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Ironheart
Once upon a time, a sorcerer trapped a swan princess in a tower and she waited for a prince to save her...this isn't the story you know.
'The Swan Princess' meets 'Gargoyles' in this scorching romance that's full of sinister magic and warring gods.
Zori has spent her entire life knowing she could die at any moment from a rare brain disease. Protected by Maxim, her doctor and guardian, she watches the world pass her by. Until one night her loneliness forces her to escape her tower and she has a most unexpected encounter.
Gargoyles were created to protect the swan priestesses of Morana. When Vladik stumbles across an unknown swan shifter, he has no idea what to do. Not only does Zori believe she's a normal human, but her guardian isn’t who he appears to be.
Vladik knows he must save Zori from her prison, but neither one of them will be ready for the power running through Zori's veins or the battle that is about to be fought over her. Vladik's duty is to protect, but he will soon learn that the love between him and Zori will be the most powerful weapon of all.
Please note this is a fantasy monster romance that contains graphic violence, swearing and sex scenes.
'The Swan Princess' meets 'Gargoyles' in this scorching romance that's full of sinister magic and warring gods.
Zori has spent her entire life knowing she could die at any moment from a rare brain disease. Protected by Maxim, her doctor and guardian, she watches the world pass her by. Until one night her loneliness forces her to escape her tower and she has a most unexpected encounter.
Gargoyles were created to protect the swan priestesses of Morana. When Vladik stumbles across an unknown swan shifter, he has no idea what to do. Not only does Zori believe she's a normal human, but her guardian isn’t who he appears to be.
Vladik knows he must save Zori from her prison, but neither one of them will be ready for the power running through Zori's veins or the battle that is about to be fought over her. Vladik's duty is to protect, but he will soon learn that the love between him and Zori will be the most powerful weapon of all.
Please note this is a fantasy monster romance that contains graphic violence, swearing and sex scenes.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
189 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 11, 2023
Gargoyle? More like rock hard hottie.
Alessa Thorn can not go wrong in my eyes.
Did I have a hard time jumping on the "puppy" bandwagon? Yes. But did I do it anyway? Yes, of course I did.
As usual, she delivered the spice along with a strong female lead and a delicious male who would do anything for his lady.
Alessa Thorn can not go wrong in my eyes.
Did I have a hard time jumping on the "puppy" bandwagon? Yes. But did I do it anyway? Yes, of course I did.
As usual, she delivered the spice along with a strong female lead and a delicious male who would do anything for his lady.
January 1, 2024
”There was something about a big monster about the devour her that sent her wild.”
This was a fun, quick, spicy fantasy romance. A bit of “Swan Princess” a bit of “Rapunzel”, with a Russian folklore twist. This book had swan shifters and their gargoyle protectors, which was a really unique concept!
This was a fun, quick, spicy fantasy romance. A bit of “Swan Princess” a bit of “Rapunzel”, with a Russian folklore twist. This book had swan shifters and their gargoyle protectors, which was a really unique concept!
December 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
💗💗💗/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
It was a good fast paced fantasy book. Wished it slowed down at the end but it was good!
💗💗💗/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
It was a good fast paced fantasy book. Wished it slowed down at the end but it was good!
January 12, 2024
Meh. Wasn't my favorite by Alessa Thorn.
November 27, 2023
Not my favourite series of hers but very good!
Love a gargoyle.
Love a gargoyle.
April 15, 2024
When you read a recommendation from a colleague and realise what it is literally a chapter in
May 21, 2024
Couldn't put it down
- likeable characters
- several laughable moments
- intriguing storyline
- some sexy spice!
I wouldn't say it's a 5 star but definitely worth the read! I don't think I'll be reading book 2 but I was thoroughly entertained with book 1.
- likeable characters
- several laughable moments
- intriguing storyline
- some sexy spice!
I wouldn't say it's a 5 star but definitely worth the read! I don't think I'll be reading book 2 but I was thoroughly entertained with book 1.
January 4, 2024
DNF @19% I couldn't get past him calling her Puppy.
Want to read
December 11, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/13/2024)! 🎁
December 26, 2023
“𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘡𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴.”
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🦢Gargoyle x Swan Princess
🪶Mates
🦢She claims 𝘩𝘪𝘮
🪶Telepathic dirty talk
🦢Tail action 😏
. . . . . .
Alessa Thorn is a go to author for me. When she puts something new out, I always read it. A lot that’s been published have been in an existing series, so this new series is a breath of fresh air.
There is a lot that I liked about this. I was a little worried I wouldn’t be into the whole gargoyle thing but I actually really liked the gargoyles. I love the idea of swans although the word “squawking” is unpleasant to me. 😅
The story and universe that the author is building is fun and new. I love the vibe in this book a lot and some of the side characters are really fun. I’m looking forward to their stories.
I think what I struggled with was some of the dialogue. The author is big on mates in her stories which I don’t mind at all. But at times, it gets a little cringey for me. In particular, our lead lady Zori gave me some really cringe moments that I couldn’t overlook.
This is sort of becoming a regular thing for this author too which really sucks. I’ve noticed the last few books seem to get a little cringey or sometimes feel like a repeat in plot or mating. I think that is due to how often she publishes but that’s just a personal opinion. I still love this author.
Overall I still liked it, I’ll still read the series. But maybe I won’t go back to these like some of the others. 💋
𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝
Aʟʟ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡs ᴀʀᴇ ʙᴀsᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴍʏ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟ ᴘʀᴇꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇs ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʀᴇ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴs.
♥︎♡︎♥︎
. . . . . .
October 15, 2023
I loved this book so much! The fresh take on gargoyles and shifters was so immersive! I loved Alessa’s world building, I especially enjoyed the creation of gods who have bestowed gifts upon their people.
Zori has been protected all her life, hidden from the world until she sneaks out one night and meets Vladik, a man looking for his brother. One hot encounter in a club leads to Zori doubting everything in her life. She learns she is a swan shifter and that her guardian has lied to her ever since her mother died when she was a child. There IS magic and the hot new man she met is actually one of the gargoyles sent to protect the swans. Oh and there’s a whole CITY she didn’t know about!! I adored how Vladik immediately wanted to help Zori and look after her. But the best bit was the way he (eventually) stood back and let her save herself. Zori proved time and again that she didn't need to be protected or rescued, however, because of her upbringing, she is still vulnerable and wants to feel safe. Vladik still has all the mating instinct to protect his mate and their banter and Zori's constant pushing at him was fantastic.
What follows is a crazy story (in the absolute best way!) of a rescue and attacks to Zori meeting her family… to a massive battle of good vs evil. I enjoyed every minute of it! I highly recommend if you want a brilliant story about discovery, banter, spice and best of all.. a HEA!
Zori has been protected all her life, hidden from the world until she sneaks out one night and meets Vladik, a man looking for his brother. One hot encounter in a club leads to Zori doubting everything in her life. She learns she is a swan shifter and that her guardian has lied to her ever since her mother died when she was a child. There IS magic and the hot new man she met is actually one of the gargoyles sent to protect the swans. Oh and there’s a whole CITY she didn’t know about!! I adored how Vladik immediately wanted to help Zori and look after her. But the best bit was the way he (eventually) stood back and let her save herself. Zori proved time and again that she didn't need to be protected or rescued, however, because of her upbringing, she is still vulnerable and wants to feel safe. Vladik still has all the mating instinct to protect his mate and their banter and Zori's constant pushing at him was fantastic.
What follows is a crazy story (in the absolute best way!) of a rescue and attacks to Zori meeting her family… to a massive battle of good vs evil. I enjoyed every minute of it! I highly recommend if you want a brilliant story about discovery, banter, spice and best of all.. a HEA!
October 28, 2023
Who isn't familiar with the Gargoyles animated series from the 90s?
Accompanied by the Swan Princess?
And a touch of spice?
What more could a book enthusiast in their mid-30s ask for?
Firstly, I had high expectations, but unfortunately, it did not work for me. Don't misunderstand me: we are treated to the usual brilliance of an Alessa Thorn book - captivating concept, well-paced plot, humour, character growth, and immersive world-building (not to mention the attractive factor). She possesses the remarkable talent of crafting a diverse cast of characters, each with stories I yearn to explore - HOWEVER, this particular book didn't captivate me as others have.
The good stuff: it served as a solid introduction to the series, presenting a fresh new world and a promising premise. Every single character that’s introduced is interesting, and there is of course no shortage of top-tier spice. However, the most recent one proved to be overwhelming for me... (oh dear, I seem to be transforming into one of those critics). There was a certain element that seemed to be missing, and I couldn't quite comprehend it. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable, and it certainly won't deter me from continuing with the series. I devoured it in a single day, unable to tear myself away. Perhaps the sequel will alter my perspective.
We are introduced to Zori, who has lived her entire life, aware that she could perish at any moment due to a rare brain illness. Under the care and protection of Maxim, her physician, and guardian, she observes the world pass her by. Our male main character is Vladik (who is *surprise* a Gargoyle), and when he comes across an unfamiliar swan shifter, he is at a loss as to how to proceed.
Despite not resonating with me as I had hoped, this novel is a perfect choice for October, brimming with enchantment, hexes, and creatures.
Accompanied by the Swan Princess?
And a touch of spice?
What more could a book enthusiast in their mid-30s ask for?
Firstly, I had high expectations, but unfortunately, it did not work for me. Don't misunderstand me: we are treated to the usual brilliance of an Alessa Thorn book - captivating concept, well-paced plot, humour, character growth, and immersive world-building (not to mention the attractive factor). She possesses the remarkable talent of crafting a diverse cast of characters, each with stories I yearn to explore - HOWEVER, this particular book didn't captivate me as others have.
The good stuff: it served as a solid introduction to the series, presenting a fresh new world and a promising premise. Every single character that’s introduced is interesting, and there is of course no shortage of top-tier spice. However, the most recent one proved to be overwhelming for me... (oh dear, I seem to be transforming into one of those critics). There was a certain element that seemed to be missing, and I couldn't quite comprehend it. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable, and it certainly won't deter me from continuing with the series. I devoured it in a single day, unable to tear myself away. Perhaps the sequel will alter my perspective.
We are introduced to Zori, who has lived her entire life, aware that she could perish at any moment due to a rare brain illness. Under the care and protection of Maxim, her physician, and guardian, she observes the world pass her by. Our male main character is Vladik (who is *surprise* a Gargoyle), and when he comes across an unfamiliar swan shifter, he is at a loss as to how to proceed.
Despite not resonating with me as I had hoped, this novel is a perfect choice for October, brimming with enchantment, hexes, and creatures.
March 26, 2024
More of a 3.5 but I’ll round up because overall I did enjoy this even if it wasn’t a favorite.
I thought the world building and slow reveal of the history and magic was really well incorporated throughout the story. It was an interesting concept and I liked the blend of Disney Gargoyles vibes with the Swan Princess. I liked the main characters and Alexandr and Kaspian were funny and interesting side characters. The spice was okay, nothing crazy, but not bad.
I didn’t love the writing style though. It felt just shy of being a tell you vs show you kind of thing and while most of the dialogue wasn’t bad, the parts that didn’t flow super well (mainly the mate parts when in the city) were pretty distracting. Also felt like there was zero connection between the FMC and her grandmother. Which she just realized she had family, so I get that might be awkward, but it seemed weird that there really wasn’t any true connecting from them even after that first probably uncomfortable meeting. Like it’s written that they’re good but we don’t see any of that actually happen.
Oh and the “puppy” nickname…no, just, no. I like unique and different nicknames but this was not it.
I thought the world building and slow reveal of the history and magic was really well incorporated throughout the story. It was an interesting concept and I liked the blend of Disney Gargoyles vibes with the Swan Princess. I liked the main characters and Alexandr and Kaspian were funny and interesting side characters. The spice was okay, nothing crazy, but not bad.
I didn’t love the writing style though. It felt just shy of being a tell you vs show you kind of thing and while most of the dialogue wasn’t bad, the parts that didn’t flow super well (mainly the mate parts when in the city) were pretty distracting. Also felt like there was zero connection between the FMC and her grandmother. Which she just realized she had family, so I get that might be awkward, but it seemed weird that there really wasn’t any true connecting from them even after that first probably uncomfortable meeting. Like it’s written that they’re good but we don’t see any of that actually happen.
Oh and the “puppy” nickname…no, just, no. I like unique and different nicknames but this was not it.
October 19, 2023
There is a reason I'm a huge fan of Alessa Thorn and this book shows why!
Another fantastic beginning to a new series. Gargoyles & Swan wives, who knew could be so hot!
Solid start to the series, from the first few pages I was hooked. Zoria is your typical Alessa Thorn female, smart, funny, comfortable within her own skin. Even given her upbringing being sheltered she still oozed sass.
Vladik is everything I like in a book boyfriend, protective yet total softie towards his woman. Gargoyle hotness!
We also meet other gargoyles, Misha & Kaspian and it's obvious in the last couple chapters set up for their books to come. I can't wait!!!
Another fantastic beginning to a new series. Gargoyles & Swan wives, who knew could be so hot!
Solid start to the series, from the first few pages I was hooked. Zoria is your typical Alessa Thorn female, smart, funny, comfortable within her own skin. Even given her upbringing being sheltered she still oozed sass.
Vladik is everything I like in a book boyfriend, protective yet total softie towards his woman. Gargoyle hotness!
We also meet other gargoyles, Misha & Kaspian and it's obvious in the last couple chapters set up for their books to come. I can't wait!!!
August 11, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
"𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘺."
"𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦."
I had a blast reading this story!!! I was completely drawn into the story from the beginning and now I'm ready for more books in this world! I loved how our couple meet and how they were instantly drawn to each other. Vladik was just the right amount of possessive but he still always made sure Zoria knew she was the one in charge. The spice in this book was absolutely perfect!! I cannot wait to read more by this author!!
🖤 Monster Romance
🖤 Gargoyle MMC
🖤 Mates
🖤 3rd person POV
🖤 Pierced Nipples
🖤 They Can speak Mind to Mind
🖤 Possessive & Protective MMC
🖤 Tail Play
��� He has Wings and a Tail
"𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘱𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘺."
"𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦."
I had a blast reading this story!!! I was completely drawn into the story from the beginning and now I'm ready for more books in this world! I loved how our couple meet and how they were instantly drawn to each other. Vladik was just the right amount of possessive but he still always made sure Zoria knew she was the one in charge. The spice in this book was absolutely perfect!! I cannot wait to read more by this author!!
🖤 Monster Romance
🖤 Gargoyle MMC
🖤 Mates
🖤 3rd person POV
🖤 Pierced Nipples
🖤 They Can speak Mind to Mind
🖤 Possessive & Protective MMC
🖤 Tail Play
��� He has Wings and a Tail
November 1, 2023
Weeeellll that's really not where I thought this was going at all.
1: she complains that her kidnapper calls her 'pet' but jumps right onto some rando calling her 'puppy'? I really can't get into that at all. She's not a dog!
2: it's a LOT of sex in this book. A lot.
3: when I think of mythical creatures that could be the masters of gargoyles, what I think about definitely isn't swans.
4: had a very chosen one feel (because she actually is the literal chosen one), but it remained somewhat shallow and didn't really cover much in the way of feelings besides lust.
1: she complains that her kidnapper calls her 'pet' but jumps right onto some rando calling her 'puppy'? I really can't get into that at all. She's not a dog!
2: it's a LOT of sex in this book. A lot.
3: when I think of mythical creatures that could be the masters of gargoyles, what I think about definitely isn't swans.
4: had a very chosen one feel (because she actually is the literal chosen one), but it remained somewhat shallow and didn't really cover much in the way of feelings besides lust.
January 17, 2024
Puppy?! Wtf kind of nickname is that. I couldn’t get past that or the tail.. thing, it was so cringe in the worst way. Aside from the (literal) pet name, I loved the story! But I enjoy everything Alessa writes so it was a given. This seems more played out than her other series; while all great reads they always felt rushed whereas Zori’s slightly felt more… naturally paced. Things did escalate with Zori and Vladik but slow burns kill me so I enjoyed it. I am definitely glad that Zori wasn’t a whimpering FMC, I love a bad b*tch
March 14, 2025
3.5/5🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️
➕
- Short! Just over 200 pages. This helped with my slump.
- Intriguing premise with comfy tropes: swan princess x gargoyle warrior, fated mates, hidden heir, ancient magical lore.
- The first half of this book was a solid 4🌟. Fast paced introduction to the world, characters and lore. I was drawn in right away and the action did not disappoint.
➖
- Not sure if it was the book or me, but the second half felt slow and tedious. The climax was rushed and unsatisfying.
- The "puppy" nickname was...okayyy until he used it during sex. Nope.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
➕
- Short! Just over 200 pages. This helped with my slump.
- Intriguing premise with comfy tropes: swan princess x gargoyle warrior, fated mates, hidden heir, ancient magical lore.
- The first half of this book was a solid 4🌟. Fast paced introduction to the world, characters and lore. I was drawn in right away and the action did not disappoint.
➖
- Not sure if it was the book or me, but the second half felt slow and tedious. The climax was rushed and unsatisfying.
- The "puppy" nickname was...okayyy until he used it during sex. Nope.
July 5, 2025
A powerful woman finds out that she’s unknowingly been a captive used for her blood and power after meeting a gargoyle. I liked the dynamic between them. I also liked how her swan behaved with him and that she was just as clingy with him as he was with her. It’s often just the guy who is all over the woman so this was fun. It was great to see her own her power and battle her abuser. The sequel was lined up nicely.
January 26, 2026
3.5. This is just the perfect example of an average book for me. I didn't hate it, I didnt love it so much I wanted to devour it. The Swan Princess was my favorite princess movie growing up so part of me really wanted to like this. Idk if it was because her magic/shifting didn't happen towards the end of this short book, but we didn't explore the magic system really at all. They make it seem like the swan shifters and gargoyles are same species swans females and gargoyles are males? why??
October 6, 2023
Another hit!
Alessa Thorn is on my “must read” list and her newest addition did not miss!! Great ground work for the series, love the characters, and setup for future stories! Loved the main characters and their immediate chemistry. Plus the spice *chef’s kiss
Very enjoyable read - cannot wait for more! Until then, I will be re-reading the rest of her library.
Alessa Thorn is on my “must read” list and her newest addition did not miss!! Great ground work for the series, love the characters, and setup for future stories! Loved the main characters and their immediate chemistry. Plus the spice *chef’s kiss
Very enjoyable read - cannot wait for more! Until then, I will be re-reading the rest of her library.
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed the story well enough and the premise is full of potential. The characters are likeable if not uber-engaging, but gargoyles were a nice change of pace from the usual supe.
The sex was kind of underwhelming such that it was an interruption to the story for me, and I skimmed. Skimmer sex...
The sex was kind of underwhelming such that it was an interruption to the story for me, and I skimmed. Skimmer sex...
December 9, 2023
A fun and exciting take on the “Swan Princess”. Zori and Vladik were compelling leads and I enjoyed the story overall… BUT wtf was the deal with Vlad calling Zori “puppy”? That was so uncomfy and made no sense. She was literally a SWAN PRINCESS! If you’re looking for pet names, “swan” and “princess” are right there!
January 18, 2024
This was soooooo good!!! I know I can't go wrong with any Alessa Thorn book, and this one is no exception! I love this new world and I can't wait for more stories! What I love most about Alessa's stories is how the female characters are always so strong and powerful! They never need anyone to protect them or save them! They're usually the ones doing the saving and I am here for it!
May 10, 2024
I was really excited for the book based on the premise (Swan Princess meets Gargoyles) but the execution was a little bit of a letdown. Ironheart was a fun book, but the action moved so fast that I felt there was never a chance to breathe. It's a short book, so there is a lot of accomplish in not many pages.
October 7, 2023
5 stars no notes
I’m a biased die hard fan of Alessa Thorn so it’s not hugely surprising that I loved this book.
Alessa has the unique ability to write a cast of characters I immediately care for and want to know all of their stories.
I’m a biased die hard fan of Alessa Thorn so it’s not hugely surprising that I loved this book.
Alessa has the unique ability to write a cast of characters I immediately care for and want to know all of their stories.
October 8, 2023
Wow!!!!
Alessa Thorn never fails to impress with how creative and imaginative she can write! This book like her others is top notch and such an incredible story. It felt like a naughty twist on Repunzel and I was here for it.
Alessa Thorn never fails to impress with how creative and imaginative she can write! This book like her others is top notch and such an incredible story. It felt like a naughty twist on Repunzel and I was here for it.
October 10, 2023
oh my gargoyle
Super fun new world with an interesting magic system. Warring gods, gargoyles and sass, what more do you need? Great spice! Can’t wait to explore more of this world and find out what happens to Kaspian!
Super fun new world with an interesting magic system. Warring gods, gargoyles and sass, what more do you need? Great spice! Can’t wait to explore more of this world and find out what happens to Kaspian!
October 12, 2023
Alessa Thorn can do no wrong as yet again she wrote a story that could get anyone out of a reading slump. Gargoyles and Swan princesses um yes please and gods wanting to fight how could all that not ve addictive
October 30, 2023
I loved it! It's probably one of my favorite books ever written by Alessa. I couldn't leave this book, it was so captivating! I hope this will be the start of a new series about Gargoyles and their mates.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews