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Monster Match
His Slender Embrace
Gaze long into the abyss and you might fall in love.
Eldritch, Tall Man, slender and strange – Cael is all these things, with a presence humans fear, and among monsters allowed visas to the human world, he still feels like an outsider. The first time someone hears his voice, they’re knocked unconscious, and if they look at him for too long, they risk losing their minds or worse. Handy for a monster who means to menace, but not for one seeking love and hoping to one day feed from the energies of passion instead of terror.
He thought the Monster Match app might finally find him a compatible partner, but no one responds to him as a match. Perhaps the only way he’ll know passion is to switch what he’s looking for from romance to the carnal side of human curiosity.
Coming off a bad breakup with a gaslighting ex, Miles Wainwright isn’t looking for love, though he still longs for it and misses the presence of someone else in his home. Even in his work as a graphic designer, he can’t stand up for himself and always ends up doing what is asked of him. He wishes he could give himself over to a partner and trust that they’ll take care of him. For now, he’ll settle for fulfilling a fantasy and hope it helps him heal.
He doesn’t expect to want more from Cael, the strangely alluring monster with a shark-toothed smile and tendrils who matches his request, but even if it means madness to stare long into the abyss, does Miles dare steal a peek?
An MM standalone novel in the shared world of the multi-author Monster Match series. Expect a shy human seeking confidence through fantasy fulfillment with a magnetic monster, tentacles, hurt/comfort, mutual pining, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Eldritch, Tall Man, slender and strange – Cael is all these things, with a presence humans fear, and among monsters allowed visas to the human world, he still feels like an outsider. The first time someone hears his voice, they’re knocked unconscious, and if they look at him for too long, they risk losing their minds or worse. Handy for a monster who means to menace, but not for one seeking love and hoping to one day feed from the energies of passion instead of terror.
He thought the Monster Match app might finally find him a compatible partner, but no one responds to him as a match. Perhaps the only way he’ll know passion is to switch what he’s looking for from romance to the carnal side of human curiosity.
Coming off a bad breakup with a gaslighting ex, Miles Wainwright isn’t looking for love, though he still longs for it and misses the presence of someone else in his home. Even in his work as a graphic designer, he can’t stand up for himself and always ends up doing what is asked of him. He wishes he could give himself over to a partner and trust that they’ll take care of him. For now, he’ll settle for fulfilling a fantasy and hope it helps him heal.
He doesn’t expect to want more from Cael, the strangely alluring monster with a shark-toothed smile and tendrils who matches his request, but even if it means madness to stare long into the abyss, does Miles dare steal a peek?
An MM standalone novel in the shared world of the multi-author Monster Match series. Expect a shy human seeking confidence through fantasy fulfillment with a magnetic monster, tentacles, hurt/comfort, mutual pining, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
127 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Meuwissen
58 books664 followersAmanda Meuwissen is a queer author with a primary focus on M/M fiction and romance. As the author of LGBTQ+ Fantasy #1 Best Seller, Coming Up for Air, LGBTQ+ Horror #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release, A Delicious Descent, and several other titles through various publishers, Amanda regularly attends local comic conventions for fun and to meet with fans, where she will often be seen in costume as one of her favorite fictional characters. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, John, and their cat, Helga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
April 24, 2024
I've never been in such a long, terrible reading slump, ever. Noted for next time : if you're reading numerous consecutive books that are shit -
stop immediately
.
I've started reading this series to get to this book, because it came highly recommended.
I will say it's better than all the other books in the series I've read so far, better written and better told, but still failed to pull me in more dramatically, so I'll give it 3⭐, but objectively it could go for 3.75*, just not for me, it was a bit too boring and predictable.
🟢 Eldritch/ human
🟣 Age gap (numerous years)
🔵 Somewhat of a fated mate, again possibly connected for eternity
🟢 An interesting concept of a monster, could be more developed
🟠 Size difference
🟡 Tentacles (hate them, but they worked for me here)
🌶️ Some smut and in fact very good, but could be more, they had big potential; t/b
If this story would add more passion and one-on-one dialogues and encounters with the MMCs, it could be a lot better. It was quite boring, I skipped a few paragraphs along the way and even though I hate tentacles mostly, they were quite a nice addition in this story. Sucking on them, double penetration or was it even triple with the dick? Can't remember anymore. It was good and it could've taken more time on-page.
Cael is an eldritch, a tall, black, slender monster with multiple eyes and tentacles (I'm sorry but it again reminds me of the Monstrous series) and he's been travelling the world since the dawn of time with not being able to communicate or interact with anyone without them fainting, because his energy is so strong. He's feeding himself with the emotions people give off, especially the passion, so when he meets Miles on the Monster app, he fullfils Miles' fantasy but then wants more.
"Idiots to lovers was a thing, right? Even idiots to… Love?"
Cael's work in the lab was taking too much of the story, Miles was sometimes just a distant character that Cael would like to have, but really can't, so he cuts him off - the love definitely wasn't felt between the two. Novelty and good sex yes, but nothing more.
Miles wasn't a fleshed out character and adding additional side characters who also get their love stories in this one was, again, taking up the precious pages that should've been for Cael and Miles.
I think the world building in this series wasn't really thought-out. The town, the visa process, the monster world, it all seems constantly somewhere in the background, you don't really get the feel of the city and the people who are dealing with this new order of monsters living with them. So as much of a monsterlover as I am, I wouldn't really read any of these books twice.
I've started reading this series to get to this book, because it came highly recommended.
I will say it's better than all the other books in the series I've read so far, better written and better told, but still failed to pull me in more dramatically, so I'll give it 3⭐, but objectively it could go for 3.75*, just not for me, it was a bit too boring and predictable.
🟢 Eldritch/ human
🟣 Age gap (numerous years)
🔵 Somewhat of a fated mate, again possibly connected for eternity
🟢 An interesting concept of a monster, could be more developed
🟠 Size difference
🟡 Tentacles (hate them, but they worked for me here)
🌶️ Some smut and in fact very good, but could be more, they had big potential; t/b
If this story would add more passion and one-on-one dialogues and encounters with the MMCs, it could be a lot better. It was quite boring, I skipped a few paragraphs along the way and even though I hate tentacles mostly, they were quite a nice addition in this story. Sucking on them, double penetration or was it even triple with the dick? Can't remember anymore. It was good and it could've taken more time on-page.
Cael is an eldritch, a tall, black, slender monster with multiple eyes and tentacles (I'm sorry but it again reminds me of the Monstrous series) and he's been travelling the world since the dawn of time with not being able to communicate or interact with anyone without them fainting, because his energy is so strong. He's feeding himself with the emotions people give off, especially the passion, so when he meets Miles on the Monster app, he fullfils Miles' fantasy but then wants more.
"Idiots to lovers was a thing, right? Even idiots to… Love?"
Cael's work in the lab was taking too much of the story, Miles was sometimes just a distant character that Cael would like to have, but really can't, so he cuts him off - the love definitely wasn't felt between the two. Novelty and good sex yes, but nothing more.
Miles wasn't a fleshed out character and adding additional side characters who also get their love stories in this one was, again, taking up the precious pages that should've been for Cael and Miles.
I think the world building in this series wasn't really thought-out. The town, the visa process, the monster world, it all seems constantly somewhere in the background, you don't really get the feel of the city and the people who are dealing with this new order of monsters living with them. So as much of a monsterlover as I am, I wouldn't really read any of these books twice.
Read
March 2, 2024I enjoyed this a lot. 😊 The monster, Cael, was of a unique variety, and Miles, the human, was too adorable. This was a quick and fluffy read; definitely worth the time. 💓💓
Read
April 25, 2024DNF @ 51%
July 15, 2024
«—Nadie me ha hecho sentir como tú. Y no me refiero sólo a tus caricias o a sentir que se me cae el mundo encima cuando te miro a los ojos, sino a tu voz. A tu presencia. Tus amables palabras, tu dulce naturaleza y tu maravilloso y hermoso corazón.»
📚⇢ La historia es un poco lenta, sentí que me hizo falta más química entre los protagonistas, no sé si es debido a que no podían interactuar mucho sin que Miles sufriera las consecuencias de la exposición a Cael, pero definitivamente me faltó esa chispa para sentir que ellos de verdad se habían enamorado.
📚⇢ La historia es un poco lenta, sentí que me hizo falta más química entre los protagonistas, no sé si es debido a que no podían interactuar mucho sin que Miles sufriera las consecuencias de la exposición a Cael, pero definitivamente me faltó esa chispa para sentir que ellos de verdad se habían enamorado.
November 4, 2024
3.5 ✨ honestly pretty cute!
February 24, 2024
This was quite a unique story, a human and a monster, what made it unique was Cael’s spectacular creature and all the feelings involved.
Cael made a profile for the Monster Match app and changed it again, he was looking for Love and a Relationship but changed it into Sexual Fantasies.
Miles had a bad breakup, gaslighted by his ex, who had a bad ego. Miles cannot say no, he just can’t fight him.
“If I was so bad with human relationships, why not try one with a monster?”
Meeting Tall Manchester/Eldritch Cael through the app was something else, it was ditto for Cael, Miles is not opposed to what Cael can offer, the monster, the figure in the shadows, a monster you can’t face!
Imagine what a voice and tentacles could do!
When you can place the annoying ex, and all that he brought into this story, in the background, the picture is so much brighter.
Cael and Miles are super duper sexy and tbh super sweet. They just fit.
Looking deeper into the layers of the content you’ll find some fine magical details.
Leave it to this author to write an absolutely wonderful fantasy monster story.
Cael made a profile for the Monster Match app and changed it again, he was looking for Love and a Relationship but changed it into Sexual Fantasies.
Miles had a bad breakup, gaslighted by his ex, who had a bad ego. Miles cannot say no, he just can’t fight him.
“If I was so bad with human relationships, why not try one with a monster?”
Meeting Tall Manchester/Eldritch Cael through the app was something else, it was ditto for Cael, Miles is not opposed to what Cael can offer, the monster, the figure in the shadows, a monster you can’t face!
Imagine what a voice and tentacles could do!
When you can place the annoying ex, and all that he brought into this story, in the background, the picture is so much brighter.
Cael and Miles are super duper sexy and tbh super sweet. They just fit.
Looking deeper into the layers of the content you’ll find some fine magical details.
Leave it to this author to write an absolutely wonderful fantasy monster story.
October 9, 2024
There is nothing better than reading about a scary monster who is an actual cinnamon roll get his happily ever after. What a sweet and entertaining read! Cael is a slender man who can drive others out of their mind with just a look. Even hearing his voice causes most to react in fainting. Even though this eldritch horror monster is deadly he just wants to live a happy life. Cael wants love so he makes a profile on Monster Match. Unfortunately no humans are interested in a relationship with him. So he decides to change this profile from romance to something casual and more carnal. He finally gets a match and he can't wait to play out this humans fantasy. Miles is recently single and struggling with a toxic ex. He is hesitant but his best friend encourages him to try out a hook up on monster match. He is scared and excited to be matched by a very unique and deadly monster. Miles is finally going to be taken by a tentacled monster the way he often fantasizes about. These two were so sweet, wholesome, and sexy. Cael was such a sweetheart and it was very easy to love his character. He just wants to be loved and even though that may be difficult he still tries. He is so endearing and funny that it’s easy to forget how deadly he can be. Even though he is the sweetest he also knows that Miles wants to feel ravaged and taken advantage of by a monster and boy does he deliver. Miles was a ball of anxiety for sure. He is trying to get over his ex boyfriend but the guy just won't leave him alone. Living out his fantasy with Cael really does a lot for him. It’s only suppose to be one encounter but Miles can't stop thinking about the experience and the monster he so desperately wants to look at. Miles and Cael are so perfect for each other and
I loved reading their story. Check this book out if you love monster romances with cinnamon roll monster, mutual pining, tentacle fun, CNC fantasy fulfillment, and a sweet but spicy short story.
I loved reading their story. Check this book out if you love monster romances with cinnamon roll monster, mutual pining, tentacle fun, CNC fantasy fulfillment, and a sweet but spicy short story.
February 23, 2024
What starts off as a man wanting to embrace his deepest fantasy turns into something so much more. Miles is still trying to get past a bad breakup from someone who won't let go until he meets Cael, a monster who brings his deepest fantasies to life. That kne encounter isn't enough for either of them, so they slowly grow to so much more. Cael gives Miles the confidence he needs to stand up for himself, while Miles ables Cael to see if you give humans time they can embrace the full him.
A truly beautiful book of emotions and hot tentacle goodness than I've come to know from Amanda as an author. She hasn't disappointed me yet in going that extra step to making these stories hotter and more desirable. Another great addition to the monster match series, and you get to hear from old monster friends and meet new ones who i hope are from the upcoming stories!
A truly beautiful book of emotions and hot tentacle goodness than I've come to know from Amanda as an author. She hasn't disappointed me yet in going that extra step to making these stories hotter and more desirable. Another great addition to the monster match series, and you get to hear from old monster friends and meet new ones who i hope are from the upcoming stories!
October 25, 2024
I liked the set up for HIS SLENDER EMBRACE and the Monster Match app and found both Miles and Cael to be really sweet. I loved the idea of a Tall Man monster who is used to everyone fearing him but all he wanted was someone to love. Cael was a total sweetheart and I enjoyed the way he cared for Miles and sought out help on ways to woo him. I also enjoyed seeing Miles build up his confidence and grow throughout the book to the point that he finally stood up to his ex-boyfriend.
But a few things held this back for me -- the military base and the "tester towns" weren't really explained, I assume it's mentioned more in previous books but considering this series features different authors, each book should stand on its own IMHO. The sub-plot of Jason and Ricky was odd since it didn't seem to matter in the larger story so it just felt like filler. I also thought the first train scene and the fact that it was filmed, while very hot, was completely out of character for Miles. Maybe after he'd gotten more comfortable in his own skin and with Cael but as a first time it was out of left field. I also didn't like that the scene involved bystanders who didn't consent to being a part of an exhibitionism scene.
Content Warning: past toxic relationship; harassment from an ex; brief on page seizure
But a few things held this back for me -- the military base and the "tester towns" weren't really explained, I assume it's mentioned more in previous books but considering this series features different authors, each book should stand on its own IMHO. The sub-plot of Jason and Ricky was odd since it didn't seem to matter in the larger story so it just felt like filler. I also thought the first train scene and the fact that it was filmed, while very hot, was completely out of character for Miles. Maybe after he'd gotten more comfortable in his own skin and with Cael but as a first time it was out of left field. I also didn't like that the scene involved bystanders who didn't consent to being a part of an exhibitionism scene.
Content Warning: past toxic relationship; harassment from an ex; brief on page seizure
August 2, 2024
2.5⭐
My god if i read one my time "his slender embrance" istg
My god if i read one my time "his slender embrance" istg
December 19, 2025
2/5 ⭐️
Súper meh. Faltó muchísima más química y conexión entre la pareja. Al principio sentí el romance más como una especie de... transacción, que como una relación. Pero es que luego tampoco mejora demasiado. No sé, simplemente no estaba sintiendo el romance... Fue todo muy... ¿insípido? Y ni siquiera el 🌶️ fue particularmente bueno, o sea que esto flaquea por todo lado.
Además, Miles con 28 añitos que lleva encima es un total blandengue. No le sabe poner frenos a su ex tóxico y deja que haga lo que quiera con él, su mejor amigo lo tiene que empujar a hacer las cosas, necesita que Cael tome la iniciativa en todo, ni siquiera pudo defenderse de un cliente abusivo en su propio trabajo... Me sacaba de quicio que no tuviera una columna vertebral. 🙄 Cómo personajes así sobreviven otro día más en este mundo cruel es un misterio para mí... Si algo, Cael fue el único que se me hizo interesante. Y bueno, Miles sí mejora un poquito al final, mínimo comienza a defender su terreno, pero para ese entonces ya estaba aburrida y me caía mal. 😂
En fin, esto es un monster romance con muy poca sustancia. No voy a seguir con la serie, porque si este es el mejor calificado, no me imagino cómo estarán los otros. 🥴🤌🏻
Súper meh. Faltó muchísima más química y conexión entre la pareja. Al principio sentí el romance más como una especie de... transacción, que como una relación. Pero es que luego tampoco mejora demasiado. No sé, simplemente no estaba sintiendo el romance... Fue todo muy... ¿insípido? Y ni siquiera el 🌶️ fue particularmente bueno, o sea que esto flaquea por todo lado.
Además, Miles con 28 añitos que lleva encima es un total blandengue. No le sabe poner frenos a su ex tóxico y deja que haga lo que quiera con él, su mejor amigo lo tiene que empujar a hacer las cosas, necesita que Cael tome la iniciativa en todo, ni siquiera pudo defenderse de un cliente abusivo en su propio trabajo... Me sacaba de quicio que no tuviera una columna vertebral. 🙄 Cómo personajes así sobreviven otro día más en este mundo cruel es un misterio para mí... Si algo, Cael fue el único que se me hizo interesante. Y bueno, Miles sí mejora un poquito al final, mínimo comienza a defender su terreno, pero para ese entonces ya estaba aburrida y me caía mal. 😂
En fin, esto es un monster romance con muy poca sustancia. No voy a seguir con la serie, porque si este es el mejor calificado, no me imagino cómo estarán los otros. 🥴🤌🏻
July 18, 2025
July 2025
Kindle edition
Mostly sweet but there was a lot of negative elements. The general. The ex boyfriend who got off lightly. I mean these are sweet monsters. The protesters. Picked for a group challenge but the tentacles didn't do what I needed them to. Ah well. Good book. Different take on slender man. A couple of other relationships thrown in. Felt sorry for Jason being in enemy territory, but I did like the little friendship forming between Jason and Cael. Curious about the spider.
Kindle edition
Mostly sweet but there was a lot of negative elements. The general. The ex boyfriend who got off lightly. I mean these are sweet monsters. The protesters. Picked for a group challenge but the tentacles didn't do what I needed them to. Ah well. Good book. Different take on slender man. A couple of other relationships thrown in. Felt sorry for Jason being in enemy territory, but I did like the little friendship forming between Jason and Cael. Curious about the spider.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
smutty, kinky, adorable and frustrating.
i really enjoyed this story, cael was a sweetheart and i'm glad that people can see him eventually.
his friendship with jacob was unexpected but not unwanted.
miles's ex was such a dickhead, cael should have scared him more but anyway.
i really enjoyed this story, cael was a sweetheart and i'm glad that people can see him eventually.
his friendship with jacob was unexpected but not unwanted.
miles's ex was such a dickhead, cael should have scared him more but anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
This was cute. That is Cael+Miles being together. Hot smut but mainly they were cute.
I however got frustrated with the whole Anders storyline. And it didn't really have a very satisfying ending/comeuppance.
The side storys with the campus kids and Warren weren't bad, but at times felt like filler.
So, liked this story, may read more from the series.
I however got frustrated with the whole Anders storyline. And it didn't really have a very satisfying ending/comeuppance.
The side storys with the campus kids and Warren weren't bad, but at times felt like filler.
So, liked this story, may read more from the series.
March 27, 2024
So very lovely. That's all. So sweet and charming and comforting and just making me feel warm inside.
May 7, 2024
revivieron los fanfics de wattpad de el hijo de slenderman x tu
si lo comparamos con los otros dos que leí de esta saga, tuvo más desarrollo (ponele) de los personajes y de la relación ☝🏼 pero sigue siendo mega turbio
si lo comparamos con los otros dos que leí de esta saga, tuvo más desarrollo (ponele) de los personajes y de la relación ☝🏼 pero sigue siendo mega turbio
January 29, 2025
★ 4 stars ★
February 28, 2024
sooo cute!!!
March 22, 2024
Wickedly good fantasy
So, I might be devouring this shared world series, and my only regret is that I'll eventually run out of story. Miles and Cale are so sweet, and very hot together. I loved seeing them both grow in confidence and own their space in the world.
So, I might be devouring this shared world series, and my only regret is that I'll eventually run out of story. Miles and Cale are so sweet, and very hot together. I loved seeing them both grow in confidence and own their space in the world.
March 30, 2024
First off, I have to say I really like all the book covers in this series, but especially this one. Miles is adorable and true to his description, and I love Cael’s design. Admittedly, I haven’t read many monster romances, but I’ve never seen another creature like him, and it was interesting to see how they navigated their relationship. Also, Cael produces black, glittery, galaxy jizz, which amused me greatly. I only wish there had been less of Miles’ ex, and the side story was a bit meh as well, although it fortunately didn’t take up too much space.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.
3.5/5 stars, rounded down to 3.
March 5, 2024
I was taking a break writing reviews until I got my laptop back because I’m so much slower at typing on my phone but this book has been taking up my brain since I finished reading it and I just had to review.
I’ve wanted to read this since I first saw the cover on Instagram and fell in love with Carl’s character design, so as soon it was released it jumped straight to the top of my TBR and it delivered on all of my hopes and more.
Both the characters are incredible. Cael is my baby but Miles is amazing too and it’s so fulfilling to see him overcome his lousy ex. It’s not a linear process, with hiccups and setbacks, which made it feel incredibly real and emotionally gripping. What I appreciate the most about Miles is that his character isn’t reduced to just what he’s been through. He’s complex, interesting and strong without falling into any tired stereotypes.
Cael is perfect. He’s so endearing. The way he treats Miles is so sweet and earnest, and Cael himself is such an adorable entity while also being a total badass. He’s everything I never knew I needed from a character, and moving on from this book has been so hard because it just checked every possible box.
Which brings me to the spice. There is so much potential in an eight foot tall Eldritch with infinite tentacles and an inhumanly long tongue and the intimate scenes between Cael and Miles deliver on that potential tenfold, with sex scenes that are not only hot but also build on the developing feelings and trust between them.
Miles’ tangents every time he goes a little crazy from looking at Cael are so beautifully written. The whole story is, and I already can’t wait to reread this masterpiece!
I’ve wanted to read this since I first saw the cover on Instagram and fell in love with Carl’s character design, so as soon it was released it jumped straight to the top of my TBR and it delivered on all of my hopes and more.
Both the characters are incredible. Cael is my baby but Miles is amazing too and it’s so fulfilling to see him overcome his lousy ex. It’s not a linear process, with hiccups and setbacks, which made it feel incredibly real and emotionally gripping. What I appreciate the most about Miles is that his character isn’t reduced to just what he’s been through. He’s complex, interesting and strong without falling into any tired stereotypes.
Cael is perfect. He’s so endearing. The way he treats Miles is so sweet and earnest, and Cael himself is such an adorable entity while also being a total badass. He’s everything I never knew I needed from a character, and moving on from this book has been so hard because it just checked every possible box.
Which brings me to the spice. There is so much potential in an eight foot tall Eldritch with infinite tentacles and an inhumanly long tongue and the intimate scenes between Cael and Miles deliver on that potential tenfold, with sex scenes that are not only hot but also build on the developing feelings and trust between them.
Miles’ tangents every time he goes a little crazy from looking at Cael are so beautifully written. The whole story is, and I already can’t wait to reread this masterpiece!
October 30, 2025
WELL!!!! HMM!!!
thoughts n feelings:
-I should've recognized that with "slender" in the literal title and the cover that the monster love interest in this would be basically slenderman, but......it was just MUCH more slenderman-focused than I expected??? their safeword is literally "slender." like he could've just been an eldritch tentacle monster instead of the book basically screaming "he's supposed to be slenderman!!! he just has a face so he can suck dick!!!!"
-ok lets talk abt the train scene....like did I like it yes bc I'm a freak. but also anytime there's like, a public sex scene in a book I really prefer if everyone involved is able to consent? like ya maybe Cael could like, read their minds or whatever and make them unable to see him if they weren't into it, but that's not REALLY consent. idk it just bothered me a teeny bit bc I like the consent in my books to be EXTREMELY clear. also why did it need to be filmed? just did not seem necessary.
-similarly, there was another sex scene that happened in front of someone who was sleeping -- slightly less dubious since he didn't wake up but that's still not consent. miles even says he "feels like an ass" afterward. it's because you DIDNT GET HIS CONSENT MY BOY
-small detail, possibly too small to say anything about, but I got the feeling Miles only safeworded at the end so that they'd get to use the safeword. he didn't use it because he actually needed to stop, he just wanted to change positions - it's my impression that safewords aren't for that. idk.
-I was initially excited that this book was longer than the other Monster Match books I've read but unfortunately it's only longer because there's so much extra bullshit that doesn't need to be there......like Jason and Ricky have their own fucking book. I didn't want to hear about them so much or even really at all. similar with Warner/Ursino -- they don't have a book yet but the way they were talked about it really seems like they will. it made SLIGHTLY more sense for them to be so involved bc Warner is Miles's best friend, but it also just seemed largely irrelevant and unnecessary. even if those two couples DIDNT have their own books I wouldn't have wanted to hear about it. the other books in this series briefly mention other pairings but this was too much.
-the whole graphic design subplot was like, kinda cute but a little meh
-corny dialogue a lot of the time
-kinda repetitive at times (scene of miles's ex boyfriend causing trouble, sex scene between miles and cael followed by cael freaking out because he might hurt miles, cael doing lab testing stuff, miles doing painting, a weird random Jason/Ricky cameo and then repeat for 250 pages).
TLDR: slenderman needs love too, apparently
thoughts n feelings:
-I should've recognized that with "slender" in the literal title and the cover that the monster love interest in this would be basically slenderman, but......it was just MUCH more slenderman-focused than I expected??? their safeword is literally "slender." like he could've just been an eldritch tentacle monster instead of the book basically screaming "he's supposed to be slenderman!!! he just has a face so he can suck dick!!!!"
-ok lets talk abt the train scene....like did I like it yes bc I'm a freak. but also anytime there's like, a public sex scene in a book I really prefer if everyone involved is able to consent? like ya maybe Cael could like, read their minds or whatever and make them unable to see him if they weren't into it, but that's not REALLY consent. idk it just bothered me a teeny bit bc I like the consent in my books to be EXTREMELY clear. also why did it need to be filmed? just did not seem necessary.
-similarly, there was another sex scene that happened in front of someone who was sleeping -- slightly less dubious since he didn't wake up but that's still not consent. miles even says he "feels like an ass" afterward. it's because you DIDNT GET HIS CONSENT MY BOY
-small detail, possibly too small to say anything about, but I got the feeling Miles only safeworded at the end so that they'd get to use the safeword. he didn't use it because he actually needed to stop, he just wanted to change positions - it's my impression that safewords aren't for that. idk.
-I was initially excited that this book was longer than the other Monster Match books I've read but unfortunately it's only longer because there's so much extra bullshit that doesn't need to be there......like Jason and Ricky have their own fucking book. I didn't want to hear about them so much or even really at all. similar with Warner/Ursino -- they don't have a book yet but the way they were talked about it really seems like they will. it made SLIGHTLY more sense for them to be so involved bc Warner is Miles's best friend, but it also just seemed largely irrelevant and unnecessary. even if those two couples DIDNT have their own books I wouldn't have wanted to hear about it. the other books in this series briefly mention other pairings but this was too much.
-the whole graphic design subplot was like, kinda cute but a little meh
-corny dialogue a lot of the time
-kinda repetitive at times (scene of miles's ex boyfriend causing trouble, sex scene between miles and cael followed by cael freaking out because he might hurt miles, cael doing lab testing stuff, miles doing painting, a weird random Jason/Ricky cameo and then repeat for 250 pages).
TLDR: slenderman needs love too, apparently
February 11, 2024
Miles and Cael's romance was delightfully unique and unexpectedly sweet. Amanda Meuwissen took the abstract and unknowable concept of an Eldritch being and turned them into someone I could relate to and root for in a fundamental way. Cael's simple desire to be loved instead of feared, to experience a lover's passion firsthand, was deeply moving for me, and I desperately wanted him to find happiness and acceptance with someone during the course of his journey. Miles was only looking to fulfill a fantasy after going through a terrible breakup, but the connection he and Cael made on the train was too special to fade away. As overwhelmed as I was by the physicality of their experience, I was also captivated by the emotions it evoked in them. Miles felt safe in Cael's embrace, wrapped up and cared for and desired for exactly who he was. And though his instincts raised the hair on the back of his neck, Miles wasn't afraid of Cael, instead showing his eagerness for Cael's words and touches and glimpses of his true form.
Both of them were so tangled up into knots after their first encounter, and while it was sweet it was also incredibly frustrating to see how they each let their insecurities be a barrier to reaching out for another night. It breaks my heart to think that if Cael hadn't been in the right place at the right time they would have let their sparks fizzle out, because once they took the leap and started dating, things only got better and better between them. I was downright swooning as Cael and Miles went on cute dates, so adorably eager to see each other as much as they could while trying to play it cool at the same time. I was so caught up in the sweetness of their romance that it was easy to forget the very real consequences of an Eldritch and a human being together. Cael could never let go of the fear of breaking Miles's mind entirely, and that was undoubtedly the biggest obstacle the two of them had to overcome. I was pleasantly surprised by the payoff on that one, and while I won't give it away, I will say that I was pretty dang satisfied by the potential it unlocked not just for the two of them but for their friends and family as well. All in all, this story left me with all the best warm and fuzzy feelings, a fulfilling journey of finding love and acceptance even when it didn't take a conventional form.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Both of them were so tangled up into knots after their first encounter, and while it was sweet it was also incredibly frustrating to see how they each let their insecurities be a barrier to reaching out for another night. It breaks my heart to think that if Cael hadn't been in the right place at the right time they would have let their sparks fizzle out, because once they took the leap and started dating, things only got better and better between them. I was downright swooning as Cael and Miles went on cute dates, so adorably eager to see each other as much as they could while trying to play it cool at the same time. I was so caught up in the sweetness of their romance that it was easy to forget the very real consequences of an Eldritch and a human being together. Cael could never let go of the fear of breaking Miles's mind entirely, and that was undoubtedly the biggest obstacle the two of them had to overcome. I was pleasantly surprised by the payoff on that one, and while I won't give it away, I will say that I was pretty dang satisfied by the potential it unlocked not just for the two of them but for their friends and family as well. All in all, this story left me with all the best warm and fuzzy feelings, a fulfilling journey of finding love and acceptance even when it didn't take a conventional form.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 17, 2024
'His Slender Embrace' (Monster Match, Book #4)
by Amanda Meuwissen
Very interesting premise, having one of the beings, "the monsters", in this series just happen to be part of the Void, an eldritch being, existing beyond Space & Time, older than the planetary systems. Cool concept!
"Gaze long into the abyss and you might fall in love."
Or, you easily might lose your eyesight and then your mind, tipping over the edge of sensory overload... into madness!
I really liked this storyline, following 2 beings, one human and one "other", who hook up through this new dating app called 'Monster Match' by aligning what it is they think they want, or need.
I've read most of the books in this series, although mostly out of order, and it's fascinating to see how these people and these beings worlds overlap and intersect with each other.
Of course, the military have to get their proverbial fingers into this "pie" to try and control things!
And it's not so much about everyone's safety, although there is that aspect when you're dealing with the unknown, but it's akin to homophobia, which also worms it's ugly way in here, but also xenophobia (fear of strangers or foreigners).
Some humans are very accepting to these changes in their world, accepting the newcomers with curiosity and open minds. But some are fearful, angry, belittling, and abusive, attacking those they do not understand, just because they are different.
I liked the ways that both MCs are learning how to counteract those issues. I liked the ways that they were both open to experiencing an unusual relationship with each other, both learning more and more what being in a relationship means, as well as discovering more about themselves.
The scientific parts of the experiments with the eldritch being, Cael, were intriguing...I'd like to learn more!
And Miles, the human...wow! In the beginning I just wanted to get in there and kick his gaslighting, hateful ex-boyfriend in the...(um)...six ways from Sunday...(yeah)! Miles didn't know how to stand up for himself, at first, which makes all the things that happen later so delightful!
Great storyline and one of my fave books in this series!
by Amanda Meuwissen
Very interesting premise, having one of the beings, "the monsters", in this series just happen to be part of the Void, an eldritch being, existing beyond Space & Time, older than the planetary systems. Cool concept!
"Gaze long into the abyss and you might fall in love."
Or, you easily might lose your eyesight and then your mind, tipping over the edge of sensory overload... into madness!
I really liked this storyline, following 2 beings, one human and one "other", who hook up through this new dating app called 'Monster Match' by aligning what it is they think they want, or need.
I've read most of the books in this series, although mostly out of order, and it's fascinating to see how these people and these beings worlds overlap and intersect with each other.
Of course, the military have to get their proverbial fingers into this "pie" to try and control things!
And it's not so much about everyone's safety, although there is that aspect when you're dealing with the unknown, but it's akin to homophobia, which also worms it's ugly way in here, but also xenophobia (fear of strangers or foreigners).
Some humans are very accepting to these changes in their world, accepting the newcomers with curiosity and open minds. But some are fearful, angry, belittling, and abusive, attacking those they do not understand, just because they are different.
I liked the ways that both MCs are learning how to counteract those issues. I liked the ways that they were both open to experiencing an unusual relationship with each other, both learning more and more what being in a relationship means, as well as discovering more about themselves.
The scientific parts of the experiments with the eldritch being, Cael, were intriguing...I'd like to learn more!
And Miles, the human...wow! In the beginning I just wanted to get in there and kick his gaslighting, hateful ex-boyfriend in the...(um)...six ways from Sunday...(yeah)! Miles didn't know how to stand up for himself, at first, which makes all the things that happen later so delightful!
Great storyline and one of my fave books in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
Wow! This is a sweet story. His Slender Embrace is about Cael, an Eldritch Horror, that people can not look upon without going crazy.
Cael lives in Edgewind. He works with Dr. Foley on base to study his affect on animals and potentially people. His base commander is not a fan, but as part of his visa Cael spies on the people of Edgewind when it comes to matters that the base deems important. Cael is looking for more than fear, sure it nourishes him, but it also leaves empty. Passion and fury are good nourishment as well. He never has felt them himself though and he truly wants that connection with someone. Miles is a freelance graphic designer, recently single, and very much into a certain type of fantasy. When Cael changes his settings from romance to s3x on Monster Match, he and Miles begin a chat, one that seems to give them both what they want.
Miles thinks he wants a one night stand. In reality, he is a relationship man and one night with Cael isn't enough. They both catch feelings, but Cael is so scared of any potential harm that he can do to Miles. That fear is dangled throughout the storyline. I wasn't sure if they could get past that block. These characters are so...I tend to think of the characters in the books I read as real people or I guess the potential to be real. They, when written well, feel so alive that my imagination can carry me away with them. I feel like author Amanda Meuwissen has done well bringing that human connection to Cael and Miles. I feel like they could be just about anyone. We all feel fear and uncertainty. We also feel love and empowerment. The joy of seeing characters develop and realize their dreams and wants is so cool. This story is such a feel good story. It makes me want to read it on a loop. This collaboration is giving me life right now.
Cael lives in Edgewind. He works with Dr. Foley on base to study his affect on animals and potentially people. His base commander is not a fan, but as part of his visa Cael spies on the people of Edgewind when it comes to matters that the base deems important. Cael is looking for more than fear, sure it nourishes him, but it also leaves empty. Passion and fury are good nourishment as well. He never has felt them himself though and he truly wants that connection with someone. Miles is a freelance graphic designer, recently single, and very much into a certain type of fantasy. When Cael changes his settings from romance to s3x on Monster Match, he and Miles begin a chat, one that seems to give them both what they want.
Miles thinks he wants a one night stand. In reality, he is a relationship man and one night with Cael isn't enough. They both catch feelings, but Cael is so scared of any potential harm that he can do to Miles. That fear is dangled throughout the storyline. I wasn't sure if they could get past that block. These characters are so...I tend to think of the characters in the books I read as real people or I guess the potential to be real. They, when written well, feel so alive that my imagination can carry me away with them. I feel like author Amanda Meuwissen has done well bringing that human connection to Cael and Miles. I feel like they could be just about anyone. We all feel fear and uncertainty. We also feel love and empowerment. The joy of seeing characters develop and realize their dreams and wants is so cool. This story is such a feel good story. It makes me want to read it on a loop. This collaboration is giving me life right now.
February 26, 2024
What I like about this book is you have a monster that wants to show people that he’s not scary that he wants them to realize he will not harm them he just wants to communicate with them and be a part of their world. And then you have a human that has had a hard time with relationships and people using him and he just wants to find somebody that won’t do the things that happened to him and his past relationship. What I like about Cael character is that he wants to find love in the human world but he comes the struggle until he finds the right human that is willing to do something with him in public on the train. I like the fact that he got the connection right away from Miles that maybe this could be something more so he takes his time to get to know him he doesn’t wanna scare them off. The other thing that I like about his character is that in a sense he is generally sweet to people and wants to show that he is a a good monster, and that he won’t harm people at all. What I like about Miles character is that even though everything that happened this past relationship he is willing to give there’s no want to try because he feels the connection Cael very strongly. What I also like about his character is that he likes monsters and he wants them to find peace in this world and for them to have a good life here on the human world. These two together you can see them go through a hardship with what kind of monster Cael is but they work it out because they realize what they have is a very strong connection they have towards each other. They will do anything to get that connection to stay the way it is. But I also like about these two characters, are they support each other for what they do for their work. I also like the fact that these characters worked so well with each other, because they didn’t think they could find somebody that loves them for who they are as well.
January 1, 2025
Pay attention to content warnings. Seizure/fainting, gaslighting, animal testing, sounding, some BDSM elements, etc.
This was good overall, but I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. I wasn’t sure how I’d like Cael since we only saw a couple conversations between him and Nox in the last book, and he was kind of longwinded. I did like Cael and wanted him to find someone who would accept him. The acclimation thing was a bit weird, but it had a happy ending.
We really didn’t have much in the way of side characters. We saw Warner a few times, Douchebag was in too often, and we saw a few acquaintances of Cael like Sarah (doctor from the base) and his rat friends. We didn’t see anyone else showing up for Miles like his family. There was one brief text chain with his mom, but no phone calls or in person visits with them, including his sister.
I think Jason and Ricky might be the couple in the next book since I saw a wolf, but I could be wrong. I knew something was up with Jason after the train scene, which was intense and steamy! There was a lot of sexy scenes since Cael had given up on finding love and selected sexual fantasies and Miles had some he wanted to experience after a bad breakup. The scene on the train was nuts and there was sounding at 51% with a tentacle.
I wish we would have saw more from Nox than a handful of conversations between him and his “cousin”. I’d probably give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. I wanted more on them meeting people, more of Miles standing up for himself, etc.
Cael: cousin with Nightmares (Nox), lives in Edgewind, doesn’t require a home
Miles: freelance graphic designer, has trouble saying no, 28 (turning 29 soon), gay
This was good overall, but I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. I wasn’t sure how I’d like Cael since we only saw a couple conversations between him and Nox in the last book, and he was kind of longwinded. I did like Cael and wanted him to find someone who would accept him. The acclimation thing was a bit weird, but it had a happy ending.
We really didn’t have much in the way of side characters. We saw Warner a few times, Douchebag was in too often, and we saw a few acquaintances of Cael like Sarah (doctor from the base) and his rat friends. We didn’t see anyone else showing up for Miles like his family. There was one brief text chain with his mom, but no phone calls or in person visits with them, including his sister.
I think Jason and Ricky might be the couple in the next book since I saw a wolf, but I could be wrong. I knew something was up with Jason after the train scene, which was intense and steamy! There was a lot of sexy scenes since Cael had given up on finding love and selected sexual fantasies and Miles had some he wanted to experience after a bad breakup. The scene on the train was nuts and there was sounding at 51% with a tentacle.
I wish we would have saw more from Nox than a handful of conversations between him and his “cousin”. I’d probably give this 3.5 out of 5 stars. I wanted more on them meeting people, more of Miles standing up for himself, etc.
Cael: cousin with Nightmares (Nox), lives in Edgewind, doesn’t require a home
Miles: freelance graphic designer, has trouble saying no, 28 (turning 29 soon), gay
February 25, 2024
This book is part of the multi-author Monster Mash series. This is the second book in the series that I have read and it just keeps getting better with each book. The author is fairly new to me but I really enjoyed the book. This is the story of Cael and Miles. Cael is a Tall Man or Eldritch. He is not able to blend into the human form. He survives on emotions and he is fascinated with humans. He would love to be able to love someone and be loved in return. But when your voice makes people faint and seeing you can drive them to madness, it makes it seem like an impossible dream. Miles is a human who has just gotten out of an abusive relationship. His self esteem is dented and he has a hard time standing up for himself. Since he is failing with humans, why not try monsters. The two meet through the Monster Match App. Cael doesn't expect much from their meeting but Miles surprises him. He is friendly, kind and feel safe when Cael is around. Something that usually doesn't happen for Cael. This is their story. I loved how the two of them fell into a relationship. Cael always put Miles first but Miles stopped him from overlooking himself. A sign of respect and sure sign of a strong relationship. I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series.
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2024
4.25⭐️
I was really intrigued to see how a relationship with and Eldritch, madness inducing entity would work, and I think Meuwissen’s does a good job incorporating a being as infinite and unstoppable as Cael into the human world. Cael can feed off any emotion, but longs to feel true passion and love directed at him. However, he’s too different and monstrous even on a Monster Match app to get anyone to choose him for a relationship. Connecting with Miles to fulfill his fantasy of being menaced and taken in public is an intoxicating experience he longs to repeat. When their encounter leads to a relationship, it’s a dream come true, but he can’t help worrying about hurting Miles bc Miles keeps trying to look at him.
Miles may have a fantasy of being menaced sexually, but he hates that he’s being menaced in real life by his emotionally abusive ex. Miles is conflict avoidant and lets ppl roll over him, but Cael makes him feel safe and valued so that he can eventually hold his own. I enjoyed both characters, and they definitely have great sexual and emotional chemistry. Cael’s existence in the human realm and the ways he offers his help so ppl can learn to see him and not a monster to be feared is well-done and ties up the conflict in a nice neat bow. His Slender Embrace is sweet and sincere without being saccharine and thoroughly enjoyable.
I was really intrigued to see how a relationship with and Eldritch, madness inducing entity would work, and I think Meuwissen’s does a good job incorporating a being as infinite and unstoppable as Cael into the human world. Cael can feed off any emotion, but longs to feel true passion and love directed at him. However, he’s too different and monstrous even on a Monster Match app to get anyone to choose him for a relationship. Connecting with Miles to fulfill his fantasy of being menaced and taken in public is an intoxicating experience he longs to repeat. When their encounter leads to a relationship, it’s a dream come true, but he can’t help worrying about hurting Miles bc Miles keeps trying to look at him.
Miles may have a fantasy of being menaced sexually, but he hates that he’s being menaced in real life by his emotionally abusive ex. Miles is conflict avoidant and lets ppl roll over him, but Cael makes him feel safe and valued so that he can eventually hold his own. I enjoyed both characters, and they definitely have great sexual and emotional chemistry. Cael’s existence in the human realm and the ways he offers his help so ppl can learn to see him and not a monster to be feared is well-done and ties up the conflict in a nice neat bow. His Slender Embrace is sweet and sincere without being saccharine and thoroughly enjoyable.
February 26, 2024
His Slender Embrace was such a sweet, swoony, and sexy romance — featuring an ageless tentacle monster and the human who falls for him.
Cael has been lonely a long time (he’s been around since before there was light, so …). He tries finding someone via the new Monster Match app, but no one seems to be looking for love with an Eldritch/Tall Man/creature whose voice will (literally) knock you out and whose visage can drive you to madness. When he changes his setting from romance to fantasy, however, he’s matched with Miles. Miles was burned by his gaslighting ex, and just wants to take back his power by living his fantasy. And Cael is the perfect slender fit. But can they move beyond their mutual passion to a real relationship when Cael’s being presents so many challenges?
I devoured this book so quickly! Amanda Meuwissen introduced me to my (ahem) tentacle appreciation, and she delivers another fantastic love story wrapped up in many Eldritch tentacles here. I loved Miles growth and how he got away from the baggage his ex continued to try to foist on him. And I loved the fierce yet tender Cael and how he yearned to make a real connection. (Plus, there was lots of hot consent-getting for all those fantasies!) Definitely recommend.
Cael has been lonely a long time (he’s been around since before there was light, so …). He tries finding someone via the new Monster Match app, but no one seems to be looking for love with an Eldritch/Tall Man/creature whose voice will (literally) knock you out and whose visage can drive you to madness. When he changes his setting from romance to fantasy, however, he’s matched with Miles. Miles was burned by his gaslighting ex, and just wants to take back his power by living his fantasy. And Cael is the perfect slender fit. But can they move beyond their mutual passion to a real relationship when Cael’s being presents so many challenges?
I devoured this book so quickly! Amanda Meuwissen introduced me to my (ahem) tentacle appreciation, and she delivers another fantastic love story wrapped up in many Eldritch tentacles here. I loved Miles growth and how he got away from the baggage his ex continued to try to foist on him. And I loved the fierce yet tender Cael and how he yearned to make a real connection. (Plus, there was lots of hot consent-getting for all those fantasies!) Definitely recommend.
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