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Stone Passions #1
Stone Lover
Romance, a little drama, a lot of passion and gargoyles
Melanie Jacobs has always been a little out of step with the rest of the world. She sees things that aren’t there, from the magnificent stone birds that fly overhead to the enchanted castle in the middle of the city. It’s when she gets an apartment in the castle that she discovers that she isn’t the one seeing things; it’s the rest of the world that is asleep.
Vaughn Nosuntres explodes into her life New Year’s Eve and he is unlike any man she has ever known. The attraction is magnetic, overwhelming and irresistible. Powerless to resist, they embark on a passionate affair under the cover of night.
But what Melanie doesn’t know is that when the sun comes up Vaughn becomes a stone beast, a guardian of the worlds and a protector of Melanie.
A modern day fairy tale romance, spicy and sweet.
warning: contains graphic language and frank depictions of sex (M/F)
Melanie Jacobs has always been a little out of step with the rest of the world. She sees things that aren’t there, from the magnificent stone birds that fly overhead to the enchanted castle in the middle of the city. It’s when she gets an apartment in the castle that she discovers that she isn’t the one seeing things; it’s the rest of the world that is asleep.
Vaughn Nosuntres explodes into her life New Year’s Eve and he is unlike any man she has ever known. The attraction is magnetic, overwhelming and irresistible. Powerless to resist, they embark on a passionate affair under the cover of night.
But what Melanie doesn’t know is that when the sun comes up Vaughn becomes a stone beast, a guardian of the worlds and a protector of Melanie.
A modern day fairy tale romance, spicy and sweet.
warning: contains graphic language and frank depictions of sex (M/F)
300 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2012
6 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Warneke
18 books150 followersLike most writers, I spend most of my time telling myself stories and occasionally writing them down when they get too loud to remain in my head. The characters are also very demanding, wanting to go out into the world to be discovered by millions of adoring readers, though they are most satisfied with having only a few readers that truly love them. From the gargoyles that sit on top of the roofs to the Siren who lures her wolf astray to the Aradians and Apocritae to those who battle evil, the characters are everything.
Instead of going through the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing world I have leapt over the walls with the help of digital catapults (kindle direct, smashwords, and createspace) and messenger e-birds (goodreads, facebook, twitter, RNC, etc), going directly to the public. It has been a year and while my strong hold is small it grows larger every day as I connect with other rebels throughout the lands and the readers who support our work. It is a glorious day to be a writer.
When it comes to the actual writing I have discovered that every single one of my books likes to be created in a different way, which makes establishing an environment that is most conducive to my writing is not likely, though it occasionally involves chocolate covered raisins, music, minesweeper, occasionally Mahjong, lots of solitaire, notebooks and scraps of paper, doodling and day dreaming, and fruity, sugar-free bubble gum, not necessarily in that order and not always at the same time.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the love and support of my very loving and very tolerant family: my husband who encourages me to keep writing even when I act a little insane in regards to the worlds in my head, and my three kids who help out so much when I get lost in those same, darn worlds. They politely listen as I go on and on about my characters' motivations and back stories, their connections within the worlds created and how they fight to gain control of their destinies. But I am a cruel writer and make them earn their happy endings.
Since I am also a Romantic at heart, they are all happy endings.
Available books:
Darkness Comes (February 2012 – PNR)
Blight (March 2012 – UF)
Stone Lover (March 2012 – PNR, romantica)
Siren Song (May 2012 – PNR)
Stone Romance (September 2012 – PNR, romantica)
Blind Attraction (Jan. 31, 2013 – Contemporary)
Coming soon-ish:
Awakening (PNR/UF)
Stone Destiny (PNR)
After Blight (UF)
Darkness Comes book 2 (PNR – title to be determined)
http://www.amazon.com/author/awarneke
http://www.facebook.com/ACWarneke
http://acwarneke.wordpress.com
Instead of going through the traditional gatekeepers of the publishing world I have leapt over the walls with the help of digital catapults (kindle direct, smashwords, and createspace) and messenger e-birds (goodreads, facebook, twitter, RNC, etc), going directly to the public. It has been a year and while my strong hold is small it grows larger every day as I connect with other rebels throughout the lands and the readers who support our work. It is a glorious day to be a writer.
When it comes to the actual writing I have discovered that every single one of my books likes to be created in a different way, which makes establishing an environment that is most conducive to my writing is not likely, though it occasionally involves chocolate covered raisins, music, minesweeper, occasionally Mahjong, lots of solitaire, notebooks and scraps of paper, doodling and day dreaming, and fruity, sugar-free bubble gum, not necessarily in that order and not always at the same time.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the love and support of my very loving and very tolerant family: my husband who encourages me to keep writing even when I act a little insane in regards to the worlds in my head, and my three kids who help out so much when I get lost in those same, darn worlds. They politely listen as I go on and on about my characters' motivations and back stories, their connections within the worlds created and how they fight to gain control of their destinies. But I am a cruel writer and make them earn their happy endings.
Since I am also a Romantic at heart, they are all happy endings.
Available books:
Darkness Comes (February 2012 – PNR)
Blight (March 2012 – UF)
Stone Lover (March 2012 – PNR, romantica)
Siren Song (May 2012 – PNR)
Stone Romance (September 2012 – PNR, romantica)
Blind Attraction (Jan. 31, 2013 – Contemporary)
Coming soon-ish:
Awakening (PNR/UF)
Stone Destiny (PNR)
After Blight (UF)
Darkness Comes book 2 (PNR – title to be determined)
http://www.amazon.com/author/awarneke
http://www.facebook.com/ACWarneke
http://acwarneke.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 13, 2013
Pretty good book. It made me choke up and cry. There were some problems but they weren't enough to dim my enjoyment of the story.
I liked the world building as far as it went. You caught glimpses of the paranormal world without an info dump. The paranormal creatures were interesting and their motivations pretty par for the course in a paranormal novel. The part of the story that didn't make much sense was the bit about how the gargoyle world works unfortunately. If they are stone gargoyles on a roof during the day and men at night, when do they get to do any cool gargoyle flying/guarding stuff?
The romance was real good though although the hero does make a couple of stupid decisions. Near the end it was really angsty and I loved it. The actual ending was a bit too simplistic, quick and sexual in tone to fit well with all the angst which had just come before. There was plenty of sex in the story but there was way more paranormal plot and romance plot so that the sex scenes could be left out entirely and there would still have been a pretty hefty story left.
I hope there are stories about the other brothers as I would love to read them.
I want to thank the author for the gift of this book with no obligation for a review of any kind. So here's my totally honest one. :-)
I liked the world building as far as it went. You caught glimpses of the paranormal world without an info dump. The paranormal creatures were interesting and their motivations pretty par for the course in a paranormal novel. The part of the story that didn't make much sense was the bit about how the gargoyle world works unfortunately. If they are stone gargoyles on a roof during the day and men at night, when do they get to do any cool gargoyle flying/guarding stuff?
The romance was real good though although the hero does make a couple of stupid decisions. Near the end it was really angsty and I loved it. The actual ending was a bit too simplistic, quick and sexual in tone to fit well with all the angst which had just come before. There was plenty of sex in the story but there was way more paranormal plot and romance plot so that the sex scenes could be left out entirely and there would still have been a pretty hefty story left.
I hope there are stories about the other brothers as I would love to read them.
I want to thank the author for the gift of this book with no obligation for a review of any kind. So here's my totally honest one. :-)
September 15, 2015
In the way of paranormal romance, the featured couple, candy maker Melanie and independently wealthy Vaughn, don't have much of a rocky start -- it is insta-attraction and insta-love. However, it is the insta-lust Melanie has for Vaughn's monolithic proportions that grabs your attention just a few pages into the book. Melanie is on the rooftop of a Gothic St. Paul building, getting touchingly well acquainted with the physical charms of a winged lion gargoyle.
"As Melanie watched, his stone eyelids slid down and his expression of torture morphed into one of ecstasy as the marble shuddered.....She tilted her head back and looked closer at his face, sighing over the slight smile and slumberous eyes."
That's all it takes. Vaughn is hooked. Melanie is his girl. He seeks her out on New Year's Eve at a bar. They dance, she sighs, they screw. However, Vaughn's oldest brother isn't about to let him give up his wonderful gargoyle life for a girl. Magical interventions ensue, but Vaughn and Melanie are truly in love. Honestly, these two are a pretty magical couple. They are the overwhelming center of the book, and their romance, the strenuous bedroom times and meeting their respective (and completely wonderful) families absorb most of the novella. I hardly noticed that I didn't really understand the magical world of the gargoyles or know their mythology or how the all-seeing wizard knew everything.
But eventually the lust-fog wears off, you are 60% of the way into the book, and you realize almost nothing has been revealed about Vaughn's paranormal world. Taking a bedroom break once in a while would have been helpful to push the magical story line along a little. Warneke further makes the mistake of not really building up to the intrusion of the paranormal. It's more like getting hit by a car. Bam! The romantic tension and suspenseful mythology would have been much better if Melanie (and the reader) would have understood the risks associated with Vaughn's gargoyle beast.
Though this book can be considered a stand alone, there are two books to follow. Vaughn's brothers Rhys and Armand are so well scripted in book one, that I know I will be picking up books two and three to find out how their monumental passions develop.
"As Melanie watched, his stone eyelids slid down and his expression of torture morphed into one of ecstasy as the marble shuddered.....She tilted her head back and looked closer at his face, sighing over the slight smile and slumberous eyes."
That's all it takes. Vaughn is hooked. Melanie is his girl. He seeks her out on New Year's Eve at a bar. They dance, she sighs, they screw. However, Vaughn's oldest brother isn't about to let him give up his wonderful gargoyle life for a girl. Magical interventions ensue, but Vaughn and Melanie are truly in love. Honestly, these two are a pretty magical couple. They are the overwhelming center of the book, and their romance, the strenuous bedroom times and meeting their respective (and completely wonderful) families absorb most of the novella. I hardly noticed that I didn't really understand the magical world of the gargoyles or know their mythology or how the all-seeing wizard knew everything.
But eventually the lust-fog wears off, you are 60% of the way into the book, and you realize almost nothing has been revealed about Vaughn's paranormal world. Taking a bedroom break once in a while would have been helpful to push the magical story line along a little. Warneke further makes the mistake of not really building up to the intrusion of the paranormal. It's more like getting hit by a car. Bam! The romantic tension and suspenseful mythology would have been much better if Melanie (and the reader) would have understood the risks associated with Vaughn's gargoyle beast.
Though this book can be considered a stand alone, there are two books to follow. Vaughn's brothers Rhys and Armand are so well scripted in book one, that I know I will be picking up books two and three to find out how their monumental passions develop.
October 19, 2015
1.5*, just barely rounded to 2 because I love gargoyles
Please be advised that this review contains spoilers.
OK, where do I start? Obviously, at the beginning.
When you start reading a new book, there is a certain sense of anticipation, of hope that you have found something that will satisfy you at least on some levels and as you progress in to the book, this hope either solidifies in to enjoyment or dissipates. Well, with Stone Lover my hope of the decent read not just dissipated but pretty much plummeted within first chapter, and the main reason for it is called Melanie. The author tried to paint her as a nice, sweet, slightly off-beat girl (after all, she is sensitive to magic and after few drinks can see magical creatures) but in all honesty, it has been a while since I have read a book with such insipid, amorphous, inane heroine. Our introduction to her has laid the foundation for that opinion and also set the context for the entire book. I mean, there is insta-love, there is insta-lust, there is sex before even saying “Hello” and I do understand that our heroine is obsessed with a gargoyle, but you have to admit that even in this genre it is too bizarre for our h to be giving a handjob to a stone statue? Really? She was wanking a building ornament? That was my first cringe, but by no means the last. Here are few more:
Mandatory sex scene in bar’s toilet 5 minutes after meeting our H
Every male wants to have sex with our h
Our H talks about h to his brothers and admits that she is a “decent f..k”
A doozy with an ex : the ex showed up , proposed, does not take no for an answer, admits to having sex with h’s slut of a best friend while our h and he were together and informs her that he will continue having sex with mentioned best friend after he and h get married. And then he gets a bit forceful and physical. Does or h gets angry, does she brains him with a frying pan? No, she converses with him while watching for the sun to go down so our H would show up and intervene. And then she falls of the balcony to be saved in a nick of time by our stud-muffin of a hero.
And the crowning glory of the cringe factors – our h completing the “ritual” while the H is in his “beast” form, meaning she was humping the stone statue with an erection described as “the size of a baseball bat”!
I am not going to go in to characters - to describe them as one-dimensional would be over generous. You can easily skip LOOOOONG, tedious sections of internal musing / emoting as well as frequent, dull, over-long and monotonous sex scenes and not miss a thing. There is also a significant amount of work for an editor (by the way as an insect, cockroach is one word; it is definitely not cock roach). So, overall, colour me totally unimpressed and, you guessed it, I will not be reading next book.
Please be advised that this review contains spoilers.
OK, where do I start? Obviously, at the beginning.
When you start reading a new book, there is a certain sense of anticipation, of hope that you have found something that will satisfy you at least on some levels and as you progress in to the book, this hope either solidifies in to enjoyment or dissipates. Well, with Stone Lover my hope of the decent read not just dissipated but pretty much plummeted within first chapter, and the main reason for it is called Melanie. The author tried to paint her as a nice, sweet, slightly off-beat girl (after all, she is sensitive to magic and after few drinks can see magical creatures) but in all honesty, it has been a while since I have read a book with such insipid, amorphous, inane heroine. Our introduction to her has laid the foundation for that opinion and also set the context for the entire book. I mean, there is insta-love, there is insta-lust, there is sex before even saying “Hello” and I do understand that our heroine is obsessed with a gargoyle, but you have to admit that even in this genre it is too bizarre for our h to be giving a handjob to a stone statue? Really? She was wanking a building ornament? That was my first cringe, but by no means the last. Here are few more:
Mandatory sex scene in bar’s toilet 5 minutes after meeting our H
Every male wants to have sex with our h
Our H talks about h to his brothers and admits that she is a “decent f..k”
A doozy with an ex : the ex showed up , proposed, does not take no for an answer, admits to having sex with h’s slut of a best friend while our h and he were together and informs her that he will continue having sex with mentioned best friend after he and h get married. And then he gets a bit forceful and physical. Does or h gets angry, does she brains him with a frying pan? No, she converses with him while watching for the sun to go down so our H would show up and intervene. And then she falls of the balcony to be saved in a nick of time by our stud-muffin of a hero.
And the crowning glory of the cringe factors – our h completing the “ritual” while the H is in his “beast” form, meaning she was humping the stone statue with an erection described as “the size of a baseball bat”!
I am not going to go in to characters - to describe them as one-dimensional would be over generous. You can easily skip LOOOOONG, tedious sections of internal musing / emoting as well as frequent, dull, over-long and monotonous sex scenes and not miss a thing. There is also a significant amount of work for an editor (by the way as an insect, cockroach is one word; it is definitely not cock roach). So, overall, colour me totally unimpressed and, you guessed it, I will not be reading next book.
October 27, 2012
See this review and more on my blog Urban Fantasy Review
I received a copy of Stone Lover from the author as part of the Read to Review group on Goodreads, so thanks to the author and mods for the opportunity to review. I have to admit I was intrigued when I first saw this title and read the blurb on the back as there aren't too many PNR books about gargoyles, in fact the only gargoyle I could think of off the top of my head was Levet from the Guardians series and he was always a supporting character. Anyway back to Stone Lover, for the most part I liked this book and would like to read the second one just to see what happens.
I got some issues with this book, the first couple of chapters just didn't work for me. The story centers around Melanie who moves into a new, albeit tiny apartment where she makes her way onto the roof, through someone else's apartment (who does that?) where she spots three gargoyles. Melanie finds herself quite taken with the one that resembles a lion, Vaughn....and romance ensues. Of course Vaughn's family, the other two gargoyles don't necessarily want Vaughn to pursue the romance and try to erase Melanie's memory and get her to move out. Melanie is immune to the magic Armand tries to use against her and the romance happens anyway.
Melanie as a character came off as irritating and cheesy and honestly I read the first couple of chapters with many many eye rolls. Who gives a gargoyle a hand job...seriously, without knowing he's actually a man in his other form? That didn't work for me neither did banging Vaughn in the bathroom...the insta-love thing just isn't real enough. Yes I know it is a romance novel and all that but it was so out of character it just didn't work. The supporting characters were interesting enough, particularly Omari which is why I want to read the second book and think the series or trilogy has potential.
The plot is pretty straightforward, the usual "how can we be together and be different species" thing you find in PNR, and the story got better the further along you go. The book could have used another edit though, some spelling mistakes and such not enough to be irritating to read but enough that it was noticeable. It also could have used more filler, like why could Melanie along with her niece see imps and gargoyles when no one else could, and what was the deal with the imps anyway why were they chasing Melanie. Overall I did enjoy the book and look forward to the second one.
I received a copy of Stone Lover from the author as part of the Read to Review group on Goodreads, so thanks to the author and mods for the opportunity to review. I have to admit I was intrigued when I first saw this title and read the blurb on the back as there aren't too many PNR books about gargoyles, in fact the only gargoyle I could think of off the top of my head was Levet from the Guardians series and he was always a supporting character. Anyway back to Stone Lover, for the most part I liked this book and would like to read the second one just to see what happens.
I got some issues with this book, the first couple of chapters just didn't work for me. The story centers around Melanie who moves into a new, albeit tiny apartment where she makes her way onto the roof, through someone else's apartment (who does that?) where she spots three gargoyles. Melanie finds herself quite taken with the one that resembles a lion, Vaughn....and romance ensues. Of course Vaughn's family, the other two gargoyles don't necessarily want Vaughn to pursue the romance and try to erase Melanie's memory and get her to move out. Melanie is immune to the magic Armand tries to use against her and the romance happens anyway.
Melanie as a character came off as irritating and cheesy and honestly I read the first couple of chapters with many many eye rolls. Who gives a gargoyle a hand job...seriously, without knowing he's actually a man in his other form? That didn't work for me neither did banging Vaughn in the bathroom...the insta-love thing just isn't real enough. Yes I know it is a romance novel and all that but it was so out of character it just didn't work. The supporting characters were interesting enough, particularly Omari which is why I want to read the second book and think the series or trilogy has potential.
The plot is pretty straightforward, the usual "how can we be together and be different species" thing you find in PNR, and the story got better the further along you go. The book could have used another edit though, some spelling mistakes and such not enough to be irritating to read but enough that it was noticeable. It also could have used more filler, like why could Melanie along with her niece see imps and gargoyles when no one else could, and what was the deal with the imps anyway why were they chasing Melanie. Overall I did enjoy the book and look forward to the second one.
October 21, 2012
I received this ebook from the author as a Read-to-Review.
I was pretty excited about the premise of the book. Gargoyles turning human by night & protectors during the day. The story had a lot of promise and I was intrigued as this was a completely new storyline to me in the paranormal genre.
I had to rate the book with three stars due to the lack of proper editing and grammatical errors. Unfortunately it kind of ruined the experience for me a little bit. There was a lot of repetition and drawn out inner monologue/rambling that was just unnecessary - I found my interest drifting. Never a good sign.
The story has all of the proper elements for a good, intriguing paranormal romance. However I felt that the characters were a bit two dimensional. Just when you started to get into who the characters were we'd skip to another sex scene instead. I think the character development & story line could've been fleshed out a bit better. I truly wanted to love this book but it kept falling short.
This story was about Melanie - a girl who moves into a mysterious building that should be unable to be seen by humans. She discovers and falls in love with the beautiful gargoyles on the roof. The one in particular that draws her attention is the Lion (Vaughn).
I would've loved it if we would've learned anything about the following:
1. Why is Melanie different from other humans? I get that there's something special about her......but what is it? No hints...nothing ever makes this clear ( or even alludes to the fact that we'll find out more in coming books).
2. What do the gargoyles do? We are told they "protect". Protect what? Humans? The other world? We never actually see them DO anything except change from stone to human at sunset and watch as they overact in their particular traits - Armand = brooding, Rhys = laughing or Vaughn = pining. Several times in the story Melanie is attacked - not one of them actually DO anything about it.....I thought they're supposed to be badass protectors!?!?
This author has a lot of potential! I feel like this was a good start to a writing career and maybe this was a first book. I will definitely read the second book in the series before giving up. (The next book is called Stone Romance and is a continuation of Rhys & Jenna's story. Hoping we get to learn more about the Gargoyle world.)
I was pretty excited about the premise of the book. Gargoyles turning human by night & protectors during the day. The story had a lot of promise and I was intrigued as this was a completely new storyline to me in the paranormal genre.
I had to rate the book with three stars due to the lack of proper editing and grammatical errors. Unfortunately it kind of ruined the experience for me a little bit. There was a lot of repetition and drawn out inner monologue/rambling that was just unnecessary - I found my interest drifting. Never a good sign.
The story has all of the proper elements for a good, intriguing paranormal romance. However I felt that the characters were a bit two dimensional. Just when you started to get into who the characters were we'd skip to another sex scene instead. I think the character development & story line could've been fleshed out a bit better. I truly wanted to love this book but it kept falling short.
This story was about Melanie - a girl who moves into a mysterious building that should be unable to be seen by humans. She discovers and falls in love with the beautiful gargoyles on the roof. The one in particular that draws her attention is the Lion (Vaughn).
I would've loved it if we would've learned anything about the following:
1. Why is Melanie different from other humans? I get that there's something special about her......but what is it? No hints...nothing ever makes this clear ( or even alludes to the fact that we'll find out more in coming books).
2. What do the gargoyles do? We are told they "protect". Protect what? Humans? The other world? We never actually see them DO anything except change from stone to human at sunset and watch as they overact in their particular traits - Armand = brooding, Rhys = laughing or Vaughn = pining. Several times in the story Melanie is attacked - not one of them actually DO anything about it.....I thought they're supposed to be badass protectors!?!?
This author has a lot of potential! I feel like this was a good start to a writing career and maybe this was a first book. I will definitely read the second book in the series before giving up. (The next book is called Stone Romance and is a continuation of Rhys & Jenna's story. Hoping we get to learn more about the Gargoyle world.)
May 12, 2013
I’m in love with gargoyles. Who knew? These are some really hot, sexy, wonderful gargoyles and I WANT ONE!
Vaughn and Melanie are a fantastic couple that make you believe anything can happen. Their romance and passion are a tale for the ages! Love can conquer all!
Melanie is drawn into Vaughn’s supernatural world and falls in love with him. Pesky little imps decide they want to keep her to themselves so they create all kinds of problems for her. Beware…all those pesky little problems we have aren’t gremlins, they’re f*ing imps (to quote Armand and Vaughn!).
Melanie and Vaughn are willing to risk everything to be together. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other, even if means giving up everything. Melanie is a strong heroine who finds her way in a strange new world. Vaughn is a wonderful hero who feels very deeply and wants to do anything for Melanie.
There were several twists and turns in this story and all of them wonderful. I found myself crying at times and hoping at others. I love the world that A.C. has created. I’m so excited there are more stories in this series. It’s a wonderful world and I don’t want to leave it behind!
A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2014
Why did I wait so long to read this book? I loved it! Of course, anything with gargoyles is going to capture my attention. This story is a romantic fantasy with imps, sprites and magic!
I really liked the characters in this book. Three brothers together who protect "something" and are gargoyles is interesting. Throw in a human who can see the "under" the veil, I'm intrigued. There does need to be more world building as far as what it is that the brothers protect. It would also be interesting to learn more about why Melanie is so different a human. I'm hoping it is explained in the next book. I'm ready to read that one.
What I really liked is how romantic this one is between Melanie and Vaughn. It's sweet and erotic. The quirky sense of humour injected in with references to pop culture also made it amusing for me. The writing is smooth for me. There were some issues as far as jumping point of views but because I found the story so captivating, it bothered me not. It isn't tightest written story, but it still is very good. I can't wait to read the next one about Jenna and Rhys. Recommended for gargoyle lovers who also demand a happily ever after.
I really liked the characters in this book. Three brothers together who protect "something" and are gargoyles is interesting. Throw in a human who can see the "under" the veil, I'm intrigued. There does need to be more world building as far as what it is that the brothers protect. It would also be interesting to learn more about why Melanie is so different a human. I'm hoping it is explained in the next book. I'm ready to read that one.
What I really liked is how romantic this one is between Melanie and Vaughn. It's sweet and erotic. The quirky sense of humour injected in with references to pop culture also made it amusing for me. The writing is smooth for me. There were some issues as far as jumping point of views but because I found the story so captivating, it bothered me not. It isn't tightest written story, but it still is very good. I can't wait to read the next one about Jenna and Rhys. Recommended for gargoyle lovers who also demand a happily ever after.
March 18, 2012
Fantastic story!
Melanie has moved from her parents' home to a tiny apartment in a building that has wonderful architecture including gargoyles. In fact Melanie is so enamored with the gargoyles that she finds a secret passage through someone else's apartment so she can go and check them out. She's all over the lion gargoyle. The next night is New Years and she meets a great looking guy at the bar she and her friends go to. Vaughn and his brother are there is try to get her to move out but when Vaughn meets Melanie, he can't stay away. Now Melanie has to figure out whether she can change everything about her life to be with Vaughn.
Loved the story! Gargoyle stories are some of my favorites. Parts had me crying, others were so sweet. It seems there's going to be an ongoing story about Melanie's and Vaughn's sister and brother. Can't wait! I would totally recommend this book.
Melanie has moved from her parents' home to a tiny apartment in a building that has wonderful architecture including gargoyles. In fact Melanie is so enamored with the gargoyles that she finds a secret passage through someone else's apartment so she can go and check them out. She's all over the lion gargoyle. The next night is New Years and she meets a great looking guy at the bar she and her friends go to. Vaughn and his brother are there is try to get her to move out but when Vaughn meets Melanie, he can't stay away. Now Melanie has to figure out whether she can change everything about her life to be with Vaughn.
Loved the story! Gargoyle stories are some of my favorites. Parts had me crying, others were so sweet. It seems there's going to be an ongoing story about Melanie's and Vaughn's sister and brother. Can't wait! I would totally recommend this book.
September 7, 2013
la la la loved this book! Who would have guessed gargoyles were hot and sexy...I want one!!!!!
October 21, 2012
Wow what an amazing book that made me smile, laugh out loud, gave me butterlies, got me hot under the collar and made me cry.
At first i was unsure of the beginning of the book as it jumped straight into an erotic scene that i felt was lacking in a connection and seemed far fetched in the circumstances. We had only just been introduced to Melanie and the foundations of the connection or the relationship seemed very weak at this point.
Though in true A.C. style the book hooks you in and you won't be disappointed! The chemistry between Vaughn and Melanie is incredibly hot, spicy and strong. And A.C's amazing writing style pulls the readers into the story as if you are the character feeling the emotions being felt.
The story see's Melanie, a young woman who has a great imagination when it comes to mythical creatures, fearies and the like, who works for her parants candy store making chocolate, move out of her parents home. She moves into an apartment (in a castle in the city, that others don't seem to see)and is drawn to the roof and the three Gargoyles that over look the city and gravitate to one in particular.
The Gargoyle brothers are guardians of the city, by day they are stone beasts and by night they are strong sexy men.
The eldest brother Armand doesn't like the fact that Melanie visits the roof and why/how the heck is a human living in the castle?
He also see's that his brother Vaughn is enjoying the attention Melanie is giving him and that a strong bond is forming between them.
Protective Armand sets out to get Melanies out of their lives and erase her memories and send her back to where she came from before things between Vaughn and her gets serious.
And to save Vaughn from the crippling heartache a human can inflict on them, (which Armand has first hand experience in)and to save Melanie from the dangers that their world represents.
So on New Years eve, Armand sets out to get Melanie out of their lives. But Melanie seems to be harder to compel than he first thought, after Rhys and Armand try their charm on her.
The fates seem to have other ideas for Melanie and Vaughn and the story takes you on this steamy adventure of these two that are destine to be together. But in order to have their 'Forever' the cost will be a sacrifice, that maybe too much of a price to pay. Can Vaughn and Melanie have a Happily ever after?
The story is very addictive and you will not want to put it down. Their is also a second book in the series 'Stone Romance' that sees the relationship of Rhys (Vaughn's brohter) and Jenna (Melianie's sister) from this book and seems just as promising!
At first i was unsure of the beginning of the book as it jumped straight into an erotic scene that i felt was lacking in a connection and seemed far fetched in the circumstances. We had only just been introduced to Melanie and the foundations of the connection or the relationship seemed very weak at this point.
Though in true A.C. style the book hooks you in and you won't be disappointed! The chemistry between Vaughn and Melanie is incredibly hot, spicy and strong. And A.C's amazing writing style pulls the readers into the story as if you are the character feeling the emotions being felt.
The story see's Melanie, a young woman who has a great imagination when it comes to mythical creatures, fearies and the like, who works for her parants candy store making chocolate, move out of her parents home. She moves into an apartment (in a castle in the city, that others don't seem to see)and is drawn to the roof and the three Gargoyles that over look the city and gravitate to one in particular.
The Gargoyle brothers are guardians of the city, by day they are stone beasts and by night they are strong sexy men.
The eldest brother Armand doesn't like the fact that Melanie visits the roof and why/how the heck is a human living in the castle?
He also see's that his brother Vaughn is enjoying the attention Melanie is giving him and that a strong bond is forming between them.
Protective Armand sets out to get Melanies out of their lives and erase her memories and send her back to where she came from before things between Vaughn and her gets serious.
And to save Vaughn from the crippling heartache a human can inflict on them, (which Armand has first hand experience in)and to save Melanie from the dangers that their world represents.
So on New Years eve, Armand sets out to get Melanie out of their lives. But Melanie seems to be harder to compel than he first thought, after Rhys and Armand try their charm on her.
The fates seem to have other ideas for Melanie and Vaughn and the story takes you on this steamy adventure of these two that are destine to be together. But in order to have their 'Forever' the cost will be a sacrifice, that maybe too much of a price to pay. Can Vaughn and Melanie have a Happily ever after?
The story is very addictive and you will not want to put it down. Their is also a second book in the series 'Stone Romance' that sees the relationship of Rhys (Vaughn's brohter) and Jenna (Melianie's sister) from this book and seems just as promising!
October 19, 2012
Talk about a whirlwind romance! Wow...A.C. Warneke, you have a fan for LIFE!!! I LOVE your work! I really hope you have a 2nd and 3rd book for Rhys and Armand; I REALLY do.
Melanie has always been a little "different" from her friends and family; her head stays in the clouds, and she believes in magic, when everyone else is like, "Yeah, sure, whatever." She rents an apartment in this nifty, castle-like building, where 3 gargoyles stand sentry over the roof of the building. Melanie can't seem to stay away from the gargoyles, especially one in particular.
That gargoyle just happens to be Vaughn, who becomes as attracted to Melanie as she is to him. However, she doesn't realize Vaughn is the gargoyle she swoons over until later in the book. They meet in person at a club she frequents with her friends, and would you believe it? -- Melanie and Vaughn get busy right there in the bathroom! The attraction they both feel for each other is too difficult to resist.
(Today class, we will learn about one night stands...LOL) That was the only part that I hesitated on. I understand the attraction, but geez...they couldn't go to a hotel room, or something? LOL
Anyway, long story short, Melanie learns more about Vaughn, Rhys, and Armand, and how they actually become gargoyles by day and men by night. She also learns a few more things about them, as well as discovering there really is magic in the world, as well as other beings that are not human. Of course, some of those beings don't want her with Vaughn, and they do things to try and prevent their relationship from happening.
But, love conquers all and prevails. This was a great book! The sacrifice Vaughn gives to Melanie was so sweet; there is some drama to that, however. I really don't want to give away what happens after that, because that is what kept me up past 1 am reading it on a weekday, waaaay past my bedtime. Suffice it to say that Melanie's "sacrifice" is...um...quite interesting! :-)
The romance in this book is mouth-watering; it just makes me want a gargoyle for myself. I won't look at those stone statues the same way ever again! Please do a trilogy, and write Rhys and Armand's books! (Especially Armand; I would love to see that taciturn bloke get his comeuppance!)
Melanie has always been a little "different" from her friends and family; her head stays in the clouds, and she believes in magic, when everyone else is like, "Yeah, sure, whatever." She rents an apartment in this nifty, castle-like building, where 3 gargoyles stand sentry over the roof of the building. Melanie can't seem to stay away from the gargoyles, especially one in particular.
That gargoyle just happens to be Vaughn, who becomes as attracted to Melanie as she is to him. However, she doesn't realize Vaughn is the gargoyle she swoons over until later in the book. They meet in person at a club she frequents with her friends, and would you believe it? -- Melanie and Vaughn get busy right there in the bathroom! The attraction they both feel for each other is too difficult to resist.
(Today class, we will learn about one night stands...LOL) That was the only part that I hesitated on. I understand the attraction, but geez...they couldn't go to a hotel room, or something? LOL
Anyway, long story short, Melanie learns more about Vaughn, Rhys, and Armand, and how they actually become gargoyles by day and men by night. She also learns a few more things about them, as well as discovering there really is magic in the world, as well as other beings that are not human. Of course, some of those beings don't want her with Vaughn, and they do things to try and prevent their relationship from happening.
But, love conquers all and prevails. This was a great book! The sacrifice Vaughn gives to Melanie was so sweet; there is some drama to that, however. I really don't want to give away what happens after that, because that is what kept me up past 1 am reading it on a weekday, waaaay past my bedtime. Suffice it to say that Melanie's "sacrifice" is...um...quite interesting! :-)
The romance in this book is mouth-watering; it just makes me want a gargoyle for myself. I won't look at those stone statues the same way ever again! Please do a trilogy, and write Rhys and Armand's books! (Especially Armand; I would love to see that taciturn bloke get his comeuppance!)
February 19, 2017
Great read if....you enjoy romance, PNR, fantasy romance, alpha males, and HEA.
Side Note: So this book was recommended by one of my friends during a group discussion in my author group. I took a chance because um...hello...GARGOYLES! I had never ever heard of a fantasy romance involving them. Since I'm writing, I wanted a book FAR opposite of I'm working on. This book was awesome. The romance and the manliness of the males were great. Truly great. While I felt the writing felt a bit unimpressive at times, it was an easy enjoyable read. There was a bit of predictability to it yet even so there were still moments of surprised I appreciated. The main female was a bit annoying at times, but overall she had a great heart and solid spirit. Together her and her mate were swoon worthy. This was book 1, with an HEA, and to say that I feel compelled to click the next book is an understatement. I enjoyed the premise, the take on the ancient creatures, and the mysteries of this fantasy world. Total recommend.
Side Note: So this book was recommended by one of my friends during a group discussion in my author group. I took a chance because um...hello...GARGOYLES! I had never ever heard of a fantasy romance involving them. Since I'm writing, I wanted a book FAR opposite of I'm working on. This book was awesome. The romance and the manliness of the males were great. Truly great. While I felt the writing felt a bit unimpressive at times, it was an easy enjoyable read. There was a bit of predictability to it yet even so there were still moments of surprised I appreciated. The main female was a bit annoying at times, but overall she had a great heart and solid spirit. Together her and her mate were swoon worthy. This was book 1, with an HEA, and to say that I feel compelled to click the next book is an understatement. I enjoyed the premise, the take on the ancient creatures, and the mysteries of this fantasy world. Total recommend.
November 4, 2012
I received this novel free for the purpose of an honest review. Though it is a typical paranormal romance (gargoyles instead of vampires or werewolves) I enjoyed it. It was fast and fun. I read pretty much straight through from start to finish. If you are searching for depth of plot in other areas, Stone Lover probably won’t be your cup of tea. The focus of this story is centered strictly around the romance between Melanie and the gargoyle Vaughn.
The beginning left me a bit lost. Melanie is in the process of moving into a new building and decides to go up to the roof. I ran into my first problem when she had to walk through an apartment separate from her own to get there. I wasn’t sure how she even got inside to walk through. Description of her apartment, and the one she walked through to get to the roof, could have been better to give a clearer picture in my mind. Once on the roof she spots three gargoyles and becomes fascinated with one in particular. I found it a bit hard to suspend disbelief when Melanie decides to give a hand job to one of them. I love all types of romance, but didn’t really buy this part.
Later on that night she meets the gargoyle in his human form at a club and they begin a sexual relationship almost immediately. I enjoy paranormal romance, so this part didn’t bother me. The rest of the novel follows the usual pattern for this type of story—human woman falls for a gorgeous man of a different species and they have to find a way to make it work out. Most of the story is fairly predictable and I didn’t hit any real surprises. There is one uncomfortable place involving a small child sitting in the lap of one of the gargoyles that I could have done without, but overall Stone Lover was an enjoyable read and I’ll likely pick up the next one in the series. I wanted to give this story four stars but there were a few too many editing issues to overlook and so I dropped it to three. Another round or two with an editor to help pick up typos and punctuation issues would have been appreciated by this reader.
The beginning left me a bit lost. Melanie is in the process of moving into a new building and decides to go up to the roof. I ran into my first problem when she had to walk through an apartment separate from her own to get there. I wasn’t sure how she even got inside to walk through. Description of her apartment, and the one she walked through to get to the roof, could have been better to give a clearer picture in my mind. Once on the roof she spots three gargoyles and becomes fascinated with one in particular. I found it a bit hard to suspend disbelief when Melanie decides to give a hand job to one of them. I love all types of romance, but didn’t really buy this part.
Later on that night she meets the gargoyle in his human form at a club and they begin a sexual relationship almost immediately. I enjoy paranormal romance, so this part didn’t bother me. The rest of the novel follows the usual pattern for this type of story—human woman falls for a gorgeous man of a different species and they have to find a way to make it work out. Most of the story is fairly predictable and I didn’t hit any real surprises. There is one uncomfortable place involving a small child sitting in the lap of one of the gargoyles that I could have done without, but overall Stone Lover was an enjoyable read and I’ll likely pick up the next one in the series. I wanted to give this story four stars but there were a few too many editing issues to overlook and so I dropped it to three. Another round or two with an editor to help pick up typos and punctuation issues would have been appreciated by this reader.
October 23, 2012
I got this from the author as a R2R and Thank you AC.
I love paranormal romance as long as it's not vampires. I was intrigued by the story line, but did not feel that the world building was fleshed out enough. What is the gargoyles history, what are they the guardians of? Why could Melanie see all the things that she could and shouldn't as a human? We get some bombshells at the end. I found Melanie was a bit dull especially for a woman that loves magic and just found out there is magic all around us. I expected her to try and find out more about all of it especially when Vaughn talks about giving up his nights and Armand is so upset about it.
The romance was sweet and plenty of hot sex, but I wished there was more development of the one true love feelings. I wished Melanie would have given sanctuary and what he meant by it, to Omari for payment on the necklace especially when we learn who Omari is. More of his involvement would have added some more depth to the story.
A little more gargoyle daily life business would have been helpful. Why were the imps so dangerous to her?
I liked Siren Song better but will read the next one in this series to see what happens with Rhys and Jenna. I like when secondary characters get their own story and we get to see the previous main character still involved and interacting in the new stories.
I love paranormal romance as long as it's not vampires. I was intrigued by the story line, but did not feel that the world building was fleshed out enough. What is the gargoyles history, what are they the guardians of? Why could Melanie see all the things that she could and shouldn't as a human? We get some bombshells at the end. I found Melanie was a bit dull especially for a woman that loves magic and just found out there is magic all around us. I expected her to try and find out more about all of it especially when Vaughn talks about giving up his nights and Armand is so upset about it.
The romance was sweet and plenty of hot sex, but I wished there was more development of the one true love feelings. I wished Melanie would have given sanctuary and what he meant by it, to Omari for payment on the necklace especially when we learn who Omari is. More of his involvement would have added some more depth to the story.
A little more gargoyle daily life business would have been helpful. Why were the imps so dangerous to her?
I liked Siren Song better but will read the next one in this series to see what happens with Rhys and Jenna. I like when secondary characters get their own story and we get to see the previous main character still involved and interacting in the new stories.
September 6, 2012
Mmm hot sexy gargoyles! This is the first book I've read by this author. I really enjoyed it. Admittedly I have a soft spot for gargoyles, (sat morning cartoons- Goliath anyone?e) so that might explain some of it :) There were a few mistakes missed in editing but nothing that jarred me to far out of the story. I liked the heroine and the hero. The chemistry between the two burned up the pages. I want to know more about the others too. Good solid fantasy Erotic love story. A hero that gives rock hard a whole other meaning ;) We have castles, gargoyles, magic, wizards, imps, sprites and other supernatural creatures. If you enjoy your fantasy with the heat turned up you would most likely enjoy this book . Love can conquer all- even being turned to stone- literally.
November 9, 2012
I received an e-copy of this book from Ms.Warneke because I had won a copy of her next book 'Stone Romance'.
Thank you again Ms.Warneke!!
I have a penchant for gargoyles, so this book was a great read.
However, it was a little slow and awkward in the beginning, but picked up nicely into the story. Editing was not up to snuff, and I got confused a few times, but overall I enjoyed the book.
I will be reading more of Ms.Warneke, and am closely watching my mailbox for 'Stone Romance', so I can continue this story.
I originally gave this book 3 stars because of editing, language, and awkwardness, but gave an extra star because it was a decent length.
Thank you again Ms.Warneke!!
I have a penchant for gargoyles, so this book was a great read.
However, it was a little slow and awkward in the beginning, but picked up nicely into the story. Editing was not up to snuff, and I got confused a few times, but overall I enjoyed the book.
I will be reading more of Ms.Warneke, and am closely watching my mailbox for 'Stone Romance', so I can continue this story.
I originally gave this book 3 stars because of editing, language, and awkwardness, but gave an extra star because it was a decent length.
December 29, 2020
I actually bought the trilogy being at $4.99 for all three in one e-book, I took it. The first book of the series, great. I was good to go on the story. But as book two comes into play, there is no amount of pushing myself to read it that will lessen it’s effect on me. I don’t like the match up in couples at all.
For this book, it was fine. I only found the one error.
For this book, it was fine. I only found the one error.
October 27, 2012
When I picked up this book (free for an honest review) from the author, I thought it was a paranormal romance that had adult scenes. I was okay with that because I figured there would be a story with a couple of sex scenes. I'm not an erotic book lover, mostly I find those type of books gross. I have to say I almost quit reading this book at about a third of the way through because it seemed not to be a paranormal romance with a sex scene or two, but an erotic book with a paranormal twist thrown in. But, because I had agreed, I stuck it out (skimming the sex scenes; there were way too many and I never want to see the words "cock" or "womb" again). I'm glad I did, it turned out to be not to bad of a story.
Pros: The author creates a unique supernatural hero. Vaughn (the love interest) is a gargoyle and together with his brothers, they guard a castle like apartment building for the supernaturals in their city. Vaughn and his brothers had very distinctive personalities and were easy to like. Their abilities, although not explained in depth are cool. They are stone gargoyles by day, able to move and fly in that shape, and men by night when they can let loose and live. As the story progresses, the reader sees some of their other abilities.
I also liked the heroine, Melanie. She is a human that doesn't have otherworldly abilities, but for some reason can "see" the supernatural and is immune to some of their powers. I loved her family as well. The author does an excellent job at characterization, and her book is well-written and easy to read and barring the excessive and descriptive sex scenes, the story flowed well.
I do have to admit, that following the boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back formula, that the boy loses girl part, made me cry, so kudos to the author for the writing of those few scenes! It takes a lot to soften me up with a book enough to illicit a tear!
Cons: There were some editing issues, but I think that sometimes happens in e-book format so they weren't that disruptive to the read. I know I'm not a fan of erotic romance, but seriously, use a thesaurus to come up with alternatives to "cock" and "womb" or just explain the sensations without those words. I should have counted; it could have been in the hundreds for those two words. Very cringe-inducing after awhile.
I also felt the author hadn't fully realized her gargoyles, their parents and their abilities. I needed some parameters to the supernatural world for them, and some things weren't set up well. Like how come the parents weren't gargoyles? What are they? What abilities does each brother have? How did their rules come about? What are the rules? Why are imps trying to stop Melanie from completing the ritual? The world although interesting and unique is not fully realized. Finally, if this isn't being advertised as an erotic paranormal romance, cut the sex scenes down, they were tedious after awhile. I've been young and a newlywed, and no one has that much sex. You'd be miserably sore, and not have time to do anything else, yet Melanie is supposed to have a job.
Overall, the question is would I recommend? Yes, I could recommend this to lovers of erotic paranormal romance, I don't think that hardcore paranormal readers would have much like for it, but if they lean to the erotic they might. The book was a quick and easy read and the world was interesting if lacking. Still to give the author credit she is coming up with a sequel and it might correct those missing parts. So yes, I would recommend, but no, I probably won't read the sequel although Emma and Rhy's story may be interesting, I can't bear anymore "cock" and "womb" descriptions.
Pros: The author creates a unique supernatural hero. Vaughn (the love interest) is a gargoyle and together with his brothers, they guard a castle like apartment building for the supernaturals in their city. Vaughn and his brothers had very distinctive personalities and were easy to like. Their abilities, although not explained in depth are cool. They are stone gargoyles by day, able to move and fly in that shape, and men by night when they can let loose and live. As the story progresses, the reader sees some of their other abilities.
I also liked the heroine, Melanie. She is a human that doesn't have otherworldly abilities, but for some reason can "see" the supernatural and is immune to some of their powers. I loved her family as well. The author does an excellent job at characterization, and her book is well-written and easy to read and barring the excessive and descriptive sex scenes, the story flowed well.
I do have to admit, that following the boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back formula, that the boy loses girl part, made me cry, so kudos to the author for the writing of those few scenes! It takes a lot to soften me up with a book enough to illicit a tear!
Cons: There were some editing issues, but I think that sometimes happens in e-book format so they weren't that disruptive to the read. I know I'm not a fan of erotic romance, but seriously, use a thesaurus to come up with alternatives to "cock" and "womb" or just explain the sensations without those words. I should have counted; it could have been in the hundreds for those two words. Very cringe-inducing after awhile.
I also felt the author hadn't fully realized her gargoyles, their parents and their abilities. I needed some parameters to the supernatural world for them, and some things weren't set up well. Like how come the parents weren't gargoyles? What are they? What abilities does each brother have? How did their rules come about? What are the rules? Why are imps trying to stop Melanie from completing the ritual? The world although interesting and unique is not fully realized. Finally, if this isn't being advertised as an erotic paranormal romance, cut the sex scenes down, they were tedious after awhile. I've been young and a newlywed, and no one has that much sex. You'd be miserably sore, and not have time to do anything else, yet Melanie is supposed to have a job.
Overall, the question is would I recommend? Yes, I could recommend this to lovers of erotic paranormal romance, I don't think that hardcore paranormal readers would have much like for it, but if they lean to the erotic they might. The book was a quick and easy read and the world was interesting if lacking. Still to give the author credit she is coming up with a sequel and it might correct those missing parts. So yes, I would recommend, but no, I probably won't read the sequel although Emma and Rhy's story may be interesting, I can't bear anymore "cock" and "womb" descriptions.
August 31, 2013
This is the first in a now completed trilogy of romance stories that revolve around 3 gargoyle brothers. This first book is the story of Vaughn and Melanie. Melanie is branching out on her own and has found a tiny apartment in a building that she can't resist and after a trip to the roof becomes fascinated by the gargoyles who seem to watch over the building. She is especially intrigued by the gargoyle that resembles a lion.Vaughn turns out to be the gargoyle that she's infatuated with. The story is a little awkward in the beginning and the fact that she traipses through a stranger's apartment to get to the roof is a little odd. In my world waltzing through a stranger's home can get a shotgun pulled on you quick and in a hurry!The story does start to flow better as you get further into the book but there are some editing issues. However, I was still able to enjoy the book. The story unfolds in a way that will definitely make you want to read more about the other 2 brothers an root for them to connect with their mates and get their HEAs. There's a nice touch of the paranormal and gargoyle mythology that I enjoyed very much so overall I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance. This series is also a seriously good bargain to boot, right now at Amazon each title is only $2.99 or you can get the trilogy all together for just $6.74, great deal right?
January 2, 2014
:::Standing ovation:::
This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved it. SCORCHING love scenes, an adorable heroine and the endearingly protective hero. I cried like a baby towards the end, and all of the kooky occurrences get completely explained in their own time (but they DO get explained...no loose ends).
This was the first book I have read by A.C., and I'm a huge fan of her writing style. Even towards the end, she introduced new mysteries and gives juuuuuust a little more information about existing ones that kept me eagerly turning the pages. She uses vocabulary that isn't the normal cliché-isms found in your typical romance novel (even paranormal ones), which is refreshing because I read A LOT and said clichés get really dull after a while, even in the love scenes.
I bought the trilogy, and I am SO happy that I did! I NEED to know what happens to the other 2 brothers, and I am now a HUGE fan of A.C.!
This book was fantastic! I absolutely loved it. SCORCHING love scenes, an adorable heroine and the endearingly protective hero. I cried like a baby towards the end, and all of the kooky occurrences get completely explained in their own time (but they DO get explained...no loose ends).
This was the first book I have read by A.C., and I'm a huge fan of her writing style. Even towards the end, she introduced new mysteries and gives juuuuuust a little more information about existing ones that kept me eagerly turning the pages. She uses vocabulary that isn't the normal cliché-isms found in your typical romance novel (even paranormal ones), which is refreshing because I read A LOT and said clichés get really dull after a while, even in the love scenes.
I bought the trilogy, and I am SO happy that I did! I NEED to know what happens to the other 2 brothers, and I am now a HUGE fan of A.C.!
March 6, 2013
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Stars: 5+
Overall: This book was a fun adventure with an amazing romance. It kind of reminded me a bit of the cartoon Disney's Gargoyles in a good way, the more grown up version so to speak. lol I love the way Melanie is introduced to the world of magic and how all the information was flowing good throughout the whole book. I didn't feel like anything was rushed, it felt like things happened when they were supposed to. The ending had me gripping my kindle so hard because i just wanted that Happily Ever After. Anyways this book is a nice new take on the paranormal world. I liked the it integrated Now time with real myths from centuries of old.
Characters: Melanie & Vaughn
Page Turner: OMG YES!!
Series Cont: YES!!
Recommend: YES!!!
Stars: 5+
Overall: This book was a fun adventure with an amazing romance. It kind of reminded me a bit of the cartoon Disney's Gargoyles in a good way, the more grown up version so to speak. lol I love the way Melanie is introduced to the world of magic and how all the information was flowing good throughout the whole book. I didn't feel like anything was rushed, it felt like things happened when they were supposed to. The ending had me gripping my kindle so hard because i just wanted that Happily Ever After. Anyways this book is a nice new take on the paranormal world. I liked the it integrated Now time with real myths from centuries of old.
Characters: Melanie & Vaughn
Page Turner: OMG YES!!
Series Cont: YES!!
Recommend: YES!!!
April 1, 2015
I really loved this book. I never thought to read a book about Gargoyles. I love mythology though so I was happily surprised when I started reading and came to find out what it was about. Right from the start I was falling for the characters. From Melanie to Vaughn and Armand in the night club. The book was written great, and funny at numerous parts. I especially loved when Jenna and Ferris were brought into the picture. All the characters connect and really add to the story. You know there is a hidden message under the whole story of a bigger picture going to happen but you don't know what. I love the twist and turns and the flow of the story.
Melanie and Vaughn story is one where not all the cards were on the table and you don't know if everything is doing to work out.
I really cannot wait to see what happens in this series.
Melanie and Vaughn story is one where not all the cards were on the table and you don't know if everything is doing to work out.
I really cannot wait to see what happens in this series.
January 4, 2016
Stone Lover is the first book in the Stone series and what a great beginning! Melanie is a bit whimsical, a bit trusting and full of life and love. She is confident, but a bit reserved. Vaughn is a gargoyle, a statue by day and a man by night. He watches over the humans and the supernatural world with his brothers, protecting the innocents while loving as many women as they can. With the help of several meddling creatures, they fall in love, almost instantly. Unfortunately the Fates are never that kind and love is never that easy. Vaughn makes the decision to give up his nights, to live as a man for a month with Melanie. Too bad he doesn't fully explain the ramifications.
I instantly fell into the world that AC Warneke created, full of strong, HOT gargoyles and independant women. There are so many things that make this one of my favorite paranormal romances.
I instantly fell into the world that AC Warneke created, full of strong, HOT gargoyles and independant women. There are so many things that make this one of my favorite paranormal romances.
November 23, 2012
3 1/2 stars. I found this book entertaining and interesting. I really liked the premise of the novel and I truely wish that we had gotten more information about the magical world that the female lead, Melanie, found herself involved in.
A lot of what happened in the book was a little confusing although there was some information at the end which helped to clear up some of the questions. I do wish that the book had gotten another edit though as I am a stickler for spelling and grammer and it seemed that the further I got into the book there more errors there were. It wasn't overwhelming but it was distracting.
Overall I found this was a light, entertaining read and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
A lot of what happened in the book was a little confusing although there was some information at the end which helped to clear up some of the questions. I do wish that the book had gotten another edit though as I am a stickler for spelling and grammer and it seemed that the further I got into the book there more errors there were. It wasn't overwhelming but it was distracting.
Overall I found this was a light, entertaining read and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
December 3, 2012
I have to admit, the beginning was not what I expected. After the first couple of chapters, I was convinced that this was basically erotica - plot? what plot? There was a lot more sex than I was expecting, and it was pretty graphic.
Luckily, we moved pretty quickly into the actual story. Which was surprisingly good! I won't give a recap, because there is a summary for that, but Melanie (our main character) is interesting, Vaughn was kind of adorable, and I really liked both of his brothers! I definitely want to read more of this series in the future.
I took off 1 star because there were a few copy-editing mistakes, which was a little annoying, and also the sex was just over the top for me - the very beginning, and the way they get their happily ever after.
Luckily, we moved pretty quickly into the actual story. Which was surprisingly good! I won't give a recap, because there is a summary for that, but Melanie (our main character) is interesting, Vaughn was kind of adorable, and I really liked both of his brothers! I definitely want to read more of this series in the future.
I took off 1 star because there were a few copy-editing mistakes, which was a little annoying, and also the sex was just over the top for me - the very beginning, and the way they get their happily ever after.
July 16, 2015
Melanie is a human (supposedly) who can somehow see past most of the charms and spells that magical creatures that we all live amongst may have cast. Rather than being revered for this though, the 3 gargoyle brothers try their hardest to get rid of her. But Vaughn is smitten and cant quite fight his feelings no matter the consequences.
I wanted to know more about Melanie and why it is that she was 'special'. And I feel like there is more to the imps then just, yep they are like that mentality that we get from everyone.
I bought the pack of the first 3 books, so hopefully Ill get to the second soon and maybe find out more but for some reason I think it just moves on to the next couple in the series.
I wanted to know more about Melanie and why it is that she was 'special'. And I feel like there is more to the imps then just, yep they are like that mentality that we get from everyone.
I bought the pack of the first 3 books, so hopefully Ill get to the second soon and maybe find out more but for some reason I think it just moves on to the next couple in the series.
July 3, 2013
Melanie falls in love with Vaughn, life is perfect ... hum ... not so perfect.
He is a gargoyle, she is human, and all along the book she risk her life because of imps (they don't want their love story to have a HEA)
By the way, we meet special characters like Omari (hush, I won't tell who he is ^^) and Jenna (Mel's sister) her daughter ...
It's a good story, with simple words, and I think I'm going to read the second book soon :)
He is a gargoyle, she is human, and all along the book she risk her life because of imps (they don't want their love story to have a HEA)
By the way, we meet special characters like Omari (hush, I won't tell who he is ^^) and Jenna (Mel's sister) her daughter ...
It's a good story, with simple words, and I think I'm going to read the second book soon :)
May 4, 2012
I really liked this story. It had some (Um, really?! That's kinda...ewww) moments, and the tone was oddly innocent for the kind of story this is, but it was an original story line. I know there will have to at least two other books in this world, with the set up from this one.
I received this from the author in a Goodreads giveaway.
Four words: Sex. With. A. Statue.
Ewww.
I received this from the author in a Goodreads giveaway.
Four words: Sex. With. A. Statue.
Ewww.
October 29, 2012
Loved it. Definitely all kinds of emotions running rampant in this one! Needed a cold glass of water with a lot of ice!! Great writing! The only thing I didn't like was how "open" the characters could be while being intimate. But other than that, wow what a story! Loved the characters, can't wait for the next one!!
February 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great, the emotion was so real. I look forward to the next book to follow Rhys and Jenna's story. I loved the mystery. Although an explanation as to why Melanie could see what other humans couldn't would've been nice, or why the imps were attacking her. But other than that it was a really good book.
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