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Briar Copperwood needs a cure.
Thanks to an annoying warlock, Briar needs to sleep with someone once a day or die.
Which is fine when she’s flirting (and pickpocketing) her way through small towns. But there aren’t many options when she’s trekking through the woods to reach the only witch who might be able to remove her curse.
Then she runs into a Skullstalker, the surest sign of death in the mortal realm. But instead of devouring her like she expects, he makes her an offer that could save them both.
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Wick would do anything for a cure.
The meek Skullstalker has been haunted by a blood frenzy ever since he could remember. At any moment, he could fly into a rage and become the monster everyone expects him to be.
There is nothing to stop it. Until a wry mortal runs into his path with a mysterious amulet that dulls the blood frenzy for the first time in his long existence.
They form an he will lie with her each day to stave off her curse, and she will help fight his blood frenzy with her amulet.
It should be simple. But every day brings new pleasure and closeness, until they both begin to dread the curses’ end…
HELD is a high heat monster romance with smutty curses, a devoted monster, and a HEA. Perfect for fans of Opal Reyne and Katee Robert. It is part of the Skullstalker Brides series but you can read it as a standalone.
Thanks to an annoying warlock, Briar needs to sleep with someone once a day or die.
Which is fine when she’s flirting (and pickpocketing) her way through small towns. But there aren’t many options when she’s trekking through the woods to reach the only witch who might be able to remove her curse.
Then she runs into a Skullstalker, the surest sign of death in the mortal realm. But instead of devouring her like she expects, he makes her an offer that could save them both.
—
Wick would do anything for a cure.
The meek Skullstalker has been haunted by a blood frenzy ever since he could remember. At any moment, he could fly into a rage and become the monster everyone expects him to be.
There is nothing to stop it. Until a wry mortal runs into his path with a mysterious amulet that dulls the blood frenzy for the first time in his long existence.
They form an he will lie with her each day to stave off her curse, and she will help fight his blood frenzy with her amulet.
It should be simple. But every day brings new pleasure and closeness, until they both begin to dread the curses’ end…
HELD is a high heat monster romance with smutty curses, a devoted monster, and a HEA. Perfect for fans of Opal Reyne and Katee Robert. It is part of the Skullstalker Brides series but you can read it as a standalone.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2025
61 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 11, 2025
4.5⭐️
Isabelle Taylor has a talent for writing the sweetest romances despite their monstrous characters! Wick falls almost instantly for Briar, and he will do anything to protect her and help her break her curse, from fighting bountyhunters and making her hurt him if his bloodfrenzy puts her in danger 🥺
Isabelle Taylor has a talent for writing the sweetest romances despite their monstrous characters! Wick falls almost instantly for Briar, and he will do anything to protect her and help her break her curse, from fighting bountyhunters and making her hurt him if his bloodfrenzy puts her in danger 🥺
October 2, 2025
lowkey need more installments in this world why am I getting lured in by found family and wholesomeness
June 30, 2025
First and foremost! This is the second part to the duology. The books are set within the same world and there's mention of events from the previous book. Some spoilers but if you wish to read this one as a standalone it won't ruin anything.
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"So, this is how I die. It's even more dramatic than I expected." - Briar
At least that's what she thought would happen. Brair ran from part of her past into the woods and toward the forbidden cave. Running into Wick because for once the rumors townsfolk whispered about were correct! Which given her predicament and limited choices death by a Skullstalker was the better poison.
Instead, the two form an odd friendship. Due to a curse from a wizard who couldn't handle being told no, Brair needs to sleep with someone once a day or die. Wick helps her out with that but also being her bodyguard throughout her journey to getting her cure. She tries to keep her distance and not get attached but Wick is nothing like she expected or heard about. He's the first truly nice man Briar's ever been with, and she has no idea how to process that. But would he even want to have her by his side longer than this trip?
"Fleeing from a flame only to get saved by a flame." - Briar
I was ready to dive into this read! I personally loved this installment more than book one, no shade toward Slate or Ruby! But Wick and Briar's characters and dynamic is more my vibe! She's very much the distrusting black cat while he's this giant puppy of a golden retriever! Minus the wings and the slight blood lust frenzy. Turns out Briar isn't the only one hoping for a cure!
I could relate to Briar on a personal level. She has rules in place and the walls surrounding her heart are solid. She's a very headstrong, independent woman who does things on her own terms. Trusting is extremely difficult, and she's used to how "men" treat her that when Wick shows her what a non-toxic man is she has no idea how to compute! Waiting for the other shoe to drop at any moment. Yet the one being who looks and has sliced humans apart is the one who also respects her boundaries and refuses to hurt her!?
Wick is certainly husband material! Because of his intense curse he's not been able to get close to ANYONE without very dire consequences for the other party. When something happens that allows him to remain cool and calm, he jumps at the chance to talk to a human! Realizing quickly, he has no understanding about them! I utterly adored how genuine and honest Wick was. Throwing Briar for a loop on multiple occasions because she's still fighting the last battle.
"You know what? Sure. A down-on-her-luck thief and her gentleman Skullstalker guard." - Briar
Do read through the CWs. This book does contain language, genuine fear of dying, violence, and bloodshed. Briar has a rough and unforgiving past. A story of one of the hard lessons she had to learn involving an animal. Tense moments toward the end of the read and a really heart wrenching scene between the two.
Because of Briar's curse the spice happens quickly. I respected the fact that Isabelle helped you understand how annoying and exhausting this curse is. Especially when you don't have a set partner and being with someone new every night gets old fast! The curse turning things into more of a pressing chore than pleasure. Until she gets with Wick! The man is a caring lover even though he's a virgin in all ways romance and intimacy! But he enjoys the things Briar does or introduces him to. Finding out quickly that they have the same tastes and thrills! Plus, he has some extra qualities that Briar knows has ruined her from ever going back to humans!
We get a very HEA ending for the two! I cried a lot with some of the final scenes! These two were my favorite and I didn't want the book to end! I love Isabelle's writing, and she helped you understand the differences between the two. Mortal vs immortal and both keeping their distance from others because of various reasons. Dual POVs helping to see how they actually felt about things.
Enjoy the read with a thief and her Skullstalker bodyguard as they adventure together. And don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
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"So, this is how I die. It's even more dramatic than I expected." - Briar
At least that's what she thought would happen. Brair ran from part of her past into the woods and toward the forbidden cave. Running into Wick because for once the rumors townsfolk whispered about were correct! Which given her predicament and limited choices death by a Skullstalker was the better poison.
Instead, the two form an odd friendship. Due to a curse from a wizard who couldn't handle being told no, Brair needs to sleep with someone once a day or die. Wick helps her out with that but also being her bodyguard throughout her journey to getting her cure. She tries to keep her distance and not get attached but Wick is nothing like she expected or heard about. He's the first truly nice man Briar's ever been with, and she has no idea how to process that. But would he even want to have her by his side longer than this trip?
"Fleeing from a flame only to get saved by a flame." - Briar
I was ready to dive into this read! I personally loved this installment more than book one, no shade toward Slate or Ruby! But Wick and Briar's characters and dynamic is more my vibe! She's very much the distrusting black cat while he's this giant puppy of a golden retriever! Minus the wings and the slight blood lust frenzy. Turns out Briar isn't the only one hoping for a cure!
I could relate to Briar on a personal level. She has rules in place and the walls surrounding her heart are solid. She's a very headstrong, independent woman who does things on her own terms. Trusting is extremely difficult, and she's used to how "men" treat her that when Wick shows her what a non-toxic man is she has no idea how to compute! Waiting for the other shoe to drop at any moment. Yet the one being who looks and has sliced humans apart is the one who also respects her boundaries and refuses to hurt her!?
Wick is certainly husband material! Because of his intense curse he's not been able to get close to ANYONE without very dire consequences for the other party. When something happens that allows him to remain cool and calm, he jumps at the chance to talk to a human! Realizing quickly, he has no understanding about them! I utterly adored how genuine and honest Wick was. Throwing Briar for a loop on multiple occasions because she's still fighting the last battle.
"You know what? Sure. A down-on-her-luck thief and her gentleman Skullstalker guard." - Briar
Do read through the CWs. This book does contain language, genuine fear of dying, violence, and bloodshed. Briar has a rough and unforgiving past. A story of one of the hard lessons she had to learn involving an animal. Tense moments toward the end of the read and a really heart wrenching scene between the two.
Because of Briar's curse the spice happens quickly. I respected the fact that Isabelle helped you understand how annoying and exhausting this curse is. Especially when you don't have a set partner and being with someone new every night gets old fast! The curse turning things into more of a pressing chore than pleasure. Until she gets with Wick! The man is a caring lover even though he's a virgin in all ways romance and intimacy! But he enjoys the things Briar does or introduces him to. Finding out quickly that they have the same tastes and thrills! Plus, he has some extra qualities that Briar knows has ruined her from ever going back to humans!
We get a very HEA ending for the two! I cried a lot with some of the final scenes! These two were my favorite and I didn't want the book to end! I love Isabelle's writing, and she helped you understand the differences between the two. Mortal vs immortal and both keeping their distance from others because of various reasons. Dual POVs helping to see how they actually felt about things.
Enjoy the read with a thief and her Skullstalker bodyguard as they adventure together. And don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
July 13, 2025
I’m always a sucker for a virgin, sweetheart monster who just wanted to love and be loved in return. If that’s your vibe, this is book is 100% for you! Wick had my heart in book 1, I could feel how sad he was and along envious of his brother. He wanted to connect with people so badly but the blood frenzy kept getting in the way. His story arc is so heart wrenching to me because he barely remembers doing it, he completely loses himself. Until Briar, who comes to his rescue with her amulet and her own curse, which is she needs to have *relations* with a man every day or she’ll die. Briar and Wick immediately take to each other, her being desperate enough to trust him and Wick happy to finally be around someone who is safe from him. The tension between them starts immediately, but it’s mostly wholesome to see them interact and form a relationship.
We have some classic tropes like s*x or die, virgin MMC, size difference, ridges, extra long tongue, sweet heart monster and scrappy thief, with some exhibitionist vibes thrown in. The spicy scenes were great, I loved seeing Wick find his confidence and learn new things from Briar. He was always eager to please and learn what made her feel good. He was so devoted to her, pleasure and other wise, that I couldn’t help but fall a little in love with him. He was sooo sweet to her, I absolutely loved him and loved this read!
We have some classic tropes like s*x or die, virgin MMC, size difference, ridges, extra long tongue, sweet heart monster and scrappy thief, with some exhibitionist vibes thrown in. The spicy scenes were great, I loved seeing Wick find his confidence and learn new things from Briar. He was always eager to please and learn what made her feel good. He was so devoted to her, pleasure and other wise, that I couldn’t help but fall a little in love with him. He was sooo sweet to her, I absolutely loved him and loved this read!
July 10, 2025
i’m not sure if it’s because i enjoyed the simplicity of the first book so much, but this book just felt very convoluted. the curse on the FMC is horrible and sexist and a bit rape-y. the FMC herself, Briar, is a “carefree, stronger than hell thief” with a soft side that she keeps hidden. Wick (the only likable character in my opinion) is plagued with an unstoppable bloodlust. except, oh wait, it can be stopped by this random witch that ends up maybe more than a witch?
i don’t know. i like the book for what it is: a smutty romance with a side of plot. but the plot felt weak compared to the first book i guess. even though that one didn’t have a whole lot of plot either.
this is a firmly average book, redeemed by another incredibly pitiful man who absolutely worships his woman. Wick is the best part of the book and i don’t think we learned a whole lot about him that we didn’t already know from the first one. i am excited to see where the series goes after this, if the author writes more.
solid 3/5 stars (6/10)
i don’t know. i like the book for what it is: a smutty romance with a side of plot. but the plot felt weak compared to the first book i guess. even though that one didn’t have a whole lot of plot either.
this is a firmly average book, redeemed by another incredibly pitiful man who absolutely worships his woman. Wick is the best part of the book and i don’t think we learned a whole lot about him that we didn’t already know from the first one. i am excited to see where the series goes after this, if the author writes more.
solid 3/5 stars (6/10)
June 27, 2025
Wick was ridiculously sweet. Shockingly gentle. And all too eager to please. A dangerous combination that made Briar want him to hold her down and do absolutely anything to her.
This was more 3.75 stars. I enjoyed reading this. Wick was a gentle giant. He didn't want to live by the dictates of his nature. The term "big boy" however was so overdone, I started hating it. Together with Briar winking all the time. With her I even understand the reasoning for the winks and smiles but it was so overdone.
“Young maiden, move.”
“You move,” Briar replied. “You’re ruining my night.”
Again, Monster smut heaven. With realistic expectations when it came to size as well as actually fitting together. Like book one, you actually enjoy the too-big-to-fit trope.
I forgot to add, even with book 1, I love that their HEA doesn't include kids to make them complete.
July 19, 2025
"Held" is the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone. We meet Wick in the first book but you don't need to read it to follow his story.
I really enjoyed Briar and Wick's story. I found the plot very interesting, both Briar and Wick were suffering, Briar from a curse and Wick by a blood frenzy but their characters were very different. Briar was trying to find a way to be cured and Wick had isolated himself because he had lost hope. I liked how they worked together and how they slowly grew closer and fell in love. They were very cute together. Their dynamic was unique because the human was more experienced than the centuries old monster. Wick was the kindest and sweetest person and Briar was tough and clever and a survivor. They were both wonderful characters and they were fantastic as a couple. Superb chemistry. The action scenes were also very intense and the ending very satisfying. I really liked this monster romance and would recommend it.
I really enjoyed Briar and Wick's story. I found the plot very interesting, both Briar and Wick were suffering, Briar from a curse and Wick by a blood frenzy but their characters were very different. Briar was trying to find a way to be cured and Wick had isolated himself because he had lost hope. I liked how they worked together and how they slowly grew closer and fell in love. They were very cute together. Their dynamic was unique because the human was more experienced than the centuries old monster. Wick was the kindest and sweetest person and Briar was tough and clever and a survivor. They were both wonderful characters and they were fantastic as a couple. Superb chemistry. The action scenes were also very intense and the ending very satisfying. I really liked this monster romance and would recommend it.
July 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Held introduces us to a new Skullwalker, Wick, and oh boy - if you love a soft, awkward monster with a dangerous side and a big heart, you’re going to love this one. The story kicks off when Wick stumbles across Briar, our FMC who’s been cursed to, quite literally, sleep with someone every night to keep her heart beating.
Wick - sweet, earnest, and completely inexperienced -offers to help, and what follows is a surprisingly tender, spicy, and heartfelt monster romance. Wick's desire to take care of Briar and do right by her despite his own fears and inexperience is both adorable and emotionally resonant. And Briar? She adjusts to him with such compassion and confidence that their chemistry feels authentic from the start.
Together, they journey to seek out a witch who can hopefully break Briar’s curse and help Wick control the terrifying, destructive power that lurks beneath the surface. Along the way, we’re treated to a hint of betrayal, a truly shocking (and feral!) scene that absolutely knocked me sideways, and a good dose of magic that ties everything together.
This installment had less angst than some monster romances and leaned into the tenderness and vulnerability between characters, which I really appreciated. It’s a solid follow-up in the Skullwalker world, and I’m already hungry for the next.
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Held introduces us to a new Skullwalker, Wick, and oh boy - if you love a soft, awkward monster with a dangerous side and a big heart, you’re going to love this one. The story kicks off when Wick stumbles across Briar, our FMC who’s been cursed to, quite literally, sleep with someone every night to keep her heart beating.
Wick - sweet, earnest, and completely inexperienced -offers to help, and what follows is a surprisingly tender, spicy, and heartfelt monster romance. Wick's desire to take care of Briar and do right by her despite his own fears and inexperience is both adorable and emotionally resonant. And Briar? She adjusts to him with such compassion and confidence that their chemistry feels authentic from the start.
Together, they journey to seek out a witch who can hopefully break Briar’s curse and help Wick control the terrifying, destructive power that lurks beneath the surface. Along the way, we’re treated to a hint of betrayal, a truly shocking (and feral!) scene that absolutely knocked me sideways, and a good dose of magic that ties everything together.
This installment had less angst than some monster romances and leaned into the tenderness and vulnerability between characters, which I really appreciated. It’s a solid follow-up in the Skullwalker world, and I’m already hungry for the next.
July 20, 2025
A Tricky Lady Thief and her Adorable Giant BF
A high action tale of two cursed individuals using each other to offset their symptoms until duty becomes true passion. Briar is a snarky adventurer running one step in front of her doom. Wick is a tender soul in a monster's body. Their adventure together is playful and is punctuated by steamy scenes. High monster spice and a complete journey to go with it.
A high action tale of two cursed individuals using each other to offset their symptoms until duty becomes true passion. Briar is a snarky adventurer running one step in front of her doom. Wick is a tender soul in a monster's body. Their adventure together is playful and is punctuated by steamy scenes. High monster spice and a complete journey to go with it.
June 27, 2025
He was so happy that she talked to him and didn't run away screaming with fear. He just wanted a friend.
It was hilarious when she told him she would die if she didn't have sex with a man every day because she was under a curse. He was a virgin but learned quickly.
I didn't like his injury that never healed or the betrayal by the bad guy.
It was hilarious when she told him she would die if she didn't have sex with a man every day because she was under a curse. He was a virgin but learned quickly.
I didn't like his injury that never healed or the betrayal by the bad guy.
Read
July 1, 2025**I've learned of a situation with this author and the Skullstalker series having similar plot points to another popular monster romance series. It's been a long time since I read the series it's being compared to, and I haven't read them all, so I didn't notice anything major that gave me concern but I could have missed things. I am holding off on reviewing for now.**
July 17, 2025
A cute but very heated read.
I liked this one better than the first one. There is way more going on in the story. I kind of feel bad for the MCF and the curse she has put on her. I really feel bad for the Skullstalker and his blood frenzy. You have two very lonely people that come to find they need each other. Lots of heat and a very engaging plot line.
I liked this one better than the first one. There is way more going on in the story. I kind of feel bad for the MCF and the curse she has put on her. I really feel bad for the Skullstalker and his blood frenzy. You have two very lonely people that come to find they need each other. Lots of heat and a very engaging plot line.
July 20, 2025
Great monster romance
This book was very good. Great characters and a fun story. The skull stalkers are great they ate large children experiencing things for the first time with the female lead. Very nice easy fun read.
This book was very good. Great characters and a fun story. The skull stalkers are great they ate large children experiencing things for the first time with the female lead. Very nice easy fun read.
July 13, 2025
so well written! love Wick!!
Read
July 21, 2025Love the vibes of this duet! But I want more extend the series, I want to explore this world!!
Sweet and sexy just enough adventure ✨
Sweet and sexy just enough adventure ✨
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July 26, 2025
Didn’t love the heroine in this one but still the world building is fun
Steam level 5
Steam level 5
August 20, 2025
If "sex first, getting to know later" is your thing, then this is for you.
I couldn't go any further then 22%.
I couldn't go any further then 22%.
August 23, 2025
A palate clenser if you will
September 10, 2025
Significantly better than the first one. Better length and plot setup. Also, I think the juxtaposition of a cinnamon roll monster who hates killing things is just chefs kiss.
December 11, 2025
YALL IF YOU LOVE A SOUL TO KEEP THIS IS THE NEXT BOOK FOR YOU GET ON IT!!!!
January 11, 2026
Like surprisingly cute as hell wtf
September 19, 2025
ja, ich habe monster smut gelesen. ja, ich fands ganz gut. SUE ME
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews