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Mystics of Mistvale #2
The Vulnerable Human
A protective gargoyle who works as a bodyguard. A human chef in need of protection. A stalker that brings them together.
Vo
When my instincts reacted after overhearing a panicked phone call, all I could do was follow the human home and watch over him. Discovering he had a cute little daughter and someone was stalking him, I couldn't stop myself from offering my bodyguard services to him.
It didn't take me long to realize Trick was my mate, and once I did, nothing could stop me from making sure he and his daughter stayed safe, not bullets, poison, or anything else his stalker could throw at me.
Trick
When my sister got sick, I broke up with my boyfriend, left my job in New York and moved to Mistvale to take care of her and her newborn baby. Six months later, I lost my sister and became a father.
Lena and I were finally settling into life in Mistvale when someone started leaving notes at my door. When my babysitter called me in a panic, I knew I needed to do something. I'd do anything to keep my daughter safe, even hire a bodyguard. It didn't hurt that Vo was as hot as he was sweet.
The Vulnerable Human is a 55k MM romance featuring a gargoyle with strong protective instincts, a human with supreme cooking skills and an adorable daughter, a stalker who needs to be taught a lesson, and all the family vibes you expect from a Mistvale Town book.
Mystics of Mistvale is the third series set in the fictional town of Mistvale , and while each book in this series can be read as a standalone, characters from other books do pop in.
The chronological order for all the Mistvale books is available on the author's website.
Vo
When my instincts reacted after overhearing a panicked phone call, all I could do was follow the human home and watch over him. Discovering he had a cute little daughter and someone was stalking him, I couldn't stop myself from offering my bodyguard services to him.
It didn't take me long to realize Trick was my mate, and once I did, nothing could stop me from making sure he and his daughter stayed safe, not bullets, poison, or anything else his stalker could throw at me.
Trick
When my sister got sick, I broke up with my boyfriend, left my job in New York and moved to Mistvale to take care of her and her newborn baby. Six months later, I lost my sister and became a father.
Lena and I were finally settling into life in Mistvale when someone started leaving notes at my door. When my babysitter called me in a panic, I knew I needed to do something. I'd do anything to keep my daughter safe, even hire a bodyguard. It didn't hurt that Vo was as hot as he was sweet.
The Vulnerable Human is a 55k MM romance featuring a gargoyle with strong protective instincts, a human with supreme cooking skills and an adorable daughter, a stalker who needs to be taught a lesson, and all the family vibes you expect from a Mistvale Town book.
Mystics of Mistvale is the third series set in the fictional town of Mistvale , and while each book in this series can be read as a standalone, characters from other books do pop in.
The chronological order for all the Mistvale books is available on the author's website.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2023
105 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Stella Rainbow
55 books273 followersStella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com
Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.
She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the story. I enjoyed their relationship. I enjoyed how they started slow and little by little fell in love with each other. I like how protective he was. I just love the whole story.
January 12, 2025
Cute human chef with adorable baby daughter is stalked by crazy man. Enter protective gargoyle (who is also super hot and incredibly ripped). While Vo knows the cute chef is his fated mate, he's scared of rejection because he' demisexual and needs time for the physical part of the relationship. There is alot of relationship talk and such in the first part of the book. Not as much "action" as I'd like to see (both in the bedroom and violence against the stalker) but that's understandable as the one MC is demi and there is ultimately a satisfying end to the stalker situation.
August 31, 2023
Bèta read this and it's soooooooo good!
September 28, 2023
Technically, I DNF'd at 90%, but I'm marking it "read" because literally nothing else was happening... actually, not much but fluff and sex happened for about half the book - the middle "half," which I mostly skimmed, so I maybe only truly *read* 25-30%? But still, I feel like I read/skimmed enough to get the story, lol.
I picked it up because wanted something light and fluffy and was down to read a protective gargoyle. I sort of forgot how boring I'd started to find this author's books, but the first bit of this one was sort of entertaining. 🤷♀️ She has this huge, interconnected world, though, and seems to write each subsequent book as if she expects the reader to remember everyone in it. I didn't, although some of the side characters came back to me from context. Still, I'd have to say it was probably a 2.5-star read/skim/DNF for me, but certainly on-brand, and probably wonderful for anyone who really enjoys her style of writing. I'm just not into pages and pages of cooking lessons, childhood memories, or tons of sex that doesn't actually advance the plot. And - personal preference only - I also like my fated mates to be a bit more RAWR about it, although kudos to the author for how this series includes a variety of sexualities, including in this book (the gargoyle is demi everything). Call my bloodthirsty, but although by that point, I was sort of over the book, so it didn't feel like the big climax it probably was meant to be. But I'm still happy it played out that way.
tl;dr meh, but I may still pick up other books by the author in the future when I need something light, if they have an interesting premise.
I picked it up because wanted something light and fluffy and was down to read a protective gargoyle. I sort of forgot how boring I'd started to find this author's books, but the first bit of this one was sort of entertaining. 🤷♀️ She has this huge, interconnected world, though, and seems to write each subsequent book as if she expects the reader to remember everyone in it. I didn't, although some of the side characters came back to me from context. Still, I'd have to say it was probably a 2.5-star read/skim/DNF for me, but certainly on-brand, and probably wonderful for anyone who really enjoys her style of writing. I'm just not into pages and pages of cooking lessons, childhood memories, or tons of sex that doesn't actually advance the plot. And - personal preference only - I also like my fated mates to be a bit more RAWR about it, although kudos to the author for how this series includes a variety of sexualities, including in this book (the gargoyle is demi everything). Call my bloodthirsty, but although by that point, I was sort of over the book, so it didn't feel like the big climax it probably was meant to be. But I'm still happy it played out that way.
tl;dr meh, but I may still pick up other books by the author in the future when I need something light, if they have an interesting premise.
August 16, 2024
'The Vulnerable Human' (Mystics of Mistvale #2)
by Stella Rainbow
I like this whole alt-world that the author has created, and the many connected storylines between a large contingent of supes (supernaturals), humans, and half-humans. Lots of interesting cross-over storylines...and more forthcoming, I hope!
It was fun watching the human MC mentally flip his whole world upside down upon his discovery that yeah, there are more kinds of beings in this world than humans, akin to, "Magic is REAL? "Dragons are REAL?"
Although he did seem to accept that whole new worldview without much contemplation, after his first shock.
I really liked that the human's fated mate is a gargoyle and was portrayed as a poc (person of color), as was the human's baby daughter, who he adopted after her mom, his best friend, died.
I would have liked more information about Trick's late friend's past, although since they both were brought up in foster homes, maybe she didn't know about the bloodlines she came from.
Oh, and what creeped me out was the absolutely fanatical lengths that the human's stalker would go to, to get at him! Glad he had several supes around, including his gargoyle mate, to help him deal with that slimeball! Cool, the way his newly found family of supernatural beings just accepted him into their clan and helped him!
The "outcome" of the stalker was a bit bizarre, but family protects family, so...they dealt with it.
Anyway, good addition to this Mistvale series; can't wait to read more!
by Stella Rainbow
I like this whole alt-world that the author has created, and the many connected storylines between a large contingent of supes (supernaturals), humans, and half-humans. Lots of interesting cross-over storylines...and more forthcoming, I hope!
It was fun watching the human MC mentally flip his whole world upside down upon his discovery that yeah, there are more kinds of beings in this world than humans, akin to, "Magic is REAL? "Dragons are REAL?"
Although he did seem to accept that whole new worldview without much contemplation, after his first shock.
I really liked that the human's fated mate is a gargoyle and was portrayed as a poc (person of color), as was the human's baby daughter, who he adopted after her mom, his best friend, died.
I would have liked more information about Trick's late friend's past, although since they both were brought up in foster homes, maybe she didn't know about the bloodlines she came from.
Oh, and what creeped me out was the absolutely fanatical lengths that the human's stalker would go to, to get at him! Glad he had several supes around, including his gargoyle mate, to help him deal with that slimeball! Cool, the way his newly found family of supernatural beings just accepted him into their clan and helped him!
The "outcome" of the stalker was a bit bizarre, but family protects family, so...they dealt with it.
Anyway, good addition to this Mistvale series; can't wait to read more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
I thought this was a good, sweet read. Trick and Vo slowly got to know each other throughout their time together and took things slow. I really liked seeing the demi representation in this book, that was really neat. I enjoyed how supportive Trick was and how even when he didn't fully know what Vo's sexuality entailed, he did his research so he could know Vo better.
Lena's character was so cute, I loved how she attached herself right to Vo, instantly. It was adorable reading about this big gargoyle and then read a scene where he's cuddling Lena. I loved how the whole Mistvale clan for together to protect on of their own. I love seeing past characters in newer stories, so I was really happy to see them make an appearance.
I feel as though Trick's stalker component was too drawn out, by the time something did happen it fell a bit flat. I think the author wanted to create suspense and make you guess but it just didn't hit the mark with that component.
The story itself though was cute, I wished we got more scenes of Truck being a chef. Cause there were only a few scenes where he was cooking.
Overall though an enjoyable book to read if you want to dive into the craziness of the Mistvale clan. I'm very much curious about Alden's character, so I'm going to be keeping my eye out for his story.
Lena's character was so cute, I loved how she attached herself right to Vo, instantly. It was adorable reading about this big gargoyle and then read a scene where he's cuddling Lena. I loved how the whole Mistvale clan for together to protect on of their own. I love seeing past characters in newer stories, so I was really happy to see them make an appearance.
I feel as though Trick's stalker component was too drawn out, by the time something did happen it fell a bit flat. I think the author wanted to create suspense and make you guess but it just didn't hit the mark with that component.
The story itself though was cute, I wished we got more scenes of Truck being a chef. Cause there were only a few scenes where he was cooking.
Overall though an enjoyable book to read if you want to dive into the craziness of the Mistvale clan. I'm very much curious about Alden's character, so I'm going to be keeping my eye out for his story.
August 10, 2025
Vo, a gargoyle bodyguard with fierce instincts and a soft heart, is drawn to Trick after overhearing a panicked call. Discovering Trick is a single father being stalked, Vo steps in to protect him and his daughter—only to realize Trick is his fated mate. Nothing, not bullets or poison, will keep Vo from keeping them safe. Trick, a human chef, uprooted his life to care for his sister and her baby. After her passing, he’s left raising Lena alone in Mistvale. Just as life begins to settle, threatening notes appear, and fear sets in. Hiring Vo seems like the safest choice—and the most unexpectedly comforting. As danger closes in, so does desire, and Trick must decide if he’s ready to trust the gargoyle who’s guarding more than just his life.
I loved this story of protection, healing, and the quiet strength of love that shields and transforms. It was carefully written so that it blended suspense, found family, and fated love. I loved the way that Lena was fairly central to the story and that she clearly loved both men. Some danger and drama due to the stalker and some passion between Vo and Trick as their relationship deepened. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story of protection, healing, and the quiet strength of love that shields and transforms. It was carefully written so that it blended suspense, found family, and fated love. I loved the way that Lena was fairly central to the story and that she clearly loved both men. Some danger and drama due to the stalker and some passion between Vo and Trick as their relationship deepened. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
September 17, 2023
Sweet story with great asexual/a romantic representation
I know it’s a different thing to highlight as the main positive of a book but the asexual and a romantic representation in this book (and honestly quite a few of Stella’s books) is fantastic. It really is done well and I like that it doesn’t stick with just one aspect, as in you have asexual, demisexual, demiromantic, sex averse etc (not trying to exclude any, just those are the ones I remember off the top of my head from Stella) represented especially when representation can often be restricted to just demisexual MCs or side characters. It’s great to see such
positive/broad representation in MM romance. Beyond that the story between Trick and Vo is super cute. I do think that some elements of the plot dragged a touch (the stalker aspect should have been either more intense or shorter - it didn’t really make sense the way it progressed given how stalkers progress in terms of their psychology). It wasn’t really a problem though as Trick and Vo getting to know each other was super cute and done in a very gentle way. Vo was a total sweetheart and I loved that Trick was so gentle with him. Very sweet and very cute.
I know it’s a different thing to highlight as the main positive of a book but the asexual and a romantic representation in this book (and honestly quite a few of Stella’s books) is fantastic. It really is done well and I like that it doesn’t stick with just one aspect, as in you have asexual, demisexual, demiromantic, sex averse etc (not trying to exclude any, just those are the ones I remember off the top of my head from Stella) represented especially when representation can often be restricted to just demisexual MCs or side characters. It’s great to see such
positive/broad representation in MM romance. Beyond that the story between Trick and Vo is super cute. I do think that some elements of the plot dragged a touch (the stalker aspect should have been either more intense or shorter - it didn’t really make sense the way it progressed given how stalkers progress in terms of their psychology). It wasn’t really a problem though as Trick and Vo getting to know each other was super cute and done in a very gentle way. Vo was a total sweetheart and I loved that Trick was so gentle with him. Very sweet and very cute.
September 23, 2023
I love all the Mistvale books. The land of Mistvale is such a wonderful place if found family. I knew from the start I was going to live the book. Vo the sexy Gargoyle, Trick the Chef i’d like to cook for me, and Lena the cutest baby in Mistvale. Tick had no idea what the town of Mistvale is about and only came to help out his sister. Things took a turn and he was now the caregiver for lovely baby Lena. Trick was now in a situation from a stalker and had no clue to who it was. Vo didn’t waste time acting on the fear that Trick was feeling and Trick didn’t waste time accepting that help. Vo made sure to keep them safe but events always have a way of happening. It was insta love for Lena by Vo and her starting to talk was the cutest thing. Sit back and learn about this new couple and revisit some of the characters Mistvale. It always makes for a great reunion. I can’t wait for the next book.
Lady M
Lady M
September 22, 2023
*** Received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review***
I think this might be one of my favourite Stella Rainbow books! I loved it. Absolutely loved it. The slow burn, the characters, all of it. The only weird part was the extremely brutal murder at the end of it which felt out of character and disorienting.
I think all of Stella Rainbow's books should be like this, with more focus on character and build-up without the sex 20 pages in. I also loved how when there finally was a sex scene there wasn't the stereotypical roles or over-the-top possessiveness that is so common in so many of these types of books.
My wish now is to see a completely ace novel from Rainbow, I think she would write a fantastic one.
I think this might be one of my favourite Stella Rainbow books! I loved it. Absolutely loved it. The slow burn, the characters, all of it. The only weird part was the extremely brutal murder at the end of it which felt out of character and disorienting.
I think all of Stella Rainbow's books should be like this, with more focus on character and build-up without the sex 20 pages in. I also loved how when there finally was a sex scene there wasn't the stereotypical roles or over-the-top possessiveness that is so common in so many of these types of books.
My wish now is to see a completely ace novel from Rainbow, I think she would write a fantastic one.
September 22, 2023
sweet
This was more of a sweet and easy story. I loved it because it was fated mate story, but I wasn’t ready for the sweetness of it. There is absolutely no angst in this story. I do want to give a yay for diversity in the characters. I think I was hoping for a little angst and a so much more suspense. Their was nit guessing who the stalker was, and these two just got along so well. The writing was good, which kept me reading. The smexy was meh. I mean he’s a gargoyle this should have been hawt. Also,this had none of the shifter smexy we all love. Love the side characters and representation. This is one of those books you read after you just finished an intense book.
This was more of a sweet and easy story. I loved it because it was fated mate story, but I wasn’t ready for the sweetness of it. There is absolutely no angst in this story. I do want to give a yay for diversity in the characters. I think I was hoping for a little angst and a so much more suspense. Their was nit guessing who the stalker was, and these two just got along so well. The writing was good, which kept me reading. The smexy was meh. I mean he’s a gargoyle this should have been hawt. Also,this had none of the shifter smexy we all love. Love the side characters and representation. This is one of those books you read after you just finished an intense book.
September 23, 2023
Sweet
A relatively low angst story that was easy to read. Despite being fated mates Vo and Trick got to know each other in their own time. Lena is such a cute baby, I've always love how Stella writes kids. A very lighthearted read even with the attempted murder and stalking. Been back in Mistvale is such a treat as well as we get to see some beloved characters from other books. Looking forward to the next book.
A relatively low angst story that was easy to read. Despite being fated mates Vo and Trick got to know each other in their own time. Lena is such a cute baby, I've always love how Stella writes kids. A very lighthearted read even with the attempted murder and stalking. Been back in Mistvale is such a treat as well as we get to see some beloved characters from other books. Looking forward to the next book.
September 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. It was so much fun getting to visit with the Mistvale clan. This is Vo’s story and it was so interesting to see a gargoyle find their fated mate. Trick and Lena were so cute and and I just loved how these two got together. This was such a wonderful story and I can’t wait to see more from this world.
September 19, 2023
Gargoyle Vo's protection instincts kick in when he overhears how terrified Chef Trick(Patrick) is on a phone call. So much cuteness in this love story! Of course, the found family of the Mistvale Clan helps them get their HEA. I really want to read book 3 now.I'd say why but, I try not to do spoilers. So hard lol.
Hurry up and read this story of fated mates, suspense and family! So good!
Hurry up and read this story of fated mates, suspense and family! So good!
September 15, 2023
I love anything that involves Mistvale and I totally enjoyed this book. Trick and Vo are great characters and Lena is precious, I will be curious to know what she is. Great story. Recommend reading.
September 23, 2023
I loved this book! It was a very sweet, low angst book. Trick was such a cute dad, I love how he just did whatever he could for his new daughter. I loved how protective Vo was. I really enjoyed how sweet Trick was about Vo needing time. Another great read from Stella!
September 23, 2023
Vo and Trick story is part of the Mistvale’s Universe and is as amazing as any other book in the series. I fell in love with Vo’s protectiveness and sweetness with Lena and Trick and the way they were so perfect together as a family. A wonderful addition to the series!
September 24, 2023
Book Lover
This book was great! I loved the characters and the development of their relationship. Of course Lena is adorable too! I also love revisiting Mistvale and getting to see some of my favorite past characters. Definitely recommend!!! Fluffy with spice and a great story.
This book was great! I loved the characters and the development of their relationship. Of course Lena is adorable too! I also love revisiting Mistvale and getting to see some of my favorite past characters. Definitely recommend!!! Fluffy with spice and a great story.
October 1, 2023
beautiful
I loved Vo and Trick (honestly I love all the mystics of mistvale characters) i was great to read such a good story representing asexuality in such a beautiful way. I hope there is always more books form Mistvale.
I loved Vo and Trick (honestly I love all the mystics of mistvale characters) i was great to read such a good story representing asexuality in such a beautiful way. I hope there is always more books form Mistvale.
October 3, 2023
Mystics of Mistvale book 2
Go and Trick were adorable! Trick is an unsuspecting human being terrorized by a stalker and Vo is a protective Gargoyle. Add in an adorable little girl and it’s the perfect set up. I really enjoyed reading this story. Highly recommended
Go and Trick were adorable! Trick is an unsuspecting human being terrorized by a stalker and Vo is a protective Gargoyle. Add in an adorable little girl and it’s the perfect set up. I really enjoyed reading this story. Highly recommended
October 14, 2023
Sweet little romance with some action
Four stars for telling instead of showing a bit too much, but the characters are sympathetic. There's a cute little girl. I look forward to the next one!
Four stars for telling instead of showing a bit too much, but the characters are sympathetic. There's a cute little girl. I look forward to the next one!
June 7, 2024
brilliant
I love all the book based in Mistvale they’re all so very very good.
Each is based round a supernatural being and their mate . Loved this one as one of the MCs is Demi
Highly Recommended
I love all the book based in Mistvale they’re all so very very good.
Each is based round a supernatural being and their mate . Loved this one as one of the MCs is Demi
Highly Recommended
October 5, 2023
My favorite book of the series thus far.
“After all, what are friends for?”
“Inviting you to brunch and helping you get rid of a dead body.”
“After all, what are friends for?”
“Inviting you to brunch and helping you get rid of a dead body.”
October 13, 2023
Low angst and cute fluff.
October 24, 2023
4 1/2...
November 5, 2023
Bodyguard rescue
Go overheard something that brings his bodyguard instincts out. He approaches Trick to offer him his service. He just has to hide from the human that his gargoyle.
Go overheard something that brings his bodyguard instincts out. He approaches Trick to offer him his service. He just has to hide from the human that his gargoyle.
February 15, 2024
Another great book
January 2, 2025
I'm not quite sure about this one - I'll probably change it to four stars later, after having finished the series.
featured
January 22, 2025Vo from The Vulnerable Human is demiromantic demisexual!
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
https://www.tumblr.com/aspeccharacter...
December 14, 2023
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also thought that it was another good addition to the Mystics of Mistvale Series. I thought that Vo and Trick were perfect for each other and their chemistry is completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. Vo, is a gargoyle and when his instincts kick in after overhearing a panicked phone call by the human chef at the Indian restaurant that Vo and the rest of his found family are dining at, he had to follow the human home and watch over him. After discovering that he has an adorable little daughter and that someone is stalking him.
Vo can do nothing else but offer up his bodyguard services to keep both Trick and Lena safe. Trick has been through so much, first with his sister getting sick and dropping everything to move to Mistvale from New York to take care of her and her newborn baby but then six months later his lost his sister and became a father to Lena. Trick is trying his best but not long after he’s started settling in to his new life and trying to be the best father to Lena, someone starts leaving notes at his door which he initially isn’t too worried about.
He knows he finally needs to do something about it when he gets a panicked call from the babysitter rings in a panic. He’ll do anything to protect Lena even if it means hiring a bodyguard. I liked seeing Vo, Tick and Lena slowly start to become a family of three. I do wish that there was a bit more angst or something but that’s just a very small complaint, still a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to reading the Reclusive Dryad next, as well as other books from the Mistvale Universe in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I also thought that it was another good addition to the Mystics of Mistvale Series. I thought that Vo and Trick were perfect for each other and their chemistry is completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. Vo, is a gargoyle and when his instincts kick in after overhearing a panicked phone call by the human chef at the Indian restaurant that Vo and the rest of his found family are dining at, he had to follow the human home and watch over him. After discovering that he has an adorable little daughter and that someone is stalking him.
Vo can do nothing else but offer up his bodyguard services to keep both Trick and Lena safe. Trick has been through so much, first with his sister getting sick and dropping everything to move to Mistvale from New York to take care of her and her newborn baby but then six months later his lost his sister and became a father to Lena. Trick is trying his best but not long after he’s started settling in to his new life and trying to be the best father to Lena, someone starts leaving notes at his door which he initially isn’t too worried about.
He knows he finally needs to do something about it when he gets a panicked call from the babysitter rings in a panic. He’ll do anything to protect Lena even if it means hiring a bodyguard. I liked seeing Vo, Tick and Lena slowly start to become a family of three. I do wish that there was a bit more angst or something but that’s just a very small complaint, still a very enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to reading the Reclusive Dryad next, as well as other books from the Mistvale Universe in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews