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Gargoyles #3

Hard as a Rock

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Bestselling author Christine Warren returns to a mesmerizing world in which the laws of attraction are never written in stone—and love knows no bounds…

Her name is Wynn Powe. A woman of great instinct and inner resources—and insatiable beauty—Wynn has returned to Chicago to do what she does best: Locate Guardian statues. But the Order of Eternal Darkness has beat her to the punch, and the statue she’s come to investigate has been blown to smithereens. An elusive enemy is on her trail…and this time, she’s on her own. Until a mysterious package falls into Wynn’s hands—one that contains contain a chunk of old stone, along with instructions for the spell required to summon a new Guardian.

HARD AS A ROCK

Enter Knox. He’s a Guardian magically imbued with the skills and memories of his race…and drop-dead, expertly-chiseled good looks. Bound to Wynn as his Warden, Knox vows to learn the truth about the destroyed Guardian—and protect Wynn at all costs. But he never could have imagined the fierce attraction that has taken hold of him, body and soul. Is his desire for Wynn worth the risk of being destroyed by the Order? The only thing he knows for sure is that he won’t go down without a fight. Nor will he pass up a night of pure blind passion...

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 31, 2015

67 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read

About the author

Christine Warren

42 books1,830 followers
Born and raised in coastal New England, Christine Warren lived in the South and the Mid-Atlantic before hopping to the other side of the country to take up the life of a transplant in the Pacific Northwest. She completely bypassed those states in the middle due to her landlocking phobia. Hmm, need to research a scientific term for that...

When not scrambling frantically to complete her latest writing project, Christine spends most of her time as a crazy animal lady, hanging out with her dog Levi (he’s the one with the hair) and pretending to train him to have some manners. She also hangs out with her horse, Cal—a thoroughbred with a craving for strawberry licorice twists—her goddog, Merlin; and her best friend, fellow author Hannah Murray. In addition to playing with her pets, Christine’s hobbies include identifying dog breeds from photos of their underbellies, appreciating fine and not-so-fine wines, shopping for the perfect pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, and most of all reading things someone else had to agonize over.

She enjoys hearing from readers and can be reached via email sent to Christine@christinewarren.net or by postal mail to Christine Warren, PO Box 871900, Vancouver, WA 98687-1900.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/christ...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,027 reviews25.3k followers
November 10, 2015
Hard as a Rock is book three in the Gargoyles series by Christine Warren. From the first book I have been in love with these sexy, stoney guardians. They all have the skin of a guardian but a heart that beats for only one, their true love, their mate.

We_are_Gargoyles_by_Aioras.jpg

Wynn comes from a long line of wardens, all men. You see, women are not allowed to be wardens. The women in her family are all witches, Wynn included. She doesn’t consider herself a powerful witch but her talents lie in healing, in using the natural powers from the earth to make balms and salts. Her brother is a warden but he has been missing for months now. They have no clue as to what happened to him.

Wynn has accepted that she can’t be a warden but this knowledge has forced her to form a lifetime of anger towards the powers that be. But she loves her independence. We first meet Wynn in book two as she helps Ella and Fil in their fight against evil. In this book, she is sent to investigate an old mansion where they suspect one of the stone guardians might be sleeping. Instead she finds a crater where the stone statue has been blown to smithereens. But as she is attacked by the evil caretaker of the property, and her tears fall upon the broken shards of stone, a new guardian rises to protect her.

Disney Streams Gargoyles on Youtube • ToonBarnToonBarn

Knox is summoned but not by a warden, instead a beautiful woman with whom he feels the immediate need to protect. It doesn’t take him long to understand that this woman, Wynn, is destined to be his mate. He continually calls her ‘his woman’ or ‘his little witch’ or ‘his mate,’ all of which infuriate Wynn.

“You will invite me to touch you again, little witch, and soon, because we are mates, and the Light itself has formed us for each other. Believe me when I tell you, there is no power on earth that can deny a bond forged by fate.”

Heart of Stone (Gargoyles, #1) by Christine Warren — Reviews ...

The physical attraction between these two is immediate and strong. These guardians when in human form, well, sigh, it’s hard to deny them. And Wynn can’t. But can she give her heart to him?

“She’d spent too long resenting the Guild and the Guardians to happily commit her life to loving one.”

If there is one thing that Knox is, though, that is patient. He will allow his mate to realize on her own that her destiny is with him.

“He knew that if he had to choose between saving the world and saving this one small female, he would not hesitate to let the world sink into the abyss.”

description

One of the evil demons has been released but it is still weak. There are those that are working to feed it so that it may strengthen. It is Knox and Wynn’s job to find and stop these from accomplishing their task. Knox and Wynn, while communicating with the other two guardians and their wardens/mates from the first two books, have to follow the clues to not only find these evil minions, but also to try to find Wynn’s brother and figure out what his role in all of this is.

Rise! Super Black moon : February 2015 | Maharani Rutan

I love this series. I love that these tough, sexy guardians, who are historically not supposed to feel emotion, are all so instantly and deeply attached to their warden/mates. I love the way Knox has to be so patient with Wynn, for her to finally accept their bond. Some of the things he said, I actually swooned. This series is sexy and sweet but the ending had me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see where Christine Warren takes us next.

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Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews738 followers
June 6, 2016
4 - "You have a surprisingly logical mind, for a human. And a female. And a witch." Stars!

I have a huge soft spot for Christine Warren’s Gargoyle’s series. I love a good PNR romance, and with the slightly old fashioned men, the sassy females, and plenty of adventure each book in the series has been a really fast paced and entertaining read.

”What can I say? You have bewitched me.”

Ella and Fil in the previous two books have found, fallen in love with and become Wardens to their Guardians; Kees and Spar. After the epic battle at the end of Stone Cold Lover they have taken a step back to regroup and give Fil a chance to recover from her injuries. Wynn Powe was also introduced in the last book, the witch and her powers helped greatly, but what becomes apparent as Hard as a RockM progresses is that her involvement runs a lot deeper than you are initially expecting. We also move from Vancouver to Chicago in this installment of the series.



The Order of Eternal Darkness are still at large, and although weakened by the battle in the last book, they still pose a very real and immediate threat in their aim to release the powers of darkness back onto earth. With the Guild of Wardens still scattered, and in hiding, Wynn is tasked to visit an old mansion on the outskirts of town where a possible Gargoyle statue may be in the hope of waking him up, on arrival finds she is too late and the statue has been literally blown to smithereens, but as is to be expected in the realms of magic and myth, all is not as it initially seems, and where one is lost another is sent to take his place.



I really liked Wynn, although independent and sassy, she wasn’t stupidly so, she knew her limits and stepped back and allowed Knox to take the lead where his skills were more matched to the situation they were in. there are a few gut wrenching moments in this one as well, so have your tissues at the ready, Knox’s love and protectiveness for his ’little witch’ really tugs at the heart strings, especially when she’s in emotional and physical pain herself.

This is certainly a book in a series, and as such I really would recommend you read the previous books before you pick this one up. You could figure out what is going on but every book is extremely enjoyable so why struggle when you don’t need to!



The story ends with things still very much up in the air, not a cliffy as such, but you know there is definitely more, much more to come. I hope we don’t have to wait too long, I am already craving my next gargoyle fix!

”The wars not over, but this battle is. It’s time to pick up the pieces and move forward.”

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
April 20, 2015
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!
***Received the ebook from St. Martin’s Press for an honest review

The cover is definitely appealing to those who love a good sexy chest ;)

This is the third book in the Gargoyle series. The plot seems to be thicken and only revealing little pieces as a time to the Guardians and their Wardens. We meet a new Guardian named Knox, and he is very similar to his brothers in his fierce protectiveness and stubbornness towards his mate. Poor Wynn has her own insecurities to deal with, the new Guardian, her missing brother, and even more trouble coming.

There was definitely plenty going on to keep me engaged though I was screaming at the end. I can’t tell you why or whether it was good or bad screaming because what would be the fun in ruining it for another reader. We met some new characters and a certain Koyote that I hope we see more of in the future, but really I have no idea what will come next, only that I need to read it :)

As always Christine’s writing is wonderful descriptive, and I had no trouble connecting with her characters. While you do not have to read them in order, I think you will be missing out on the big picture if you don’t read them in order :) It makes it so much more complex, and you will connect with everyone better by reading them in order. I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next :)

I recommend this series to fans of Christine Warren and those who have jumped on the Gargoyle bandwagon with me :)
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,859 reviews210 followers
March 31, 2015
I adore this authors steamy paranormals and this the third in her Gargoyles series just adds to my addiction! At the end of the previous book a monumental battle took place leaving the Gargoyles and the women they love at a crossroads. Clearly they need help and by enlisting the Witch Wynn they hope to awaken another Guardian to help defeat the seven Demons seeking a way into the mortal realm. Wynn is home in Chicago and when she attempts to discover if there actually is a Guardian sleeping near her what she discovers is a clearly blown up , smashed to smithereens and no way alive Gargoyle! Oops so not what she had hoped to find but when a very suspicious guard turns nasty she knows she needs help and somehow manages to summon Knox, newly formed and yet full of knowledge oh and did I mention overbearing and all out protective! Yes Wynn might have raised him and for some reason feels a connection but she's not some dumb female willing to just tie herself to a guy claiming to be her Mate or is she?
Such a fun series and yes there's sexy times aplenty but I really like Knox. He's a bit new and naive when it comes to the so called fairer sex but shows such empathy and emotion ( considering he's made of stone!) . Wynn has always dreamt of being a Warden but those misogynistic guys claimed only males born with magic could be Wardens and females were Witches. That idea is about to get turned on it's head as a new group of Wardens summon the sleeping Guardians. Full of mystery as Wynn and Knox seek out her missing brother and a nice touch to add in her uncle as they need all the help they can get. This is the first book where the heroine has not been directly connecting to the art world and I suspect a certain computer hacker might feature at some point. So if you like sarcastic heroines who make you smile and enjoy seeing them teemed up with an uber alpha then this delivers. Amusing and very well written. I'd like a bit more from the Demons hopefully in the next book but this even works as a standalone but obviously I really would recommend this series be read in order.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Barbara ★.
3,509 reviews285 followers
September 21, 2016
I really like this series. The villains are great (as villains go) and they provide for some terrific opportunities for the hero and heroine to shine. I liked seeing the previous books hero and heroine again. They are learning quickly and are actually making progress against the Big Bad who wants to rule the world.

An exciting addition to the series.
Profile Image for Fangs for the Fantasy.
1,449 reviews196 followers
May 25, 2016
Wynn Powe comes from a long line of witches. As a child, Wynn thought that she would grow up to be a member of the Guild and maybe even have her own Guardian to watch over. Because of the extreme sexism of the Guild, Wynn gave up her childhood dream and watched as her brother fulfilled the role she had once dreamed of. When Wynn finally does get her wish, it's nothing like her childlike fantasy and the Guardian she had once dreamed of, may just want more from her than she is prepared to give.

Hard as a Rock is book three in the Gargoyles series and at least as far as the romance portion of this series, the story has gotten pretty formulaic. A woman with magical powers wakes a Guardian - a gargoyles who can shift into human form and bound to protect humanity from evil. Said Guardian is initially amazed by his feelings for the woman but quickly comes to realise that the woman in question is his mate. The female love interest is quickly aware of her attraction but struggles against the idea of a fated mated but by the end of the book comes around. Were the Gargoyle series just about getting to the HEA, I don't think I would be willing to continue.

Warren does seem intent to use one book to wake each Guardian which very much makes the meta feel at times as though it is being dragged out unnecessarily. It's worth noting however that this is a case of mileage may vary. Though the Gargoyles series is paranormal romance, as evidenced by the Man Titteh on the cover, it also has a very interesting meta which has the characters actively investigating dark magic. It is the latter element that has drawn my attention to the series; however, if you are reading this series especially for the paranormal aspects, you many not mind the slow down in the meta which happened in this book.

Though it is part of the formula to have the female love interest deny her feelings for her Guardian, I really like that Wynn's dissent is based in the idea that if she succumbed to her lust that she would be giving up her free will. That being said, the importance of agency ends up of course being mute when Wynn gives in and agrees to become Knox's mate. The fact that Knox and Wynn are set up as a couple means that they never address the fact that he is slow to accept her limits and borders on abusive.
"Get off me,” she growled, matching him bared teeth for bared teeth. In another moment, he might have found her attempts at ferocity amusing. Now they just confused him. She wanted him, the beast insisted, wanted him almost as badly as he wanted her, so why was she pushing him away?
“I said. Get! Off!”
This time, he felt a jolt of energy behind her shoves. She still lacked the power to physically move him—he was easily twice her size—but the force broke through the urgent lust clouding his mind, and he eased back a few precious inches.
"That was a really bad idea,” she stated, her voice eerily calm and filled with tangled undertones of anger, fear, desire, and frustration. “I think it would be best if we each got some space and took a little while to cool off. I’m going to go into my bedroom, and I’m going to lock the door.” (pg 84)
Because Knox is certain that Wynn is attracted to him, he doesn't comply immediately when she tells him to stop. Warren uses woo woo to explain Knox's supposed confusion at an explicit request to stop sexual activity. Wynn has to actively attack Knox to get him to back off and then tell him that though the he is capable of breaking down her locked door, she expects him to respect her space. None of this should have happened, nor should Knox have had to be told that he couldn't just claim a woman for woo woo reasons.


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Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,268 reviews158 followers
October 17, 2015
I liked Hard as Stone for pretty much the same reason as I like this series on the whole - I like Gargoyles and I like the fact that the leading ladies are the ones who are really important to the overarching battle against the Dark as much as their stoney protectors would rather they weren't.

Here witch Wynne - whose promising set up in the previous book had me looking forward to her story - is in the lead. Since Wynne's grown up knowing about the Gargolyes and their battle - she comes from a family which has produced many generations of Wardens - when Wynne wakes her own Guardian, she's in a better position then our previous heroines to handle things. Unfortunately, growing up in a Warden family has left Wynne with at chip on her shoulder for not having been able to join the Warden club because of her pesky extra X chromosome. I liked Wynn but not as much as I would have if she'd hadn't been so wrapped up in her past rejection and if she hadn't been so wonky about the fact that she was the soul mate to the newly awakened gargoyle Knox. That so much of her feelings with respect to Knox are centered around fighting against their connection weakened the relationship for me. I was glad that Knox called her on it, but Wynne really needed to grovel a bit more to make up for it on my opinion.

One thing that I really liked in this story was Wynne's family. Her mom and her magically damaged uncle are great and even her missing brother has an impact - which made parts of the story particularly hard for me.

On the whole I liked Hard as Rock, but with a slew of nits -the main one being I really needed an epilog to soften the abrupt ending - which meant that the previous book is still my favorite, though I am still looking forward to the next book even though there's only the briefest of intros for the woman who looks to be the next to waken another guy who literally has rock hard muscles.

ARC courtesy of St Martin's via NetGalley - I received a complementary copy of this book but no other compensation for my review.
Profile Image for Maria Itliong.
198 reviews33 followers
April 9, 2015
This book is great. I've read her Other novels and it's really amazing. I do love this new series from Christine. Hopefully she'll write more of her Other novels series or Gargoyles series.
267 reviews40 followers
January 10, 2016
It was alright, same format and romance setup as the previous books. Nothing really new or different with this one, still a decent book though.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book

wow, Wow, WOW!!! Why did this book have to end? This is a total whine! Why because this book was fantastic. It was one of those books where you finish it and just sit there for a minute and say, wll wow.

Christine Warren has a gift, that's the only thing that can truly explain it. I mean she makes gargoyles sexy.. not only when they turn into men, nope she makes the actual gargoyle sexy.. go figure.

Hard as A Rock *grins at the double entendre* is book three in Ms. Warren's Novels of the Gargoyles series and each book has gotten better and better. I honestly didn't think it could happen, as book one, Heart of Stone, was such an exceptional book. It grabbed my attention as a reader and nowI wait oh so not patiently for each book..

But like I said, Hard as A Rock is the best so far. It brings the series to new heights and sadly, new lows.

Wynn Powe (we met her in Stone Cold Lover) has been raised in a Warden family. All of her life she dreamt of becoming one of the rare female wardens, she has the power (as she remains a strong witch) and the desire. But the Wardens have become a misogynistic organization and no matter how good she was, she was still a female and they didn't want her. But now, the wardens are disappearing, either dead or in hiding and the world needs them. The Guardians are needed and they have found trace of one in Chicago. Since it's Wynn's home town she is sent to investigate. Instead of finding her guardian, she finds a mass of rubble where one has been destroyed. Heartbroken, Wynn is unsure what to do, that is until one of the minions of evil (just had to use that phrase) is there and Wynn needs to run for her life.. Only to discover that somehow she has raised a new guardian.

Knox *sigh* may be a brand spanking new Guardian but he retains the memories of all the Guardians and he knows he must protect his Warden.. Even if she isn't aware that she is. And Wynn is certainly HIS Warden. Protecting her has suddenly become his main focus, at least until he can get the little rodent that is attacking her out of the way. Then he knows that while he has found his Warden, he must work with her and her team to help save the world.. no biggee..

Ok, so the premise is fun but the reality is way better! There is so much emotion packed into this book. The circle of Wardens is slowly linking and as each Guardian finds the female meant for him, their power grows.

Of course there is tragedy in this story as well (no I am not going to tell you what it is). But the triumph over tragedy is beautiful and powerful..

Evil doesn't stand a chance over these new Warden/Guardian teams.. watch out things are gonna get even better, I am sure!

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of Hard as A Rock, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 31, 2015
Profile Image for Susie.
203 reviews32 followers
January 31, 2018
This is the 3rd installment in the Gargoyles series and I have to say it didn't quite capture me as the previous two did, it was just missing something....... I had trouble keeping an interest in the story and that's why it took me so much longer to read than the other books. Firstly I thought that our leading lady Wynn seemed to be a lot braver and ballsy in her appearance in the second book all gun-ho and ready for action with her shit together but in this one she seems a little insecure and afraid. She questions Knox's reasons for wanting her especially since he's been with no other woman, she doesn't want to accept what fate has decided and is doubtful he's being genuine and not just using her to avoid returning to his Gargoyle slumber once the war with the Darkness is over. Even with all her concerns they quickly fall into bed together but she still isn't convinced about them being mates, chooses not to accept it and does not give herself completely over to him to Knox's frustration. I found that there were some similarities with the previous two books for example Ella was being investigated by two detectives who were not what they appeared to be, same thing happened to Wynn with a detective who was investigating her brothers disappearance. And Fil was afraid of being hurt by Spar when he returned to his sleeping Gargoyle state and left her and Wynn was afraid too of being hurt and used by Knox therefore pushes him away. I think what stopped me really getting into this book was the fact that their were some parts where nothing really happened like when she goes to her uncles house to treat a wound, while she's undercover investigating a potential suspect at his place of work, their car escape on the way back home, at the bank accessing the safe deposit box and then we have the scene with the mirror box which fizzled out leaving me feeling disappointed as I was expecting something exciting to happen. On a positive note though the characters were very likable, Knox a 'Vin Diesel' type of tall, muscular stud was EXTREMELY alpha male he knew what he wanted from the moment he realized Wynn was his mate. He struggled with his emotions regarding his obligations vs his desires and didn't stop until he'd seduced his mate and calmed his inner beast. And their love scenes were temperature raising, panty combusting, needing a cold shower asap HOT HOT HOT!!! Wynn was a lovely woman caring, kind hearted and loyal, she loved her family immensely and I just felt so bad for her. She goes through so much and the ending nearly had me in tears, my heart ached for her and the only comfort was that she at least had Knox by her side. Overall this still was a good read and remains an awesome series full of action, suspense, drama, passion and magic by the bucket full.
Profile Image for Megan (BookWifeReviews).
1,564 reviews54 followers
December 29, 2016
So this one has been my favorite of the series so far. I love that Knox (the guardian) knew that Wynn was his mate right away. That he always felt the pull towards her and he didn't try to deny what he felt. If I remember correctly both the guardians in the first 2 books fought the mate bond thing until the very end. Knox and Wynn excepted it pretty early on. It actually took Wynn longer than Knox. The whole denial thing always bugs me. I feel like we get to know the couple so much better when they just accept that they are mates and then work together to fight the enemies instead of fighting each other.

So there was also a downside. While I loved the couple, I got a little bored with the story. BUT to be fair it could totally just be me. I haven't read a book in a couple weeks and I have a newborn who needs my full attention. So I had to put the book down about a million times. So it was just hard for me to get completely into the story when I had to start and stop so many time.

I am excited for the next book though! Christine Warren is one of my favorite authors and I know I'd read anything she writes.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,209 reviews74 followers
August 26, 2017
This book was a solid four stars for me! I loved the romance between Wynn and Knox and liked how they each worked through things individually and together. Wynn had her fair share of snark, but unlike the first two heroines, she wasn't beating Knox over the head with name calling, she actually listened and tried working with him instead of around him. The derisive attitude was toned down a notch too, making this story more palatable for me.

And Knox! He was a newbie Guardian, but had a relatively progressive attitude. He was overprotective for sure, but not in a total caveman kind of way. He appreciates that Wynn can hold her own and kick butt. And he had plenty of patience to spare waiting for Wynn to get the bigger picture of what was between them. We are talking like the patience of Job because Wynn was quite mule headed regarding any potential romance! As they say, good things come to those who wait! Well, Knox waited...

With each consecutive book, I am falling hard for these gargoyles! The fight between good and evil, heroes made of stone who have heart and feelings, heroines who are definitely NOT wilting violets, and sexy romances..I'm a happy camper right now!
Profile Image for Douglas Meeks.
893 reviews238 followers
March 30, 2015
Well I finished "Hard as a Rock" and liked it, still was not as good as book 1 but better than book 2. The story was good, the romance was a bit of uber-alpha male but not too much.

Elizabeth Hunter spoiled me with a good complete ending of The Secret and now I want all books to do that, the ending was complete but could have easily closed out a few very minor details with another 10 pages or less.

Wynn and Knox made a very good couple and Knox seemed to be a small bit deeper character than Spar from book #2.

All things considered this really was a fun read and once you hit about the 70% mark it became a "can't put it down" action adventure with a touch of mystery. A big surprise in the bad guys and a bit of violence that I love so what more could you want? The sex came close to being overdone but never quite crossed that line.

Bottom Line: Good stuff and highly recommended. Strangely this one did not give any hints about who the next couple might be as the other two did, I can guess but won't know until it is announced I guess.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews163 followers
March 20, 2015

Right off the bat we see Knox's protective instincts come up when it concerns Wynn, "she sounded upset, distressed, and some part of him urged him to rid her of the source of her anxiety." I found Know extremely humorous in one scene where he didnt know why his woman was getting upset, "Knox eyed her impassively. “You are upset.” His voice remained flat and uninflected. “Did something harm you?" There are so many reasons I love these gargoyles but the most important reason I love them is because they're willing to jump when their mates need them, "when he spoke, his voice came out as a rough purr. “What do you require, little witch?" Another job well done this is one series I always one click
Profile Image for Tammy Nitschke Sokol.
776 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2015
I can't wait for book four!!!!

I laughed, cried, and sat on pins and needles through this one. So tough! The ending was sad, but I semi expected it from reading the blurb for book three. Stone guardian Knox who sort of reminds me of Zhadist of BDB fame as a gargoyle. Knox is brought forth when Wynn our witch heroine is in danger. Sparks fly throughout and flame erupt. ;-) a huge must read!!!!!
Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].
3,511 reviews97 followers
May 17, 2015
Teetering on the edge of a 3.5 and a 4, so I just rounded up. Reading this ARC was a bit rough, due to all the spelling and grammar errors. But that didn't detract from the story. I love the world building and the growing connection between all the books.

Full/real review will be posted on Romance Reviews Today in May/June 2015.
159 reviews
July 14, 2017
3.5/5
Started off fantastic but I just thought the ending wasn't as good as it could have been. Still loved the story line though. Different from the rest in a good way.
Profile Image for Jill James.
Author 32 books96 followers
May 21, 2016
Loving this series! Love that Wynn is a witch. So cool! Even knowing secrets of the Wardens she still has some things to learn about magic and love.
Profile Image for Angie.
251 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2021
It's the third book in the series that I've read and the same thing keeps happening - I don't like the heroine. From the first book with Ella with whom I didn't connect at all, neither did I with Kees, but back then, Felicity aka Fil seemed so much more interesting and appealing... but only because I knew her through the phone. In her own book, she was snapping left and right, basically humorless, rejecting me with her personality and behavior. That's when I met Wyn and she made me think her story will be better. But here I am, frowning, annoyed, and frustrated that she turned out to be yet another female who doesn't seem to fit this world that Christine Warren created.

I read the blurbs for the future volumes and I am the littlest bit excited, especially for the one with the female gargoyle, but I'm very much afraid the rest of the stories will turn out to be as disappointing as the previous three. The Guardians are excusable because they are beings from a different world or maybe from nowhere and only brought to existence with some minor knowledge of who and what and etc. Their behavior is understandable, their primitive actions are appealing in that "he's an alpha man, purr, me like" but not everything's tolerable. Skipping over Kees' hot'n'cold act, and I don't have much to add about Spar, Knox has been my favorite so far, just like Wyn the other way around. Alike Felicity, getting to know her a little bit in the story before her own, she made a 360 turn from someone I'd really like to get to know better to a woman I want nothing to do with. And Wyn especially, seeing how she knew the Guild world before all the action happened. And yet she seems the most thrown off, as if she's one leg out the door. Years of jealousy and generations of resentment for being looked over as a female, she's put right into the middle of the hurricane - a bit much, ok - and all it takes is some attention from an extraordinary man to have her hiding. What she knew suddenly seems to be forgotten and she's surprised at some developments considering the Guardians.

I am crossing my fingers for a better story further in the series because I am determined to finish it. The concept intrigued me, I'm into it but not necessarily the way it's been written so far. If not for the romance on the good side of the war, I'd switch to evil and probably be more invested.
Profile Image for Amber Terry .
360 reviews30 followers
August 4, 2017
When I started this series, I was kind of excited about it because I'm always looking for interesting paranormal romances and I really liked book #1 of this series. The second book I liked a little less. And the third book here made me think I may not continue with the rest of these books (I don't think the series is actually complete yet). My main issue is that the female protagonists (there's a different one in each book, but since the main plot is connected, all the old characters appear in the next book...I think I worded that correctly?) act exactly the same. They have different interests, etc., but their behavior is identical and it irritates the hell out of me. They all have this extremely sarcastic, borderline bitchy attitude when they first meet their Guardians (the "Gargoyles") because they're independent women, honey, and they don't need no man or gargoyle to help them out in this life... even if their lives are literally on the line and they literally cannot defend themselves because they are humans (albeit magical ones) and the forces working against them are far too powerful which is why the Guardians come into their lives in the first place. Of course they fight their desire until everything spills over and they're sexing all over the place. Their attitude and stupid quips irritate me so much and when the woman that will be the main character in book #4 was introduced, I knew I wouldn't be able to go on because even though she didn't appear very long, I already wanted to leave hand prints all over her face. The Guardians are hot but interchangeable. If you weren't told specifically which one was speaking, you'd never be able to guess who it was because they are absolutely alike right down to the loin cloths they wear when they're in stone gargoyle form. Seriously.

I'm disappointed right now...does it show?
Profile Image for D..
70 reviews
July 12, 2018
Meh...I didn't care for this third installment.

As mentioned in my last update, the story was not a thrilling read. The H/h of this story, Wynn and Knox lacked any chemistry IMO. They were destined to be together (that was a given with the whole fated mates story line), but it didn't work for this reader. Their first romantic scene was tepid to say the least - so much words needed to assist the reader what was taking place. UGH...was waiting for a director to say "cut"!

Similar to the previous books, the story continues with the Order of Eternal Darkness story bringing back the evil demon. This time, the location of the gathering is in Chicago. Wynn Powe returns home after the situation that occurred in Montreal. This time around, the Gargoyle that Ella helped locate has been blown to pieces. She gets caught snooping around a private estate that has housed the statue and upon nearly getting killed, a Guardian appears. Knox is a newly summoned Guardian that rescued Wynn from one of the evil minion.

Sticking to the story line of insta-lust/attraction, Knox and Wynn are mates. The problem with this story is that Wynn has a problem with the whole "mate" situation - feminism etc. ablaze. In addition, Wynn's personal gripe with the Warden/Guild with reference to their discrimination against women "members." (This was her initial reasoning behind she can't accept to be a Warden and why she can't be mated to Knox).

Giving the story 2 stars for effort, but will shelve this series again. The H/h were just cookie-cutter characters that were similar to the other 2 previous books. I was really hoping for some improvements throughout the book, but this story has put me off from continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
2,762 reviews19 followers
November 18, 2024
Her name is Wynn Powe. A woman of great instinct and inner resources—and insatiable beauty—Wynn has returned to Chicago to do what she does best: Locate Guardian statues. But the Order of Eternal Darkness has beat her to the punch, and the statue she’s come to investigate has been blown to smithereens. An elusive enemy is on her trail…and this time, she’s on her own. Until a mysterious package falls into Wynn’s hands—one that contains contain a chunk of old stone, along with instructions for the spell required to summon a new Guardian.

HARD AS A ROCK
Enter Knox. He’s a Guardian magically imbued with the skills and memories of his race…and drop-dead, expertly-chiseled good looks. Bound to Wynn as his Warden, Knox vows to learn the truth about the destroyed Guardian—and protect Wynn at all costs. But he never could have imagined the fierce attraction that has taken hold of him, body and soul. Is his desire for Wynn worth the risk of being destroyed by the Order? The only thing he knows for sure is that he won’t go down without a fight. Nor will he pass up a night of pure blind passion...

Heather's Notes
So I liked Wynn and Knox, although Wynn did get on my nerves a little with her denial of the truth. Still she finally came around. I did not like how the book ended with the Bran situation. I also found the actual ending to be rather abrupt. I think the author could have done a little more to round it out.
Profile Image for Wendy.
895 reviews172 followers
August 25, 2021
The continuation of a well written story but you can still read it as a stand alone. I have read a lot of sexy books and this is the first with a gargoyle. He was sweeter and more instantly caring than I thought he would be.

He wasn’t great as a male virgin though, which is my thing. He was a virgin, was just created yesterday, but he was an expert lover that knew what to do. Not what I look for in a virgin. This is not the book’s fault, just a personal preference. I would call this book “steamy” not “erotica”.

Virgin rating:
Innocence of virgin hero:5/5 (just born yesterday so that is pretty innocent)
Innocence in losing it: 1/5
Build up to losing it: 2/5
Hotness of losing it: 2/5
Busted touching himself: no
Profile Image for Laura.
1,936 reviews27 followers
November 26, 2017
I'm going to have to read these books out of order. Oh, well. Romances tend not to need to be read in order.

I'm enjoying the series so far. They're perfect for a relaxing vacation although there are still some editorial errors that ruin the story for me.

I like the witch angle. I like the newbie gargoyle angle. I especially like the uncle.
Profile Image for Allison.
583 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2019
I was anticipating Wynn's story to be my favorite but it has, so far, been my least favorite in the series. I felt like, instead of her being a really strong feminist character, she was more fluff and bluster. I also didn't feel the chemistry between Knox and Wynn. It felt forced rather than an organic relationship. I almost didn't finish the book but I am curious about how the series will proceed so I skimmed a few of the pages towards the end just so I could find out how it ended.
Profile Image for Taylyn.
297 reviews
February 11, 2023
I have not had a good day and this was supposed to make it better.

Character types/tropes: Paranormal, protector hero, witch heroine, one sided love at first sight, mates


These are getting dry and repetitive for me love the concept, locations and titles but the writing and execution are not the most entertaining.

Might stop reading the series here

7.0/10
3/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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