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Backyard Goblin Gods #1
Grunge
He’s big and green and he's in my backyard…
When my mom skips town, forcing me to dance in a strip club to cover her debts, you’d think I’d hit rock bottom.
But there’s something much bigger brewing under my feet.
Right outside, in my backyard, in fact.
He’s big and green and he’s looking for a mate.
Grunge is everything I never knew I wanted in a monster.
Only catch?
According to his horde, their king deserves the best, and I don’t quite measure up…
* GRUNGE is the first book in this steamy monster series with all the feels. It introduces the BACKYARD GOBLIN GODS world, but can be read as a standalone. For lovers of fated mates, hot, driven monsters, and spunky heroines who win against the odds.
When my mom skips town, forcing me to dance in a strip club to cover her debts, you’d think I’d hit rock bottom.
But there’s something much bigger brewing under my feet.
Right outside, in my backyard, in fact.
He’s big and green and he’s looking for a mate.
Grunge is everything I never knew I wanted in a monster.
Only catch?
According to his horde, their king deserves the best, and I don’t quite measure up…
* GRUNGE is the first book in this steamy monster series with all the feels. It introduces the BACKYARD GOBLIN GODS world, but can be read as a standalone. For lovers of fated mates, hot, driven monsters, and spunky heroines who win against the odds.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2022
315 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Roxy Collins
17 books710 followersI write the books I like to read. Not too sweet, not too dark - and never fluffy. Everyone fights for their HEA, and if it feels a little real at times, I've done my job. Because who says fantasy and reality can't be great bed-mates? If you want to slip inside the skin of my characters and love as hard as they do, come join me and like-minded readers in my Facebook Reader Group, Roxy's Readerverse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
July 15, 2023
*I don't know how this review didn't go through when I wrote it but the second book is now out and I am super excited to read it. This was an unexpected treat! I highly recommend!!*
Don't Let the Title Fool You. This was Phenomenal!!
This was so good. Way better than I expected going into this.
So this was my first Goblin book and I loved it. Let me break it down for you. Grungu is the Head of the Goblin Horde. He and his brothers are, somewhat impatiently, waiting in Underhill.
Cassie has had the world against her and yet she works hard and keeps pushing through to take care of her little sister and brother. She deserves a break, and what she gets is a Gobelin to her rescue.
This was so good. There was action and back stabbing. An emotional rollercoaster. And a sweet Gobelin that would burn down the world for his mate even if nobody but him could see it. Grungu knew in his heart Cassie was his, but everyone in Underhill looked down upon her and put pressure on him to find someone else more suitable. Grungu knew if he didn't put Cassie to the side then none of his Gobelin brothers would have a chance to find their mate for another decade or more. Grungu had to decide if he could walk away from the horde and his whole life to be with Cassie.
Grungu was a vicious protector but a sweet cinnamon roll of a mate who could transform and imitate any person. Cassie was tough as nails and a fighter, who kept on fighting when everyone else wanted to give up. I loved them, and Cassie deserved a wonderful mate like Grungu. I highly recommend this to anyone who is open minded enough to read a monster romance. You won't be disappointed!!
Don't Let the Title Fool You. This was Phenomenal!!
This was so good. Way better than I expected going into this.
So this was my first Goblin book and I loved it. Let me break it down for you. Grungu is the Head of the Goblin Horde. He and his brothers are, somewhat impatiently, waiting in Underhill.
But there’s a reason we’re known as the gobelin knockers. Once in every human generation, the earth draws up her skirts and for one moon cycle, the crust becomes a door. For five of those days, we have beaten our drums and stomped our feet, impatiently announcing our presence. And even as the earth begins another turn, we wait for someone to answer our knock.
“Blood and gold, brothers.” I thump both fists on the table. “All we need is for a worthy female to invite us through.”
Cassie has had the world against her and yet she works hard and keeps pushing through to take care of her little sister and brother. She deserves a break, and what she gets is a Gobelin to her rescue.
This was so good. There was action and back stabbing. An emotional rollercoaster. And a sweet Gobelin that would burn down the world for his mate even if nobody but him could see it. Grungu knew in his heart Cassie was his, but everyone in Underhill looked down upon her and put pressure on him to find someone else more suitable. Grungu knew if he didn't put Cassie to the side then none of his Gobelin brothers would have a chance to find their mate for another decade or more. Grungu had to decide if he could walk away from the horde and his whole life to be with Cassie.
Grungu was a vicious protector but a sweet cinnamon roll of a mate who could transform and imitate any person. Cassie was tough as nails and a fighter, who kept on fighting when everyone else wanted to give up. I loved them, and Cassie deserved a wonderful mate like Grungu. I highly recommend this to anyone who is open minded enough to read a monster romance. You won't be disappointed!!
September 12, 2022
✅️ Monster Romance
✅️ Insta-Lust/Love
✅️ Possessive H
✅️ Mates
✅️ Size difference (H very large)
✅️ Dual POV
⚠️ (attempted) rape
⚠️ Violence 🗡🔫
Cassie Wild is stuck in a bad situation. Her Dad (a former member of an MC) is dead, her mom has abandoned her and left her with a ton of debt (against the MC) and also to take care of her twin siblings.
Little does she know she sends an offering to the underground gobelins and the Head of the Horde comes to check it out.... 😍
Alright so...... OHMYGOSH I did NOT put this book down after I started it 😂 I was sucked in and my family was left to fend for themselves. 🤣🤣🤣 #sorrynotsorry
From the very beginning, there was action and spice and everything that keeps me laser focused on my book.
I have never read any books by Roxy Collins, but this won't be the last! (Also, Roxy- if you could get me Grouchy's book ASAP, I would love you forever!!! Thanks 😘)
I should also mention that this book is not for clean readers 😅 If you don't like spice and sexual tension- this is NOT for you! 🌶🌶🥵🌶🌶
Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this free eARC!
✅️ Insta-Lust/Love
✅️ Possessive H
✅️ Mates
✅️ Size difference (H very large)
✅️ Dual POV
⚠️ (attempted) rape
⚠️ Violence 🗡🔫
Cassie Wild is stuck in a bad situation. Her Dad (a former member of an MC) is dead, her mom has abandoned her and left her with a ton of debt (against the MC) and also to take care of her twin siblings.
Little does she know she sends an offering to the underground gobelins and the Head of the Horde comes to check it out.... 😍
Alright so...... OHMYGOSH I did NOT put this book down after I started it 😂 I was sucked in and my family was left to fend for themselves. 🤣🤣🤣 #sorrynotsorry
From the very beginning, there was action and spice and everything that keeps me laser focused on my book.
I have never read any books by Roxy Collins, but this won't be the last! (Also, Roxy- if you could get me Grouchy's book ASAP, I would love you forever!!! Thanks 😘)
I should also mention that this book is not for clean readers 😅 If you don't like spice and sexual tension- this is NOT for you! 🌶🌶🥵🌶🌶
Thank you BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this free eARC!
September 27, 2022
3.75 stars!
Grunge is the first book in the Backyard Goblin Gods series and features Grunge, head of his horde, and Cassie. This surprised me in many ways because it balanced plot and steam really nicely. I do think there was a lot left unresolved but since this is a continuing world and series, I'm letting it slide.
Cassie is not living the dream. Her dad, a former member of the local MC, is dead and her mom left her and her twin siblings to fend for themselves. They are in debt to the MC and she's having to make tough choices to keep her and her siblings out of harms way.
Grunge lives beneath the earth with the other gobelins and otherworldly creatures. When Cassie unknowingly sends an offering to Grunge and he recognizes her as his mate, he is able to journey to her world and win her heart. But taking and claiming her won't be simple. They'll have to contend with the MC, Cassie's deranged mother, and judgmental gobelins and hags that live in Grunge's world.
The first half of this was a little less exciting than the second half but I really enjoyed the unique world Roxy built, the monster smut (of which there was plenty), and the action. Grunge was a little more marshmellowy than I'm used to reading but I loved him anyway and Cassie was just a down-to-earth character with a good heart.
Overall, a hot little read that has me SO ready for Grouchy's story!
**For those who have triggers, there is an attempted SA scene and some violence in this story.
Grunge is the first book in the Backyard Goblin Gods series and features Grunge, head of his horde, and Cassie. This surprised me in many ways because it balanced plot and steam really nicely. I do think there was a lot left unresolved but since this is a continuing world and series, I'm letting it slide.
Cassie is not living the dream. Her dad, a former member of the local MC, is dead and her mom left her and her twin siblings to fend for themselves. They are in debt to the MC and she's having to make tough choices to keep her and her siblings out of harms way.
Grunge lives beneath the earth with the other gobelins and otherworldly creatures. When Cassie unknowingly sends an offering to Grunge and he recognizes her as his mate, he is able to journey to her world and win her heart. But taking and claiming her won't be simple. They'll have to contend with the MC, Cassie's deranged mother, and judgmental gobelins and hags that live in Grunge's world.
The first half of this was a little less exciting than the second half but I really enjoyed the unique world Roxy built, the monster smut (of which there was plenty), and the action. Grunge was a little more marshmellowy than I'm used to reading but I loved him anyway and Cassie was just a down-to-earth character with a good heart.
Overall, a hot little read that has me SO ready for Grouchy's story!
**For those who have triggers, there is an attempted SA scene and some violence in this story.
March 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this! More than I thought I would if I'm being perfectly honest. The character building, the hint at who the next books will be about, everything was great. Even for the antagonists, the author did an amazing job at making me hate them so much!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2023
I needed a grovel or apology from the MMC
The book was a lot darker than I was expecting, even with the author’s content warning. It dealt with the ugliest sides of motorcycle clubs (but let’s be real here - I only know what I’ve read in romance novels), poverty, raising one’s siblings, and trafficking. The FMC was well written, with the ability to stand up for herself but also the tenderness and self sacrifice necessary to be a caregiver. I was less than impressed with the MMC. He was never straight forward with Cassie and did not protect her from the gossipy ugly side of his world, nor did he apologize for it. And I get that there’s a whole plot line where he’s supposed to figure his mating shit out, but that doesn’t mean you become a useless asshole.
I didn’t like the theme in this book of the FMC needing to be “worthy” of the MMC. Bitch, she’s 20x the person he will ever be. It felt kind of slut shamingish because of the circumstances the FMC was forced into. Gross.
I did like that the female goblins were beautiful and strong. Not a fan of the advice they gave out.
Spice: 3ish scenes
Triggers: SA and attempted r@pe, dubcon with MMC (while she’s asleep), parent abandonment, grief, trafficking, violence
The book was a lot darker than I was expecting, even with the author’s content warning. It dealt with the ugliest sides of motorcycle clubs (but let’s be real here - I only know what I’ve read in romance novels), poverty, raising one’s siblings, and trafficking. The FMC was well written, with the ability to stand up for herself but also the tenderness and self sacrifice necessary to be a caregiver. I was less than impressed with the MMC. He was never straight forward with Cassie and did not protect her from the gossipy ugly side of his world, nor did he apologize for it. And I get that there’s a whole plot line where he’s supposed to figure his mating shit out, but that doesn’t mean you become a useless asshole.
I didn’t like the theme in this book of the FMC needing to be “worthy” of the MMC. Bitch, she’s 20x the person he will ever be. It felt kind of slut shamingish because of the circumstances the FMC was forced into. Gross.
I did like that the female goblins were beautiful and strong. Not a fan of the advice they gave out.
Spice: 3ish scenes
Triggers: SA and attempted r@pe, dubcon with MMC (while she’s asleep), parent abandonment, grief, trafficking, violence
September 13, 2022
The second half of the book is more exciting than the first. Also just everyone had a mom that didn’t tell them what is going on?!
August 20, 2022
TLDR : Urban fantasy fated mates romance novel. A down-on-her-luck heroine and a cinnamon roll hero. I liked it, but found it to be full of unresolved plot so I’m waiting for the next books in the series. Fair warning : the book is set in a harsh world (MC gang and general misogyny) and at the beginning there was a SA scene that was not easy to read (mmc isn’t involved ofc.).
***
It is up to Cassie to pay her mother’s debts, after she leaves her and her younger siblings to fend for themselves. While trying to navigate the MC gang life without getting hurt and trying to protect her siblings, Cassie is…alone. That is, until Grunge comes along.
Goblin romance is something I never thought I would read because the word goblin just reminds me of Norman Osborn a.k.a. The Green Goblin. But Roxy Collins’ novel has nothing to do with that and at any rate, Grunge might possibly be the coolest name for a monster romance mmc.
I found this to be an enjoyable read. I thought there was too much happening. It honestly could’ve been a trilogy with all the stuff that’s going on. All the side characters have things going on and almost everyone is interesting.
This is a standalone —first in a series of novels that will be featuring the other gobelins we’re getting to know in it. Personally, I’m hoping for an overarching story that will answer the minor unanswered questions we were left with. I also would love to see a shift in societal rules of gobelins with the arrival of modern women amongst them. At any rate, I’ll be patiently waiting for the next books in the series.
***
Many thanks to Booksprout and the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
***
It is up to Cassie to pay her mother’s debts, after she leaves her and her younger siblings to fend for themselves. While trying to navigate the MC gang life without getting hurt and trying to protect her siblings, Cassie is…alone. That is, until Grunge comes along.
Goblin romance is something I never thought I would read because the word goblin just reminds me of Norman Osborn a.k.a. The Green Goblin. But Roxy Collins’ novel has nothing to do with that and at any rate, Grunge might possibly be the coolest name for a monster romance mmc.
I found this to be an enjoyable read. I thought there was too much happening. It honestly could’ve been a trilogy with all the stuff that’s going on. All the side characters have things going on and almost everyone is interesting.
This is a standalone —first in a series of novels that will be featuring the other gobelins we’re getting to know in it. Personally, I’m hoping for an overarching story that will answer the minor unanswered questions we were left with. I also would love to see a shift in societal rules of gobelins with the arrival of modern women amongst them. At any rate, I’ll be patiently waiting for the next books in the series.
***
Many thanks to Booksprout and the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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September 9, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/9/2022)! 🎁
January 29, 2024
A bit cringy. Licking her out while asleep and they have never met. No one explains anything to anyone about anything that is going on. FMC doesn't "measure" up to the other human mates, there is a distinct lack of sisterhood in this part of the story.
I felt like her bravery was patronised. She did that false modesy has women are taught, but no one called her on it. Just patted her on the head "yes you are correct, your mate is ONLY alive not because you risked going against a MC club to get him, but the other big goblin that was there to help did it all, you did absolutly nothing with that knife that caused you to end up covered in blood, standing over a dead body" #sarcastic!! 🙄
I didn't like the implied message that you could only be a beautiful, delicate flower and have a handsome mate plus family or a gorgeous powerful warrior and not be allowed love and family. The virginal princess or the untouchable warrior. Female stereotypes are only welcome here! None of this societies misogyny was ever overtly challenged.
I felt like her bravery was patronised. She did that false modesy has women are taught, but no one called her on it. Just patted her on the head "yes you are correct, your mate is ONLY alive not because you risked going against a MC club to get him, but the other big goblin that was there to help did it all, you did absolutly nothing with that knife that caused you to end up covered in blood, standing over a dead body" #sarcastic!! 🙄
I didn't like the implied message that you could only be a beautiful, delicate flower and have a handsome mate plus family or a gorgeous powerful warrior and not be allowed love and family. The virginal princess or the untouchable warrior. Female stereotypes are only welcome here! None of this societies misogyny was ever overtly challenged.
August 27, 2022
I loved this book! My first question is why can't I get my own backyard goblin???
Once I started this book I could not put it down, I was reading during my work day and lets just say I wasn't very good at my job that Day #sorrynotsorry
This book is an urban fantasy that is adult themed (spicy goodness), with bikers, and goblins, and Huge (D).
It does have some triggers.
I can't wait for grouchy book to come out.
I received this book for free from booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once I started this book I could not put it down, I was reading during my work day and lets just say I wasn't very good at my job that Day #sorrynotsorry
This book is an urban fantasy that is adult themed (spicy goodness), with bikers, and goblins, and Huge (D).
It does have some triggers.
I can't wait for grouchy book to come out.
I received this book for free from booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
3.6 stars
August 14, 2022
This book was given to me as a free ARC through BookSirens.
I didn’t know what I was expecting going into this. Goblin motorcycle club, Gobelins that live beneath the earth’s crust. This was a pretty spicy monster romance and liked the story more and more the further I got into the book.
I didn’t know what I was expecting going into this. Goblin motorcycle club, Gobelins that live beneath the earth’s crust. This was a pretty spicy monster romance and liked the story more and more the further I got into the book.
September 10, 2022
This is an awesome read. Roxy Collins has given us MCs, action, violence, romance, strippers, a magical world under our feet. We also got a sweet sibling bond, family betrayal, sexy green goblins in a whole new way and so much steam!
These characters are fantastic, the rituals are perfectly thought out, the world building (in both realms) is brilliantly done as well. The emotions are well written and the storyline is amazing.
This is Roxy Collins first book and I am soooo excited to read more by this author. I a million times over recommend this book to all my monster loving friends out there that enjoy a good story with their romance.
These characters are fantastic, the rituals are perfectly thought out, the world building (in both realms) is brilliantly done as well. The emotions are well written and the storyline is amazing.
This is Roxy Collins first book and I am soooo excited to read more by this author. I a million times over recommend this book to all my monster loving friends out there that enjoy a good story with their romance.
May 15, 2023
I've been waiting for a goblin romance to come around that interests me. Yes, it's because I grew up watching the movie Labyrinth and no David Bowie isn't to my tastes but I like the idea of a Goblin King. That being said did this meet my expectations? Sort of. Grunge was what I wanted in a Goblin King and Cassie was a strong leading lady. But dude, the communication was shit and it's one thing I can't stand in romance is unnecessary lack of communication. Grunge, just tell the woman what she needs to do, you know she's in the dark about Goblin customs so help a lady out. I look a star off for that shit show.
Grunge was a solid start to this series and I might pick up the next.
Grunge was a solid start to this series and I might pick up the next.
August 15, 2022
This novel was well written and edited, and the fantasy and MC world building was lush and vivid. There was action and danger to keep the stakes high and the pacing fast. However, I did not believe in the Happy Ever After ending for the heroine. The goblin world was so unwelcoming of her because she wasn’t the “right kind of woman” and the other human mates were all terrible people. Her choices were basically to live with an abusive MC community or an abusive goblin community. Nothing about that says HEA ending for me, and I personally require a believable HEA ending for a romance novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2022
3.5 but rounded up to 4 on GR
So in this Urban Fantasy we have Goblins which intrigued me right away since I don't think I've ever read any goblin stories. This also is an MC story.
All the Goblin names started with "G" and are introduced all together and it's a little much. There were some parts of the book where the MMC is called Grungu and other times he's Grunge and it got a little confusing.
I would call this an insta love (they are fated mates) and the spice kicks off fast.
Please be aware there is attempted SA not by the hero but it's in there so check your triggers.
I felt like there were too many things happening at once and things didn't really get resolved. Fingers crossed it does in a second book.
One thing that bothered me is Grunge is the leader of his Goblin horde and he's worried that his mate won't be accepted. But he does nothing to prep her before meeting everyone.
Was it entertaining? Yes but I kept putting it down.
So in this Urban Fantasy we have Goblins which intrigued me right away since I don't think I've ever read any goblin stories. This also is an MC story.
All the Goblin names started with "G" and are introduced all together and it's a little much. There were some parts of the book where the MMC is called Grungu and other times he's Grunge and it got a little confusing.
I would call this an insta love (they are fated mates) and the spice kicks off fast.
Please be aware there is attempted SA not by the hero but it's in there so check your triggers.
I felt like there were too many things happening at once and things didn't really get resolved. Fingers crossed it does in a second book.
One thing that bothered me is Grunge is the leader of his Goblin horde and he's worried that his mate won't be accepted. But he does nothing to prep her before meeting everyone.
Was it entertaining? Yes but I kept putting it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2022
There’s nothing quite like a big strong green goblin. Grungu is the leader of his horde and is ready to find his mate. He receives an offering from a female human but it is not a traditional one so he goes to find out what is going on. Cassie is barely making it no thanks to her mother abandoning her and her younger siblings. She is now in debt to the local motorcycle club and quite miserable. After Cassie and Grungu meet there is a whirlwind of an adventure. They have instant chemistry but things just aren’t quite right. Eventually they find their happy ending and you can’t help but be so happy for them. This book was really fun to read. I really enjoyed following the story and I found it very unique.
August 31, 2022
This was a great start to a unique series by a new-to-me author. I really liked the concept of the goblins' world and how detailed everything was. Cassie was a sympathetic character with a ton of responsibilities. Grunge was big and green and oh so hot ;P I liked the balance of the fantasy setting, real world issues, like outlaw bikers, and the sizzling chemistry between the main characters. After this exciting read, I'm definitely looking forward to diving into book 2 when it comes out :D
September 11, 2022
Cassie and her family are in trouble. Grunge, head of a gobelin hoard, steps in to save them and recognizes Cassie as his mate when no one else does. This is a steamy book with a lot of angst and conflict in what seems like an insurmountable problem. Roxy has written a detailed, well thought out book with a unique set of characters. I enjoyed the story and MC's and look forward to the next book. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.
February 7, 2023
This book was a riot - in the best possible way. I picked it up with the intention of reading a couple of chapters and ended up finishing it in one hit!
I loved the premise: the gobelins’ world was original, complex and well-realised. The magic felt fresh and the contrast between Grunge’s world and Cassie’s felt stark and added depth to the story.
Was it flawless? No, but it was fun with very real danger and a great cast of characters that complemented the core story.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the premise: the gobelins’ world was original, complex and well-realised. The magic felt fresh and the contrast between Grunge’s world and Cassie’s felt stark and added depth to the story.
Was it flawless? No, but it was fun with very real danger and a great cast of characters that complemented the core story.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2022
3.5⭐️
How to start with reviewing this book,,
Well I believe this is the first book by a new writer Roxy Collins,, well done to her I believe in time she will be at the top off her game.
The book was a bit all over the place, I do see potential in the writing style 3.5⭐️ rating rounded to 4 ⭐️ on GR
How to start with reviewing this book,,
Well I believe this is the first book by a new writer Roxy Collins,, well done to her I believe in time she will be at the top off her game.
The book was a bit all over the place, I do see potential in the writing style 3.5⭐️ rating rounded to 4 ⭐️ on GR
August 10, 2022
Love Goblins!!!
Move out the way Orcs because here comes some goblins!!!! Super cute and awesome new book featuring goblins. Great world building. Loved the characters, Grunge and Cassie….along with all of the side characters, especially Gracie!! Smokin hot smexy times are contained within!!
Move out the way Orcs because here comes some goblins!!!! Super cute and awesome new book featuring goblins. Great world building. Loved the characters, Grunge and Cassie….along with all of the side characters, especially Gracie!! Smokin hot smexy times are contained within!!
September 12, 2022
Slow start but keep going.
So I got about halfway through and it was ok. A bit meh. Nothing special. Amusing yarn and then boom it took off and became super fun and interesting. Yes it is stand alone but there is more going on than it first appears. Now I need more.
So I got about halfway through and it was ok. A bit meh. Nothing special. Amusing yarn and then boom it took off and became super fun and interesting. Yes it is stand alone but there is more going on than it first appears. Now I need more.
August 20, 2022
This book was riveting. Grunge and Cassie's story was so diffrent and pulled me in. Ready to read the next book. Make sure to check the tigger warnings. Great book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 8, 2022
“His name is Grunge Brightling. And those @ssholes might claim to be Iron Goblins, but he’s the real deal.”
⭐️: 5 out of 5
🌶️: 4 out of 5
* fated mates
* instalust
* touch her and ☠️
* all the angst
Every twenty years or so Goblins come up from Underhill to seek their mates. An offering of blood and gold is all they need in invitation. So when Cassie accidentally cuts her foot on a piece of glass and throws it towards a hole in her yard she doesn’t expect the Head of the Horde to come up and claim her as his mate - because it’s not gold and more importantly she doesn’t know Goblins exist!!
From there things are further complicated by the Iron Goblins Motorcycle Club that Cassie is in debt to and the things that normally happen when a Goblin meets his mate aren’t happening even though Grungu is sure she’s his..
This was such a fun read! I really liked learning about Goblin culture and all the twists along the way with various side characters. Cassie was in such a tough position but Grunge was so willing to fight for her both in Airside (the human realm) & Underhill. I’m looking forward to more in this series - esp with the hags!
CWs attempted SA, guns/violence, somnophilia, biting
Thanks to Roxy Collins & Booksirens for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
⭐️: 5 out of 5
🌶️: 4 out of 5
* fated mates
* instalust
* touch her and ☠️
* all the angst
Every twenty years or so Goblins come up from Underhill to seek their mates. An offering of blood and gold is all they need in invitation. So when Cassie accidentally cuts her foot on a piece of glass and throws it towards a hole in her yard she doesn’t expect the Head of the Horde to come up and claim her as his mate - because it’s not gold and more importantly she doesn’t know Goblins exist!!
From there things are further complicated by the Iron Goblins Motorcycle Club that Cassie is in debt to and the things that normally happen when a Goblin meets his mate aren’t happening even though Grungu is sure she’s his..
This was such a fun read! I really liked learning about Goblin culture and all the twists along the way with various side characters. Cassie was in such a tough position but Grunge was so willing to fight for her both in Airside (the human realm) & Underhill. I’m looking forward to more in this series - esp with the hags!
CWs attempted SA, guns/violence, somnophilia, biting
Thanks to Roxy Collins & Booksirens for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
February 25, 2023
Oh my goodness! Cassie and Grunge are freaking adorable! I love the lil bad@ss Cassie is and how brave she is for doing what she needs to do! And who doesn’t love a freaking cinnamon roll like Grunge? Oh swoon! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next few books! I think imma like Grouch
August 30, 2022
The Old Ways
Consider me suitably impressed. Really enjoyed reading this book. The characters Cassie and grunge or definitely a treat to read about. The storyline was well thought out and executed perfectly as far as I'm concerned. It was not your typical shifter book it was more you were dealing with another realm that took into consideration changes in time before humans forgot the old ways that's how I phrase it.
If you want kind of a shifter book with a different twist, I recommend this book to that type of reader. Let's just say it's not easy being Green.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Consider me suitably impressed. Really enjoyed reading this book. The characters Cassie and grunge or definitely a treat to read about. The storyline was well thought out and executed perfectly as far as I'm concerned. It was not your typical shifter book it was more you were dealing with another realm that took into consideration changes in time before humans forgot the old ways that's how I phrase it.
If you want kind of a shifter book with a different twist, I recommend this book to that type of reader. Let's just say it's not easy being Green.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 5, 2022
Backyard Goblin Gods are the new Shifters! I devoured the book in a day. If you like your heroine full of sass and your hero well ripped and other worldly then this is the book for you.
Grunge is a great twist on the shifter romance that has flooded the market recently. Roxy Collins has contoured up a new kind of monster - and who new green could be so hot!
The book is chock full of action, danger, romance and passion. The bad guys are menacing, the Goblins are unpredictable and the biker chicks are downright nasty. I loved it! I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Grunge is a great twist on the shifter romance that has flooded the market recently. Roxy Collins has contoured up a new kind of monster - and who new green could be so hot!
The book is chock full of action, danger, romance and passion. The bad guys are menacing, the Goblins are unpredictable and the biker chicks are downright nasty. I loved it! I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2022
Magic/mafia Gobelin story w/🔥
QUICK L👀K: Fierce green Gobelins, monster romance, fantasy/magic, mafia, chosen bloodlines, human females, mates, steamy scenes, tw, HEA.
DETAILED LOOK:
Gobelins (huge muscled green guys with fangs, claws & magic) live in underhill, which is under the crust of Earth. They made a deal with humans that stretches back centuries. Certain human bloodlines promised to train their daughters in the old ways and offer to be the Gobelins mates so they don't go extinct. There are no female Gobelins, they do have hags who protect Underhill yet they can't procreate.
The Earth's crust thins (in certain spots) for one month every couple of years. That is the only time Gobelins can go to Earth. But they must wait until a human female offers them a mate prize with her blood on it- by sending it down a magic hole. If a Gobelin accepts the females prize, the iferatu (green magic bugs) will judge whether she is a worthy mate and able to stay in Underhill.
Only, the humans have broken their side of the deal. They have forgotten the old ways and the Gobelins continue to wait on a prize that's never coming.
One horde king must make a decision. His horde cannot afford to skip even one generation of mates or their population will disappear. Furthur, his brothers are dying for mates. They want to go through the thin crust before time runs out this month, to look for their mates. Since they have waited for years without any offerings being sent. By doing this without an offering, they could compromise the Earth.
The offerings are meant to be special and tell of the Gobelins worth. Such as gold, or jewels, precious weapons ECT.
On accident, a shard of glass with blood on it is sent down the hole that this horde is calling from. Their king wants to accept it bc he can smell his mate on it- yet the offering is ridiculous. Not fit for a normal Gobelin much less their king. So he decides to go airside to check it out, see if it's a trap or what.
There he finds his mate, embroiled in two different motorcycle clubs that rule her life and treat her badly. He must hurry to convince her to be his mate, bc every day wasted is a day that one of his horde loses the chance at his own mate.
OPINION: I'm torn on this book, the first half seemed full of contradictions that didn't add up and took me forever to get through. It did have the burden of building the world which prob slowed it down and I'm not a patient reader but still.
The second half of the book really picked up and got a lot better, even making me giggle & fan my face at times. So, 3.5🌟's is what I came up with. Better than average but not an all-time fav.
The worldbuilding was pretty cool, and I loved the hags- female warriors that kick butt. I wasn't too fond of the female lead, she made dumb choices to furthur the plot in the beginning and it took me a while to warm back up to her.
I loved the male lead, he was everything I look for in a possessive "monster" and total book bf material with his sweet yet feral attitude. I really enjoyed secondary characters and will probably read the next book to see their story. Especially Grace & Grouchy. The villains in this book are true villains with nothing but cruelty in their hearts- I wish the whole lot had been eaten lol.
Plenty of action & suspense that I loved. Romance was meh in the beginning, probably bc I didn't like the fmc for a while. Eventually it picked up too, and there were some super steamy scenes.
It felt more like a motorcycle club book in the beginning, and a fantasy book in the 2nd half with all the magic and suspense building.
There are a ton of triggers in this book, be sure to grab the sample and look at the list. The author did a great job of describing them all. It includes an attempted rape (not by the mmc), and other negativity you need to be prepared for. It's par the course for mafia/motorcycle club books. But it does end on HEA, and I walked away happy.
It's available for free in KU, if you have a membership that's what I recommend. It allows me to try books I normally wouldn't. Aah I've rambled...
Overall I liked it and will continue the series. Happy reading fellow romance enthusiasts.
QUICK L👀K: Fierce green Gobelins, monster romance, fantasy/magic, mafia, chosen bloodlines, human females, mates, steamy scenes, tw, HEA.
DETAILED LOOK:
Gobelins (huge muscled green guys with fangs, claws & magic) live in underhill, which is under the crust of Earth. They made a deal with humans that stretches back centuries. Certain human bloodlines promised to train their daughters in the old ways and offer to be the Gobelins mates so they don't go extinct. There are no female Gobelins, they do have hags who protect Underhill yet they can't procreate.
The Earth's crust thins (in certain spots) for one month every couple of years. That is the only time Gobelins can go to Earth. But they must wait until a human female offers them a mate prize with her blood on it- by sending it down a magic hole. If a Gobelin accepts the females prize, the iferatu (green magic bugs) will judge whether she is a worthy mate and able to stay in Underhill.
Only, the humans have broken their side of the deal. They have forgotten the old ways and the Gobelins continue to wait on a prize that's never coming.
One horde king must make a decision. His horde cannot afford to skip even one generation of mates or their population will disappear. Furthur, his brothers are dying for mates. They want to go through the thin crust before time runs out this month, to look for their mates. Since they have waited for years without any offerings being sent. By doing this without an offering, they could compromise the Earth.
The offerings are meant to be special and tell of the Gobelins worth. Such as gold, or jewels, precious weapons ECT.
On accident, a shard of glass with blood on it is sent down the hole that this horde is calling from. Their king wants to accept it bc he can smell his mate on it- yet the offering is ridiculous. Not fit for a normal Gobelin much less their king. So he decides to go airside to check it out, see if it's a trap or what.
There he finds his mate, embroiled in two different motorcycle clubs that rule her life and treat her badly. He must hurry to convince her to be his mate, bc every day wasted is a day that one of his horde loses the chance at his own mate.
OPINION: I'm torn on this book, the first half seemed full of contradictions that didn't add up and took me forever to get through. It did have the burden of building the world which prob slowed it down and I'm not a patient reader but still.
The second half of the book really picked up and got a lot better, even making me giggle & fan my face at times. So, 3.5🌟's is what I came up with. Better than average but not an all-time fav.
The worldbuilding was pretty cool, and I loved the hags- female warriors that kick butt. I wasn't too fond of the female lead, she made dumb choices to furthur the plot in the beginning and it took me a while to warm back up to her.
I loved the male lead, he was everything I look for in a possessive "monster" and total book bf material with his sweet yet feral attitude. I really enjoyed secondary characters and will probably read the next book to see their story. Especially Grace & Grouchy. The villains in this book are true villains with nothing but cruelty in their hearts- I wish the whole lot had been eaten lol.
Plenty of action & suspense that I loved. Romance was meh in the beginning, probably bc I didn't like the fmc for a while. Eventually it picked up too, and there were some super steamy scenes.
It felt more like a motorcycle club book in the beginning, and a fantasy book in the 2nd half with all the magic and suspense building.
There are a ton of triggers in this book, be sure to grab the sample and look at the list. The author did a great job of describing them all. It includes an attempted rape (not by the mmc), and other negativity you need to be prepared for. It's par the course for mafia/motorcycle club books. But it does end on HEA, and I walked away happy.
It's available for free in KU, if you have a membership that's what I recommend. It allows me to try books I normally wouldn't. Aah I've rambled...
Overall I liked it and will continue the series. Happy reading fellow romance enthusiasts.
January 7, 2023
When I started this book and first third was dominated by the biker gang stuff, I nearly put it down and moved on. I’m not interested in the usual romance tropes with all human characters. I chose this book because I’ve never read a goblin romance before, and the man on the cover is green. I like green. Bring on the goblin lore. If the goblins are humans, meh. Fortunately Grungu was introduced before I got bored of reading about bikers harassing Cassie and her siblings. Don’t get me wrong. Cassie is great character. She’s a badass who does what needs to be done to take care of the ones she loves. Her life and her story leading up to her meeting Grungu are what makes her the badass she is. But I’m here for the goblin aspect and this book delivers.
Before I go on, let me list a few possible content warnings. Skip to the next paragraph if you don’t want them or are worried about spoilers. Consider yourself spoiler warned. So. Content warnings include: attempted rape, gang violence, guns, biting, oral sex on a sleeping person. If any of these things are not for you, pass on this one. I will also say that the attempted rapist is punished. Continuing on.
Cassie Wild finds herself caring for her siblings after her mom ditches town, leaving her to deal with her debt to the Iron Goblins. The head of the MC decides she’s not paying off the debt fast enough and puts her to work at the club’s strip club. She begrudgingly goes to work (not that she has a choice) and things immediately get worse for her. And then she accidentally sends an offering to the gobelins who live in a magical place underground and things start to look up.
Grungu aka Grunge is the leader of the gobelin horde living in a magical underground world called Underhill. Every 20 or so years, the crust opens and the gobelins have the opportunity to seek a human mate. They need humans to procreate and the leader of the horde must find his mate before any of his clan can attempt to find theirs. We learn that there is a history between humans and gobelins that is passed down the generations. Unfortunately it seems the humans are no longer keeping their end of the deal because Cassie doesn’t even know gobelins exist. Not only do they exist, but they’re the opposite of what the humans have always been told. They are fierce warriors, but they’re also cinnamon rolls who would do anything for their clan and especially for their mates.
This book is full of twists and turns. Sometimes it feels a little all over the place, but it all comes together nicely. And spice is close to the levels I like in my monster romance. I’m looking forward to seeing where Collins takes this series. If the path to the surface is only open for about a month, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for many gobelins to find their mates. It will either be a short series or there will be time skips. I’m okay with either.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. There is room for improvement. I would love more details about the deal between humans and gobelins. What happened with the Iron Goblins? Will the twins be safe without Cassie? Will the gobelins be more welcoming to Cassie after all that happened? Overall I really enjoyed this one and immediately picked up the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Before I go on, let me list a few possible content warnings. Skip to the next paragraph if you don’t want them or are worried about spoilers. Consider yourself spoiler warned. So. Content warnings include: attempted rape, gang violence, guns, biting, oral sex on a sleeping person. If any of these things are not for you, pass on this one. I will also say that the attempted rapist is punished. Continuing on.
Cassie Wild finds herself caring for her siblings after her mom ditches town, leaving her to deal with her debt to the Iron Goblins. The head of the MC decides she’s not paying off the debt fast enough and puts her to work at the club’s strip club. She begrudgingly goes to work (not that she has a choice) and things immediately get worse for her. And then she accidentally sends an offering to the gobelins who live in a magical place underground and things start to look up.
Grungu aka Grunge is the leader of the gobelin horde living in a magical underground world called Underhill. Every 20 or so years, the crust opens and the gobelins have the opportunity to seek a human mate. They need humans to procreate and the leader of the horde must find his mate before any of his clan can attempt to find theirs. We learn that there is a history between humans and gobelins that is passed down the generations. Unfortunately it seems the humans are no longer keeping their end of the deal because Cassie doesn’t even know gobelins exist. Not only do they exist, but they’re the opposite of what the humans have always been told. They are fierce warriors, but they’re also cinnamon rolls who would do anything for their clan and especially for their mates.
This book is full of twists and turns. Sometimes it feels a little all over the place, but it all comes together nicely. And spice is close to the levels I like in my monster romance. I’m looking forward to seeing where Collins takes this series. If the path to the surface is only open for about a month, that doesn’t leave a lot of time for many gobelins to find their mates. It will either be a short series or there will be time skips. I’m okay with either.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. There is room for improvement. I would love more details about the deal between humans and gobelins. What happened with the Iron Goblins? Will the twins be safe without Cassie? Will the gobelins be more welcoming to Cassie after all that happened? Overall I really enjoyed this one and immediately picked up the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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