Hold Your Horses

Prickle Island Zoo #5

by Ali K. Mulford

When socially anxious, secretly asexual, and thoroughly horse-illiterate Hollis lands a job at Prickle Island Zoo (by pretending to be a cowgirl from Wyoming), she’s just hoping for a fresh start . . . and maybe to hide away from the world with a Jane Austen novel and meerkat in tow.

What Hollis doesn't expect is to fall head over heels—literally—for the charming non-binary zookeeper, Heron.

Heron Lachlan knows that living at their family zoo on a tiny island and being ace means the dating pool is zero. Heron accepts that their longest running relationship will probably be with a literal goose . . . until Hollis trots in wearing a thrifted cowboy hat and lying through her teeth.

As zoo hijinks, escaped ostriches, and a meddlesome family of zookeepers bring them closer, Hollis and Heron must face their fears, their secret hopes, and their wildly incompatible knowledge of equine fun facts.

A light-hearted, queer rom-com about finding your person, embracing your truths, and rewriting the rules of love—Hold Your Horses is the joyful, asexual slow-burn you didn’t know you needed.

Each book in the Prickle Island Zoo series can be read as a standalone. Feel free to jump into this series wherever you like!

Genres: Queer

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Also writes as A.K. Mulford

Ali K. Mulford (also known by their bestselling fantasy pen name A.K. Mulford) is a rom-com author and former wildlife biologist who swapped rehabilitating monkeys for writing novels. A US and NZ citizen, Mulford now lives in Australia rearing two human primates, writing lovable characters, and making ridiculous TikToks (@akmulfordauthor).

Reviews

[Jodie Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ are not enough! I have loved every book in the prickle island zoo series but Hold your horses is the best one yet.

Heron and Hollis… sigh… couple goals! They are honest, real, raw and vulnerable with one another. They invite the other to be exactly who they are in each moment while sharing the emotional load of a relationship.

But my absolute favourite part of this story is seeing myself in a character so deeply that I started to feel like I want to be my true self, that maybe my strangeness is okay with the right people. Instead of staying away from people altogether I just need to find my people. Such a huge personal awakening wrapped up in a beautiful love story.

I adored basking in the love of Heron and Hollis, but also the love and acceptance of the gorgeous Lachlan family. And the constant giggles (well lots of laugh so hard I was crying) moments were exactly what I needed.

Thank you for another amazing Prickle Island Zoo instalment!

[Naiomi Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another extremely well written rom com with character sexuality diversity by Ali.

I had trouble putting this book down. The explanations were written in so well it made it easy to learn as well as understand how the characters were feeling.

Prickle Island Zoo is definitely a series I would love to see the extend family having books in the future as well.

Rom Com, LGBTQIA+, Zoo comedy what more could you ask for.

[Carriebooksandart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you AK Mulford for an early copy of Hold Your Horses. This is Book 5 of the Prickle Island Zoo Series. How can this seriously be Book 5 already?!?!
I have loved reading about the Lachlan family and how much they have grown. And how much bigger the family has become. This
is a series that I hope keeps going and going.
I do not have a lot to say about Hold Your Horses. It has humor like the other books in the series. It has some slow burn build up. It has
a found family feel to it.
Hold Your Horses is my favorite of all the books in this series.
So… you are probably asking why I do not have a lot to say then… It’s because there is only one thought and one feeling that I had
throughout this book.. and my eyes are getting watery just thinking this. This book is about…
Finding Your Person.
Finding that special one. The one who understands you. The one who does not judge you. The one who holds you when the tears
are flowing. The one who breaths your air because it all just makes sense.
This read is simply beautiful. The acceptance of the Lachlan family is breathtaking. They open their arms to those that need it, and love
anyone no matter what. Thank you for creating this world, and I seriously hope you continue to bring the Prickle Zoo to us.

[thebookishstephanie]

Hollis lands her job at Prickle Island Zoo by pretending to be a bowgirl from Wyoming - even though she knows nothing about horses. Yearning for a fresh start, and maybe to hide away from the world, she doesn't expect to fall for the zookeeper, Heron Lachlan.

I always appreciate the representation that Ali includes in all her books - including her fantasy books. Until reading this, I don't think that I've read a story with ace main characters (just side characters), and I adored it! She always handles her representation with care and love for these characters.

The romance arc in this was so wholesome, delightful and with self-aware characters, it wasn't filled with miscommunication that went on for chapters. Heron and Hollis accepted each other as they are, and encouraged the best from each other (and accepted everything that goes with accepting another).

As always, there's delightful animals, family antics (and a sub-plot I didn't see coming for the Lachlan family!), neurospicy characters and beautiful representation.

Thank you again to Ali for an e-arc of Hold Your Horses, all opinions are my own!

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love going back to Prickle Island Zoo. This time we go through Heron's journey for love, and what that looks like for them. I love that this entire family is fiercely protective of all of its members, but more importantly open and accepting of everyone. Hollis has come for an internship, but what she really wants is to just find a place where she belongs and doesn't feel broken, even if she doesn't know it yet.

When her first meeting with Heron, and subsequently their twin, goes rather poorly, she's second guessing everything. On top of needing to decline advanced from one of the other interns because she's ace and feels awkward about needing to explain herself, Hollis is off to a rocky start. Spending time with Heron isn't too bad though, and she slowly realizes they're more alike than she could have ever hoped for.

[The Cajun Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Ali K. Mulford for an eARC copy of Hold Your Horses, Book 5 of the Prickle Island Zoo series!

Heron and Hollis’ story was such a sweet one!

I loved the non-binary, ace, AUDHD rep and appreciate all of the representation that Ali includes in their books! I also think people who don’t like spice in their reads will really enjoy this one as well.

I loved how Heron and Hollis accepted each other as they were and how Hollis encouraged Heron to be themselves in the best way (the Gala outfit!).

One star off because I have an issue with quick timelines but other than that it was great for me! I love seeing the Lachlan family grow and can’t wait for more! Also….Mamma Lachlan!!!!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Herron & Hollis is such a heart warming story. Such raw beautiful understanding & acceptance from them both! Hollis finally found home, Herron found someone who sees them completely & they both found their person!

I loved the between the enclosures bamboo dance scene & Beaky always bringing them together hehe. So many swoon & snuggle with a comfy warm blanket feels (or maybe that’s just a really good hug feel). I love all the Pickle Island books especially the realistic timeline & seeing how the Lachlan’s have grown & where they are in their lives.

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every single book in this series, but this might be my favorite! I've been waiting for Heron's story for 3 books now and it was everything and more! 

Ace/pan x ace/pan with AuDHD rep and my favorite family surrounding them! Hollis is so relatable with what it's like in my brain (minus reptile love), and I adore Heron's casual nature. This one is so cozy and low stakes and all about finding your person. And Evie? Never saw it coming, but I love it. 

The next book should be very interesting. 

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review. 

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of Hollis and Heron is a fun addition to the Prickle Island Zoo series. Light hearted and with animal hijinks galore, it is low stakes and an easy read.

I really enjoy the neurospicy Lachlan family (owners of Prickle Island Zoo). If you’re looking for a fictional family that’s modelling acceptance of all genders, sexualities and neurodiversities I don’t think you can go wrong here.

Thank you Ali K Mulford for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Reid Bakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali has done it again, for the 5th time! Heron and Hollis are couple goals, making you feel all the feels through their journey to holding onto each other. The funny moments, scandalous surprises, and total inclusion this installment brings with it are everything I’ve grown to expect from Prickle Island Zoo and the Lachlan clan! Can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for my favorite fictional family!!

[Rachel Richeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with the Lachlan family at Prickle Island Zoo, and Heron was no exception. It’s rare to see both asexual and nonbinary representation in a book, and this one portrays both beautifully. Having a neurodiverse character represented as well was delightfully refreshing to see.
I loved watching both Heron and Hollis finally find their person and fully embrace who they truly are. Their ability to be completely themselves and vulnerable with each other had me crying and laughing at the same time.
I cannot wait for the next book. Please… don’t make me wait!

[Bec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the Ace representation but the actual story fell flat for me. The pacing was super fast and I found it difficult to connect to the characters or get invested. The story being set so long after the first 4 and introducing so many new characters made it hard to follow at times as well. I love this series but this one just wasn’t for me. I still recommend the series and look forward to the next instalment.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time a new one of these comes out I’m convinced it’s my favourite yet. But this one might actually be my favourite. I’ve never read a romance between asexual characters before but it was so incredibly well done. Hollis is so relatable. I can’t wait for the next one I can sense the drama already.

[SKP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the whole story, the Lachlan family is truly the best! I love Heron’s laidback, part tomboy, part flower child vibes. I love how Hollis finds a place where she fit in and just be. It made me smile, laugh, and tugged at my heart strings.
I have loved every book, I can’t wait for the next!
Thank you Ali Mulford for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

[Fallon Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Lachlan book, with fun zoo shenanigans, plenty of rep, and love all around!

[Stacktheforest - Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Full ARC review to come.

[Ashley Delgadillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Prickle Island Zoo book!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Prickle Island Zoo series. The Lachlan family is amazing. Every book has been wonderful, but there was something about Heron and Hollis and this story. I just love them.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy read with great representation. I love the inclusion of animals in this series and the zoo is such a good setting. I enjoyed the read 🥰

[Katie Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical and quirky and strangely beautiful

Romantic and cute interactions

Found family and falling in love

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love returning to Prickle Island and the Lachlan family! This is such a lovely, inclusive, lighthearted series. Hold Your Horses is about finding your person and being accepted for exactly who you are. I don’t really have a lot to say about this book except that Hollis and Heron were great together, there is wonderful representation and the book gives you all the warm and fuzzies!