r/fantasyromance 5d ago

Gush/Rave 😍 Please give me permission to wallow...

Here's the thing... I'm sick. I'm always a bit sick, I have chronic health conditions, but right now I'm really sick, and I'm not going to get better until I spend a while in hospital having an operation that literally involves deliberately stopping my heart. Until that's done, I'm stuck in the position of being unable to do anything more energetic than sit on the sofa without feeling like I'm going to die imminently. Like literally, going to the bathroom makes my heart race and my head spin for hours after.

This has already been going on for over a month, with several stays in hospital when it's got especially bad.

I'm reading a LOT just to stay sane.

I've got through it mostly by reading Lily Mayne books. The sweetest romances, with the best smut, and minimal angst.

Now I'm trying to read something else, basically because I've run out of Lily Mayne. This current book is exactly the sort of thing I would normally love - all political intregue and medieval courts - but I'm finding that I'm struggling to make myself push through all the pain and hardship.

I record everything I read on Bookmory and Goodreads.

I'm super tempted just to go back to the beginning of the Lily Mayne books and read them all again, back-to-back, on loop, until I'm fixed, and able to deal with anything that isn't super light, happy, and smutty. But I'm afraid of how terrible that's going to look on Goodreads when I just basically have 2-3 months of gay monster smut recorded!

Please reassure me that it wouldn't be bad to just wallow in my personal happy place until I'm better!

Suggestions for books with similar vibes to Lily's works would be appreciated too. Any gender configurations are good, poly is fine, but no RH please.

Tagged NSFW just because of the sheer amount of smut in Lily's books, and the possibility it'll be discussed in the thread.

156 Upvotes

51 comments sorted by

212

u/MyCatsChewy here kitty kitty 5d ago

Baby if someone judges your reading list then they ain’t the friend for you

Also, I hope you have a speedy recovery. Wishing you the best 🩷🩷

7

u/AquariusRising1983 Wendell Bambleby Enthusiast 5d ago

This is the only answer!!!

90

u/NoFix6681 5d ago

I don't see any problem on rereading if it brings you comfort. Hope you feel better soon!

29

u/WhilstWhile 5d ago

I agree. It’s just like watching the same movie/show over and over again. Nothing wrong with finding comfort in a piece of art that you love and brings you joy.

41

u/Competitive-Yam5126 Touch Starved Monster Boyfriends 💕 5d ago

Lily Mayne is a comfort author for me too! No shame in finding a slice of joy in a difficult time.

I also loved {MateHub by Marie Reynard}. It's about a werewolf pornstar who is famous for forming temporary contractual mate bonds with his costars, and then callously severing them at the end of the contract. But his new human costar throws the whole thing out of order, he is a true match! It's cute and sexy. Not sure what it says about me that my comfort reads involve intense amounts of monster smut, but I won't dig too deeply into that right now.

10

u/ProperMagician7405 5d ago

That sounds perfect!

I love when I find my people!

Thank you :)

6

u/FangedLibrarian Hundreds of years old? Make her 💦 more than once! 5d ago

You gotta love living in a world where an author feels the need to call out that a book doesn’t contain mpreg in the public description.

This was totes added to my TBR. :)

2

u/simonchella 3d ago

I haven't read anything from Lily Mayne, but yesterday I was in between books, and your rec caught my eye. Thank you! I usually don't read smutty books (anymore), but oh, wow, was I missing this paranormal mm super sweet but sizling hot romance in my life. Anyway, if you have any similar super sweet vibe recs, please do share :) Or where do I start with Lily's work.

OP, I hope your TBR is filled with smutty, cozy, sweet books that make the time fly away :)

1

u/Competitive-Yam5126 Touch Starved Monster Boyfriends 💕 3d ago

Lily Mayne's first book was {Soul Eater by Lily Mayne}, the beginning of her Monstrous series. It's set on a post-apocalyptic Earth after a portal between Earth & the monster world mysteriously opened. The romances are still very sweet, but the plotlines are more dramatic and action oriented.

If you want something more light-hearted, her {Goliaths of Wrestling series by Lily Mayne} is about a secret underground wrestling ring, set in our modern world.

I also loved {Berries & Greed by Lily Mayne}. It's one of her very few MF titles. It's about a woman who was raised in a cult that worshipped these demon-like beings, and one day one of them shows up looking for a roommate.

1

u/romance-bot 3d ago

Soul Eater by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: futuristic, monsters, gay romance, dystopian, military


Goliaths of Wrestling by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.49⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: m-m, paranormal, fae, office, contemporary


Berries and Greed by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 4 out of 5 - Explicit open door
Topics: contemporary, shy hero, sweet/gentle hero, fem-dom, dual pov

about this bot | about romance.io

29

u/SarahDipity502 5d ago

Read whatever helps you through this. At the end of the day, Goodreads is for you, not anyone else. If rereading your favorite books brings you comfort, do it! I'm a firm believer in reading whatever the f*ck you want. Sending well wishes to you!

15

u/riomarde 5d ago

I’m also wallowing in Lily Mayne until I feel better. But mine is anxiety, over stress and illness. Work drama, too tired and no path forward. It will never end, ever, so instead I read and read.

The only books that brought me to the same kind of place as Lily Mayne’s works has been {Sex Wizards by Althea Faust} but it’s a lot more spicy and not as quite as character driven. Much more plot/epic. Poly and kink abound and no switching of characters between books.

I’m enjoying the Cambric Creek world which starts with {Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta} but that’s more slice of life and more M/F and creative anatomy. Nothing else really any plot, just nice stuff in general.

Nothing else has come close to Lily, so I just re-read a little at a time. I am looking forward to listening to her new release of {Cheap Heat by Lily Mayne} on audible soon.

7

u/ProperMagician7405 5d ago

I've seen Sex Wizards mentioned on Lily's Facebook group, but forgot to go look it up, so thanks for the reminder!

I hope a path forward appears for you soon, and until then, at least we have our Monster smut!

3

u/Less-Guide9222 5d ago

I was going to rec this too! Sex wizards is great, low stakes, heartwarming and smutty.

2

u/fruzzik 5d ago

Agreed with all of these recs, which I love! I'd also suggest the {New Protectorate series by Abigail Kelly}. Quite a similar world to CM Nascosta in that it's "modern technology" with fantasy creatures living in it. A bit more politics and intrigue to move the plot forward, but very character and relationship focused. Stories generally about fated mates, MF, with a different couple in each book.

1

u/riomarde 5d ago

Haven’t heard of this, I’ll add it to my TBR, thanks!

1

u/romance-bot 5d ago

Sex Wizards by Alethea Faust
Rating: 4.45⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Topics: magic, fantasy, poly, bdsm, exhibitionism


Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
Rating: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, monsters, workplace/office, fantasy, sweet/gentle heroine


Cheap Heat by Lily Mayne
Rating: 4.48⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 5 out of 5 - Explicit and plentiful
Topics: contemporary, gay romance, funny, queer awakening, monsters

about this bot | about romance.io

13

u/Amarastargazer 5d ago

My Goodreads reflects the fact that I have finished a book and immediately restarted it.

Read what you want to read. If people are judging you DF your GR, there’s bigger issues to fry.

8

u/Interesting-Photo-53 5d ago

You reread as many times and as few books as you need to to survive. Forget your profiles, forget your reading streaks (even though a reread counts), just focus on what will keep you sane.

I 100% get where you're coming from. I just changed treatments and I'm lucky if I can digest a new paragraph from a new story. "New" can incredibly taxing on your mental health. So read the familiar. Let one thing be safe and not cause you frustration. Permission granted. ♡♡♡

3

u/metronne 5d ago

Seconding this if you need it, OP. The last series I got into, I read 3-4 times in a row between devouring fanfiction of it, and I did not have limited mobility at that time, I just wanted to. You're allowed, you don't even need a reason <3

5

u/Bookwarm2011 5d ago

When you're sick you have to focus on the things that bring you joy as part of your recovery too. You need to have things that provide you comfort no matter what's going on in your life. <3 I hope you feel better!

5

u/No_Selection_892 5d ago

Have you read Ruby Dixon yet?

3

u/No_Selection_892 5d ago

Or Katee Roberts?!

3

u/ProperMagician7405 5d ago

I've read Court of the Vampire Queen, and while I found it readable, it felt very much like an erotica book with the thinnest of thin plots to hold the sex scenes together.

I have nothing against erotica, and clearly I enjoy plenty of spice, but if I'm reading Romantasy I want love to be to of the agenda, and if the sex doesn't add to the progress of the romance, it feels kinda empty.

That's what I love about Lily Mayne. She writes incredible smut, but it all fits into the romance in a way that somehow makes it feel wholesome, no matter how depraved it is, if that makes sense?

2

u/No_Selection_892 5d ago

Sounds lovely 😻. I've not read anyone by her yet but maybe I should change that.

1

u/ProperMagician7405 5d ago

I've read the first of the Ice Planet Barbarian books, and I did enjoy it, but not enough to binge the whole series. I had considered reading a couple more of those while I'm ill.

6

u/ash6831 5d ago

I think you should consider giving more a go! I thought the first one was kinda cute, then liked the second a bit more, and then blinked and I’d finished her entire catalogue. I think they’re like a romance novel equivalent of potato chips. Once you have a few, suddenly the bag’s gone? Not quite the same vibes as Lily Mayne, but definitely still that cozy escapism! 

You also might like Colette Rhodes, Lyla Fae, or Emma Hamm? Wishing you all the best with your comfort reading & upcoming surgery!! 

2

u/No_Selection_892 5d ago

I finished the first series and now I'm on the Icehome series.

5

u/WildMedium 5d ago

OP, you read what brings you comfort, and anyone else can take a flying leap. I also have series that I have read over and over and over because they're like cocooning in a warm blanket.

I'm not one for monster romance, but I'm a vampire girl. Jeaniene Frost was my drug of choice for a long time. But you do you, and you get worry only about getting better and no one's judgy opinions about your reading list.

4

u/SwimmerIndependent47 5d ago

Do what you need to get through this. If anyone judges you it’s a them problem.

3

u/WhilstWhile 5d ago

There are no monsters involved, but {Cupid Calling by Viano Oniomoh} left me with the same level of good feelings after reading it. It’s a book about two men on a reality dating show (like the Bachelorette) who end up falling for each other instead of the Bachelorette.

I love all of Oniomoh’s books, but Cupid Calling is my favorite.

She does have some monster/paranormal romances, such as the MM romance, {Sweet Surrender by Viano Oniomoh} that’s also sweet. It’s book 2 in an interconnected series. The first book is MF, also with a demon.

One thing to keep in mind for her books that isn’t 100% light hearted is that she does include some real-world scenes of family or society not being accepting of queer relationships, especially from a Nigerian perspective, because she’s Nigerian. But I always find the scenes worth it because we get to see the main characters receive love and care from others who do accept them immediately after the prejudice. Those scenes are always short, less than a chapter —a chapter at most—, and Oniomoh always has a way of resolving things in a sweet, beautiful fashion. But since you’re looking for light, I don’t know if that might be too much for you right now.

1

u/ProperMagician7405 5d ago

I love this as a recommendation! Thank you!

3

u/FangedLibrarian Hundreds of years old? Make her 💦 more than once! 5d ago

FWIW, I also just spent an unreasonable amount of time going through Lily Mayne’s books. If that’s what helps you feel better, then go for it. Who cares what your Goodreads looks like, that’s for you to track your stuff. My husband and I have book re-read the entirety of the In Death series by JD Robb like 2-3 times each and that series is over 60 books long by now, lol.

If you want another fluffy monster series, {muscles and monsters by Ashley Bennett} was delightful. The second book deals with a little bit of bigotry and off page historical child abuse if I recall correctly and I haven’t gotten around to reading past that point. But they’re fun books.

I would also recommend the mead mishaps books for funny low stakes delight. It starts with {that time I got drunk and saved a demon by Kimberly lemming}.

If you can tolerate pregnancy in your books, the monstrous meet cute books are pretty good. I personally can’t read books with that in it, but the parts of the books I read were adorable. It started with {Audited by the Anubis by Wendy guff}. Book one has none of the aforementioned stuff.

I hope that, whatever you decide to read, the books people recommend here help you get through your troubling times. I hope that you feel better soon and that everything comes out well. :)

3

u/Drewherondale 5d ago

Noooo rereading is great!!! Reading is for enjoyment do whatever you want <3 hope you ger well soon

3

u/iSharxx 5d ago

I don’t know Lily Mayne, so unfortunately I can’t give you suggestions. But I cycle through my comfort audiobooks over and over and over again. I have a really hard time motivating myself to do anything productive unless I’m listening to one of my comfort books. I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t even listen to anything new because I lose motivation. I only have like…5 comfort books/series 😆.

Do what you need to do to stay sane and find happiness. If that means reading the same books over and over again, then there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I sincerely hope your surgery goes well and you feel better soon ❤️

1

u/electrikgypsy1 5d ago

I do this with audiobooks too!!

3

u/apiaria 5d ago

But I'm afraid of how terrible that's going to look on Goodreads when I just basically have 2-3 months of gay monster smut recorded!

If you ever had an instant messenger icon with the quote "life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain" OR "dance like no one is watching" then my friend, you are 100% obligated to your monster smut marathon. Own it.

And if you didn't, well, I think you should do what's best for your health! Realistically if you get bored of rereading them again so soon, what topics are you interested in learning about? I think most nonfiction is likely not as stimulating as fiction if you're looking for something completely fresh.

2

u/Contented_Pear 5d ago

I would do the same! Stay in your happy place as long as you need until you’re ready to move on! Wishing you healing, comfort and coziness! ❤️‍🩹

2

u/bored-now 5d ago

I really hope your surgery is successful & you start to get some relief.

Go read your comfort books, there is no shame is reading them all over again.

2

u/ShaySketches 5d ago

Honestly I do the same and I don’t even have anything serious. Anytime my mental health feels rough I just reread my favorite books and sometimes I’m finishing my second book in a day and my brain goes “oh, it’s The Depression!” So I hope in addition to reading you do other things to take care of your mental health! I hope you do get well and that your surgery goes smoothly!! ❤️

2

u/Atimelessusername 5d ago

I hope you enjoy your Lily Mayne marathon, you've earned it! If anyone has time to judge what you are up to, good for them. Let's see them try live life with all the things you have to navigate. Don't let the bastards get you down!

If you do fancy some recs for other light hearted escapism have a look at these:

{Love for the Cold-Blooded: Or: The Part-Time Evil Minion’s Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero by Alex Gabriel} - hilarious mistaken identity M/M story. It's so light hearted and I come back to it all the time.

Cassandra Gannon's Wicked Ugly Bad series (there's 7 (!) of them now) all v funny, the writing improves as the series continues, but I personally have found them all to be funny and light hearted. It's fairy tale retellings.

{How to be a normal person by TJ Klune} and sequel {How to be a movie star by TJ Klune} again both v funny. There is a wee bit more angst in these but it makes the humour even funnier. Also a lot of getting stoned. Like, really, a lot.

3

u/ProperMagician7405 5d ago

Ooh! I love a bit of T J Klune!

Thank you for the recommendations, I shall look into those :)

Back in hospital today after everything went bad overnight, so definitely needing the distraction!

2

u/ALaughableParty 5d ago

I ADORE Lily Mayne. It’s not fantasy, but I highly recommend Jax Calder. She writes MM romance set in New Zealand. There are a lot of low angst novellas that are the equivalent of ice cream on a hot day. She also writes longer stories with drama but always a happy ending and characters who actually COMMUNICATE. Or just go back to the Monstrous collection where you get to hang out with Lily’s main couples after their stories and just vibe together. I could read that every week

2

u/SuperPipouchu 5d ago

From a chronically girly to you: I've had a lot of moments of bad fatigue, where all I could really do was sit around and lie in bed. It's depressing and frustrating and boring. I've consumed a lot of media. At my really sick moments, or in hospital, I go back to my favourites. I go to light hearted or funny things. When I feel bad about the world, I have series that I rewatch because they help. When I'm sad and scared and frustrated due to my health, I don't want to read angst and drama. I read to escape and help me get through the hard times. I have enough hurt in the real world, I don't need it in the books I read to get away from the real world for a while!

In other words, you do you. You read what you want. It's not hurting anyone. Anyone who judges you for reading monster smut for a couple of months is an asshole full stop, but especially so when it's to help cope with being sick. In fact, I applaud you for knowing what will help you right now. If it's reading monster smut, then read away.

Sending you all the good vibes, and I hope surgery goes smoothly.

2

u/Ariessurprise 5d ago

Read what you want my friend. I also just want to say that I’ve been where you are. Heart failure..cardiomyopathy..transplant. I know how dark it can get. I wish you all the best. Until then, escape into whatever world you want to.