Hooves and Heartbeat

Monster Match #2

by Leona Wilde

True love. Monster problems.



All I wanted was answers about my nana’s homeland and maybe why every make-out session turns into a personal horror movie of someone else’s memories. (Nothing kills the mood faster than a vision to your date’s mind.)

So, yeah dating has been non-existent.

Nana called it the “touch”, a psychic gift but really it’s more like a curse. I'm touch starved, touch adverse and I like it that way.

I’m totally convinced that love isn’t in the cards, that is until my relic guy Andreas drops a dating app into my lap. One swipe and I’m falling literally head first into a pond that just so happens to belong to the sweetest, stupid-hot centaur, Silas. He’s the first man that doesn’t make me want to run the moment things get physical. For the first time I believe in a happily ever after.

Too bad his world is on fire.

Between a royal engagement, monsters going missing and an outbreak of actual zombies crawling from the earth. I’m at the center of a mystery with roots deeper and older than my nana ever knew. Someone’s playing games with our hearts and the veil between our worlds.

My powers might be the one key to stopping the chaos if it doesn’t destroy me first.


Hooves and Heartbeat is the second book in the Monster Match series. Each book can be read as a standalone.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2026

Reviews

[ElleBearBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to have a love like Sage and Silas! What starts off as a very frustrating situation becomes something that changes them both forever. A magical dating app transports Sage to Silas's world, one that she's only heard about in whispers. They both become a match, and Silas becomes an important part in helping Sage figure out her "curse".

I love this world so much, and it's definitely suggested that you read book one beforehand! A magical dating app with monsters? Sign me up!! I felt for Sage as she navigates her past, and worked on figuring out what she was meant for. The lore of it all got me in so many feelings, but I was cheering them on the whole time. Love was definitely in the cards for these two! Another beautiful edition to the Monster Match Series!

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

We are back in the Vale with our favorite centaur known for making everyone laugh! Silas is the BIGGEST green flag, and I mean, the biggest because, well…he’s got other things that are big too 🤭 Hiding behind his humor and good vibes, he’s secretly a hopeless romantic who desperately wants the love he sees blossoming between his bestie and his human mate. So, naturally, he swipes right, consequences be damned…

💖Hot Southern Centaur x Touch-Starved Witch
✨Magical Dating App Meet-Cute
💖Grumpy x Sunshine (She’s the Grump)
✨Yearning & Slow Burn
💖He Falls First
✨Fated Mates
💖Light Dom/Sub & They’re Both Switches
✨P🥚gging, Throat Bulging & Toys as Teammates

All Sage wants is to understand her nana’s homeland and why she has a psychic gift that manifests through touch (I mean nothing kills a mood faster than being thrown into an unwanted vision in your date’s mind). Now, she doesn’t “do” touch, it’s safer that way, and she’s given up on love. So, when her relic guy insists she try out a dating app that could give her what her heart truly craves, Sage swipes right…and finds herself falling, quite literally, into another world and right into the pond of a stupid-hot centaur who doesn’t make her want to flee when things get physical.

Too bad his world is on fire. The dead are being brought back and unleashed, threatening the veil between the humans and monsters, and Sage’s powers might be the only thing that can help them understand the chaos before it consumes them…

What I wouldn’t do to be thrown into Silas’s world and have him rescue me from danger! I mean, try and stop yourself from swooning when a centaur who’s all muscle with a sinful Southern drawl charges in and scoops you up to get you to safety – that’s right, you won’t. Then, this beautiful man starts waving the biggest green flags when he recognizes what you need, insists you set the pace, AND it turns out that man is a switch and will beg for you? Whew! DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT? No. You can’t change my mind. And with his magic, magic that works in tandem with some very special tattoos that you will 100% want to investigate for research purposes, everything fits…wherever your heart desires it to go. The monster romance lovers get it and are nodding their heads saying, “yes”. So, are we envious of Sage? Yes. Not only for what she gets to experience, but the bond that she builds with Silas. The nature of her magic and needing to learn to control her powers insisted on a slow-burn, and the tender moments between her and Silas, the banter that will have you giggling, and the undeniable pull and balance they provided one another was heartwarming. And the plot? Well, sh*t is hitting the fan in the Vale and I don’t know how we are going to fix things as we get more answers as to who is behind the chaos…

[Grave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sage grew up on her nana’s strange stories about a mythical world that seemed impossible—until she began manifesting a terrifying power that lets her see someone’s worst memories with the slightest touch. Desperate for answers about her gift and her family’s history, she somehow ends up on a dating app that promises to match you with your fated mate. One accidental swipe catapults her into the very realm she grew up hearing about—and straight into the life of a lonely, sexy centaur searching for his perfect match. Together, they must navigate a life that bridges human and magical worlds, all while facing the growing threats darkening Silas’s realm by the day.
I love romances with unusual pairings and rarer mythical creatures, so this was absolutely my kind of read. Silas is a flirty farmboy who wants nothing more than to spoil his fated mate, while Sage carries years of anxiety and trauma from isolating herself because of her uncontrollable powers. Silas is endlessly patient with her, even as their attraction builds deliciously with every page. I loved watching them empower each other as they faced the dangers threatening the realm.
The side characters were also a lot of fun, and I especially enjoyed getting more of Ruby and Gideon from the previous book. And of course, the unconventional spice was a highlight for me—I have no trouble believing in magic that makes Silas and Sage fit together perfectly…in more ways than one, if you catch my drift.
I really enjoyed this isekai monster romance, and while I felt satisfied with how Silas and Sage’s story wrapped up, I’m definitely left eager to see what happens next in this world.

[ABlikesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hellooooooooo!!!! Today we are going back Monster Match series by Leona Wilde that began with Scales and Seduction. Before we dive in, make our profiles and swipe on a match... YES you need to have read the first one. There is pertinent information in the first. Also, it's just that good. You should, your missing out. *stage whispers* Naga Priiiiince. Go, I'll wait...

Hooves and Heartbeat, involves Sage a human who has a "curse" her Nana called the "touch." It makes it so she doesn't want to touch, well anything or anyone. But someone she occasionally works with convinced her to download this new app. Next thing she knows she's being pulled out of a pond by a smoking hot centaur with a southern twang.

Silas Knows exactly who and what Sage is to him immediately and will do any and everything to keep her safe and with him. He is a tall glass of sweet tea. (because you know all centaurs are tall) He gives Sage space, as much as he can, when she needs it. And he's willing to go as slow as she needs. He also isn't about to let anyone push her beyond her comfort zone either.

Sage for her part isn't just sitting and refusing to budge and locking herself away. In spite of everything, she opens herself to hope, and possibility. Which is truly and deeply not just the silver lining but the golden lining of the cloud of mystery that continues to hang over the Vale.

This story was so interesting and wonderful. I loved our couple and how they came together. But I also loved how our mystery continues to unfold. And yes, there is still mystery to solve.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Leona for sending me an ARC of this book. It was a real treat!

This series is suprising me around every corner. Who knew that a story about a dating app that transports you to a magical world where you meet your chosen mate would get so heavy. The characters development is fantastic and the worldbuilding has me on the literal edge of my seat.
I will not be dropping spoilers, but this book is far more than a spicy romance.
I think Sage is my new favourite character. Her abilities are something new within my fantasy spectrum and I love how she pulls memories from people and the impact it has on her. I love how quickly she thinks and how fiercely she loves.
Silas wasn't my favorite in the first book, so I was a little nervous to read his story. But the way he grew as a character and developed for not just Sage, but also himself had my jaw on the floor.
I will always love Gideon and Ruby, but the spice in this book was "chefs kiss".
Gideon has become so different since he fell in love with Ruby and that really shows in this book. There is a fierce protectiveness that has made him stronger.
The only thing that had me frustrated screaming and gasping at the end was the cliffhanger. Oh my gods, what a cliff this author has decided to leave us on. I am practically vibrating for the next book and in all my years of reading, I can say I don't feel that often.

The second book in the series has taken a small flame into a raging bonfire and Im fully invested!

[ASH · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for being blesst with an ARC copy! As always, any/all opinions are my own.*

A couple of things to start us off:
- How does one have "relations" with a centaur.....(?)
-"Tell me you want to touch me" -> cue me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure!!!!
- Y E A R N I N G
- He's PIERCED

Well friends we're back swiping on the magical mate dating app! This time our mates are Silas (centaur, southern, romantical) & Sage (human witch, no touchy but also PLS TOUCHY) are matched. Where do I even begin?! There some heavy emotions, heavy moments and heavy petting. WHEW. I feel like I had to get a drawing board to lowkey figure out the specifics on centaur....relations but don't worry they make it work and he was prepared which we love to see. There's also p3gging, which I'm not gonna lie was a key selling point for me LOL. I told y'all I like things fun and interesting. In this book we dive into even more world building and magic specifics which help you truly feel invested and connected everything. This does end in a slight cliffhanger but don't worry it's still a HEA for our couple. Now sadly I will sit and wait and long for our next matched up couple....I need a certain green man to get his true love ASAP. This book confirms again that Leona Wilde is a FOREVER fave for me.

[Bookfairymel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some CRAZY revelations to the story in the book. I honestly can’t wait for book 3 now because I need to know how this all ends. Honestly, if you’re a reader who loves lore and a good magical mystery, you will really love this book. I can’t to see how it all comes together. The action, the drama and the political alliances were really up my ally. I definitely would have loved to see more of Vale and the magical abilities of the world. I want to know the story behind Sage’s grandmother and her heritage and see her train with her power more. Silas was also one of my favorite characters in book 1 so I’m happy he got some time in the spotlight.

I loved the relationship dynamic Silas and Sage had, the give and take in their spicy scenes was VERY entertaining. I would have loved to see Silas lean more into the Dom side of things like in the vision Sage had. I loved seeing Sage take control during her scenes but wanted to see the table turn too. I also think I’m missing some domestic moments from them which would have made me feel more connected. I feel like they moved FAST but so is the way of fated mates. I’m definitely on the edge of my seat for book 3 since there’s so many things left unanswered!

[LaurenReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Happy Release Day to Hooves and Heartbeat!!!

Leona really knows how to write chemistry between her characters.

Silas and Sage were perfect for each other, all I want to know is how she is gonna give birth to his babies because iykyk.

More was revealed about the attacks in this book, and I won't spoil it, so read if you want to know what goes down.

This is the 2nd book in the series, read the first one before this.

Thank you, Leona Wilde, for this ARC copy.

VF

Revue ARC

Joyeux jour de sortie à Hooves and Heartbeat !!!

Leona sait vraiment créer une alchimie incroyable entre ses personnages.

Silas et Sage étaient parfaits l’un pour l’autre. Tout ce que je veux savoir, c’est comment elle va donner naissance à ses bébés… parce que, si tu sais, tu sais.

On en apprend davantage sur les attaques dans ce livre, et je ne vais rien révéler, alors lisez-le si vous voulez savoir ce qui se passe.

C’est le 2e livre de la série — lisez le premier avant celui-ci.

Merci, Leona Wilde, pour cet exemplaire ARC.

[Anna Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started with a bang! The whole premise with the dating app and monsters was such a solid idea! This book honestly reminded me of a darker and spicier version of halloweentown!

Although I did enjoy how it started and the battles and the monsters involved in this story, I just didn't connect with the characters very much. I didn't really like them together or was sold by their chemistry. I feel like it was mostly the FMC doing all this stuff and then everyone else was like basically sitting on the sidelines.

Although this book is listed as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading the first book because I felt so lost with the characters and I feel like if I had read the first one I would have felt more comfortable with the story overall.

The book does end on a cliffhanger but it's something that we're already told earlier on in the book.

[Ecem · Rating 3 out of 5]

*****Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

I finished Sage and Silas’s story, and I genuinely wish I could say I loved it.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time fully connecting with both the story and the characters. I usually really enjoy books that blend monster elements with contemporary romance, so I went into this with high expectations. However, for some reason, I just couldn’t quite immerse myself in the narrative the way I hoped to.

Because of that, I don’t feel comfortable giving it a high rating. That said, I did appreciate the worldbuilding, which felt interesting and thoughtfully developed. Overall, while this one didn’t work for me personally, I can still see how it might appeal to readers who enjoy this style.

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was everything i wanted and more.
i absolutely devoured it. def a one handed read. this author has awakened something in me and i dont know if i should say thank you or blame her lol.... i mean was it only me who got all hot and bothered with the p3gg-ing that took place???
the characters were so beautiful. the trauma of the mfc and her aversion to touching was something. it was nice to see her coming into her magic. and lets not forget the mmc. so loving and understanding. he wasnt thrown off by her aversion but instead helped her figure a way to overcome it. i cant wait to see what the next installment brings us cuz that ending had my mouth on the floor like excuse me i need the rest

[Karla Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ (no seriously, somebody call Goodreads, I need more stars)

I already LOVED Silas in the first book, but this??
This was his moment. His era. His full “I’m about to ruin you for non centaur men” energy

Silas is still stupid-hot (scientifically proven at this point), but getting him as a full MMC?? Game over. I’m in love, Leona send me him 😭

And Sage?? I loved her.

Her magic could’ve just been a quirky power, but it felt intrusive, overwhelming, and honestly kind of heartbreaking at times. Watching her navigate her powers with trying to have a relationship and open herself up?? I ate that up.

But let’s be honest, I came here for Silas…and stayed because this book had me in a chokehold from start to finish.

If Leona writes it, I’m reading it. End of discussion.

[Carlislethesucker uwu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice followup for the 1st book although it ends ona gray area and cliffhanger which is going to keep me interested for the next book.

The ending felt rushed for Silas and Sage tbh but I know it's hinting at more for them but they'll be taking a backseat. In all honesty it was fun to read about Sage and Silas but it felt like her powers were at the forefront of what was happening but I guess it makes sense since the zonbie attacks since the 1st book essentially has amped up.

I do appreciate the author sticking to the somewhat practical reality of centuar x human. Although part of it made me be like hmmmm that seems it would be awkward but hey I never see a whole lot of centaur based romances so 🤷

[ThatsSomeGoodSmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.

I love a magical dating app and one that finds your fated mate? I'm SOLD! You should probably read the first book to know a lot of the characters in the town, but isn't strictly necessary. I will warn you, it does end in a cliffhanger! Be prepared! But we do get a HEA, fear not. And we also get some very, very nice spice!!

This time we get a centaur, Silas, and Sage, a human who has what she thinks of as a curse, that her Nana called "the touch". This book really takes the world building and conflict and dials them up. We learn so much more about what's happening in Vale and across Acadia.

[Rae Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so FUN!! the whole idea of a magical dating app that sucks you in to an alternate world is CHEFS KISS!!

Both our FMC and MMC were layered and interesting. I loved their romance together, I am such a sucker for a slow burn fated mates vibe. And the fact they’re both switches???? Yes pls.

I went into this expecting a fun, monster romance (which I got) but I wasn’t expecting how deep it would really go (no pun intended). This world and the politics are fascinating, and I loved learning more about our FMC’s powers. Her tie to her grandmother was super relatable. And that cliffhanger!!!!! Lord!!

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4 ⭐️
3 🌶

I am a sucker for a slowwwww burnnnnn ❤️‍🔥 I love the idea of this series (dating app transports you to a magical world) but I love that it has a darker side to it as well! Hooves and Heartbeat explores the magic and overall world a bit deeper than the first and is setting up nice for the bigger plotline! I am anxious to see where book 3 will take us with a certain green man 👀💚

☆pegging
☆mysterious dating app
☆size difference
☆unicorns centaur x human
☆fated mates
☆evil forces
☆found family

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**
BAHHHH CLIFFHANGER, there’s your warning!!

I truly liked the story development of this one more than the first book actually. Sage and Silas make me wanna hug them, I’m glad they have eachother to work through hard things in this caused every book seems like harder things. Also getchu a partner with a bedroom ARSENAL.

There are feels in this one, tense moments, and a lot of pausing to contemplate centaur logistics. My friends can thank Leona Wilde for my new crazy 3am red string pin board theories and random “hypothetical” questions.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Leona for this eARC!

Book 2 in the Monster Match series was just as wonderful as book 1! I absolutely loved both MCs and really loved to watch Sage overcome her touch issues.

This one did have me scratching my head a bit... but yknow what - just forget everything you think you know about anatomy!

Sage and Silas are honstely so perfect for each other and I am so glad Silas was the next person to make a match. I also was aboslutely shocked as we found out more about the app and the effects of it!

Bring on book 3! (And maybe a monster match for myself along the way?!)

[Katie Welder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already had fallen in love with Silas after the first book. And this just solidified it. The things this man will do for the people he loves is amazing.

Sage is so freaking strong and a bit touch starved. With her "condition", she has learned to keep her distance from people. Then some strange man and app later, she ends up in the world she had only heard about. O and she has a fated mate.

These two had a bit of a rough start but Silas's resilience definitely shined. He is such a sweet dork. Love these two so much.

Silas can both take it and dish it out. Since he is a centaur and due to equipmentplacement, let's just say there was ALOT of creativity used and boy was it hot. The spicy scenes were amazing 👏 nonetheless the actual storyline. Now I have to wait to see how this plays out. Sooooo much happens in the last 20%. Which is slightly cruel and unusual punishment. But call me a sadist because I loved it 🤭.

[Britt]

I am so sorry to say that this was a DNF for me. While I enjoyed the characters and the overall mystery happening throughout the storyline, I felt like I was missing quite a few details from not having read book 1 in this interconnected standalone series. I definitely would like to go back and read book 1 and then explore this book again to see if I don't feel as lost. My favorite character will be book 3 it appears, so hopefully I can catch up before then!

[Victoria Kennerknecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the first book was good, but this one was amazing!
The drama and tension was so tense and built up the story perfectly! Many twist I didn’t see coming, which I love in a book!
Sage’s personality is amazing, and Silas is so wholesome and just so cute! Absolutely love them!
Buttt I’m pissed about that ending!! I need the third pronto!

[Caroline Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦄 I received an ARC from the author so the thoughts are my own 🦄

Hooves and Heartbeat scratched a 2 year itch for me because I LOVED Scales and Seduction! I have never read a centaur romance before so it was a very interesting experience 😏. This is for the monster fudgers and the horse girls. Sage's character is very Stevie Nicks coded. I loved that about her.

[Tayler Borre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Leona for this arc!

4☆

A monster dating app? say less ���
The world building and story was great, I liked the characters, I just didnt connect with Sage & Silas as a couple. But even with that being said I still enjoyed them and the story! I can't wait for the next book! talk about cliffhanger?!

[Randi F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh this is so sweet and spicy at the same time and I love it!

Sage cannot be touched without gaining memories from the person she's touching. Silas wants nothing more than to hold his mate. The way they work around it is amazing! I also love getting more background on side characters. I can't wait for the next book, because WHAT was that cliffhanger?? I need it immediately!

[Charli Nile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun time. I enjoyed the relationship between Sage and Silas and a centaur unicorn is just so much fun. It was lovely to get to continue the story about the vale and learn more about the mystery that began in book one.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly don't know where to start! I do know I can not wait for the next book in the series! I didn't put this down until I finished it! The live between the mc's was everything! I am jealous of the fmc though, I want to switch places with her lol if it was only possible! Run and grab your copy!

[Zehra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC

Maybe it’s because I didn’t read the first book, but I couldn’t quite get into the story.

[Kelleigh Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader review! This book was great, I was on the edge of my seat! I am so impressed by how much plot and character development was put into this story. I need the next book to come out ASAP.

[Lily Botts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an arc and dove straight in. Will say the world building and descriptions of characters was well written. The world did have a few unexplained plot holes. I would have liked a little more chemistry between the FMC and MMC.

[marisflo2024 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner!! This really had it all, action, zombies and angst! I am really enjoying this series!!