With Hearts of Flame (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Dark Academia Romantasy Novel of Vampires and Dragons Featuring Stenciled Edges and Illustrated Endpapers (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
Briar Boleyn
Held by a Monster (Monstrous Guardians Book 1)
by Kenzie Kelly
About this book
Kendal was never meant to survive the night. After stumbling into a lethal game played by depraved hunters, she finds herself trapped in the unforgiving woods with nowhere left to run. But salvation appears in the most terrifying form imaginable: Drym, a seven-foot-tall apex predator with horns, claws, and a soul forged in a lab. Instead of becoming his next meal, Kendal finds herself protected by the one monster who refuses to let her go.
This high-heat paranormal romance masterfully blends danger with desire. As a gripping enemies-to-lovers story, it explores the intense fated-mate bond between a woman on the run and a man-made creature desperate for humanity. Their connection is as volatile as it is protective, sparking a fierce loyalty that extends to a growing found-family of genetically engineered brothers. Together, they must navigate a world that views them as science experiments rather than people.
For readers who crave intense pack dynamics and a touch-her-and-die hero, this story delivers a fresh, pulse-pounding experience. It is an action-packed journey where the lines between human and monster blur, proving that the deepest love is often found in the darkest of places. Prepare to be captivated by a romance that defies origin and refuses to be caged.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0D12C792Q
Reader Reviews
January 25, 2026
I really like this book. The characters were likable. The story kept me interested, no cliffhanger. I’m really hoping for some follow up books to continue their story. I definitely recommend it. )
April 22, 2026
The beginning of a series about genetically engineered monsters and their fated mates. What I Liked: • Kendal efforts to help Drym and his brothers find allies • Drym's actions towards the end to help keep his family safe • No third-act breakup Overall, I rate it 3.5⭐out of 5 because I had a good time reading this and would recommend it, but it fell a bit short of being something I'll read again unless it's part of a favorite series. However, I enjoyed it enough that I will read more books in...
February 16, 2025
You tell me that your dog gets a special treat every time you get a review? Well, I’m about to write one! 🐾 This is a great story with a new type of monster, which makes the story feel fresh. (I’m not hating on monster stories, don’t get it twisted, but yay for something new 😆). The story itself is exciting and action-packed. It manages many twists and turns while revealing some really dark events from the past and present, without making the story feel 'doom and gloom' – keeping it sweet and...
July 8, 2025
I wanted to enjoy this but the FMC made me irritable. I had to stop reading at several points. First she pushes for sex then flips out on the MMC and makes him feel like crap. Then next time she sees him he tries to be considerate because of how she acted last time and she decides that she gets to call the shots.....just like she technically did the first time. Her whole demeanor screams \"get more therapy\" walking red flag. Couldn't handle her at all. If you can look past her, then the story...
January 5, 2026
Kenzie Kelly’s “Held By A Monster” is the first book in the sexy monster romance “Monstrous Guardians” series. Drym is one of the 6 Wyrfang brothers created by scientists. Having saved his human mate, Kendall, from a deadly hunt, the 7 of them will fight tooth and claw to stay together as they resist the lab and others who want them back. Please check your trigger warnings! This read is perfect for those who love Lola Glass, Lisa Edmonds, and Megan Van Dyke! Tropes I loved: 🐺 Fated Mates 🐺...
