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Stone's Kiss
an alternate cover edition is Stone's Kiss
As a child, a near-drowning accident stole Lillian’s old life. Her new life began the moment she awoke at the foot of a brooding, stone gargoyle.
Years later, Lillian still finds comfort in Gregory, her gargoyle, never guessing he is more than cold stone until demonic creatures called the Riven attack. Gregory senses her terror and wakes from his healing sleep.
After the battle, Lillian learns the humans she thought were her family are a powerful coven of witches at war with the Riven. Lillian is something more than human, a powerful worker of magic, an Avatar to the gods. Gregory has been her protector for many lifetimes, but troubles in their homeland forced him to flee with her to the human world. And it wasn’t an accident which stole her memories—it was Gregory. He suspects Lillian is host to an infant demon, one capable of evil greater than the Riven.
Despite everything, Lillian fears she’s falling in love with her guardian. While she might be able to defeat the Riven with Gregory’s help, she doesn’t know if her fragile new love can survive the evil growing in her own soul...
As a child, a near-drowning accident stole Lillian’s old life. Her new life began the moment she awoke at the foot of a brooding, stone gargoyle.
Years later, Lillian still finds comfort in Gregory, her gargoyle, never guessing he is more than cold stone until demonic creatures called the Riven attack. Gregory senses her terror and wakes from his healing sleep.
After the battle, Lillian learns the humans she thought were her family are a powerful coven of witches at war with the Riven. Lillian is something more than human, a powerful worker of magic, an Avatar to the gods. Gregory has been her protector for many lifetimes, but troubles in their homeland forced him to flee with her to the human world. And it wasn’t an accident which stole her memories—it was Gregory. He suspects Lillian is host to an infant demon, one capable of evil greater than the Riven.
Despite everything, Lillian fears she’s falling in love with her guardian. While she might be able to defeat the Riven with Gregory’s help, she doesn’t know if her fragile new love can survive the evil growing in her own soul...
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2011
1279 people are currently reading
1345 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Blackwood
48 books312 followersLisa Blackwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle and Sorceress Urban Fantasy series. She and her new co-author, S.M. Schmitz, are also embarking upon a new Space Opera Romance series. Book one is titled, Vengeance: Warships of the Spire. It can be found in the Dominion Rising boxset anthology.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
September 17, 2012
I would almost say this book was for teens, except for the blatant sexuality throughout it. Now, the characters don't actually do the deed, but it's a very close call many times. Almost like this was written to sell the book, not to tell an interesting story. I was hoping for an in depth urban fantasy, but the magic in the book wasn't well explained or used. It was like the author expected the reader to already know how the magic worked. If this is the first or only book in this series, it was very poorly introduced and explained; if I've missed a book or two then I apologize. The two main characters were very fleshed out, however their backgrounds were hard to understand. The rest of the characters had very little personality, it was hard to understand why they were acting/reacting the way they did. There was enough of a story to let me finish it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
October 20, 2014
This book was a strange cross between YA and romance. Tons of heavy "almost" sexual encounters but the main characters never do get to doing the deed.
As a fantasy author I really enjoyed the diverse characters in this book, as a reader I was annoyed by the fact that not all of the different species are well identified or explained. Too much was left for my imagination to fill in.
Overall, it was a good book and worth the read. I probably won't be reading more in this series but then again, maybe someday I will get to it...it isn't one of the stories I am dying to follow.
As a fantasy author I really enjoyed the diverse characters in this book, as a reader I was annoyed by the fact that not all of the different species are well identified or explained. Too much was left for my imagination to fill in.
Overall, it was a good book and worth the read. I probably won't be reading more in this series but then again, maybe someday I will get to it...it isn't one of the stories I am dying to follow.
January 12, 2016
It's as Good as its Cover
Lillian is a Dryad being raised by a witch in the mortal world. After being attacked by monsters, she brings her gargoyle to life, and she learns he has been alive for many years. After a series of events, Lillian learns she is a sorceress and Gregory is her protector, and together they must defeat the Evil in the mortal realm, within herself, and thwart the plans of Lady of Battles.
I felt like I had to trudge through knee deep cement to get through this. I almost gave up just because of the punctuation errors alone. Then add the errors in grammar, the one dimensional characters, the horribly explained plot and all its evils, the past lives that really don't do with anything.... It's all a big mess.
I get it is hard to get a good intense and complex story, but this is not it. The cover does well to describe the book. It's interesting and original, but the details and depth are lacking.
Lillian is a Dryad being raised by a witch in the mortal world. After being attacked by monsters, she brings her gargoyle to life, and she learns he has been alive for many years. After a series of events, Lillian learns she is a sorceress and Gregory is her protector, and together they must defeat the Evil in the mortal realm, within herself, and thwart the plans of Lady of Battles.
I felt like I had to trudge through knee deep cement to get through this. I almost gave up just because of the punctuation errors alone. Then add the errors in grammar, the one dimensional characters, the horribly explained plot and all its evils, the past lives that really don't do with anything.... It's all a big mess.
I get it is hard to get a good intense and complex story, but this is not it. The cover does well to describe the book. It's interesting and original, but the details and depth are lacking.
March 11, 2015
I liked the book but i did not love it!
Some plot lines that should have been wrapped up never were. The characters on the side were created and pumped up with potential but then against the back drop of the MOST AMAZING love story (the basic plot line) simply never used.
The fight scenes... Well I wouls have preferred a bit more twists and a bit less predictability but they were not bad.
Now I never considered putting the book aside, so that is a major plus. The reason for this is the fact that the two main protagonists were fun, funny and a really cool combo.
So I loved reading about them.
In the end..read it if it is your genre. You might not simply like it but end up loving it.
WaAr
Some plot lines that should have been wrapped up never were. The characters on the side were created and pumped up with potential but then against the back drop of the MOST AMAZING love story (the basic plot line) simply never used.
The fight scenes... Well I wouls have preferred a bit more twists and a bit less predictability but they were not bad.
Now I never considered putting the book aside, so that is a major plus. The reason for this is the fact that the two main protagonists were fun, funny and a really cool combo.
So I loved reading about them.
In the end..read it if it is your genre. You might not simply like it but end up loving it.
WaAr
March 24, 2015
Great read
This is my first book I have read by author Lisa Blackwood. I found this tale intriguing and full of surprises. I loved the storyline and the characters. This was very different from any books I have read so far. I look forward to checking out more books by Lisa
This is my first book I have read by author Lisa Blackwood. I found this tale intriguing and full of surprises. I loved the storyline and the characters. This was very different from any books I have read so far. I look forward to checking out more books by Lisa
June 26, 2012
I loved this story was gripped from the beginning...excellent read!!
November 10, 2012
LOVED IT! Had me hooked fast! When does book 2 come?
January 9, 2012
Okay, I admit I’m a sucker for gargoyle heroes and beauty and the beast type stories. (I hereby place all blame of that on a certain Disney cartoon that I used to watch as a kid during the early 90s). And along that theme I’m continuing my quest for great gargoyle reads. LOL.
Stone’s Kiss by Ms. Blackwood caught my attention (actually the gargoyle statue on the cover caught my attention.) And I’m glad it did. This novel length ebook was sweet, a touch humorous and a bit dark at times. A mixed bag. I enjoyed the writing style/tone of the book, but there were some annoying typos and the pace of off at times. Lillian is a good heroine. She’s likeable, not over the top tuff as nails, but she’s down to earth and reliable. Which are highly under rated and it’s refreshing to see a heroine who isn’t silly or so tough she’s emotionless. I’d like to see more real women in fantasy.
As for the hero. OMG. I love him. Gregory, Lillian’s protector, is sweet, funny, cute at times, stubborn as a mule and deadly savage when he needs to be. Oh, and he’s an eight foot tall monster. Which makes for some really funny spots. Imagine a big gargoyle (with wings and a tail) trying to fit in a shower. Yes, it was one of those big showers...but. LOL Hilarious. And he likes to curl up in Lillian’s king-sized bed mush to her dismay. So cute.
I really enjoyed the Gregory/Lillian relationship as it developed, but I would have like a little more one on one time between them. As it was midway through the book the plot took over and drove a wedge between the characters. On another note, I thought the romance might get a bit kinky in a couple places (which wouldn’t have bothered wicked old me) but in stayed on the sweet side of things.
Stone’s Kiss by Ms. Blackwood caught my attention (actually the gargoyle statue on the cover caught my attention.) And I’m glad it did. This novel length ebook was sweet, a touch humorous and a bit dark at times. A mixed bag. I enjoyed the writing style/tone of the book, but there were some annoying typos and the pace of off at times. Lillian is a good heroine. She’s likeable, not over the top tuff as nails, but she’s down to earth and reliable. Which are highly under rated and it’s refreshing to see a heroine who isn’t silly or so tough she’s emotionless. I’d like to see more real women in fantasy.
As for the hero. OMG. I love him. Gregory, Lillian’s protector, is sweet, funny, cute at times, stubborn as a mule and deadly savage when he needs to be. Oh, and he’s an eight foot tall monster. Which makes for some really funny spots. Imagine a big gargoyle (with wings and a tail) trying to fit in a shower. Yes, it was one of those big showers...but. LOL Hilarious. And he likes to curl up in Lillian’s king-sized bed mush to her dismay. So cute.
I really enjoyed the Gregory/Lillian relationship as it developed, but I would have like a little more one on one time between them. As it was midway through the book the plot took over and drove a wedge between the characters. On another note, I thought the romance might get a bit kinky in a couple places (which wouldn’t have bothered wicked old me) but in stayed on the sweet side of things.
May 6, 2012
I liked this story quite a bit and was pleasantly surprised by it. The characters and the overall story were engaging and kept me reading far longer than I should have with the other things I had to do today. I'm a sucker for gargoyle stories apparently, as that's what drew me in first. But then I discovered the dryad angle and I was hooked. Incredibly unlikely pairing but it worked tremendously well. Overall the story was smooth, though with a few bobbles (demon possession and split personalities made it hard to remember which personality was taking charge a few times), but I still think it worked well. I liked the setup of other potential books. Nicely done, Ms. Blackwood. I'll be happy to seek out your other works. Thank you!
April 23, 2012
A solid first novel in the paranormal romance genre. I found both of the main characters very likable, though I wouldn't have minded a little bit more character depth.
The book was very fast paced and exciting and it kept me turning the pages. The battles were well thought out and described.
Occasionally the dialog seemed a little stilted to me, but for the most part it was well done as well.
I'd recommend this book to any readers of paranormal romance. A Gargoyle main character is certainly a great change of pace from the usual.
The book was very fast paced and exciting and it kept me turning the pages. The battles were well thought out and described.
Occasionally the dialog seemed a little stilted to me, but for the most part it was well done as well.
I'd recommend this book to any readers of paranormal romance. A Gargoyle main character is certainly a great change of pace from the usual.
August 2, 2015
Was an incredibly fast read. It was hard for me to put down. Found it to be a pleasant mix of young adult and fantasy romance.
I loved the premise of a gargoyle being not only a protector, but love interest.
I did have one issue, I either missed how old the main character is in this lifetime or it isn't stated clearly. This leads me to questions about school or a job. It appears that Lillian had neither.
It seems like plot points are not finished by the end of the book, but I think that was intentionally set up for sequels.
I loved the premise of a gargoyle being not only a protector, but love interest.
I did have one issue, I either missed how old the main character is in this lifetime or it isn't stated clearly. This leads me to questions about school or a job. It appears that Lillian had neither.
It seems like plot points are not finished by the end of the book, but I think that was intentionally set up for sequels.
August 19, 2015
I really wanted to give this five stars for its originality of making an actual gargoyle the Hero of the story, but the ending dragged out and became too repetitive for me. Gregory would get mortally wounded, Lillian would save him; Lillian gets mortally wounded, Gregory saves her; Again, Gregory gets mortally wounded and Lillian saves him.... etc! It just kept happening.
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to eventually read the next in the series.
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to eventually read the next in the series.
October 18, 2015
I liked this book enough to want to read the sequel. It has its problems, there seems to be repetitive scenes of either the girl or the gargoyle getting wounded and almost dying. The other one comes to their rescue and gives them blood to save them, rinse, repeat.
I did find the characters interesting and the story line compelling. I am hopeful that the sequels will add detail into the world building and develop more of the characters.
I did find the characters interesting and the story line compelling. I am hopeful that the sequels will add detail into the world building and develop more of the characters.
November 20, 2016
Glad this was a freebie.
I know I've said this a lot, but grammar often kills the book for me. This book was no exception, but the worst part was the plot holes, confusing scenes, and raunch. Had to skip over so much because it seemed to be all sex and gore.
For my clean readers:
A ton of language, though no f-bomb, and massive amounts of sexual innuendos. Blood letting rituals, and a lot of violence.
I know I've said this a lot, but grammar often kills the book for me. This book was no exception, but the worst part was the plot holes, confusing scenes, and raunch. Had to skip over so much because it seemed to be all sex and gore.
For my clean readers:
A ton of language, though no f-bomb, and massive amounts of sexual innuendos. Blood letting rituals, and a lot of violence.
September 15, 2012
Currently reading..... I love everything about this book so far.... Just wish there was more intensity between Gregory and Lilian... I hope they finally engage in sex because this back and forth is driving me insane.... Lisa I really like your work but please put a little more sexual heat into the story...
August 4, 2015
Really Different
Dryads, gargoyles, vampires, dire wolves. Not your same old, same old story. Lillian has no memories before she was eight years old, she certainly had no clue magic was real and she wasn't human or that her stone gargoyle was a living sentient protector, until she needed that protection desperately.
Dryads, gargoyles, vampires, dire wolves. Not your same old, same old story. Lillian has no memories before she was eight years old, she certainly had no clue magic was real and she wasn't human or that her stone gargoyle was a living sentient protector, until she needed that protection desperately.
January 10, 2016
Awesome book
The author is so creative and talented which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Loved the chemistry of the characters. They are interesting, complex, and full of surprises. You could feel their pain,sorrow, joy, and their forbidden love for each other. Truly enjoyable book and keep them coming.
The author is so creative and talented which keeps you on the edge of your seat. Loved the chemistry of the characters. They are interesting, complex, and full of surprises. You could feel their pain,sorrow, joy, and their forbidden love for each other. Truly enjoyable book and keep them coming.
March 24, 2015
Magical love
Loved this book. So unique and caught my interest and held it. I haven't read many gargoyle books but this was a great one. It shows love can endure so much and come out on top.
Loved this book. So unique and caught my interest and held it. I haven't read many gargoyle books but this was a great one. It shows love can endure so much and come out on top.
February 19, 2016
Every woman should begin with a Gargoyle in her garden. Aside from wishing for an ageless adult female, it is a great start to a fantasy trilogy. Every woman holds a bit of magic somewhere, LIsa B definitely has it in the right places.
July 23, 2013
I'll have to write a review later, as this book was EXACTLY what I want in a gargoyle romance but don't have the time right now. Lisa, this book freakin ROCKED! #ReadIt
September 4, 2025
Lillian and Gregory make a wonderful pair. Even though Lillian has to deal with the Demon that has been grafted to her soul, she loves Gregory and tries to ensure that he does not get hurt or sacrifices himself for her.
November 10, 2016
First and foremost, when I purchased this book it was under the title:"Sorceress Awakening;" then, it changed to "Stone's Kiss." well, no matter the title, the book started out with such great potential and then evolved into a convoluted mess.
Lillian was brought to live with a grandmother who lost her granddaughter in a drowning accident and almost lost her grandson. That is until a wounded gargoyle shows up and saves the boy and enlists her support in raising Lillian. Over the years, Lillian has garnered solace and peace sitting on the knee of the gargoyle statue located near the pond on her grandmother's property. Then, one day strangers come onto the property and attack and attempt to abduct Lillian. Once again she goes to her beloved gargoyle and he comes alive to fight off her attackers known as the Rivens.
As Lillian comes to grips with the fact that the life she has known is built on a lie, that she is a dryad with magical powers and that her gargoyle (Gregory) is in fact alive she also must come to grips that an evil has entered the world and with the help of her coven, grandmother and gargoyle must put a stop to it if they are to survive. As Gregory takes on human form, it is difficult to fight the growing but forbidden attraction they feel towards each other. They are Avators of the gods and physical love is forbidden to them.
Initially, there was such a sensuality to this read without any sex, the storyline was compelling, interesting and intriguing. However, as the secrets began to be unveiled what once had great potential turned into a hot mess. The author threw every mythological creature she could garner into this read and twisted the storyline in such a way that it became too much of too much! In the end I was left shaking my head and asking, "What just happened?" This is a prime example of why sometimes simplicity is best.
Since I had already purchased book two, I will go on to read the second book in the series and hope and pray that the author streamlines some of the concepts and ideas. If not, the second book will definitely be my last.
Lillian was brought to live with a grandmother who lost her granddaughter in a drowning accident and almost lost her grandson. That is until a wounded gargoyle shows up and saves the boy and enlists her support in raising Lillian. Over the years, Lillian has garnered solace and peace sitting on the knee of the gargoyle statue located near the pond on her grandmother's property. Then, one day strangers come onto the property and attack and attempt to abduct Lillian. Once again she goes to her beloved gargoyle and he comes alive to fight off her attackers known as the Rivens.
As Lillian comes to grips with the fact that the life she has known is built on a lie, that she is a dryad with magical powers and that her gargoyle (Gregory) is in fact alive she also must come to grips that an evil has entered the world and with the help of her coven, grandmother and gargoyle must put a stop to it if they are to survive. As Gregory takes on human form, it is difficult to fight the growing but forbidden attraction they feel towards each other. They are Avators of the gods and physical love is forbidden to them.
Initially, there was such a sensuality to this read without any sex, the storyline was compelling, interesting and intriguing. However, as the secrets began to be unveiled what once had great potential turned into a hot mess. The author threw every mythological creature she could garner into this read and twisted the storyline in such a way that it became too much of too much! In the end I was left shaking my head and asking, "What just happened?" This is a prime example of why sometimes simplicity is best.
Since I had already purchased book two, I will go on to read the second book in the series and hope and pray that the author streamlines some of the concepts and ideas. If not, the second book will definitely be my last.
January 25, 2012
*****this book was given to the Book Hookup by the author but did not influence the review*****
I enjoyed this book as it was a new paranormal read for me: gargoyles! Lillian, the heroine, had a near drowning accident when she was 8 years old and awoke at the foot of a gargoyle statue, but with no memories. Since then she has always found comfort in her statue. One day, Lillian is attacked by the Riven, and Gregory, the gargoyle, is brought out of stone to save her. She had no idea she could summon him like that, or that she had magic within her until the battle on the day the Riven came to take her.
What I liked: I loved all the magic, and I loved the whole idea of a gargoyle. I could also really feel that Lillian and Gregory were meant to be together. As a bonus, there was lots of humor mixed in – I didn’t expect it so that made it even more fun. I also liked the whole concept of the book: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to get rid of the demon without killing Lillian.
What I struggled with: Gregory was supposed to teach Lillian how to use and control her magic, however she didn’t listen and used it anyway. I am not a fan of heroines being a bit foolish, although her heart was definitely in the right place. Another thing I struggled with was the slightly kinky undertones, and if you read it you will catch my drift. While there was no explicit sexual scenes, you could still absolutely feel the currents of their chemistry, and Gregory in his human form was absolutely divine.
I was confused at many points but by the end I got a better grasp of what was going on: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to kill the demon soul within her without killing Lillian herself. So good, right? Yes, but if that part had been more clear to me in the beginning (as what I just told you!) it would have been just a little more straightforward.
Would I recommend this book? YES! All in all it was a fun read and I will definitely read Avatars #2 when Ms. Blackstone releases it.
I enjoyed this book as it was a new paranormal read for me: gargoyles! Lillian, the heroine, had a near drowning accident when she was 8 years old and awoke at the foot of a gargoyle statue, but with no memories. Since then she has always found comfort in her statue. One day, Lillian is attacked by the Riven, and Gregory, the gargoyle, is brought out of stone to save her. She had no idea she could summon him like that, or that she had magic within her until the battle on the day the Riven came to take her.
What I liked: I loved all the magic, and I loved the whole idea of a gargoyle. I could also really feel that Lillian and Gregory were meant to be together. As a bonus, there was lots of humor mixed in – I didn’t expect it so that made it even more fun. I also liked the whole concept of the book: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to get rid of the demon without killing Lillian.
What I struggled with: Gregory was supposed to teach Lillian how to use and control her magic, however she didn’t listen and used it anyway. I am not a fan of heroines being a bit foolish, although her heart was definitely in the right place. Another thing I struggled with was the slightly kinky undertones, and if you read it you will catch my drift. While there was no explicit sexual scenes, you could still absolutely feel the currents of their chemistry, and Gregory in his human form was absolutely divine.
I was confused at many points but by the end I got a better grasp of what was going on: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to kill the demon soul within her without killing Lillian herself. So good, right? Yes, but if that part had been more clear to me in the beginning (as what I just told you!) it would have been just a little more straightforward.
Would I recommend this book? YES! All in all it was a fun read and I will definitely read Avatars #2 when Ms. Blackstone releases it.
January 25, 2012
*****this book was given to the Book Hookup by the author but did not influence the review*****
Celeste’s review: I enjoyed this book as it was a new paranormal read for me: gargoyles! Lillian, the heroine, had a near drowning accident when she was 8 years old and awoke at the foot of a gargoyle statue, but with no memories. Since then she has always found comfort in her statue. One day, Lillian is attacked by the Riven, and Gregory, the gargoyle, is brought out of stone to save her. She had no idea she could summon him like that, or that she had magic within her until the battle on the day the Riven came to take her.
What I liked: I loved all the magic, and I loved the whole idea of a gargoyle. I could also really feel that Lillian and Gregory were meant to be together. As a bonus, there was lots of humor mixed in – I didn’t expect it so that made it even more fun. I also liked the whole concept of the book: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to get rid of the demon without killing Lillian.
What I struggled with: Gregory was supposed to teach Lillian how to use and control her magic, however she didn’t listen and used it anyway. I am not a fan of heroines being a bit foolish, although her heart was definitely in the right place. Another thing I struggled with was the slightly kinky undertones, and if you read it you will catch my drift. While there was no explicit sexual scenes, you could still absolutely feel the currents of their chemistry, and Gregory in his human form was absolutely divine.
I was confused at many points but by the end I got a better grasp of what was going on: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to kill the demon soul within her without killing Lillian herself. So good, right? Yes, but if that part had been more clear to me in the beginning (as what I just told you!) it would have been just a little more straightforward.
Would I recommend this book? YES! All in all it was a fun read and I will definitely read Avatars #2 when Ms. Blackstone releases it.
Celeste’s review: I enjoyed this book as it was a new paranormal read for me: gargoyles! Lillian, the heroine, had a near drowning accident when she was 8 years old and awoke at the foot of a gargoyle statue, but with no memories. Since then she has always found comfort in her statue. One day, Lillian is attacked by the Riven, and Gregory, the gargoyle, is brought out of stone to save her. She had no idea she could summon him like that, or that she had magic within her until the battle on the day the Riven came to take her.
What I liked: I loved all the magic, and I loved the whole idea of a gargoyle. I could also really feel that Lillian and Gregory were meant to be together. As a bonus, there was lots of humor mixed in – I didn’t expect it so that made it even more fun. I also liked the whole concept of the book: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to get rid of the demon without killing Lillian.
What I struggled with: Gregory was supposed to teach Lillian how to use and control her magic, however she didn’t listen and used it anyway. I am not a fan of heroines being a bit foolish, although her heart was definitely in the right place. Another thing I struggled with was the slightly kinky undertones, and if you read it you will catch my drift. While there was no explicit sexual scenes, you could still absolutely feel the currents of their chemistry, and Gregory in his human form was absolutely divine.
I was confused at many points but by the end I got a better grasp of what was going on: Lillian was host to a demon and they had to find a way to kill the demon soul within her without killing Lillian herself. So good, right? Yes, but if that part had been more clear to me in the beginning (as what I just told you!) it would have been just a little more straightforward.
Would I recommend this book? YES! All in all it was a fun read and I will definitely read Avatars #2 when Ms. Blackstone releases it.
October 31, 2016
First of all, I LOVE supernatural stories. I am going to try and review this as I read. Otherwise, when I am done, I am always so excited to start the next, I forget to leave reviews. **SPOILERS***
We first meet Lillian in her kitchen, trying to talk herself out of thinking she is in love with a statue, of all things. She has just woken from a nightmare and craves the solace that only sitting with her gargoyle statue affords her. She doesnt realize the ties that bind her and her gargoyle statue.
Lillian is an Avatar of the Divine Gods and her Gargoyle is her protector. But its more than that. They are two halves of the same soul. Her gargoyle gas wiped the memory of Lillians past, keeping her from remembering that she is an Avatar.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book. The twists and turns that I did not expect or see coming. I loved the depth of feelings that the characters held for each other. It kept me riveted the whole nite.
I am definitely looking forward to finishing the entire series and seeing how Gregory and Lillians "forbidden" love pans out.
We first meet Lillian in her kitchen, trying to talk herself out of thinking she is in love with a statue, of all things. She has just woken from a nightmare and craves the solace that only sitting with her gargoyle statue affords her. She doesnt realize the ties that bind her and her gargoyle statue.
Lillian is an Avatar of the Divine Gods and her Gargoyle is her protector. But its more than that. They are two halves of the same soul. Her gargoyle gas wiped the memory of Lillians past, keeping her from remembering that she is an Avatar.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book. The twists and turns that I did not expect or see coming. I loved the depth of feelings that the characters held for each other. It kept me riveted the whole nite.
I am definitely looking forward to finishing the entire series and seeing how Gregory and Lillians "forbidden" love pans out.
October 1, 2015
Interesting story
This story has an interesting premise but the execution was lacking at times. There is a strange shifting aspect to this story. By this I mean the story draws you and gets you interested then turns around and reduces interest to almost nothing. The just about the time you're ready to give up, another interesting part hits. In combination with that, I had a really hard time following what was happening throughout this entire book. It just seemed to jump around a lot with not a lot of consistency in anything.
All of that said, I liked the driving idea and Gregory was great! I didn't love Lillian but that could be due to the shifting perspectives and focus all along.
I might read the next one just to see if it has improved. Also, just as the story looked to be shaping up, it ended so a moderate cliffhanger. It was almost like the first chapter of the next book was tacked on the end of this book to "finish" it.
This story has an interesting premise but the execution was lacking at times. There is a strange shifting aspect to this story. By this I mean the story draws you and gets you interested then turns around and reduces interest to almost nothing. The just about the time you're ready to give up, another interesting part hits. In combination with that, I had a really hard time following what was happening throughout this entire book. It just seemed to jump around a lot with not a lot of consistency in anything.
All of that said, I liked the driving idea and Gregory was great! I didn't love Lillian but that could be due to the shifting perspectives and focus all along.
I might read the next one just to see if it has improved. Also, just as the story looked to be shaping up, it ended so a moderate cliffhanger. It was almost like the first chapter of the next book was tacked on the end of this book to "finish" it.
May 13, 2018
I was intrigued by the premise of this novel, which is essentially a romance between a sorceress (Lillian) and a gargoyle (Gregory) however it didn’t live up to expectations. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Gregory and Lillian well enough, it’s just that the supernatural world behind it wasn’t fleshed out enough for me. Also, it made no sense to me that Lillian could command her power at will, it seemed, with no training but wasn’t even aware of it before properly meeting Gregory.
Another issue for me was the fact that Gregory and Lillian are very attracted to each other, and instantly in love, but it is forbidden for them to make love. It just felt like a plot ploy - one that seems to have been conveniently resolved by the end, not that anything happened!
So, in summary, an entertaining enough read but I won’t be reading any more. 2 stars
Another issue for me was the fact that Gregory and Lillian are very attracted to each other, and instantly in love, but it is forbidden for them to make love. It just felt like a plot ploy - one that seems to have been conveniently resolved by the end, not that anything happened!
So, in summary, an entertaining enough read but I won’t be reading any more. 2 stars
May 18, 2020
Fun & Unusual
I wasn't looking for a love story. I don't usually like them. At least not when they're not wrapped up in a lot of other stuff to keep the relationship part interesting. But this is so different from what I'm used to, with a lot of humor included, that I really enjoyed it! And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
The gargoyle is extremely devoted to both duty and his Sorceress. The Sorceress has been compromised but is struggling to maintain her integrity and keep fighting for her gargoyle. A variety of Fae have joined forces with magick wielding humans to fight against the demons/Riven & the Darkness. Straightforward good vs. evil without all the camouflage window dressing so often found in more "high-brow" novels.
If you're just looking for some light reading with a straightforward story, this is a great one to read!
I wasn't looking for a love story. I don't usually like them. At least not when they're not wrapped up in a lot of other stuff to keep the relationship part interesting. But this is so different from what I'm used to, with a lot of humor included, that I really enjoyed it! And I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
The gargoyle is extremely devoted to both duty and his Sorceress. The Sorceress has been compromised but is struggling to maintain her integrity and keep fighting for her gargoyle. A variety of Fae have joined forces with magick wielding humans to fight against the demons/Riven & the Darkness. Straightforward good vs. evil without all the camouflage window dressing so often found in more "high-brow" novels.
If you're just looking for some light reading with a straightforward story, this is a great one to read!
January 29, 2012
The writing is good, the fantasy idea of gargoyles and dryads is interesting. I couldn't finish the book because I grew tired of the angsty love between Gregory and Lillian.
I'm not a romance reader, so if there isn't some action going on (the fights with the Riven are very good), I get restless and skip ahead. I found more of the same with two jumps ahead, so I had to quit reading.
Here's the deal. This is simply not my cuppa tea. I think paranormal romance readers will be quite happy. I'm sorry to drag down the ratings, but I really couldn't give this more than 3 stars. It got that many of the basis of good writing. There is plenty of great stuff in here, but just not for me.
I'm not a romance reader, so if there isn't some action going on (the fights with the Riven are very good), I get restless and skip ahead. I found more of the same with two jumps ahead, so I had to quit reading.
Here's the deal. This is simply not my cuppa tea. I think paranormal romance readers will be quite happy. I'm sorry to drag down the ratings, but I really couldn't give this more than 3 stars. It got that many of the basis of good writing. There is plenty of great stuff in here, but just not for me.
March 13, 2018
“Her world was built on a hundred thousand lies. Who am I?”
When reading fantasy stories, I want a break from the normal everyday life; to be swept into a world of enchantment. Unfortunately the first half of the book lacked action and imagery. I invested 125-150 pages into book; I had to finish..... welp! I’m happy to say the author finally pulled me into her written world.
I came into the book only thinking it was fantasy, but was pleasently surprised with the romance. Some of the romance scenes were close to perfection.
*Note to self: check out author to see if she writes romance only novels 🤔
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