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The Stone and the Star
Colossus is the only living gargoyle still in existence…or so he believes.
The massive stone monster doesn’t trust his faint memories of his time before guarding Pittsburgh’s Fine Art Conservatory’s belltower. Without a clear sense of his purpose, Colossus’s days are long and his nights are lonely. The single point of light in the dark monotony is the voluptuous blonde ceramics professor whose easy laugh echoes up to his perch from her faculty apartment each night.
Too bad the little human doesn’t know he exists.
Or does she?
Astra loves digging into a fresh block of clay, but after a packed teaching schedule and a serious case of burnout, the creative juices just aren’t flowing. The deadline for the artist residency of her dreams is looming—she needs to rediscover her artistic spark.
Astra’s only comfort comes when she unwinds at home. Inspired by the alluring gargoyle statue across from her window, Astra indulges in a little self-pleasure almost every night. While the stone figure on the belltower seems to watch her work her way to gratification, she assures herself that her exhausted mind must be playing tricks on her. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like the feeling…or that Colossus himself is inspiring.
When a late session in the studio forces the professor into the path of danger, Colossus defies his solitary nature and intervenes. Now there is no denying that the gargoyle is real and that he liked watching her just as much as she liked him watching.
Their bond should be impossible, yet it feels more real than anything Colossus has known for hundreds of years. But will Astra follow her monstrous new muse wherever he might take her?
The Stone and The Star was originally featured in the Monsters in Love: Wicked Tales and Monstrous Ever Afters Anthology. This edition includes a bonus epilogue.
The Stone and The Star is connected to the Strange Universe and takes place in the same universe as Titan: A Gargoyle Daddy Dom Romance and Blood Moon: A Rivals to Lovers Vampire and Witch Novella, but doesn't require prior reading of either story to enjoy.
The massive stone monster doesn’t trust his faint memories of his time before guarding Pittsburgh’s Fine Art Conservatory’s belltower. Without a clear sense of his purpose, Colossus’s days are long and his nights are lonely. The single point of light in the dark monotony is the voluptuous blonde ceramics professor whose easy laugh echoes up to his perch from her faculty apartment each night.
Too bad the little human doesn’t know he exists.
Or does she?
Astra loves digging into a fresh block of clay, but after a packed teaching schedule and a serious case of burnout, the creative juices just aren’t flowing. The deadline for the artist residency of her dreams is looming—she needs to rediscover her artistic spark.
Astra’s only comfort comes when she unwinds at home. Inspired by the alluring gargoyle statue across from her window, Astra indulges in a little self-pleasure almost every night. While the stone figure on the belltower seems to watch her work her way to gratification, she assures herself that her exhausted mind must be playing tricks on her. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t like the feeling…or that Colossus himself is inspiring.
When a late session in the studio forces the professor into the path of danger, Colossus defies his solitary nature and intervenes. Now there is no denying that the gargoyle is real and that he liked watching her just as much as she liked him watching.
Their bond should be impossible, yet it feels more real than anything Colossus has known for hundreds of years. But will Astra follow her monstrous new muse wherever he might take her?
The Stone and The Star was originally featured in the Monsters in Love: Wicked Tales and Monstrous Ever Afters Anthology. This edition includes a bonus epilogue.
The Stone and The Star is connected to the Strange Universe and takes place in the same universe as Titan: A Gargoyle Daddy Dom Romance and Blood Moon: A Rivals to Lovers Vampire and Witch Novella, but doesn't require prior reading of either story to enjoy.
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2023
111 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Graves
9 books860 followersJillian Graves is an author of paranormal and monster romance. Jillian lives in Southern California with her partner, Bill, and their three cats, Gomez, Salem, and Luna. When not writing, she can be found trolling the Halloween section of Target for home decor or starting a new craft project she will promptly grow bored of and forget about halfway through.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
December 2, 2023
Sometimes all you need is 80 pages of gargoyle porn!
December 8, 2023
Is 2023 the year of the gargoyle?
I enjoyed this quick read for the most part, but I skipped a lot of the sex scenes because they were way too abundant for my mood. I’m not dinging the book stars for that because I knew going into this that it was mostly smut, but still, it’s mostly smut.
The writing was good but overall this had very little story and felt off balance. The majority of the world building was accomplished in the epilogue, which was 20% of the book. I dunno, this was cute but seemed lacking. It feels like this might be the prologue for a series, which I would read, so if that’s the case I might adjust my rating after reading that.
Update: this book is set in the world of another series, I think it may help with world building had I read that one.
I enjoyed this quick read for the most part, but I skipped a lot of the sex scenes because they were way too abundant for my mood. I’m not dinging the book stars for that because I knew going into this that it was mostly smut, but still, it’s mostly smut.
The writing was good but overall this had very little story and felt off balance. The majority of the world building was accomplished in the epilogue, which was 20% of the book. I dunno, this was cute but seemed lacking. It feels like this might be the prologue for a series, which I would read, so if that’s the case I might adjust my rating after reading that.
Update: this book is set in the world of another series, I think it may help with world building had I read that one.
December 14, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine. 👍
(6 feet 2 inches.)
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
A confident curvy/full-figured heroine.👏👍
A curvy/full-figured heroine that has exhibitionistic tendencies.
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Beautiful book cover.
Steamy.
Makes the reader curious about the other gargoyles. (The heroes brothers ??)
➖ What I disliked:
Too short.
(So a little bit rushed.)
A little too much insta-lust/insta-love.
(A “side effect” of the story being a novella… would really have been great with a longer story.)
A little more depth and backstory was needed.
A little bit repetitive with some word choices.
(Especially the word little/little human and how it used over and over to describe the heroine in different ways.)
4 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine. 👍
(6 feet 2 inches.)
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
A confident curvy/full-figured heroine.👏👍
A curvy/full-figured heroine that has exhibitionistic tendencies.
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Beautiful book cover.
Steamy.
Makes the reader curious about the other gargoyles. (The heroes brothers ??)
➖ What I disliked:
Too short.
(So a little bit rushed.)
A little too much insta-lust/insta-love.
(A “side effect” of the story being a novella… would really have been great with a longer story.)
A little more depth and backstory was needed.
A little bit repetitive with some word choices.
(Especially the word little/little human and how it used over and over to describe the heroine in different ways.)
September 28, 2025
⭐️4/5 i honestly had low expectations for this bc its so short but it was actually so cute!!!!! there is literally like no animosity between astra and colassus- he just yearns for her so bad and its magical. i love the aesthetic of the whole book:)
. ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
🌶️4/5 check triggers but this isn’t too intense other than the actual gargoyle part…….
. ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
monster/paranormal romance novella
artist x gargoyle
yearning
found family
protective mmc
18+ themes/s*xual content
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
“𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻”
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
this is such a unique but sweet, quick read- i recommend!
. ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
🌶️4/5 check triggers but this isn’t too intense other than the actual gargoyle part…….
. ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
monster/paranormal romance novella
artist x gargoyle
yearning
found family
protective mmc
18+ themes/s*xual content
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
“𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻”
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
this is such a unique but sweet, quick read- i recommend!
December 1, 2023
Tall girl with exhibitionist streak
Astra clearly confounded Colossus when she put on a little window show. But us monster lovers get it.
They were a cute couple and clearly supported one another. Sweet short story.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: physical assault
Astra clearly confounded Colossus when she put on a little window show. But us monster lovers get it.
They were a cute couple and clearly supported one another. Sweet short story.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: physical assault
November 10, 2023
3.5
it’s a bit corny as most monster romances are but it was fun and i like that it was setting up for more books.
it’s a bit corny as most monster romances are but it was fun and i like that it was setting up for more books.
March 19, 2024
I read this spicy snack with my husband - we were both obsessed with the Gargoyles as kids - so we had a really good time.
I'll never be able to say "loincloth" without giggling again... 😅
I'll never be able to say "loincloth" without giggling again... 😅
December 2, 2023
4 stars. This has everything I want in a 84 page gargoyle romance. Art student FMC doing some self-pleasure in the window and in front of the gargoyle statue she’s been crushing on? Gargoyle MMC taking this as a sign that the woman he’s been crushing on knows he’s alive and seting out to make her his? ✅✅✅ Sweet and steamy.
October 25, 2025
Colossus was a total sweetheart, protective, mysterious and totally swoon-worthy. I loved his vibe and the whole "stone by day, guardian by night" thing. And can we talk about the spice? It hits early and it hits HARD. No slow-burn frustration here!
That said … I wish there had been more. The pacing felt rushed and I would’ve loved more depth to the world and their connection. The FMC also rubbed me the wrong way at times, she came off a little pushy for my taste (just a personal preference though!).
But overall? This was a fun, steamy intro to gargoyle romance.
troops/kinks/safety
🖤gargoyle/ human
🖤push and pull
🖤yearning
🖤found family
🖤protective MMC
🖤attempt robbery
🖤exhibitionism
🖤voyeurism
🖤tail fucking
🖤monster cock
🖤masturbation
That said … I wish there had been more. The pacing felt rushed and I would’ve loved more depth to the world and their connection. The FMC also rubbed me the wrong way at times, she came off a little pushy for my taste (just a personal preference though!).
But overall? This was a fun, steamy intro to gargoyle romance.
troops/kinks/safety
🖤gargoyle/ human
🖤push and pull
🖤yearning
🖤found family
🖤protective MMC
🖤attempt robbery
🖤exhibitionism
🖤voyeurism
🖤tail fucking
🖤monster cock
🖤masturbation
November 8, 2023
Zero complaints, this was exactly what I wanted! The Stone and the Star is a monster, gargoyle romance novella and omg it was so much fun, so steamy, and so sweet! It was previously published in an anthology but is now on KU on its own with I believe some extra bits added. This author has been hit and miss for me in the past (loved Blood Moon, Titan was a miss), but I’m so glad I read this one cause it was a hit!
Colossus is a gargoyle, legit a gargoyle on a college campus building’s bell tower. And he loves to watch Astra, a pottery artist student at the school. He’s just biding his time to make himself known to her, when one night she’s almost attacked on campus late at night and he swoops in and rescues her! He takes her back to his bell tower where he gets her cozied up and makes sure she’s safe.
This bite size read honestly just hit the spot and brought everything I wanted from a gargoyle romance! It was spicy, but also so sweet and I loved that these two found one another. The fact that he’s been waiting for her for decades and has customized his bell tower to include things for her: the pottery wheel and cozy blankets, etc. The ending was extra sweet and I’d totally revisit this couple again if something more was ever written for them!
Colossus is a gargoyle, legit a gargoyle on a college campus building’s bell tower. And he loves to watch Astra, a pottery artist student at the school. He’s just biding his time to make himself known to her, when one night she’s almost attacked on campus late at night and he swoops in and rescues her! He takes her back to his bell tower where he gets her cozied up and makes sure she’s safe.
This bite size read honestly just hit the spot and brought everything I wanted from a gargoyle romance! It was spicy, but also so sweet and I loved that these two found one another. The fact that he’s been waiting for her for decades and has customized his bell tower to include things for her: the pottery wheel and cozy blankets, etc. The ending was extra sweet and I’d totally revisit this couple again if something more was ever written for them!
October 10, 2024
This was cute but nothing super memorable
November 16, 2023
3.5 stars! Exceedingly spicy, while also being sweet and a little fluffy.
Coming in at a little under 100 pages, this was definitely on the shorter side, so insta-lust played a foundational role in the relationship by default. But because it was on the shorter side, that meant that there really couldn't be any drama that was stretched out, so the FMC's quick acceptance of the MMC being a gargoyle was appreciated.
This definitely felt like a story that could fit in with a monster novella collection, and has the potential for a sequel to explore more story. If you're looking for a quicker read after something more long-winded, but not looking to skimp on spice, check this out!
Coming in at a little under 100 pages, this was definitely on the shorter side, so insta-lust played a foundational role in the relationship by default. But because it was on the shorter side, that meant that there really couldn't be any drama that was stretched out, so the FMC's quick acceptance of the MMC being a gargoyle was appreciated.
This definitely felt like a story that could fit in with a monster novella collection, and has the potential for a sequel to explore more story. If you're looking for a quicker read after something more long-winded, but not looking to skimp on spice, check this out!
July 26, 2024
+3
“Do you think monsters are real, Glynnes ?”.
Tercer libro que leo de Jillian Graves. He de admitir que no empecé con buen pie con esta autora, sin embargo, los últimos libros que he leído de ella me han gustado mucho más.
En cuanto a este relato, debo admitir que está mejor escrita que las anteriores entregas de ella. Eso sí, desde un punto subjetivo odié el primer capítulo: me provocó un poco de rechazo, por lo demás todo perfecto.
“Gargoyles are real. Monsters are real. Shock should overwhelm me like it did last night, but instead, it is a dizzying curiosity.”
En cuanto a los personajes si puedo decir que son carismáticos, pero siento que me ha faltado un poco de profundidad, aunque también entiendo que en tan pocas páginas no ayuda.
Otra cosa que me ha gustado es que la autora encuadra sus novelas todos en el mismo universo por lo que podemos ver pequeños guiños a otras sus obras sin contar como spoiler.
En conclusión, me ha gustado más de lo que pensaba.
“Do you think monsters are real, Glynnes ?”.
Tercer libro que leo de Jillian Graves. He de admitir que no empecé con buen pie con esta autora, sin embargo, los últimos libros que he leído de ella me han gustado mucho más.
En cuanto a este relato, debo admitir que está mejor escrita que las anteriores entregas de ella. Eso sí, desde un punto subjetivo odié el primer capítulo: me provocó un poco de rechazo, por lo demás todo perfecto.
“Gargoyles are real. Monsters are real. Shock should overwhelm me like it did last night, but instead, it is a dizzying curiosity.”
En cuanto a los personajes si puedo decir que son carismáticos, pero siento que me ha faltado un poco de profundidad, aunque también entiendo que en tan pocas páginas no ayuda.
Otra cosa que me ha gustado es que la autora encuadra sus novelas todos en el mismo universo por lo que podemos ver pequeños guiños a otras sus obras sin contar como spoiler.
En conclusión, me ha gustado más de lo que pensaba.
November 3, 2023
This was absolutely adorable. Spicy and sweet. Colossus was the perfect monster boyfriend to Astra.
July 4, 2025
Different
KU Read
84 Page Novella
Monster Romance
Gargoyle x Human
Curvy FMC
Protective MMC
Astra is a clay artist and fantasized about the Gargoyle perched on a rooftop opposite her apartment, little does she know he is alive and watching and fantasizing about her too. Colossus never moves though until one night when Astra is attacked and he comes to her rescue... But can Astra overcome what he is? Would he let her go if she can't? What kind not future can they have?
KU Read
84 Page Novella
Monster Romance
Gargoyle x Human
Curvy FMC
Protective MMC
Astra is a clay artist and fantasized about the Gargoyle perched on a rooftop opposite her apartment, little does she know he is alive and watching and fantasizing about her too. Colossus never moves though until one night when Astra is attacked and he comes to her rescue... But can Astra overcome what he is? Would he let her go if she can't? What kind not future can they have?
November 15, 2023
A lovely novella that explores more of the world of Titan! The cliffy is brutal and I'm excited to find out what happens next!
June 24, 2024
Thoughts
A gargoyle book I actually really liked! I have had bad luck with gargoyle books for some reason but I found this one to be cute and fun. Colossus is a gargoyle with amnesia who has been waiting for something he cannot name when he sees her, Astra who is knows is the one he was destined to protect. Astra is a artist who has an interest in the sexy gargoyle statues across campus. The who meet one interesting night and quickly fall for each other. I loved their dynamic especially with Astra being a tall larger woman. I really liked the epilogue when we see them making it work.
Tropes:
— Fated Mates
— Gargoyle x Human
— Tail action
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format: Ebook
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. I'm on a roll with these novellas and this one has definitely stood out!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
A gargoyle book I actually really liked! I have had bad luck with gargoyle books for some reason but I found this one to be cute and fun. Colossus is a gargoyle with amnesia who has been waiting for something he cannot name when he sees her, Astra who is knows is the one he was destined to protect. Astra is a artist who has an interest in the sexy gargoyle statues across campus. The who meet one interesting night and quickly fall for each other. I loved their dynamic especially with Astra being a tall larger woman. I really liked the epilogue when we see them making it work.
Tropes:
— Fated Mates
— Gargoyle x Human
— Tail action
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format: Ebook
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. I'm on a roll with these novellas and this one has definitely stood out!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
October 31, 2023
I gobbled this one up immediately today. I’ve been so excited for it’s release and what a way to end the Halloween season! I love me a short and spicy novella! The characters were great and the spice was immediate, my favorite. What I also enjoyed is how realistic Astra’s reaction was to meeting Colossus for the first time. In so man MonRom books the human MC is usually just like “well this is totally normal” and even though she had been attracted to him, the thought that a gargoyle was actually real frightened her. I loved that. If you haven’t read any of Jillian’s prior books I suggest reading at least Titan first but make sure you also read Blood Moon.
January 1, 2024
Jillian’s writing is *chef’s kiss*! I was never interested in gargoyles before reading Titan and wow, there’s such a beauty in the way Jillian writes them. The romance is so sweet and the spice is what I call ✨proper✨ spice. Loved this novella and can’t wait for Rook!!!
February 23, 2024
3 ⭐️
Jillian writes a great monster romance 😮💨
Jillian writes a great monster romance 😮💨
February 28, 2025
En dos días probablemente ni recuerde los nombres de estos dos.
(Cuando salió lo de los hermanos supe que estaba conectado con algún libro, y me acordé del libro de Titán. Bastante inesperado)
(Cuando salió lo de los hermanos supe que estaba conectado con algún libro, y me acordé del libro de Titán. Bastante inesperado)
November 18, 2023
“What are you doing to me, little human?”
While we've been impatiently awaiting the release of Rook, this was an excellent way to immerse back into the Strange world Jillian Graves started building with Titan. It even made me want to go back and do a book 1 re-read - though I'll save that for when we finally get close to Rook's release date ;)
Her gaze grows wide as she seems to take me in fully, scanning over my face and body. Her attention holds on my tail, so I sweep it forward to give her a better look.
The shorter length worked well for this book, and there were some details that were just lovely - like Colossus gets a solid rating for usable monster parts as well - it's so annoying when authors give us these delicious beasts and forget to bring their tails in on the action ;) I particularly liked when he showed it off rather then hide it, like many monster's initial reaction is with humans.
Overall, I'll just be sitting over here, impatiently awaiting more news about Rook. What demanding creatures we are, the readers...
![Profile Image for Chloë [at the cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1641608177i%2F5779557._UY200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 22, 2024
Cute but meh.
September 20, 2024
Book Review: 📚The Stone and The Star by Jillian Graves**
This short quick smutty novella is an intoxicating blend of gothic stonework magic, and eroticism that will leave readers hard as stone😏 From the very first page, the book pulls you into powerful desires and artwork.
At the heart of the story is the relationship between a mysterious stone guardian who has forgotten his purpose, and a strong-willed woman, who finds herself drawn into his stones stare.
Let’s be real the novella isn’t massive world building.. but there’s enough that makes me go “ excuse me Miss Jillian.. I would like big stories set in this world please and thank you!”
Miss Jillian doesn’t shy away from steamy, explicit scenes that explore the characters' growing sexual attraction, particularly in moments of voyeuristic tension. These scenes are well-crafted and add an exciting dynamic.
the book doesn't sacrifice depth for heat. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones. Both leads are deeply layered, carrying their own burdens and desires. Their relationship is a journey of self-discovery and healing, wrapped up in the seductive pull of desire.
If you're looking for a steamy quick 1 hour novella monster read…. That has plus size, 8ft gargoyles, and some questionable use of a tail… especially in its more voyeuristic moments—this is the book for you.
This short quick smutty novella is an intoxicating blend of gothic stonework magic, and eroticism that will leave readers hard as stone😏 From the very first page, the book pulls you into powerful desires and artwork.
At the heart of the story is the relationship between a mysterious stone guardian who has forgotten his purpose, and a strong-willed woman, who finds herself drawn into his stones stare.
Let’s be real the novella isn’t massive world building.. but there’s enough that makes me go “ excuse me Miss Jillian.. I would like big stories set in this world please and thank you!”
Miss Jillian doesn’t shy away from steamy, explicit scenes that explore the characters' growing sexual attraction, particularly in moments of voyeuristic tension. These scenes are well-crafted and add an exciting dynamic.
the book doesn't sacrifice depth for heat. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones. Both leads are deeply layered, carrying their own burdens and desires. Their relationship is a journey of self-discovery and healing, wrapped up in the seductive pull of desire.
If you're looking for a steamy quick 1 hour novella monster read…. That has plus size, 8ft gargoyles, and some questionable use of a tail… especially in its more voyeuristic moments—this is the book for you.
November 8, 2023
Add This To Your TBR NOW
I don’t even know where to begin! I’ve been following Jillian’s Instagram ever since she started posting snippets of this and I just knew I had to read it. And good gods it was worth the wait. Imagine slow burn with perfect buildup and that’s what I felt like waiting for this to release.
The descriptions of the characters, the absolute stone cold deliciousness of Colossus and his devious and tempting mate, Astra….I need a cold shower. I read it in an hour and I want to read it over and over again.
Possible trigger: Attempted mugging late at night
I don’t even know where to begin! I’ve been following Jillian’s Instagram ever since she started posting snippets of this and I just knew I had to read it. And good gods it was worth the wait. Imagine slow burn with perfect buildup and that’s what I felt like waiting for this to release.
The descriptions of the characters, the absolute stone cold deliciousness of Colossus and his devious and tempting mate, Astra….I need a cold shower. I read it in an hour and I want to read it over and over again.
Possible trigger: Attempted mugging late at night
September 22, 2024
4✨
I came here for a specific reason and that reason was met. Thank you, and no I will not elaborate or take any questions. No thoughts, just vibes.
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
I came here for a specific reason and that reason was met. Thank you, and no I will not elaborate or take any questions. No thoughts, just vibes.
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
November 1, 2023
Gargoyles do it better
Love this novella! Sweet and spicy goodness! And the added bonus epilogue!!! 😁
I love the paranormal world Jillian is building! Can’t wait to read more!
Love this novella! Sweet and spicy goodness! And the added bonus epilogue!!! 😁
I love the paranormal world Jillian is building! Can’t wait to read more!
November 2, 2023
2 🌟’s
eh this was just ok… the dialogue was cringe ngl
eh this was just ok… the dialogue was cringe ngl
March 22, 2024
This was good. It was kinda ridiculous to have a 15 minute epilogue tho
May 20, 2024
If you saw me read this… no you didn’t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews