Hold my Reins

by T.J. Nichols

Can a human man capture a kelpie’s heart?

Assassin Lynck Whitehorse fled the monster realm and has built himself a good life in the human realm, teaching violin and serving coffees. He’s used to the stares and the comments about his ears and hooves, and the hook-ups that only want to experiment, but going home is impossible because of the chain around his neck. If he steps through the portal, the monster who captured him and took him away from his herd will once again control his life, forcing him to kill, and he won’t get the chance to escape again.

Since his mother’s death Gideon ‘Rox’ Roxburgh has been adrift. He quit his job as a mechanic and has been traveling, seeking a place to call home. After six months on the road, he arrives in Elder Ridge, one of the monster portal towns, to work in the auto repair shop. While in a monster town, he takes a chance and downloads the app, not expecting any of the monsters to be interested in him. Especially not the tall and impossibly pretty kelpie he matches with…

But the closer they become, the more secrets are revealed, and it’s only a matter of time before the past catches up with Lynck and Rox finds his world, and heart, ripped apart again.

Hold my Reins is a size difference, hurt/comfort MM monster romance between a kelpie assassin and a human afraid of being hurt. 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?

Genres: M M Romance, Monsters, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Queer, Monster Romance, Magic

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2025

About the author

TJ Nichols (they/them) is the author of the Studies in Demonology and Familiar Mates series. They write mostly gay fantasy and paranormal romance, but sometimes gay action/horror as Toby J. Nichols.

After traveling all over the world and Australia, TJ now lives in Perth, Western Australia.

Free gay shifter novella when you join TJ's newsletter: http://tjnichols-author.com/lp/

You can find TJ on
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TJNichols
Ream: https://reamstories.com/tjnichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJNichols.au...
follow me on Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/tjnichols or Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tj-ni...

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️

TROPES:
𓃗 Kelpie x human
𓃗 Size difference
𓃗 Hurt/comfort

“Are you going to chase me?” “Are you going to run away from me?” “That depends on how fast you run.”

A cutesy Kelpie romance. It started out pretty interesting, but it got a little too repetitive after a while. The whole middle portion could’ve been cut out, since it’s just Lynck and Rox going back and forth from cutting Lynck’s reins, to thinking they can’t be together but they really want to, to oh wait the reins….and on and on.

It was a fun idea, and I don’t think I’ve read a kelpie romance before, but the execution lost me a little and ultimately it was a bit boring and plain.

“You don’t need to bind me with a bridle or hold my reins to control me. My heart belongs here, with you.”

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Mentions of parent death
- Mentions of forced killing
- Top/bottom
- Rimming
- Coming hands-free
- Sex on the beach

[Dani (Daniiireads)]

- kelpie + human
- size difference
- hurt x comfort

I really wanted to love this as I loved the idea of a kelpie romance, but I ended up DNFing around 36% because I was growing bored. The pacing of this is a bit too slow for me, and for me to be as far as I was, not much had happened.

[Guardian.angel54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one who holds the Kelpie's heart holds the bridle

I absolutely adore these Monster Match books. Each author has done an amazing job of staying true to the shared world while also expanding it to suit their individual story. I get to learn about monsters and cryptids in a very unique and personal manner and it just thrills my fantasy loving heart.
T.J. Nichols does a fantastic job of bringing to life our Kelpie MC, Lynck, and giving him a very detailed backstory. There's a bit of tragedy and angst but that makes it all the more sweeter when Rox comes along and manages to break through Lynck's emotional walls. The two are perfectly suited to each other and bond, at first over an understanding of their individual grief and physical passion, and later over a true growing of their relationship. I honestly loved everything about this story and it really did warm my heart with its hard earned HEA! Highly recommend this entire series - 5/5*

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold my Reins is part of the multi author Monster Match season two series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story of Lynck a kelpie and Gideon ‘Rox’ a human. Lynck is an assassin in the monster realm because another monster who captured and took him from his herd made him one. He escaped the monster realm and can never go back. Rox has been a drift since his mothers death. The Monster Match app. brings these two together. I wish we could have had less self doubt and repeating of the same things. I still enjoyed the book but didn't connect to the characters as much as I wanted to. I would still recommend this book and series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were absolutely fascinating and I love this world. These two were so wonderful and interesting together. I’m so glad that there are more stories from this world.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold my Reins by T.J. Nichols is part of the second season is the Monster Match series by multiple authors. This is the story of Lyck and Rox. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.

[Elaine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold My Reins, by T.J. Nichols
★★★★★

175 Pages
3rd person, dual character POV
Themes: grief, hurt/comfort, assassin, small town, monster romance, dating app
Triggers: grief, recent off-page death of mother, slavery/captivity

~

Hold My Reins was a really good, interesting monster romance. With a dual hurt/comfort, a lot of romance and a little bit of mystery, there was plenty to keep me hooked on the story.

This is part of a shared universe series, but I haven't read any of the other books and this one read perfectly well as a standalone. It was a definite Urban Fantasy, with a human town that had a portal to a monster town, meaning there were often equal blends of humans and monsters in a single town. This made the story really interesting, because in some cases it was impossible to tell the human apart from the monster.

The theme of this series is a dating app called Monster Match. This is Season 2, but I've never read any of the other books in either season 1 or 2. I'll admit, the dating app concept was only briefly, barely explored in the story and there was little world-building to expand upon the basic concepts of the app and a human town with a portal to a monster world. However, I'm so used to Nichols' writing and fantasy worlds that it actually felt very reminiscent of their Fae novel, Liminality, or even the Mytho series. In that way, it felt comfortable and familiar.

I really loved both the main characters, which is a feat that doesn't often happen. But I'm so used to loving T.J. Nichols' world-building and character crafting that it's no surprise this one was no different.
Rox has been adrift for the last six months, flitting from place to place, never settling in anywhere. His mother died recently and left him feeling emotionally untethered and lost. He's come to town for a new job and on his first night he signs up for Monster Match for a hook-up. He gets matched with Lynck, who is a kelpie with a dark past, but while he's desperate for a deeper relationship, he's afraid of opening up about his past for fear of the consequences.
Together, they have a lot of baggage to deal with, but I loved how that was explored throughout the story. It was a short read, but it had absolutely everything it needed to make it a compelling one. The emotional connection was there, the flirty beginning leading to deeper feelings, and I really loved how they communicated as a couple. Often, when one MC is a different species or whatever, the other MC drifts along and secretly researches; here, Rox was open with his curiosity and Lynck was willing to help Rox get to know him, to understand his kelpie nature. They talked, they communicated well and there was none of that awkward misunderstanding trope to deal with.

There weren't many secondary characters – there really wasn't much time/space to fit them, honestly – but Thurston was a really good friend and roommate to Lynck. He was super interesting and I'd definitely read his story, if T.J. Nichols decided to write more in this world.

Overall, this story had everything I wanted – strong characters, a well paced plot, a great blend of action, romance, suspense and angst, with a dual hurt/comfort that didn't get overly angsty. This is definitely one that I'd read again.

~

Favourite Quote

“If he met up with a monster by the lake, was he going to end up in one of the true crime documentaries his mother loved?”

“If he’d known his ideal boyfriend was a monster, he wouldn’t have wasted six months driving around aimlessly. Except he’d needed that time to find himself because the man he’d been six months ago hadn’t known who he was or what he wanted.
He rolled up onto his toes and kissed Lynck, then brushed his nose against his for good measure.
“What was that for?” Lynck gazed at him.
“For being you.” For letting him be him.”

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not too familiar with this author but when I read the blurb I was immediately intrigued. I haven't read very many books featuring a kelpie MC, and the ones I have read all vary from author to author, so I was excited to see that one of the MC's in this story is a kelpie too!

I think TJ did a wonderful job in creating a believable world full of mystical and mythical creatures. Despite there being different beings around from a different realm, the world the characters lived in still felt real due to all the details that went into describing it. I thought the progression between Lynck and Rox was handled well and in a realistic way. They both wanted more than a hookup but past trauma and insecurities made them hesitate on saying what they wanted. Eventually though, both men openly communicate with each other about their wants, and from there the rest is history!

I absolutely fell in love with Lynck, at first I wasn't sure how I felt about him. As time went on though and I got to learn more about him, the more enamored I became. I also liked how TJ wrote about him being a kelpie, there was so much backstory and history about where Lynck came from and what his traditions are. All of those details really helped provide an in-depth insight into his character.

Rox was awesome too, even though he had never interacted with a monster previously he accepted all of them as is. He didn't view them as despicable beings, or treat Lynck like he was just a prize to brag about. I liked how he let himself be himself, he loves bright nail polish and mesh tops, and he doesn't let anyone stop him from wearing those things he enjoys most. And his interactions with Lynck are just so adorable, especially where they write a special song together!

All in all, a terrific story that has a great twist on soulmates!

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bridled kelpie. A lost human. They find themselves together in Elder Ridge.

Lynck is a kelpie, bound to a frost giant to kill and do as the giant desires. He ran away to the human world hoping that the magic that bridled him wouldn’t work or that the giant wouldn’t bother to look for him. Rox is lost in his grief for his Mom. He lost her to cancer and has traveled ever since from city to city trying to move on. He answers an ad for a mechanic in Elder Ridge and hopes to settle there. Rox and Lynck meet up after the Monster Match app matches them. With so much going on in their own lives, will they meet up? Will they look for a future together?

TJ Nichols brought me to tears. I love the Monster Match series. In this book, we’re back in Elder Ridge, in a world we already recognize, visiting the Beastly Brewhouse and the lake. Again, I love the shared world and how the author adds to it by giving us new sights and characters. Thursten and Aski are Lynck’s roommates. Aski makes traditional monster clothing and Thursten works at the Brewhouse. Here’s me hoping we see them again, because that is something I find so wonderful about this series. We see the characters in different books by different authors, each making that character their own. Both Lynck and Rox sunk their teeth into me. Why? Because they were stuck and that is a feeling I know. Should they move forward? Did they dare to dream of a future? Their story is part hopeful, part pessimistic, yet also beautiful. I loved the fact that music plays such an important part of the story. I think music is what makes us happy, gets us through rough times, and at the end lays us to rest. This story adds another author to my read pile.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars

Hold My Reins by T.J. Nichols is a standalone that is part of the multi-author Monster Match collection. Rox takes a job in this monster town and meets Lynck on his first night. The first part of the story focuses on building the relationship between the men. They both indicate they are just looking for sex in the app, but down deep, both long for more. Rox is still dealing with a lot of grief after losing his mother, who was such an important person in his life, and he has been drifting for months. For his part, Lynck is hiding some secrets and a lot of shame about his past. So neither man has really opened himself up to a relationship, but it is something that they both want and they find it with each other. There is an nice sweetness to their dynamic, and while there is also heat, I think the warm bond between them shines through the most. I liked the little touches here, like the way that the men connect over their shared love of music.

Overall, I found this one a cute story, with some interesting world building. The guys are sweet together, with the right amount of heat. If you enjoy supernatural stories, particularly with a bit of a different spin than the usual paranormal beings, this one is a great choice.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Nina Diab · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Lynck was unable to look away. Usually, a human did as asked... without looking at the monster. Rox wasn’t like that, and Lynck wanted to drown in his blue eyes. The draw had been instant.
Dangerous.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Lynck and Rox. Both had hurt in their paths. Rox was searching for a place to belong. Lynck had to stay away from his home and herd, or be enslaved and ordered to kill. Lynck wanted more than hookups, but hiding his past and his secrets kept walls around him. Rox wanted romance, but always on the move and rejected from places, how could he have a lasting relationship?

The chemistry between them was hot. I liked that even when they first communicated in the app, Rox was surprising Lynck, who was used to humans just being interested in him because he was a monster or [specifically] a kelpie, and nothing more beyond slaking their curiosity and/or lust and nothing more.

I liked the way their relationship developed. Both were interested in more (beyond just sex) but afraid to make that push because of their insecurities and hurt- Lynck because people were only interested in him physically plus the issue of his necklace, and Rox because of the rejections from people in his life. I liked that they pushed forward and didn't drag it out too long. They were really cute together, if unsure. I liked seeing them begin to open up. I couldn't wait to see where things would go. 4 stars

[Savy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love kelpies and I was really looking forward to seeing how the author had portrayed one of them in this Monster Match book.

This story is about human Rox, who is starting over in Elder Ridge, and this is where he meets kelpie Lynck. What starts out as a hookup, quickly turns to dating, even though both are hesitant to start a relationship. Rox, because he's still sad about a lot of things, and Lynck because of secrets from his past. Both like music and this is the big part that connects them.

I expected a bit more from this story. There was quite a bit of repetition, world-building parts (including rituals of kelpies, magic, etc.) not explained properly, and to be honest, I didn't feel the romance at all. Rox is moping around and Lynck is fretting about his past, which makes for quite a depressive/angsty read, while I had expected some happy romance. As Lynck is being described as an assassin, I had expectations about that as well. Let's just say I don't think he's an assassin, more of a soldier type.

There were some sweet moments, but it kind of got lost in between all the self doubt and only telling parts of the secret instead of just coming clean. Maybe I was just too impatient for things to turn around. It was a story about two wounded souls finding comfort with each other and if you like those kind of stories, you might enjoy this one.

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold My Reins is part of the Monster Match MM romance series (season 2). Gideon Roxburgh or Rox has accepted a car mechanic job in Elder Ridge, a monster town with a portal to the monster world. He has only just arrived when he hooks up with a Kelpie called Lynck Whitehorse using the monster dating app he finds out about while eating a meal at the bar near his hotel. One of things that matched was their love of music.

Rox has been drifting since his mother died and does not compromise on his looks which has brought him problems. Lynck on the other hand is on the run from his captor who had complete control of him via the unbreakable chain around his neck. That control forced him to kill on command. Now he is living in hiding, hoping not to be discovered and forced back into his role as an assassin. The two are drawn to each other and reveal all their secrets to each other.

The story follows their growing attraction against the risks that engenders and the song that is growing in Lynck’s heart. This is a wonderful read with fun and spicy moments vying with the inherent jeopardy of the situation. It works well on its own although there are a few character references that probably refer to other books in the series. I have not read any of those and it did not create any issues or spoil my enjoyment.

[Annette✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

I received an ARC copy by GRR and this is my honest review.

This was my first book by this author and I sincerely highly enjoyed it. It’s fast paced, feel good and a bit of angst. The only thing I would have wished to see was them going into the monster portal and exploring the world. Maybe in an epilogue chapter.

The story is about Rox, a human who just moved into a “monster” town and is starting a job as a mechanic at the local car shop. When he sees an advertisement for the monster match dating app, he gives it a go where he meets Lynck, a Kelpie shifter.

”But I don’t regret moving here and meeting you. With you, i’ve learned how to live again. Love. Something I didn’t think possible.”

Lynck is running from his past and the monster world. Lonely and feeling homesick for his world and herd, he finds comfort in Rox and the two of them hit it off immediately. Honestly, they were very cute together and I liked their dynamic. Rox is determined to help the kelpie and secure his freedom.

I would rate the spice a 2/5 and the story a 3/5. I wished we would get some more info about the britles and the magic that binds them. But overall I highly enjoyed it!

TROPES
Kelpie x Human
Monster Town
Size Difference
Shifter
Hurt/comfort

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rox is still moarning the death of his mother. He's been drifting from town to town for six months. Now he's tired of drifting and is ready to settle down. He's chosen Elder Ridge, a monster town. He has a job lined up and thinking about finding love. Meeting Lynck wasn't in his plans but plans change, right?

Lynck is hiding in Elder Ridge. He doesn't want the man who captured him, reining him into being his personal guard and killer to find him. Even without the chain holding him prisoner he can't go home, so he's made a life and friends in Elder Ridge.

These two are are worlds apart but have many things in common. What was thought to be scratching an itch, quickly turned into something more. Can these two have a future with the threat hanging over Lynck's head?

This is such a good story. The world and character building are good. The chemistry between Lynck and Rox is felt. I felt for both men for what they're going through. They easily feel into a relationship and it didn't seem rushed or inauthentic. I liked how the story wrapped up. It was plausible and not forced. I didn't even finish the story before I was ordering the PB. Definitely recommend this story and this series. Going to check out more books by this author.

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, let me say I got this book from gay Romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
Rox had travelled to Elder Ridge, which was one of the monster portal towns where he had got a job as a mechanic. He had been struggling for the last six months after losing his mother to cancer so he thought he would take a chance and finally find somewhere that he could call home. The first night he gets to the motel he decides to go out for something to eat and he sees on a coaster a hook up app for humans and monsters and he took a gamble and this is where he met Lynck. Who was a kelpie. He was stunning with his ears and his hoof and his pretty tail. Lynck had made a life for himself in the human world, but he held a secret a secret. He was ashamed of so intended to just have hook ups rather than relationships but when he met Rox something different. But could there be a future for these two broken hearts??
I enjoyed the storyline and how close Rox and Lynck got. They communicated about everything, the more time they spent together the more they told each other about their past and it was heartbreaking to hear what they had been through. But these two have got something special I really enjoyed this book..

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rox and Lynck's romance was a thoughtful and satisfying exploration of the healing power of love. Both leads had events from their past that they were running from, things that had caused them to be wary of looking for meaningful connection outside of casual hookups. Their meetup started out as one of said casual hookups, but Lynck and Rox had chemistry that promised something more if they were willing to give it a chance. Their courtship was slow and sweet after that first night, the two taking a step back to get to know each other and bond outside of steamy explorations. Rox opened up about how his mom's illness and death had set him on a new course in life and Lynck revealed the meaning behind the silver chain he wore around his neck and what it meant for his future in the human realm. Freeing Lynck from his bridle was the major plot point in the second half of the book, and the certainty of his and Rox's romance hung in the balance. I found it easy to get invested in their mission and root for Rox and Lynck to stay together, and the ending wrapped things up definitively with a satisfying serving of justice. 

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Jaimed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read the first season of this series and I honestly didn't know that this was towards the end of the new season. I'm very happy that these are mostly standalones with some overlap so I had no problems/questions while reading this book.

Rox and Lynck are both lonely and have baggage from their pasts. Lynck wants connection, but doesn't want to put anyone else in danger while Rox is roaming the country after the loss of his mother. These two don't plan on being together, but something pulls them together and they don't put up much of a fight.

I think this was a nicely written story with characters that cried out for affection and compassion. There is connection, understanding, acceptance, danger, romance, action, and comeuppance. I like how this story unfolds and my only thing is that I would have liked to see a little more of their life after the big event. I also want a message to go back to Lynck's herd about what happened, so that maybe he could at least be forgiven, by them for something that wasn't really his fault and he needs to share how to break the bridle.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting pairing. Lynck is a kelpie who was captured and made to be an assassin in the monster realm by another monster. He escaped and is hiding out and does not believe he can ever go back. He is ready to look for love. Gideon has been adrift for a while after the death of his mother. After moving from place to place for a while he takes a job as a mechanic and is inclined to look for love. They use the Monster Match App and they were a match. They do want to find love but both have baggage that makes them hesitant to go after what they really want from and with one another.  They are such interesting guys and reading along as they embraced the fact that they needed to speak up and let each other know that they wanted to be together was neat. The author does a good job of giving us enough of each of their backstories and good world building making this another enjoyable story in a good series.I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexandra Criddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored the first monster match series so I was very excited to see that this was going to have a “season two” if you will. I had never read a novel by TJ Nichols so I was very excited to dive into this new adventure.
Lyck is our resident Kelpie, and he matches on the app with our struggling human Rox. Both have serious baggage and trauma that they are trying to work through so their intentions are to just have a hookup rather than seeking out any sort of relationship. The author does a really great job not only developing our main characters but also the world of Elder Ridge, the portal town in which this story takes place. I think one of my frustrations with this story was the repetition that sometimes made the characters very frustrating for me to read as a reader.
This was a quick read, less than 200 pages, but was a fun entertaining romance in the monster match world. I hope there is another series of tales from this world.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Monster Match app is doing its magic again, bringing together Lynck, our kelpie with such a secret, and Rox, our human is just hoping to find a home in Elder Ridge, a monster portal town. And I really like this match. Our MC's are both looking for something, a way to be free, a home. They are both running from bad circumstances, being a enslaved assasin, runing from sorrow. Their journey to finding all these things, dealing with all these things makes for a quick read. I love the mythology Nichols gives us about the various monsters and their world but they do a fabulous job of weaving the info throughout the narrative. I like the resolution of Lynck's dilemma, he allows Rox and friend to help him. Perfect! Well, this is part of the second season of Monster Match, they all can be read as standalones.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold my Reins was my first Kelpie romance, and it did not disappoint! If you're looking for a sweet, cozy monster romance read with a good amount of spice and a continuous clear plot, this is where it's at. Both Rox and Lynck were great MMCs and fit with each other well, I liked their shared love of music and their unique aesthetics. The ending was satisfying, although I wished we could have seen Lynck get closure from his herd. In my head, our Kelpie got teary hugs from his matriarchs and his mate was accepted as an honorary member of the herd.

Liked: Thursten's jig, the setting + locations, Rox & Lynck learning each other's culture, the ending and the meet cute
Disliked: Lack of slow burn (personal preference), Arn (no explanation needed)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ multi author series but able to read in any order! First time Kelpie reader here- I wasn’t sure what this one would be like but it was pretty cool. I really loved the world building and these characters were very interesting.

The storyline kept my attention and had me invested from the start. It kind of lost me a bit in the second half. There was a bit too much downtime and repetition. I would have liked to see more action but maybe I was expecting something I shouldn’t have.

I’m a fan of this author and pretty much read everything they write so even though it wasn’t my favorite I think someone coming in new will really enjoy it. There’s plenty of heat and lovable characters for sure

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different! In this case, different is good. This story has our characters Lynck and Rox, match, meet and get busy first. Then they start a relationship. Rox has been floundering since his Mom's death. He didn't get a chance to have a youth and now he's trying to put down stakes and adult. Lynck, keeps his head down hiding from one who captured, enslaved and manipulated him to do bad things. This story, is a great adventure of communicating, stepping up and being all you can be. We get to meet some interesting people who we hopefully will get to explore. The author, has created a great world with amazing characters. S2 is gearing up to be as amazing as season 1. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the romance, spice, and action in this story. What I particularly enjoyed was the world building and the writing; the monsters have interesting mythology around them and I enjoyed the characters and their backstories. Lynck and Rox are very likeable and I appreciate how communicative they are with each other.  I feel sorry for all Lynck has gone through, but he is now doing the best that he can. Rox has had a tough start in life, and I like that the two of them are supporting each other and they both have a shared interest in music. Thurston is my favorite side character and he's really there for Lynck. I hope there will be more books in this world the author has created.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quiet like the characters and its an overall cute book

While the very few spice scenes were pretty good! i just feel for this type of book there needs to be a balance of plot and smut and for a monster smut book this was kinda lacking in the latter. It kinda felt like there was more focus on the fantasy world building over the intimacy of the characters which would normally be okay but this is a very short romance book making the world building and romance suffer.

I like how one of the main characters is a Kelpie you certainly don't see that every day and i will give kudos to the series as almost all the books seem to draw from less popular supernatural creatures.

overall i liked it just wish there was more spice

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the arc, I voluntarily give it an honest review. 

I loved how they both was in the wanting stage for more but unsure how to proceed. After all They both have baggage that they carry around. This starting over an wonderful starting over and finding home all in one. 


 On the first night in town, Rox flipped the dice and took the leap by taking a chance with the monster match. Night one was a success but will the town live up to Rox sticking around long enough for a real connection. 

Lynck's past haunts as well as hunts him even in the human world. The instant connection with Rox is both thrilling as it his scary.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Monster Match series and this book had all the elements of MM books: heat, love, and unexpected plot turnings. Rox, the human, and Lynck, the Kelpie, are each searching for a life of fulfillment with that someone special. This story had alternating POVs that enabled the reader to get involved in the intricacies of both Rox and Lynck's life challenges, Rox's loss of his mom and Lynck's emotional and physical pain. In getting to know each other both found a similarity for a life without adversity and with a mutual chemistry and an unexpected amount of drama, suspense, and heartache. Their HEA was a perfect ending. This is my voluntary review.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goth humans, liquid moonlight, trollish jig, stomp & splatter, hoof kink, finders keepers, fish & gold, kelpie flirting, battle ax

"Hold My Reins" by TJ Nichols is part of a multi-author collection of the 'Monster Match' series. TJ Nichols's imagination is spot on in this book. Their world-building is amazing. Although on the short side, this story is complete and satisfying. No cliffhangers!

Rox and Lynck are delightfully coupled and are sweethearts. Their angst level is high, as is their steaminess. Their story is compelling and captivating. It kept my interest high throughout. I enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a series of standalone romances in the “Monster Match” shared universe, and offers an interesting take on that shared premise. Lynck and Gideon (Rox)’s romance weaves together monsters, a dose of hurt/comfort, dealing with grief, and a certain amount of intrigue. The characters are nuanced, and because of that the relationship that builds between them feels worth investing in. While at times the pacing felt a tad slower than it needed to be, the characters are worth spending time with and ultimately make for a compelling read.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.