I was trying to coax a feral cat from under a dumpster when I witnessed a murder. A cut-and-dry case, the police said. The assailant probably never saw me, so I was in no danger, they said.
They were wrong.
Now a ruthless criminal is determined to silence me, and my only hope for survival comes in the form of a towering, genetically engineered monster with hot, piercing red eyes and claws that can cut through steel—and wrap me in a gentle hug.
Created as a super soldier, Thurl becomes my bodyguard—one who makes my body sing. He may be a beast, but my body and brain say he’s safe. He says we’re mates, which means forever. I don’t know if I’m ready for forever.
When my enemies close in, I have to make a Bind my life to a monster, or give up the one creature who sets my body and soul on fire?
Join the adventure in a world where monsters become protectors, humans become monstrous, and love defies the darkest of origins.
✨ ARC Review✨✨ Jade is an elementary school teacher who rescues cats. She is a witness to a murder as she is trying to rescue a cat from under a dumpster. Thurl is a dragon-werewolf hybrid warrior who is struggling to adjust to his new life outside of the lab that created him. This book is a standalone book and part of the Monstrous Guardians series.
This action packed story got me from the start! The FMC, Jade, was witty, strong andincredibly relatable. Thurl was everything I love in an MMC. He was fierce, deadly and completely enamored with Jade. The way their relationship was developed and the growth between them was wonderful! There was a nice blend of tension with a dash of angst. The world building was developed so well that I didn’t feel lost since I jumped right into this book without reading the first one. This set up the spice so beautifully!And it was spicy🌶️🌶️🌶️! Spikes, size difference, and fated mates. Oh my!!
I signed up for this arc before reading the first book, which I read and was not for me. I felt like I should still give the series a chance and I read the arc to see how it goes. It's still not for me but its a quick palate cleanser read I guess
This one was even after than the first book! I love Thurl and Jade. Thurl a big monster built for war but whose heart was full of love and vulnerability. Jade a kindergarten teacher with a love of cats and a desire to be loved who understands the need for love and acceptance and who has the best nana in the 50 stares. come together Through crazy circumstances that only fate could have written. They work together and to defeat evil, rescue the innocent and find a fated love that neither of them ever thought could be real, but will never take for granted. Totally worth the read I loved it. Highly recommend! The world building is evolving and growing and the characters are well written with lots of chemistry and humour!🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🔥🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖🌟💖🔥💖🌟🔥🌟💖
I loved this. I basically devoured it in 48 hours, which is unusual for me. But it was so good.
I loved Thurl and how he believed he was a monster but that Jade could show him a side of himself that he didn’t realise was there.
Jade and her love for cats was awesome. As was her love for her students.
I really enjoyed Nanna and her antics. She brought levity into the story where it was needed, but I love how she is so protective of Jade and anyone she brings into her family.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you Kenzie Kelly for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team for this book.
The story could have been interesting, and the juice was definitely there to be squeezed. But the main female character was not properly developed. Her personality changed abruptly from one chapter to the next. She started out goofy and cute, and suddenly, she was deep into kink and dominating. I didn’t have time to see the hardcore male side of him—just a lusty puppy trying to be liked. The story also missed a lot of historical development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After reading the first one, Held by a Monster, I was so excited for this sequel, and it did not disappoint! I was more than eager to dive back into this world of Wyrfangs, their human mates, and the Superhuman Security team.
I just adore these characters, especially the genetically engineered monsters who all yearn to find their mates and just need some extra loving🫶 Thurl was such a sweetheart and all the interactions with the cats were precious. I also really liked our nervous, fast-talking FMC, Jade. She had me laughing out loud at some parts! And Nanna was by far the best side character and her relationship with Roul was so sweet! I’m hoping we get his story soon!
Thurl and Jade were definitely more of a slow-burn compared to the first book’s couple, Drym and Kendal, but there was still that tension that fed into the spice well into the story. And the spice was definitely spicing🥵
Along with my love for the characters and the setting, the plot kept me engaged and constantly wanting more. Also a big scary monster who just wants to protect his mate… swoon!
I definitely recommend this series for all my monster lovers!
Tropes: Fated Mates Action Packed Size Difference Low Angst Deadly but gentle with her
I was so excited to see the second book of this series because I fell in love with this world after reading book 1. The second book did not disappoint at all! I almost wish it was longer because I couldn’t get enough of this couple. I wanted more healing scenes, with Thurl’s Eye and Jade’s body. I wanted Thurl to interact with the cats as well, he was so cute with them. I’m interested to see where the gang plot is going in the story, I’m intrigued by how that will affect them in the future. I’m 100% invested in the plot and can’t wait to add more girls into the SMC!
The smut was absolutely amazing, I love when an MMC is obsessed with their girl. He was so soft and gentle with her, he always wanted to please her and make Jade comfortable. I loved seeing the monster come out during spicy scenes too! They were so so cute together and I couldn’t get enough of Thurl and Jade. I can’t wait to read more from this series, I love it so so much!
This book, and this series has falllen into the feel good, quick palette cleander type read for me. They don't quite reach 5 stars, which means I LOVED a book, but they are entertaining, quick burn, relatively low angst, and have a good dose of found family, comedy, and touch-her-and-die vibes, which is an elite combination. It also has all the wonderful "feel small, safe, and protected" vibes that come with the wonder that is Monster romance, if you know you know. I do think I enjoyed this book even more than the first because as the Wyrfang's family grows we get to see more of them and how they interact and support each other, which I love. I also find the idea of the Supernatural Society really interesting and I'm pretty sure some of the couples we meet as sidecharacters have books of their own that I'll be looking for. Overall, I'm looking forward to more in this series and hope we get a release date for book 3 soon.
I can't really express what I felt reading it. It wasn't the gobbling kind of reading where my eyes are wide open trying to skip ahead with a frantic need to know. More a gentle enjoyment, like a letter from a friend. Despite the harshness of some of the events (past & present), it was a cozy read.
There was humor and a hidden society with a strong community. There was steam but it wasn't spotlighted in step-by-step details. Not closed door but not vicarious play-by-play either.
I enjoyed the community and the healing that was happening, day by day.
It is a place that I would love to return to and find out what happens as they all continue to grow.
The arc was provided to me by the author for an honest review via a request form.
Guarded by a Monster may be short, but wow does it pack a punch. From the first page, it pulls you right into that perfect mix of danger, devotion, and monster-sized passion. It’s got that “feel-good but still gives you chills” kind of energy — the kind that leaves you grinning like you’ve just been claimed by your favorite creature.
These Monstrous Guardian stories might be bite-sized, but they never feel incomplete. Every word hits right where it should — full of emotion, warmth, and that otherworldly kind of love that makes you believe monsters can be the most loyal protectors of all. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wanted more.
If you love short, steamy, heart-filled tales that blend fantasy and affection perfectly, this series is an absolute gem.
Thurl is so lovable, but Jade stole my heart. She is caring, kind, anxious, and an amazing cat mom. We also got to see a lot of Kendal and the whole wyrfang family and I'm really hoping to see this same style of writing through the rest of the books. Guarded by a Monster is the #2 book in the series of Monsterous Guardians and important that you read in order, book #1 has a lot of information on HOW the main characters meet and why. I feel like part of the family when reading this series. And Granny! Love love Granny!
There are sad moments.... "I wanted to run to her, wrap her in my arms and tell her nothing would ever happen to her again. Knowing she would run screaming from me turned my feet to concrete. An impossible weight my legs could never overcome. I was built for shadows and she was the sun."
And happy ones... "Why do you think I look like this?" (talking about Granny's food) "I would drape her in jewels for that alone."
And spicy ones... "...ate my p***y like it was his job and he was up for a promotion. Jesus, I was going to make him the CEO. My thigh muscles clenched, and my back arched off the bed as he cosplay'd Blackbeard and plundered my treasure."
And cute ones... "You're my monster. And right now, I want the beast." "Hold on, kitten. I will tear the world apart to find you."
Another feel-good, smexy installment of Kenzie Kelly's Monstrous Guardians!
Loved the representation of a larger FMC and the mental struggles of not feeling like enough for the men in their life. That hit me in the feels, for sure.
So sweet seeing Jade slowly heal Thurl's soul from his BioSynth trauma, and in turn, Thurl made her feel adored and wanted, something she's been missing in her life. I think we can all agree it would be nice to have a burly cinnamon roll man to fawn over and dote on us 24/7!
Nanna is a true gem, and I hope we see more of her in the books to come. Love the ever-expanding SMC! Can I get a jersey? Can I also just give Roul a hug? The big guy NEEDS a hug.
And the biggest question of all - which Wyrfang will get his HEA next? I can't wait to see!
Childish and cringy. Also felt way too long somehow. I struggled to finish it. Also tons of inconsistencies; is Roul’s mate named Victoria or Isabelle for example.
Monster (genetically engineered half werewolf and half dragon). No virgins? Monster cock (soft spikes along length. Huge). Claws with purple silicone claw caps. Forked tongue. Kindergarten teacher FMC. Protect from bad man (mob murder since she witnessed a crime). Fated mates. Bonding bite mark. Bond gives ability to feel others emotions and any injuries. Unable to reproduce. No breeding. No pregnancy. No OMD/OWD. No cheating. No breakup. Epilogue with her moved in and girls movie night happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The writing on this book, my goodness! It was so entertaining. I had a few laughs at how these two would say things to one another or even to themselves. They were funny in the beat possible way.
The tension going into their steamy scenes was worth the wait! It was done so well.
I loved this book and I knew from the first page that I was going to enjoy it as much as the first book and i can’t wait to get to the next book. I’m ready for her next book, it be this book or any other.
Gleeful Goblin Review: I loved the first book in this series so I went FERAL a little bit when I saw this book was coming. Now, I'm not usually a fan of nor do I look for dark romances. Zero judgement for any dark romance girlies, I'm just mostly looking for cozy romance. But this author and this book manage to be darkish but in the service of protectiveness or justice/venge@nce for someone who has been wronged. Now THAT is my jam and this book rides that line so perfectly. If you dig those themes and you love an actual monster MMC pick this book up immediately. 5/5 Stars
Genuinely enjoyed book two in the Monstrous Guardians series. Loved the new FMC and her Nanna, both of whom had me cackling throughout the book! It was also sweet having the ‘fangs develop new relationships and learn they’re loved and cared for. The action was good, the spice was nice, and I definitely recommend this book to all the monster romance lovers out there.
Now I just need to weather through the wait until book 3 comes out.
I also read this one in one sitting! I loved the cats but my favorite part was the FMCs grandma, she made the book! Personal preference but I do like the first couple better as a felt like this FMC didn't appreciate the MMC as much and kind of came off as rude and snappy to the MMC- he just wants to love her! I love the girl group forming and how all the girls are girls girls!! I am excited to continue the series when it gets released!
Nana deserves ALL the stars, she the glue that sticks this furry, broken family together with love, care and snickerdoodles. I really liked the characters and the MMCs backstory and his care and gentleness. Our MFC is funny and provides all the loving to both her mate and those around her.
We have: Size Difference Monster ween Cinnibun Plus Sized MFC MMC with traumatic pose who learns to love again Touch Her And Die Found Family Fated Mates
Guarded by a Monster by Kenzie Kelly is the second book in her Monstrous Guardians series. It’s a monster romance with plenty of intrigue and a HEA. This was such a fun, fated mate monster romance and both Thurl and Jade are loveable! There’s action, humor, steam, romance and fantastic side characters as well. Highly recommend! I received an ARC for an objective review.
Quick and fun read! Kenzie definitely has her own style of writing and I love it. Thurl reminds me of a big cat. Terrified of water, feisty, yet warm and cuddly. This is a series where if you need something where the heroes win without issues, this is it. The fated mates bond brings it altogether, and I also love the girls club with all the "mates"
The whole found family vibe didn’t do it for me. It was really annoying and I think it ruined much of the book. Also, people just appeared out of nowhere. It was all very choppy. I love a master who is actually scary and hideous, but this one didn’t have the right vibe. He was huge and momstery, but no one seemed to care and I wanted a little something. It was just blah.
I really like this book series and would recommend it to everyone. I like Jade and think I would be a lot like her except for the kindergarten teacher aspect. Also feeding wild cats is my thing. I received an ARC for honest review
This was beautifully written! I enjoyed every minute of this book and wish it was longer! You can never go wrong with fated mates and size difference! The story building was amazing as well. I can't wait to read more!
This is a monster romance where the monster Thurl is such a big softie and is adorable. Jade is caring and very fond of rescuing cats. Both together make a fantastic couple. This is a great story, full of action, romance and plenty of spice. This is a great read from start to finish.
Absolutely loved it! My only problem is that in the first book we've got SO much story, almost confusing at some point, so this book in comparison can result not so interesting, but the fluff was absolutely worth it. More brownie point for the cats name, so funny!
Well this was a delightful find of a monster romance! I really enjoyed these wyfangs and their back story is interesting. Jade finding a group of friends and family was great as well. Looking forward to others in this series
-1 ⭐️ Honestly it's like a wattpad story, very boring. MC's have no chemistry, story all over the place.. wanted to DNF but I pushed through.. Fmc kinda annoyed me. She loves cats, we get it. Spicy scenes weren't that spicy either nor good.
I have read the first two books in less than two days. They are amazing. The story and the characters are perfect. This author is truly gifted. Please continue writing.
If only it were real. Fated mates, larger than life wonderful monsters. Last but not least, a story and book for every monster. Please don't let this be a two book series, I beg of you.