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Cursed MacKinnons #1
Curse of the Gargoyle
Gavin has been entombed in stone for hundreds of years, waiting for the right person to break the curse that put him there. After the voice of an unknown woman speaks the special words to free him, he finds himself in a time that is no longer his own. Though this woman pleasures him in every imaginable way, he's still racked with anguish for all he's lost. Duty, honor and his deep-seated need for revenge consume him.
Ericka thought flying to Scotland was the toughest feat of her life. That was until she met a ghost and freed a seventeenth-century Scottish hunk from stone. Ghosts aren't real and curses don't exist. Hot sex with Gavin fuels her imagination, but he can't possibly her soul mate, or can he…The evil behind the curse lingers. Gavin is stone by day, man by night. Together they fight, determined to overcome the source behind the curse. But if they fail, their love could be lost for eternity.
Ericka thought flying to Scotland was the toughest feat of her life. That was until she met a ghost and freed a seventeenth-century Scottish hunk from stone. Ghosts aren't real and curses don't exist. Hot sex with Gavin fuels her imagination, but he can't possibly her soul mate, or can he…The evil behind the curse lingers. Gavin is stone by day, man by night. Together they fight, determined to overcome the source behind the curse. But if they fail, their love could be lost for eternity.
296 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
13 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Tara Nina
42 books68 followersTara Nina is a southern transplant living in a quiet corner of New Jersey. People think of NJ as the armpit of the nation. But, believe it or not… black bears, deer, gorgeous hawks and other fantastic wildlife manage to sneak by her three dogs at least once or twice a week.
If she’s lucky, she actually takes a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature before tackling the task of mother to her two teenagers and wife to her husband (who she considers to be her third child.)
Occasionally,the family hikes the Appalachian Trail near their home. The outdoors can be a great inspiration for the illusive muse inside of everyone.
When asked what she does for a living… “I’m a romance novelist trapped in the body of an MRI technologist.”
If she’s lucky, she actually takes a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature before tackling the task of mother to her two teenagers and wife to her husband (who she considers to be her third child.)
Occasionally,the family hikes the Appalachian Trail near their home. The outdoors can be a great inspiration for the illusive muse inside of everyone.
When asked what she does for a living… “I’m a romance novelist trapped in the body of an MRI technologist.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 25, 2011
I never thought I would say this, but I skimmed over the sex scenes!
The story is a good one and I'm on the fence on if I will continue to read this series. There are 7 brothers one down, 6 to go and based on this one I don't know if I can tolerate the repetitiveness.
I LOVE a good steamy sex scene or scenes in my book and after the first one I was like okay, this is going to be good. But no, most of the sex scenes where the same and I'm going to need this author to watch some good porn or read some of the top rated erotica to make it through 6 more of these books. For the first time ever in a book I looked forward to the story and not the build up to a good round of sex. We get it you love his/her scent, he has a bulge, her panties got wet, he like to suck her nipples yeah yeah, please come up with something more for the other brothers.
The story is a good one and I'm on the fence on if I will continue to read this series. There are 7 brothers one down, 6 to go and based on this one I don't know if I can tolerate the repetitiveness.
I LOVE a good steamy sex scene or scenes in my book and after the first one I was like okay, this is going to be good. But no, most of the sex scenes where the same and I'm going to need this author to watch some good porn or read some of the top rated erotica to make it through 6 more of these books. For the first time ever in a book I looked forward to the story and not the build up to a good round of sex. We get it you love his/her scent, he has a bulge, her panties got wet, he like to suck her nipples yeah yeah, please come up with something more for the other brothers.
October 22, 2011
Gargoyles. It turns out I like gargoyles. I wouldn't have pegged myself as someone who thought they gave off a sexy vibe... oh, wait. I'm wrong. I've blathered about my love for gargoyles before. Although that was more because the lady character in question pleasured herself (to put things delicately) on the gargoyle while he was still stone (somebody please stop me from making a "rock hard" joke here. Please.). I still think that's hot, btw.
But I digress. Or obsess. Or something. Anyway. Gargoyles. This was definitely in the realm of hot gargoyle loving. Even though Gavin was in non-stone form every single time. Still, he knows how to give it to his lady. And give it to her. And give it to her. And give it to her. Yes, there's a lot of sex in this book. I'm not complaining. Hell, no. I started reading it because I knew it was going to be naughty. I'm just saying, there's a lot of sex in this book. So, you know, expect that.
An intriguing premise, a hunky kilt-wearing hero and a haunted castle. Oh, and some dirty lovin' outside. And inside. *grins* Niiiiiice.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But I digress. Or obsess. Or something. Anyway. Gargoyles. This was definitely in the realm of hot gargoyle loving. Even though Gavin was in non-stone form every single time. Still, he knows how to give it to his lady. And give it to her. And give it to her. And give it to her. Yes, there's a lot of sex in this book. I'm not complaining. Hell, no. I started reading it because I knew it was going to be naughty. I'm just saying, there's a lot of sex in this book. So, you know, expect that.
An intriguing premise, a hunky kilt-wearing hero and a haunted castle. Oh, and some dirty lovin' outside. And inside. *grins* Niiiiiice.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 18, 2011
I picked up this book because the plot intrigued me; but I nearly stopped reading it a half dozen times because of the amount of explicit sex scenes and the crude language during the sex scenes. I'm not a prude..... I don't mind sex scenes, but these were really overdone! There was not much "romance" between the characters; but there were plenty of hot, lewd, crude lusty sex scenes!
I know the sex scenes are a matter of preference and I guess I don't care much for the erotica type. I prefer a little more class and romance and leave something to the imagination type of sex scenes.
I was really disappointed because I loved the plot and the characters. This book had so much potential... if the characters and the story had a little more development and there were less crude sex scenes, I would have given this book 4 or 5 stars.
I know the sex scenes are a matter of preference and I guess I don't care much for the erotica type. I prefer a little more class and romance and leave something to the imagination type of sex scenes.
I was really disappointed because I loved the plot and the characters. This book had so much potential... if the characters and the story had a little more development and there were less crude sex scenes, I would have given this book 4 or 5 stars.
November 12, 2011
Curse of the Gargoyle overall, I'm giving it a 3.5/5 for the time being, and hope to upgrade it to a 4. And yes, I will read the others in the series - mostly because I really want to know where everyone is. Next book in series Eyes of Stone, then Cursed Laird (Cursed MacKinnons, Book Three).
***DISCLAIMER: Well, FML. Teach me to make snarky remarks about other specific books: it carried over to this one. I think I'm being punished for some other transgression, too. And, most of my snark was on the humorous side, so there *shouldn't* really be anything in this book to make it a wall-banger.***
Ericka, the h is a bookish young woman (dunno, maybe late 20s? possibly early 30s, but not likely) whose parents were (I think past tense) archaeologists that were always gone on digs & never around. She helps out her Aunt May, who was around unlike the 'rents, doing research into paranormal/unexplained events that Aunt May is completely fascinated with. The h also hates to travel - as in, doesn't even like to get in a car (can you see me rolling my eyes? snark #3) and heaven forfend she do so without anti-nausea meds.
Aunt May has purchased a castle in Scotland, and sent h a journal that Aunt believes was written by the ghost that's haunting the castle. Ghost/Akira (not Casper, though is just as friendly and helpful -- snark #25 for me -- especially because she cleans up her own messes) is sister of Lord of Castle, Gavin/H.
Gargoyle Curse was put on all males of the line, by evil dude. Akira (still alive) and her husband & their clan helped hide the stone bodies in/around the castle, keeping them safe from being destroyed by evil dude. It would be major bummer to be trapped in stone and then demolished by your enemy, no? Fast forward to now.
Ericka/h is the key to unlocking the curse of the Lord/Gavin/H. She does, in fact, free H half-way: he can be person from sunset to sunrise, but all daylight hours he's back to stone. Upside: once h gets over disbelief (heck, even before that) she has absolutely no problem trying to undo the curse. Downside: evil dude still has kids that're alive & kicking, and still bent on destroying Gavin and the rest of the brothers (still in stone) - because it would mean world domination (snark #445) and finally unlocking the Book of Shadows (anyone else here remember Alyssa Milano? No? How about the tv show Charmed? just me? insert snark #447.) which of course holds the curses/spells necessry for world domination.
Ups: *totally* cool story, incredibly creative premise. There's a real plot and it's obvious it's been edited by a professional (or maybe author is that good?) because for once, there weren't a lot of disappearing/reappearing things, words incorrectly used, etc. Generally a pretty darned great read. The author also took the time to build the story/background, and sets up the rest of the series well. I really would recommend this book - but I'd pick the audience pretty carefully (see Downs).
Downs: I'm normally okay with reading about sex in a book, but I caught myself thinking (seriously, I really did) "the sex in this book is the result of a butterfly flapping its wings in China." (snark #149.) I even made that a note in the story via kindle.
**small spoiler**
***DISCLAIMER: Well, FML. Teach me to make snarky remarks about other specific books: it carried over to this one. I think I'm being punished for some other transgression, too. And, most of my snark was on the humorous side, so there *shouldn't* really be anything in this book to make it a wall-banger.***
Ericka, the h is a bookish young woman (dunno, maybe late 20s? possibly early 30s, but not likely) whose parents were (I think past tense) archaeologists that were always gone on digs & never around. She helps out her Aunt May, who was around unlike the 'rents, doing research into paranormal/unexplained events that Aunt May is completely fascinated with. The h also hates to travel - as in, doesn't even like to get in a car (can you see me rolling my eyes? snark #3) and heaven forfend she do so without anti-nausea meds.
Aunt May has purchased a castle in Scotland, and sent h a journal that Aunt believes was written by the ghost that's haunting the castle. Ghost/Akira (not Casper, though is just as friendly and helpful -- snark #25 for me -- especially because she cleans up her own messes) is sister of Lord of Castle, Gavin/H.
Gargoyle Curse was put on all males of the line, by evil dude. Akira (still alive) and her husband & their clan helped hide the stone bodies in/around the castle, keeping them safe from being destroyed by evil dude. It would be major bummer to be trapped in stone and then demolished by your enemy, no? Fast forward to now.
Ericka/h is the key to unlocking the curse of the Lord/Gavin/H. She does, in fact, free H half-way: he can be person from sunset to sunrise, but all daylight hours he's back to stone. Upside: once h gets over disbelief (heck, even before that) she has absolutely no problem trying to undo the curse. Downside: evil dude still has kids that're alive & kicking, and still bent on destroying Gavin and the rest of the brothers (still in stone) - because it would mean world domination (snark #445) and finally unlocking the Book of Shadows (anyone else here remember Alyssa Milano? No? How about the tv show Charmed? just me? insert snark #447.) which of course holds the curses/spells necessry for world domination.
Ups: *totally* cool story, incredibly creative premise. There's a real plot and it's obvious it's been edited by a professional (or maybe author is that good?) because for once, there weren't a lot of disappearing/reappearing things, words incorrectly used, etc. Generally a pretty darned great read. The author also took the time to build the story/background, and sets up the rest of the series well. I really would recommend this book - but I'd pick the audience pretty carefully (see Downs).
Downs: I'm normally okay with reading about sex in a book, but I caught myself thinking (seriously, I really did) "the sex in this book is the result of a butterfly flapping its wings in China." (snark #149.) I even made that a note in the story via kindle.
**small spoiler**
November 16, 2011
I would have enjoyed this book so much more had the main character had any sort of backbone at all. She consitantly lets others (including her elderly Aunt) do everything for her. I also hated how the main characters spent the entire book saying one thing and doing the opposite with out qualm and then hating themselves for it. Erotica was well written but the main characters lacked any sort of self control and spent the ENTIRE book oppsessing about each other to the point that there was no plot.
May 20, 2011
I don't know if its just that I've read so many GOOD books, that when a book on the cusp of being bad comes my way I just don't give it a fair chance? Nevertheless, I tried to finish this one and just couldn't. The cheese factor was too high for even a Diana Palmer lover.
Grade: D+
Recommend: not in this lifetime
Grade: D+
Recommend: not in this lifetime
May 12, 2020
Originally bought from Ellora’s Cave many years ago. A bit annoying that I have to buy this book again but I love the new cover.
I thought this author had stopped writing, so was surprised and pleased to see her books in amazon.com.au.
I was a dedicated fan of this series (even have my tartan swatch still) and was pleased to find it still grabbed me this time around.
Still a fantastic and different plot idea with these stories so much but;
This is about the fourth time I have read this book. The first time since being rereleased with a new cover.
The behaviour in the first half was a bit annoying, the second half brilliant except Gavin could have finished MacGillivray off but went the male route of talking.
Not sure if my tastes are different (thousands of books read since this) but Ericka’s behaviour in the beginning annoyed me.
I found Ericka just a bit unlikeable at first, with her stubbornness in believing it was all an elaborate ADVENTURE set up by Aunt May and then her willingness to have sex with a complete stranger, who she thinks is a paid actor.
All she wants to do is disprove what she knows as genuine occurrences. Akira appearing and talking to her, the authentic diary, all the items in the castle and the finding of the tower and statue.
She then gets Gavin drunk to interrogate him and gets upset when he calls her by his dead wife’s name when having sex once again. The poor man has awoken after 275 years. He was married when he was cursed and has to now deal with the fact he is a widower.
At no point does she believe her aunt or think this could be a true situation and that Gavin needs compassion and help.
Whilst her disbelief at first is understandable, her attitude and behaviour are not.
Owning your sexuality is one thing, risking your health with unprotected sex is stupidity. Gavin is obviously ignorant of condoms, Ericka is not.
I felt absolute empathy for Gavin. Waking to find everything he knew is gone, his wife who was about to give birth and his unborn child murdered. Then to find himself sexually drawn to this modern woman.
They both blow hot and cold towards each other, which I think is the author showing they are meant to be together.
After getting past the first half the rest flows beautifully.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Original review for Ellora’s Cave purchase which is obviously now missing.
What a fantastic new series, never read anything by this author before but loved this story so much.
I am now a dedicated fan of this series.
Whilst it is not great literature it is a good escape from life story with a very interesting theme.
Ericka the heroine is a smart modern-day woman who breaks the curse on Gavin MacKinnon who has been a stone statue for 275 years.
Ericka has to deal with his male chauvinistic tendencies whilst Gavin comes to term with the modern world. This off course makes them butt heads in the most delightful way before they butt other things.
Then we have Aunty May and her schemes.
The baddie is awful and I think insane but that just makes it crazy fun. You are just rooting for him to get his.
I thought this author had stopped writing, so was surprised and pleased to see her books in amazon.com.au.
I was a dedicated fan of this series (even have my tartan swatch still) and was pleased to find it still grabbed me this time around.
Still a fantastic and different plot idea with these stories so much but;
This is about the fourth time I have read this book. The first time since being rereleased with a new cover.
The behaviour in the first half was a bit annoying, the second half brilliant except Gavin could have finished MacGillivray off but went the male route of talking.
Not sure if my tastes are different (thousands of books read since this) but Ericka’s behaviour in the beginning annoyed me.
I found Ericka just a bit unlikeable at first, with her stubbornness in believing it was all an elaborate ADVENTURE set up by Aunt May and then her willingness to have sex with a complete stranger, who she thinks is a paid actor.
All she wants to do is disprove what she knows as genuine occurrences. Akira appearing and talking to her, the authentic diary, all the items in the castle and the finding of the tower and statue.
She then gets Gavin drunk to interrogate him and gets upset when he calls her by his dead wife’s name when having sex once again. The poor man has awoken after 275 years. He was married when he was cursed and has to now deal with the fact he is a widower.
At no point does she believe her aunt or think this could be a true situation and that Gavin needs compassion and help.
Whilst her disbelief at first is understandable, her attitude and behaviour are not.
Owning your sexuality is one thing, risking your health with unprotected sex is stupidity. Gavin is obviously ignorant of condoms, Ericka is not.
I felt absolute empathy for Gavin. Waking to find everything he knew is gone, his wife who was about to give birth and his unborn child murdered. Then to find himself sexually drawn to this modern woman.
They both blow hot and cold towards each other, which I think is the author showing they are meant to be together.
After getting past the first half the rest flows beautifully.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Original review for Ellora’s Cave purchase which is obviously now missing.
What a fantastic new series, never read anything by this author before but loved this story so much.
I am now a dedicated fan of this series.
Whilst it is not great literature it is a good escape from life story with a very interesting theme.
Ericka the heroine is a smart modern-day woman who breaks the curse on Gavin MacKinnon who has been a stone statue for 275 years.
Ericka has to deal with his male chauvinistic tendencies whilst Gavin comes to term with the modern world. This off course makes them butt heads in the most delightful way before they butt other things.
Then we have Aunty May and her schemes.
The baddie is awful and I think insane but that just makes it crazy fun. You are just rooting for him to get his.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
I just finished reading this book by Tara Nina, I loved it. I got interested in it right away,
The story tells of Ericka, whose aunt May, bought a Scottish castle and asked her niece to fly to see it. Ericka does not like to travel and her aunt has told her stories of the Mackinnons. Aunt May found a journal from Akira MacDonnell who is the only sister to seven brothers. There she is involved in helping to search to find a way to help Gavin MacKinnon, who is trying to come to terms with all of what is happening.
I enjoyed this so much. I loved the character of Ericka and her humor at looking at things and the quirky Aunt May.
The story was well written and I had no problem following the story. Gavin and Ericka are a great pair. Of course there is the evil Brother Leod.
You won't be disappointed in this story, I loved it and can't wait to read the next one. I had never read this the first time around and was sorry I had missed it, but am happy to have finally found it.
Great Job Tara, looking forward to more of your books.
The story tells of Ericka, whose aunt May, bought a Scottish castle and asked her niece to fly to see it. Ericka does not like to travel and her aunt has told her stories of the Mackinnons. Aunt May found a journal from Akira MacDonnell who is the only sister to seven brothers. There she is involved in helping to search to find a way to help Gavin MacKinnon, who is trying to come to terms with all of what is happening.
I enjoyed this so much. I loved the character of Ericka and her humor at looking at things and the quirky Aunt May.
The story was well written and I had no problem following the story. Gavin and Ericka are a great pair. Of course there is the evil Brother Leod.
You won't be disappointed in this story, I loved it and can't wait to read the next one. I had never read this the first time around and was sorry I had missed it, but am happy to have finally found it.
Great Job Tara, looking forward to more of your books.
May 20, 2018
I admit that any mystery with gargoyles intrigues me and this one captivated me and had me on pins and needles of anticipation of if/when good would overcome evil. The romance was an uncertainty on both ends but their attraction was hot as fire! I would have liked for a little more revelation into Ericka's "gift" and the plot did seem to be slow paced at times but these two work well together after they iron out a few things and come to terms with their predicament, they make a great couple. Great supporting characters as well, Aunt May is a hoot! :)
I was provided a copy by Candid Book Reviews.
I was provided a copy by Candid Book Reviews.
July 25, 2018
This was an interesting start to a series. I loved Ericka's resistance to believing in magic, curses, ghosts, and the like. It was fun watching her change. With the intense attraction between him and Ericka, Gavin tried to be a good man but struggled with his feelings. His chivalry was quite a pull for me. There were tears and chuckles throughout the story, and I look forward to finding more of the MacKinnons. I recommend this story.
I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
May 25, 2018
This book was fascinating. The sex scenes weren't too overdone but the beginning ones were frustrating. The characters' lack of self control raised my eyebrows quite a bit. The idea of explaining modern science and technology added a bit of hilarity to the book, in a good way. This series is definitely on my to read list now. I received this book at no charge and all opinions are my own.
May 30, 2018
this really isn't my genre of choice i will admit.. but gargoyles! i mean.. seriously.. i love gargoyles.. so this was fun to read. it still isn't my genre of choice but with the supernatural aspects thrown into it.. i really enjoyed it
September 2, 2019
I liked this book but I must mention that even on the cover it states that it is a sensual erotic romance. This isn't one that is in my genre but I read it and liked it. Tara hit this one out passed 3rd base!
January 3, 2019
I his was book two of a series. I enjoyed book one. This one not so much. She spends 85% of the book explaining her own view of the magic her heroine has. Really boring!
December 28, 2020
The behaviour in the first half was a bit annoying, the second half brilliant.
Originally bought many years ago from the now defunct EC. A bit annoying that I have to buy this book again but I love the new cover.
I thought this author had stopped writing, so was surprised and pleased to see her books in amazon.com.au.
I was a dedicated fan of this series (even have my tartan swatch still) and was pleased to find it still grabbed me this time around.
Still a fantastic and different plot idea with these stories so much but;
This is about the fourth time I have read this book. The first time since being rereleased with a new cover.
The behaviour in the first half was a bit annoying, the second half brilliant except Gavin could have finished MacGillivray off but went the male route of talking.
Not sure if my tastes are different (thousands of books read since this) but Ericka’s behaviour in the beginning annoyed me.
I found Ericka just a bit unlikeable at first, with her stubbornness in believing it was all an elaborate ADVENTURE set up by Aunt May and then her willingness to have sex with a complete stranger, who she thinks is a paid actor.
All she wants to do is disprove what she knows as genuine occurrences. Akira appearing and talking to her, the authentic diary, all the items in the castle and the finding of the tower and statue.
She then gets Gavin drunk to interrogate him and gets upset when he calls her by his dead wife’s name when having sex once again. The poor man has awoken after 275 years. He was married when he was cursed and has to now deal with the fact he is a widower.
At no point does she believe her aunt or think this could be a true situation and that Gavin needs compassion and help.
Whilst her disbelief at first is understandable, her attitude and behaviour are not.
Owning your sexuality is one thing, risking your health with unprotected sex is stupidity. Gavin is obviously ignorant of condoms, Ericka is not.
I felt absolute empathy for Gavin. Waking to find everything he knew is gone, his wife who was about to give birth and his unborn child murdered. Then to find himself sexually drawn to this modern woman.
They both blow hot and cold towards each other, which I think is the author showing they are meant to be together.
After getting past the first half the rest flows beautifully.
I do begrudge paying again and a hell of a lot more for the same book, as I bought these years ago from EC.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Original review for Ellora’s Cave purchase which is obviously now missing.
What a fantastic new series, never read anything by this author before but loved this story so much.
I am now a dedicated fan of this series.
Whilst it is not great literature it is a good escape from life story with a very interesting theme.
Ericka the heroine is a smart modern-day woman who breaks the curse on Gavin MacKinnon who has been a stone statue for 275 years.
Ericka has to deal with his male chauvinistic tendencies whilst Gavin comes to term with the modern world. This off course makes them butt heads in the most delightful way before they butt other things.
Then we have Aunty May and her schemes.
The baddie is awful and I think insane but that just makes it crazy fun. You are just rooting for him to get his.
Originally bought many years ago from the now defunct EC. A bit annoying that I have to buy this book again but I love the new cover.
I thought this author had stopped writing, so was surprised and pleased to see her books in amazon.com.au.
I was a dedicated fan of this series (even have my tartan swatch still) and was pleased to find it still grabbed me this time around.
Still a fantastic and different plot idea with these stories so much but;
This is about the fourth time I have read this book. The first time since being rereleased with a new cover.
The behaviour in the first half was a bit annoying, the second half brilliant except Gavin could have finished MacGillivray off but went the male route of talking.
Not sure if my tastes are different (thousands of books read since this) but Ericka’s behaviour in the beginning annoyed me.
I found Ericka just a bit unlikeable at first, with her stubbornness in believing it was all an elaborate ADVENTURE set up by Aunt May and then her willingness to have sex with a complete stranger, who she thinks is a paid actor.
All she wants to do is disprove what she knows as genuine occurrences. Akira appearing and talking to her, the authentic diary, all the items in the castle and the finding of the tower and statue.
She then gets Gavin drunk to interrogate him and gets upset when he calls her by his dead wife’s name when having sex once again. The poor man has awoken after 275 years. He was married when he was cursed and has to now deal with the fact he is a widower.
At no point does she believe her aunt or think this could be a true situation and that Gavin needs compassion and help.
Whilst her disbelief at first is understandable, her attitude and behaviour are not.
Owning your sexuality is one thing, risking your health with unprotected sex is stupidity. Gavin is obviously ignorant of condoms, Ericka is not.
I felt absolute empathy for Gavin. Waking to find everything he knew is gone, his wife who was about to give birth and his unborn child murdered. Then to find himself sexually drawn to this modern woman.
They both blow hot and cold towards each other, which I think is the author showing they are meant to be together.
After getting past the first half the rest flows beautifully.
I do begrudge paying again and a hell of a lot more for the same book, as I bought these years ago from EC.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
Original review for Ellora’s Cave purchase which is obviously now missing.
What a fantastic new series, never read anything by this author before but loved this story so much.
I am now a dedicated fan of this series.
Whilst it is not great literature it is a good escape from life story with a very interesting theme.
Ericka the heroine is a smart modern-day woman who breaks the curse on Gavin MacKinnon who has been a stone statue for 275 years.
Ericka has to deal with his male chauvinistic tendencies whilst Gavin comes to term with the modern world. This off course makes them butt heads in the most delightful way before they butt other things.
Then we have Aunty May and her schemes.
The baddie is awful and I think insane but that just makes it crazy fun. You are just rooting for him to get his.
April 1, 2015
Hmm... the whole curse thing was interesting, the whole turning into stone thing was refreshing. I was uncomfortable with how long it took him to remember his dead wife - the dude was basically in a coma for 200 years (at the start of which his wife was still alive and well), wakes up, has sex with someone else, and only after a few hours realizes "hey wait, where is my wife?"... nope. Also it took the h way too long, to the point of stupidity, to let go of her preconceptions and go with the flow. I'd be just as suspicious, but not to the point that I'd just happily ignore signs as they were screaming in my face! I thought she was supposed to be some intellectual smart researcher type girl... well, I wasn't convinced. She seemed a bit empty headed. The villain was interesting at first, but turned into the regular cartoon variety pretty fast, with his approaching insanity. Disappointing. :\
All in all, I'd say.. this book is a bit disappointing, and somehow failed to grasp my attention. I didn't feel much for the characters. I liked the fondling in the car, though. XD The other sex scenes were pretty decent.
All in all, I'd say.. this book is a bit disappointing, and somehow failed to grasp my attention. I didn't feel much for the characters. I liked the fondling in the car, though. XD The other sex scenes were pretty decent.
March 24, 2008
Ericka Russell worked for her Aunt May as the head of research and restoration of folklore and mythology a job she loved as she could work from home which helped her avoid her travel phobia.When her Aunt asks her to come to Scotland to research a curse that turned the seven MacKinnon brothers to stone she is skeptical at best however she loves her Aunt so she packs her bags and her travel sickness pills and heads of to Scotland.
Gavin Mackinnon is the eldest of the brothers and he's been trapped in a stone prison for two hundred years.The only contact he's had with the outside world is the spirit of his long dead sister Akira who made a vow to protect him and her other brothers till they could all be free a vow she has kept even after her death.
I enjoyed this story it was very well written and the main characters have you turning pages just to see what will happen next.I'm assuming (or is that hoping ) that this will be the first in a series about all seven brothers .I know i'll be looking forward to reading more of Tara's books.
Gavin Mackinnon is the eldest of the brothers and he's been trapped in a stone prison for two hundred years.The only contact he's had with the outside world is the spirit of his long dead sister Akira who made a vow to protect him and her other brothers till they could all be free a vow she has kept even after her death.
I enjoyed this story it was very well written and the main characters have you turning pages just to see what will happen next.I'm assuming (or is that hoping ) that this will be the first in a series about all seven brothers .I know i'll be looking forward to reading more of Tara's books.
March 8, 2013
I really wanted to like this book but honestly it was hard to give it three stars, should have been more like two and a half. A really good premise, the curse that turns these brothers into gargoyles is pretty much a footnote to the sex scenes. It kind of comes off like a porn movie trying to give the impression that its a real movie. There is no build up of sexual tension woven into what really was an interesting story, it's just a mad dash to get to the sex. The female lead cracks a curse that caused a man to be turned to stone. One minute this guy is in his home, deeply in love with his pregnant wife, the next thing he knows its 200 years later and pretty much the first thing he does is jump into the sack with Erika.
I thought this would be more story with some sexy scenes woven into it.
I'm not sure if I will continue the series even though I am interested in how the curse storyline plays out, I'm just not sure I want to wade through the rest of it.
I thought this would be more story with some sexy scenes woven into it.
I'm not sure if I will continue the series even though I am interested in how the curse storyline plays out, I'm just not sure I want to wade through the rest of it.
March 24, 2013
2 and 1/2 stars -- the extra umph is for the alpha male character being hot and kinda funny.
I cannot believe I am saying this but this book had too much sex for me.
The cover is very misleading -- I would imagine less people would read this book if they knew the MC wasn't a creepy weird with wings gargoyle.
I cannot believe I am saying this but this book had too much sex for me.
The cover is very misleading -- I would imagine less people would read this book if they knew the MC wasn't a creepy weird with wings gargoyle.
October 20, 2011
Someone should tell erotica authors that writing sex/erotic books is more difficult than "regular" one. They should take more care with them, not less.
The cheesy factor here is so high to create immediate cholesterol problems. I skipped most of it and could not finish it. The vague plot would have been interesting, if more flesh had been added to it. The lead woman's denial was boring, rather than realistic.
Pity.
The cheesy factor here is so high to create immediate cholesterol problems. I skipped most of it and could not finish it. The vague plot would have been interesting, if more flesh had been added to it. The lead woman's denial was boring, rather than realistic.
Pity.
November 1, 2011
I was disappointed that there was no final battle with the bad guy. There was a small one, but it went far too easily in the hero's favor. I understand that this is a series but if the villain always escapes at the end, I'm bored. I wish there were more description of Scotland beyond just the heather fields. There's a bit too much heather in this novel. The characters, while likable enough, are still rigid. I don't think I could read six more of these.
June 11, 2014
Erica gavin. I actually got this book free on my kindle. It took me a long time to start it. I hadn't read this author before, and I hate when a book disappoints. But I ran out of things to read and this was my only option. I was glad I read it. I enjoyed it. I was a bit different than what I normally read. There were a few things that did make me go what? and scratch my head and wonder if I really just read that. But overall I liked the story.
November 1, 2011
2.5 stars
The premise of the story was great and I loved it: a curse which condemns men to stone during day while alive at night. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of repetition in the storytelling, and a lot of explaining rather than showing. The story could have been a lot stronger than it was and that was disappointing.
The premise of the story was great and I loved it: a curse which condemns men to stone during day while alive at night. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of repetition in the storytelling, and a lot of explaining rather than showing. The story could have been a lot stronger than it was and that was disappointing.
June 5, 2011
I found myself lost in the world created within the pages of this book. The characters were well developed, and the activity between the all the character, and you anticipated what was going to happen. Those readers that enjoy the parnormal romance genre will enjoy.
June 26, 2016
I never thought I'd say this, but there was a little to much Sex in this book! A little more time fluffing up the plot and flushing out the characters and I'd happily give this Five stars. Other wise it wasn't a bad book, and it's definitely a good story idea. :)
January 21, 2012
Who would of thought... Interesting paranormal erotica story...about Gargoyles...
Outside my norm of paranormal reading which tends to run for Weres & witches (& the occasional fairies & vamps)
This is was interesting to say the least...
Outside my norm of paranormal reading which tends to run for Weres & witches (& the occasional fairies & vamps)
This is was interesting to say the least...
January 30, 2014
The story dragged in a few places and overall was a little predictable but I did download and read the next two in the series and you feel like she's getting more comfortable. I'm looking forward to the next one.
November 6, 2011
It was a good book the story was good. Although there was quite a bit of sex in the book.
December 6, 2011
Interesting premise, but bad execution. I know this is a book that is mainly sex, but that detracted from any good qualities it had.
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