Pieces of Me

Monster Match

by Jacey Davis

What happens when a jaded chimera meets a skeptical and stressed human? True love, of course.

Why did I decide to live in the human realm again? I asked myself that question nearly every day lately. Sure, many monsters are thriving here, and I don’t think I could go back to never having coffee or cheese danishes again, but…humans can be so infuriating sometimes and I’m over it. I'd much rather be back at my cabin in the monster realm than trying fit in here.

But my best friend is concerned I spend too much time alone and takes matters into his own hands when he signs me up for the Monster Match dating app that pairs humans and monsters together.

I plan to just delete the app, but then I match up with Kennedy. He’s a young college student, but he’s so different from any human I've ever met. His prickly shell hides a soft interior I want to crack open and explore. He has desires he's hidden for a long time, and I want to be the one who opens that world for him. He just needs to feel like he belongs somewhere. Which is a feeling I understand.

The more I get to know him, the more I’m sure that he belongs with me.

Pieces of Me is a steamy MM monster romance featuring a jaded chimera who is so over humans and their opinions and a human who is just desperate to finally get to be himself. It’s part of the Monster Match series and contains its own Happily Ever After. Each book is a standalone, but why don’t you have fun with all our monstrous beasties?

Expect a grumpy/grumpy pairing, size difference, possessive partners, a secret lingerie fantasy, and tail and wing play.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Monsters, Fantasy, Paranormal, Monster Romance, Paranormal Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2024

About the author

Jacey is an M/M and Fantasy/Paranormal fiction writer. She's a Jersey girl through and through, and after a brief time in North Carolina, is back in New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and her black lab mix. When she's not writing, Jacey is catching up on Netflix shows, reading, and most of all, playing with (aka chasing after) her kids.

Reviews

[Choyang · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Pieces of Me' (Monster Match) by Jacey Davis

Sidetrack:
The weird thing is: when I bought this book I had no memory of having previously read it, but once I got into the story, I realized I had...a while ago. So I checked my purchases over the past couple years and nope, I didn't buy it. And since I don't do ARCs or have books given to me (keeps me from potentially feeling a tad obligated to play nice, lol)...there is the exception of reading things offered for free on Prolific Works. I also don't recognize the cover, so it still remains a mystery to me as to where I might have come in contact with it? Ah well, "C'est la vie!"...

Okey-dokey, the review:
I liked this storyline a lot, especially the dual POV of our MCs.

And...Ye gods & little fishes were their sex scenes smoking hot! Wowza! Fun to see how they worked out their BDSM & CNC scenarios! And the chimera Rafe always taking great care with human Kennedy, checking in with him and making sure he was ok throughout their primal play scenarios. Really cool!

Where I falter in giving the extra star was the ending, which seemed rushed in some ways, with a few gaps of missing info.

Wanted more about what happened to Holt, and how Kennedy and his mom (who's barely mentioned) figured out their relationship going forward...or if they did?

And what happened to all of Kennedy's belongings and his car; where are they?

Both main characters were quite interesting and I appreciated the ways in which they figured each other out. It was entertaining watching them sort of dance around feelings that they weren't expecting!

So, is/are the author(s) just gonna leave us hanging after Darcy walks off to go...where? Oh hell no!

I wanna know what happens next with their friend's storylines, too, but there aren't any more books listed as forthcoming after this one... bummer.

I've read all but two (?) of this series (avoiding the spider one; I dislike spiders, even though I know they are good for our environment); I loved this whole concept!
But I'm greedy and want more stories in this series!

UPDATE: 10/23/24: Finally! Darcy gets his own story and I'm excited for him! Called 'Enchanted Hearts' (Cauldrons and Kisses series), it's kinda complex, involving more than one world, lost families, found families, and a grumpy Earth-magic witch in another realm. I'm really happy that Darcy (my fave character in the 'Monster Match' series) finally gets his HEA, and "Wowza"!

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!
A MM small-town Monster romance with a special grumpy/grumpy trope, a match making app, lots of feelings, sexy kinky times, & a necessary overhaul!
I devoured my #ARC within 4hrs, Loved Kennedy, Rafe & the besties!

Rafe is a chimera who works in monster integration centre at military base. He's snarky, protective, grump; dislikes humans as they've not left a good impression especially the monster-phobic Colonel Holt.
Kennedy is an engineer major, but loves biochemistry. Hates that he's under his step-dad Holt's thumb. Plans to get away but fears hold him, yet he's rebellious. K's a lil awkward, sweet, broody, cautious; & has sexual fantasies 😉.

Their besties made em get on the Monster Match app. Their connection was unexpected, while it started with fantasies & fling, it deepened into so much! The primal play is so HOT 🥵. Couldn't deny the inevitable for long eh 😏.

THAT BASTARD Holt? Oh he'd come between them. But will this break the 2? Or only bring them closer? Hah, after all the ranting abuse he did to Ken, I was just greedy for revenge hah. That climax was like a movie, omg! I wish we saw it fully.

While Davis wrote that there's insta-love, I liked the pacing for R+K. It felt genuine, the growth. We also got much lore for the world & I'm glad! The Maddox cameo was fun. I hope Darcy gets a book 🥺.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳😉🤭🥺😤😍😈😡🤣😘😣🥰😏🤕💞
4) Steamy scenes: 2.75/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2.5/5
Dark: 2/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.7/5
7) Plot arc: (Fling to forever, Asshole Stepdad) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

[chinchu ⁠♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

empezó mejor q los otros pero decayó igual de rápido

[Gale Bruckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

Everything about this book was a joy to read. Holt needed a reconing, and boy, did he get one. I loved watching Kennedys confidence grow, and the way Rafe supported and respected him was wonderful.

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy just wants to get his college degree and have a little fun on the side with a monster of his choosing. He's tired of being treated like a possession, to be toted out and paraded around so his step-father can make his career. He has plans and they don't include a degree in mechanical engineering or an enlistment into the Army. So when he's encouraged to sign up with the Monster Match app, it doesn't take much to convince him to do it.

Rafe is a Chimera that works for the government. He works as a liaison between the humans and the monsters. He also has the displeasure of working with General Holt, who runs the military base he works at. It takes everything he has not to unalive the general and make sure his body is never found. When his BFF Darcy signs him up to the Monster Match app he's originally outraged. When he comes across a match in Kennedy that outrage quickly turns to interest.

Kennedy and Rafe make plans on how they want their encounters to be. Everything quickly changes when both of them realize that fate has something more in store for them. Outside forces however aren't going to give up so easy. They have their work cut out for them if they want to continue being together. Along with their mutual friends they will somehow find a way to come out on top.

This was such a good book. I was hooked from page one. The story is really good. The character and world building are very well done. The author took time to work her individual story around the other stories in this series and I very much appreciated that. Kennedy and Rafe have very good chemistry from their first meeting. The smexy times are hot, the hunt was just what Kennedy needed and exactly what I didn't know I needed as well. The supporting characters are well used. I really hope the author writes a story for Darcy because I want to read it and he deserves it. I would've preferred the baddie to get more of a painful comeuppance for everything he put Kennedy through but for a man like him I guess he got something worse. I would've also liked Kennedy's mother to step up before her husband was taken down but some people just aren't strong enough (especially after living through her personal hell). I highly recommend this book. Everyone run and grab you a copy I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[Ferry Visser · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Pieces of me’ is het zesde deel van de Monster Match serie. Het is het eerste boek van de auteur en het eerste deel van de seri dat ik lees van deze auteur. Ik heb genoten! Misschien had ik beter eerst de andere delen kunnen lezen, omdat sommige zaken een beetje snel gingen. Het neemt niet weg dat dit boek over meer gaat dan een gay romance.
Rafian is een bijzonder intrigerend hoofdpersonage. En dat heeft te maken met de symbolische betekenis van de chimera. Het mythische wezen verwijst naar diversiteit vanwege de verschillende dieren die samenkomen in het wezen, wat gezien kan worden als een verwijzing naar innovatie. Davis verrijkt haar personage door de betekenis van diversiteit door te trekken naar seksuele diversiteit.
Ook de hybriditeit wordt op de juiste manier door de auteur gebruikt. Rafian heeft als chimera ook een meer menselijke vorm. En in deze gestalte leeft hij in de mensenwereld. Hij kan van gestalte wisselen, wat enkele geweldige passages oplevert. Met betrekking tot het verhaal is het ook mogelijk om zijn hybride zijn figuurlijk op te vatten als innovator.
En dan de thematiek. In mijn ervaring gaat het verhaal over meer dan het vinden van een partner. Het gaat ook over zelfontplooiing, bewustwording en het vinden van een plek om jezelf te kunnen zijn.
Verder heb ik genoten van de speelse ironie die in ‘Pieces of me’ op verschillende manieren voorkomt. Beeldennd en tussen de regels door zorgt deze humor voor een aangename dynamiek in het verhaal, waar ik als lezer erg van genoten heb.
En zo wordt het zesde deel van de Monster Match serie een aangename kennismaking met het werk van Jacey Davis en de Monster Match serie. Rafian is een intrigerend personage dat een symbolische meerwaarde heeft voor het verhaal. De zalige ironie van de auteur zorgt er voor dat Rafian en Kennedy een krachtige ontwikkeling doormaken. Daarom is het zeker een aanrader om te lezen!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

First thing is pay attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book. There were some heavy and also kinky things that might be over your limits. We met the main character in the second book in their series since he was one of Maddox’s best friends along with Darcy. I wish we would have seen more of both of them and found up what was going on with Darcy. That was a plot point that wasn’t wrapped up by the end of the book and he isn’t the main character in the last book of the series, so we’ll probably never know.

I liked Kennedy a lot; I felt bad for him since we all knew how bad General Holt was, although I was a little surprised by everything that took place in the last few chapters. The way that Rafian (Rafe) was able to take care of him and make him feel small was great, and I loved how they both signed up for sexual fantasies on the app but since day one, it was never really that. I would have liked to see them hang out a little more and do fun things like dates, take care of Cat, hang out with friends, etc. Kennedy didn’t have a ton of friends, but by the end of the book it seemed like he really only had Amelia. I forgot the other girl’s name by the end of the book until Rafe mentioned it.

There was definitely kink with cnc, stoplight system, some breath play, etc. There was even a moment with docking during their first scene. I would have liked to seen their connection grow more naturally but I guess when it comes to mates, sometimes the feelings just spring up overnight. There were some typos sprinkled in like guy instead of gun, etc. but it was mostly an enjoyable read. I’d probably give it 3.5-4 out of 5 stars.

Rafian (Rafe): chimera, 300+ (301 and 302 referenced), pansexual
Kennedy: human, 22, the general’s stepson, gay

[... · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up. I have really been enjoying this series, and while this one isn't my favorite, it was still a fun addition!

The story was really well integrated into the shared-author world, as all but one in this series have been, and I loved that! For the first half, it was a solid 4-star read for me, and I was definitely into it. My interest did start to slip a bit, but I'm not writing off trying this author again in the future, for sure! (Especially since they leaned hard into setting up a side character I'd be interested in reading about - Darcy - for a future book at the end of this one... although I'm not sure if that's something the author intends to do on their own, of if this multi-author series will have a second season <--- YES, PLEASE!)

Anyway, here are my quibbles with it:

1 - WHY the lingerie? 🙄 This is not the first author I've seen do this, and it annoys me every time. I love a character who wears lingerie and feels sexy in it. I also love it when it's a full-blown kink. But when it's like... inserted into the story as if it's going to be a THING, and then doesn't become anything at all? Le sigh. That, I'm not a fan of. Like, why? Just to drive home that the big, muscled guy craves going against stereotypes? Because there are more sophisticated ways of building that kind of characterization. Annnnyway, it's whatever. It bugs me, but if it was fun for the author, so be it.

2 - Off-page action. THIS is what really diffused my interest in the story. It always strikes me as the sign of a less experienced author, but whatever the reason, when they choose to RECAP all the high-intensity, plot-pivotal moments instead of putting them on the page where we, the readers, get to experience them along with the characters, I'm probably not going to stick around. It's a version of tell-not-show that IMHO defeats the purpose of actually reading a story (vs just getting some kind of Cliff notes summary from a friend).

BUT... like I said, I'd still be willing to try more from this author, because the story *was* still fun for the most part! A little (er, a lot) unrealistically dramatic and out of left field in terms of the resolution with General Holt, but as with my second quibble above, I figure this is either because the author is maybe a less experienced storyteller, or maybe just ran out of time to really flesh out the story. 🤷‍♀️

[ShelfLife · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was just okay. There is a lot of internal dialogue and not as much between characters to balance it out, so the story drags a bit. The chemistry between Rafe and Kennedy is also pretty weak. There’s little emotion between them, but even the small amount there is didn’t reach me as a reader. I felt more from Rafe than Kennedy, but I think that’s just because of the mate thing. Kennedy actually came across pretty indifferent honestly.

The writing is technically good. I don’t recall any major errors or even a lot of minor ones, tbh. Maybe some repetition if I’m being petty. However, the style is very perfunctory and emotionless. It just didn’t evoke any kind of feeling from me other than boredom and indifference. Also, the addition of a chapter from Holt’s POV was a bizarre choice, and it comes at an odd time in the story and messes with the timeline and continuity. I think including Holt’s POV was wholly necessary and also lazy storytelling, whether to save on page length or the author’s writing time. It would have been much more interesting to see how they discovered his crimes and went about busting him. Furthermore, several milestones are completely skipped over, which just made me glad the end was near. I would have liked to see Rafe telling Kennedy he loved him for the first time, convincing Kennedy to move in with him, Kennedy deciding to get his degree in what he wanted, the proposal, etc.

Anywho, I can’t recall if I’ve read anything else by this author. I think I would again, but it’d be something longer and not in a multi-author anthology.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this collaboration has been great. The stories share the same world, so each new book feels a little familiar from the get. Jacey’s book is similar and yet unique to the others.

Rafian or Rafe is chimera. He has the body of a lion, tail of a snake, and wings of a dragon. He is the grumpiest of grumps with a good heart who helps monsters get their visas for Edgewind. Kennedy is a college student with a super domineering and controlling stepfather General Howard Holt. Kennedy thought he was getting away from Holt due to college until the portal opened and the government decided to build a base in Edgewind. Now he has to deal General Holt, heaven help him if he calls him anything else, in his everyday life.

My favorite part of this book is when happens. Let me tell you, I waited and when the story all came to a boiling point I was all eyes just reading and thinking go Kennedy!! I absolutely adored the pairing of the two MC’s. It is really like they softened each other up. As tall as Kennedy is, Rafe is taller. Everyone loves the feeling of being protected and cared for and Rafe gave that to Kennedy. I also enjoyed all the characters that were written like Darcy and Amelia. I always fall in love/like with the smaller characters. I hope Darcy finds his mate and maybe we’ll get to read that one day. This is a great story and I hope others enjoy it and the rest of the series as well.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of the multi-author Monster Match series. Each book can be read as a standalone but you should really read the entire series. This is the story of Rafe and Kennedy. Rafe is a chimera who works on the Monster Integration Program. He is living on the base and interacts with both the humans and monsters. Rafe is one of the most dangerous monsters around. The things he loves about earth the most are coffee and baked goods. Caramel coffee makes his day better! Kennedy is a university student who has his entire life controlled by his step-father General Holt. He cancelled the scholarship that Kennedy won and sent him to university for what he wanted him to have. Then he assumes that Kennedy will join the military. Kennedy doesn't plan to do that. He doesn't seem to have much luck standing up to his step-father. Rafe and Kennedy meet through the dating app. Right from the beginning they were perfect for each other. I liked how they each tried to protect the other. This is their story. It is well written and easy to read. I liked how Kennedy found the strength to stand up to his step-father only because of the support he got from Rafe. I really enjoyed the book.

I received a complementary advanced readers copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GreenwingReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe and Kennedy are so perfect for each other! I don't often see the grumpy x grumpy trope and I loved it here. Rafe is a monster who doesn't really trust humans, and with good reason since he has to work with General Holt every day (if you've read the other books in the series, you know why that is so awful). His best friend, Darcy, is a ray of sunshine monster with a bit of a mischievous streak, and he convinces Rafe to give the Monster Match app a try. And does Rafe ever find his match!

That match is Kennedy, a college student forced to live the life he really wants a secret while playing the role of perfect obedient stepson on the surface. Be sure to check your trigger warnings for this one because poor Kennedy has been through it! But Rafe finally shows Kennedy that he can have everything he has always wanted and fantasized about if he is brave enough to reach for it.

The steamy scenes were really good and unique while working with some popular tropes like CNC, primal play, and more. I don't want to go into too much detail and give it away. The bottom line is that this story is well worth the read and so sweet, steamy, and heartwarming all at the same time. Though it's part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe, chimera (302), government monster liason
Kennedy Barnes, human (22), student

I've been looking forward to this book for a while now... grumpy/grumpy? CNC/primal play? Tail play? Say no more!

Fated mates aren't my favourite trope, but with this series, it's kind of expected and with the length of the books works to progress the relationship in a way that feels on pace rather than rushed and I'm enjoying the way each author takes the concept and makes it their own. I loved that both Rafe and Kennedy felt the draw to each other pretty much from first sight, but that they took a little time to build and strengthen their relationship, even after they knew they were fated. Their chemistry was palpable, the intimate scenes were delightful and the primal play scene was everything I wanted it to be and more.

While every moment with General Holt was a bit of a bummer it added a smidge of a hidden identity trope (which is my favourite!) in that Rafe was unaware of Kennedy's connection to the man. I though the resolution to that small bump could have been explored a little more, but I was delighted that they came out of the revelation stronger than ever. Kennedy's character growth was enjoyable and it was nice to see him come into his own and not have Rafe solve all his personal woes for him. The secondary characters were dynamic and added to the story, like others I hope Darcy finds his fated mate soon.

I'm not a fan of random chapters from other characters POVs so Howard Holt's POV chapter, which didn't really provide any value added to the story, could have been better used with more showing rather than telling from Kennedy's POV in unravelling the mystery of what Holt's endgame was.

This was well on track on track to be a five-star read for me, I was enjoying the heck out of everything, but then it kind of all fell apart in a rushed and overly simplistic and convenient resolution that didn't leave me feeling satisfied. A lot of the events tying up the General Holt storyline occurred behind the scenes and off-page which was a huge let down as he's been built up as an objectively horrible character throughout this and other books in the series.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[BrittReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this couple. If you read the whole series you would of heard about Rafe in Kotas book "His Primal Kiss".
Rafe is a Chimera who also is one of the highest standing monsters in his town(one of the 3 monster/human experimental ones). He is suckered into trying the app at the same time Maddox(from his Primal kiss) is(as well as another monster but he isn't I'm the series). Rafe doesn't believe in mates or love so he decides to trial the fantasies side. He ends up meeting a college aged human named Kennedy.
Poor Kennedy just wants to finish college and get away from his step father who controls his every move. His step father also happens to be Rafes boss General Howard Holt(who is also in His Slender Embrace by Amanda Meuwissen). Kennedy starts falling for Rafe but is trying to hide it because he plans to run away from the town as soon as he graduates and Rafe can't leave the town due to his visa.
Through this book they overcome some amazing obstacles and it brings them together so well. I truly enjoyed it all!

[Tosha · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I had a second to realize that he was even more shifted, and where he typically had overly muscular but clearly human legs, there were four of them. Four fur covered lion paws. His face was still human like, but the rest of him had transformed into a f_cking lion. He was terrifying. My c_ck twitched.”

I just adore Kennedy so much, in particular when you see how wonderful he is compared to his parents! Speaking of them we get to see the disgusting General Holt that we met and despised in His Slender Embrace. I was kinda glad to see him back, hoping he would get his comeuppance. I’ll let you find out for yourself.

I really related to Kennedy’s character and it was such a treat to watch his character grow. And it was beautiful to watch him and Rafe develop all those delicious feels. Not to mention they were hella spicy!

And I’m happy that those really fun name drops and cameos were back! Legitimately living for these throughout this series.

On to the final book now, sad that they are almost over.

[Duffette · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the shared world

🅓🅤🅕🅕🅔🅣🅣🅔'🅢 🅡🅔🅥🅘🅔🅦:
I really loved this story. I’ve been curious about the General’s stepson since he was mention in His Slender Embrace. Rafe was the perfect person for Kennedy. Kennedy has been forced to live his life by the General’s rules, never doing anything for himself. He eventually gives in and joins the Monster Match dating app for some sexy fun times and gets matched with Rafe. Kennedy is adorably awkward. I loved watching them navigate a relationship when both of them just wanted a one time thing, but couldn’t help but be drarwn to one another.

I’m really hoping Darcy gets a book, he’s Rafe’s bestie and the one who signed Rafe up for Monster Match. His sunshine personality started to dim for unknown reasons, and now I need to know those reasons. This was a great story and addition to the Monster Match shared world. Out of the 4 I’ve read so far, Rafe and Kennedy are my favorite pairing so far.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces of Me - Monster Romance

‘We both stood still, watching each other. The moment felt profound. There was no going back after this. I thought we both understood that everything would change after tonight. I wasn’t walking away from Rafe. I didn’t know what that would mean exactly, but I would have to find a way. This was my last chance. I could call red right now, tell Rafe to leave and go back to my safe life listening to my stepfather and counting down the days till I graduated so I could run away from everyone and everything. Or I could turn out this door and live out my biggest fantasy with the man that was quickly starting to mean a lot to me.’

Jacey Davis adds a sweet and romantic story to the Monster Match series with Pieces of Me!

Kennedy is being abused by his military stepfather and is just looking for the freedom to live his own life his own way. When his bestie suggests signing up for the Monster Match app, so his fantasies can be played out with a real monster, he finds a chimera who fits his dreams.

Rafe is a liaison who decides to match with a human, just for the fun of it, not realizing he will be brought into both a physical AND emotional relationship. Kennedy becomes a dream he never realized he wanted, until the dangerous stepfather works to get him back under his thumb.

Another fun addition to this multi-author series!

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great contribution to the monster match collection

Rafe and Kennedy were a cute couple. They certainly didn’t have it easy but I liked that they trusted one another to get through things and find their HEA. I will say, I had “feelings” about a certain character in a previous book and I was glad that they got their comeuppance (even if I hadn’t expected it to be quite that big!). I think though, the stand out was Kennedy learning that he had more control than he realised and they if he trusted in his friend and people who supported him and held out against the baddie that he would be able to set himself free. There was no MC2 swoops in to save the day; yes, Rafe is supportive and provides a support that helps Kennedy get the confidence he needs, but Kennedy saves himself and Rafe and I love that for characters.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rafe and Kennedy and this series turns out another fun monster romance. While, the stories are connected, each can definitely be read on it's own. Rafe is a chimera who isn't too hot on humans. Kennedy is a human who is trying to get away from his controlling step father....who also happens to be Rafe's boss. These two have chemistry from the start and I love their spicy scenes. This one also brings the feels as Rafe and Kennedy slowly build a bond. These two have pretty good communication and I loved how that isn't a problem in this story. The main problem is Kennedy's jerk of a step father. I wouldn't call these two a grumpy/sunshine couple, but Rafe is pretty grumpy until he lets in Kennedy. Their best friends are a lot of fun as well and I think this was a very well written story!

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding something you’re not looking for…

Rafe and Kennedy were looking for something casual (and truly Rafe was looking to prove he was looking for nothing to Darcy) only to find their HEAs in this monster match. I loved the communication these two had throughout the book from properly setting up boundaries for their play to handling deeper issues when they arose. Rafe was absolutely a cinnamon roll of a chimera and it was so easy to adore his character as we watched the grumpy chimera shift into the chimera who Kennedy had wrapped around his finger. I also appreciated Kennedy’s growth in the story not just with the family issues that occurred but in owning who and what he wanted in life. I am glad we got to watch this two turn into something more and be there for each other.

[Autumn L · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about this monster romance was Kennedy character, it’s because he finally was able to stand up for himself after all the abuse he went through since he was a child. He Learn to speak is mind , And to finally go after what he wants. Rafe character has had a hard time, not liking humans until he meant Kennedy . What I like about him is he takes everything into consideration with Kennedy about the future that they can have about being mates. He is amazing when it comes to taking care of Kennedy because he helps with his panic attacks and all he wants to do is take care of his mate. I also like how possessive he is of Kennedy after meeting him just once. Both of these two together Make a great pair, because of everything they went through to get where they are.

[J.J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was kind of bored, but I still decided to read the whole thing to see how they would resolve the situation with Kennedy's asshole stepfather. Unfortunately, that part was also underwhelming.

Kennedy annoyed me too. He always let his family walk all over him. I understood why he did it with the stepfather, but why did he make excuses for his mom? She clearly didn't care enough to shield him from her husband and let Kennedy suffer from his abuse rather than help him because it made her life easier.

I usually like it when the main character tries to mend things with their family, but not when they don't deserve it. At the end, the mom was like “Wow, he actually made it” when Kennedy finally got the life he wanted. No thanks to you, ma'am. 🙄

[Kassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy x Soft Grumpy, Tail Play, Possessive Partners (Both have touch him and suffer vibes) = Pieces of Me!

Jacey Davis wrote a steamy MM monster romance that had me bagging for just a bit more. The story felt well rounded, but I just wanted to see more of the boys.

Kennedy is seriously just a big teddy bear at times (Soft-Grumpy). He puts on a front that he believes everyone wants. He is stand-offish but has a big heart filled within a world of secrets.

Rafe is just done with the world of humans. Which probably would be easy to walk away for some BUT when it’s your job to work with as the Monster Representative. You must learn to drown out the voices with some stiff coffee.

The spicy between these two was great “a secret lingerie fantasy, and tail and wing play.” It was interesting to see how the lingerie fantasy would be handled with these two MMC’s.
Overall, I found the book to be a good read. It gave a lot of depth to these books and left me begging for more.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces of Me is part of the multi author Monster Match series. Each book is a standalone story but why not enjoy the whole series. This story is about Rafe a grumpy Chimera and Kennedy a human college student. Both of these guys have issues to deal with, one has a controlling stepfather and the other doesn't trust many people. Their relationship starts on the Monster Match app as just for a fantasy. These two are just perfect for each other and I enjoyed the BDSM elements to the story. Jacey did an awesome job with this story including the plot with the stepfather. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing addition to the Monster Match series! And may a certain general rot in jail and be accidentally offed. Kennedy is just such a beautiful soul who deserves all the best, and Rafe is just the right lover for him to have to make all his hopes and dreams seem possible. The character development was so well done that you felt the pain and why his circumstances made him the man he is. Rafe is just that right force he needs to get the courage to step out on his own and be his true self. I am happy to see past characters from the universe brought in to encourage these to and show them yes they may have issues, but if worked out together, they will succeed and flourish.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has lots of enjoyable elements— there’s the monster/human romance, fun in its own right and helped immensely by the fact that both the monster and the human are likable and interesting characters and that they have a solid connection. There’s the shared world of the larger series about the monster match monster/human dating app (it’s not necessary to have read other books to enjoy this one, but it does feel like an added bonus if you have). There are some obstacles for the characters to overcome and they do both get their chances to shine while doing so. All in all a fun read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[isthisakink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m honestly surprised…

This was way cuter than I was expecting. Like, yes, there was kink, and yes, the storyline was a little intense, but this was F L U F F. And I’m always gonna be here for that. I just was expecting less of the warm fuzzies and more of the harder edges. Pleasantly surprised, le duh.

I am so glad that deep interconnection was back. I loved the characters, the story was great, and it made me itchy for the next book. I’m definitely hella invested by this point.

4.5/5. There were bits I would’ve like more, or felt a little wonky, but it barely registered. I was engrossed.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Rafe is good for Kennedy. I appreciated how Kennedy did grow as a character instead of just get rescued. I also appreciated Rafe’s tail. Main character energy, for sure.
As much as I generally don’t like the drama outside of the relationship (Holt) getting a lot of page time, I would have appreciated more of his helping of karma being dished out on page. The ending was just wrapped up so fast and succinctly that it was a little disappointing.
For those of us left hanging on Darcy, he does have his own book. It’s Enchanted Hearts, part of the Cauldrons & Kisses anthology.

[Jesica Tulipano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si, definitivamente Rafian es un grumpy man. Fue un duro golpe de realidad para el que vivió 300 años bajo su normas que le llego un chico tan sensible pero con cierta determinación. Y claro, venía con sus asuntos de arrastre, lo bueno fue que pudieron superar eso.

Cosas que no me gustaron:

1. La mamá de Kennedy. digo, tanto dependía de ese viejo soquete que prefería decirle a su propio hijo que hiciera lo que el quería con tal de que no se enojara? Digo , por encima de mis hijos no hay nadie.

2. Ese viejo soquete de Howard. Osea porque actuaba asi? Una un controlador qué no aceptaba qué le llevarán la contraria.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rafe is none too happy his bestie has signed him up for dating app. He does not trust or believe in romantic pairings, but he checks it out to see what he might enjoy temporarily. Kennedy is an unhappy college kid and wants some monster fun before he can get out of town finally. Rafe is immediately taken by Kennedy and the arrange some spicey fun. Well, you know where that is going to lead! This monster installment was pretty hot too! I enjoyed their dynamic and that their situation was a little tricky.