing in the monster romances I’ve read, is they’re not really monsters once you get the chance to look deep enough. We get to read these characters who are kind, loving and deserving of a happily ever after. Wold is one of them and Lydia recognizes that when she meets him.
Their soul connection and the fantasy world that Lyra has created was a joy to read. If you’re looking for a sexy and unconventional love story, i.e. monster romance 🥰, then this is one to definitely pick up. I loved it!
Profile Image for Ashton.
79 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2025
"don't cross that creek!" spoiler, Lydia crosses the creek LOL
if only I too could stumble upon a Fae realm and find my own monster.

-bioluminescent peen
-"run"
-"what is a kiss?"
-consent king
-mates

so far, i am sold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vallene Boddington.
805 reviews35 followers
October 13, 2025
🍄Mushy Stuff by Lyra Lorne Book 1 of The Guardian Mates series.🍄
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶💀💀
A very new to me author and her debut book. A monster romance. The creatures remind me of Dark fae of old stories. Even the story has similarities, which is comforting.
Lydia finds herself lost in a forest with beautiful mushrooms. 🍄She's a big mushroom enthusiast. 🍄 Unbeknownst to her she's being stalked by the forest guardian. Wold finds her delicious and enticing. Drawn in from the start, they go from strangers to insta lust to insta love. Fast paced romance with action, suspense and happy ending. At the end we have a short story about characters in Lydia and Wold world, Alluim and Faelyn. Two stories in one are always fun.
Trope:
Triggers. Close proximity. Found family. Insta love. Mating and bonding.
Quotes:
“I will always come for you, my little sprite.” Before I know it, we have both fallen asleep.

“Lydia, without you, I am lost.” I whisper back, “You will never lose me again.”

I say, “I’m yours now.” His eyes flair even brighter.
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