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His Maker's Mark
Annaleigh Bartow has one goal in mind. Save the last remaining examples of her grandfather’s stonemasonry work. Unfortunately, that work is part of an old hotel scheduled for demolition.
And she’s not the only one out to get a piece of it.
When her attempt is thwarted by some ruthless thugs, an unexpected hero comes to her rescue. One who both frightens and fascinates her. One who will change her life in ways she can’t imagine.
And she’s not the only one out to get a piece of it.
When her attempt is thwarted by some ruthless thugs, an unexpected hero comes to her rescue. One who both frightens and fascinates her. One who will change her life in ways she can’t imagine.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2024
About the author
Kristen Painter
159 books3,454 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 13, 2024
His Maker’s Mark by Kristen Painter
Paranormal romance novella.
Annaleigh Barlow was hoping to save the historical building where her grandfather did the stone masonry work. Unfortunately, it’s been scheduled for destruction so she spends time on the upper outdoor observatory, taking as many photos as possible of the single remaining gargoyle and the stone work.
On one of the last nights before the building implodes as she’s visiting, Annaleigh is assaulted by thugs. Bleeding, she tries to climb up to the windowsills near the gargoyle but her ankle is grabbed and she’s dragged back down. She’s touched the claws of the gargoyle and pleads for any help possible.
Magic happens and Annaleigh’s life changes.
A fable comes to life on her behalf. Annaleigh is a bit naive, honest, hard working and alone. Vasmir will protect the lady that called him. Together they remember his maker and find happiness through his tears.
Paranormal romance novella.
Annaleigh Barlow was hoping to save the historical building where her grandfather did the stone masonry work. Unfortunately, it’s been scheduled for destruction so she spends time on the upper outdoor observatory, taking as many photos as possible of the single remaining gargoyle and the stone work.
On one of the last nights before the building implodes as she’s visiting, Annaleigh is assaulted by thugs. Bleeding, she tries to climb up to the windowsills near the gargoyle but her ankle is grabbed and she’s dragged back down. She’s touched the claws of the gargoyle and pleads for any help possible.
Magic happens and Annaleigh’s life changes.
A fable comes to life on her behalf. Annaleigh is a bit naive, honest, hard working and alone. Vasmir will protect the lady that called him. Together they remember his maker and find happiness through his tears.
April 21, 2024
I should have known!
As I read through this undeniably charming little story, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. It didn’t. Instead, Painter carries us along delicately, yet swiftly, into our little HEA.
Had ANYone told me five years ago that I would be reading any sort of book with the word, “romance,” in its description, I would have scoffed and made glorious mockery of them. Yet here I am. A man, well educated and also extremely capable in the trades, who would otherwise normally be found reading science fiction, fantasy or military fiction, and now romance novels as well. What do I tell my friends? I’m literally LMAO at the moment. Yet here I am.
I’ve said it before in other reviews and I’ll say it again, here. Kristen Painter may be characterized as a romance author, and well may she follow the necessary tropes and formulae that make such work, but truly she needs to simply be known as an incredibly talented WRITER without any qualifications because her gift for spinning words into powerful imagery is extreme, so much so that it can convince someone like me to read “romance.”
Well done, Ms Painter, well done!
As I read through this undeniably charming little story, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak. It didn’t. Instead, Painter carries us along delicately, yet swiftly, into our little HEA.
Had ANYone told me five years ago that I would be reading any sort of book with the word, “romance,” in its description, I would have scoffed and made glorious mockery of them. Yet here I am. A man, well educated and also extremely capable in the trades, who would otherwise normally be found reading science fiction, fantasy or military fiction, and now romance novels as well. What do I tell my friends? I’m literally LMAO at the moment. Yet here I am.
I’ve said it before in other reviews and I’ll say it again, here. Kristen Painter may be characterized as a romance author, and well may she follow the necessary tropes and formulae that make such work, but truly she needs to simply be known as an incredibly talented WRITER without any qualifications because her gift for spinning words into powerful imagery is extreme, so much so that it can convince someone like me to read “romance.”
Well done, Ms Painter, well done!
April 21, 2024
This was a cute, sweet novella. If you love Gargoyles then this read is for you.
September 21, 2024
Annaleigh Bartow has one goal in mind. Save the last remaining examples of her grandfather’s stonemasonry work. Unfortunately, that work is part of an old hotel scheduled for demolition.
And she’s not the only one out to get a piece of it.
When her attempt is thwarted by some ruthless thugs, an unexpected hero comes to her rescue. One who both frightens and fascinates her. One who will change her life in ways she can’t imagine.
This is a cute short story and Valentine's day was the perfect release date! A lot happened in such a short period of time. Kristian Painter never disappoint. And BJ Harrison always bring the books to life. This is a great book to read or listen to! Don't miss out!
And she’s not the only one out to get a piece of it.
When her attempt is thwarted by some ruthless thugs, an unexpected hero comes to her rescue. One who both frightens and fascinates her. One who will change her life in ways she can’t imagine.
This is a cute short story and Valentine's day was the perfect release date! A lot happened in such a short period of time. Kristian Painter never disappoint. And BJ Harrison always bring the books to life. This is a great book to read or listen to! Don't miss out!
March 10, 2024
I'm telling you right now, Kristen Painter never fails! His Makers Mark pulled me in immediately and held on tight as I listened! New characters to fall in love with and a fun storyline. I was definitely sad when it ended.
And BJ Harrison, amazing narration as always!!
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book, and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
And BJ Harrison, amazing narration as always!!
My rating scale:
5☆ - I loved this book, and it brought out true emotion in me (laughter, anger, a good cry, etc)
4☆ - I loved this book.
3☆ - I liked this book.
2☆ - I didn't really care for this book.
1☆ - I did not like this book at all and probably did not finish it.
February 14, 2024
I truly enjoyed reading this story. Even writing a novella Kristen knows how to suck you right into the story from the first page. You will not be able to put it down until you finish it that is for sure..
Annaleigh and Vasmir are perfect for each other..This novella has it all a little mystery and a little romance.. Making it perfect in my eyes.
This is truly a perfect story to read on Valentine’s Day!
October 11, 2024
This book skipped over the part of their relationship. So they get together and next you know she is pregnant and the story is over. So it is lacking the relationship big time. I did not liked that about the book. Spelling mistakes all over too.
The crime part was ok, rushed because it is a short story. That was all of the book.
This could have been one great book, a 5 star if it would not been a short story without any relationship evolvement. So I am very disappointed in that regard.
The crime part was ok, rushed because it is a short story. That was all of the book.
This could have been one great book, a 5 star if it would not been a short story without any relationship evolvement. So I am very disappointed in that regard.
February 16, 2024
I love a good gargoyle story and this one did not disappoint! Annaleigh has tried so hard to stop the demolition of an old hotel that has the last of her grandfather’s stone work. Little does she know, it holds secrets as well. I found Vasmir’s reactions to the human world funny and believable. This was a delightful short read.
February 26, 2024
Kristen's books always leave me feeling happy, and this one was no exception!
Annaleigh and her unconventional knight in shining armor, Vasmir, have just the sweetest story. For a shorter novella, it was full of detail, and I found it captivating.
Terrific audio narration that really brought each character to life!
Loved it!!
Annaleigh and her unconventional knight in shining armor, Vasmir, have just the sweetest story. For a shorter novella, it was full of detail, and I found it captivating.
Terrific audio narration that really brought each character to life!
Loved it!!
February 27, 2024
Fun, light read
As most of Ms. Painter's works, a fun, romantic read with more than a touch of magic. It started off a bit darker than expected, but segued into a sweet romance that wrapped up nicely. It's too bad the story wasn't fleshed out into a novel. They could have easily wound up in Georgia as Nocturne Falls' newest residents. A fun read.
As most of Ms. Painter's works, a fun, romantic read with more than a touch of magic. It started off a bit darker than expected, but segued into a sweet romance that wrapped up nicely. It's too bad the story wasn't fleshed out into a novel. They could have easily wound up in Georgia as Nocturne Falls' newest residents. A fun read.
May 24, 2024
Short, simple, and nice shifter romance with a HEA. The villain wasn't who I thought it would be, based on an overheard conversation.
Typos: Missing word ("chair for "a chair"), run-on sentence, "ancestor" used for "descendant," two sentence fragments ("She asked" as a sentence two times), apostrophe s plural ("beau's"), "lay" or "laying" used three times for "lie" or "lying."
Typos: Missing word ("chair for "a chair"), run-on sentence, "ancestor" used for "descendant," two sentence fragments ("She asked" as a sentence two times), apostrophe s plural ("beau's"), "lay" or "laying" used three times for "lie" or "lying."
August 3, 2024
So this went in a pathway that I wasn't expecting and yet in some ways a few of the events were predictable. I found this a fun, short read with some interesting mythology linked to gargoyles. I was fully expecting one pathway and was pleased to be blind sided near the end twisting the character of a couple of the people. Another enjoyable read with some interesting characters.
December 8, 2024
I’ve found my new Book Boyfriend.
I have always enjoyed Kristen’s writing style, and once again I’m not disappointed. She is able to make her characters relatable and captivating in what seems like the first few works. I hope that this Novella is expanded into a full series. I totally enjoyed the new characters and I want to know more about them.
I have always enjoyed Kristen’s writing style, and once again I’m not disappointed. She is able to make her characters relatable and captivating in what seems like the first few works. I hope that this Novella is expanded into a full series. I totally enjoyed the new characters and I want to know more about them.
January 1, 2025
I loved this book!! It was a fun book to listen to!! The story was so interesting and captured my interest right from the start!! I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved the characters! The narration was spot on as usual! Kristen Painter’s writing and BJ Harrison’s narration are a combination you don’t want to miss out on!!
May 25, 2025
Annaleigh wanted to save her grandfather's work and is almost hurt in the process. The only gargoyle statue left suddenly came to life in the nick of time to save her. You'll have to read for the rest of this great story! This is a very well written novella with really wonderful characters and a lovely ending. I hope we'll see more stories with these characters and similar story line.
December 4, 2024
Had a fun time reading this story. It is a standalone book that is readable for any age group a cozy themed book bringing the gargoyle lore to the front great story and wonderful relatable characters
August 26, 2026
Very cool
I really enjoyed this quick read. Surprising depth and detail. Sometimes short books don't achieve that, this did.
I was wishing there would be more to the story for his brothers
I really enjoyed this quick read. Surprising depth and detail. Sometimes short books don't achieve that, this did.
I was wishing there would be more to the story for his brothers
February 13, 2024
Well written standalone novella. Definitely a different twist that kept me guessing at the HEA. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
February 14, 2024
I loved it from beginning to end. It was a quick read and didn't seem to be slow at any point. I'd definitely recommend this book to those that love the Paranormal and Fantasy.
February 14, 2024
Treasure tears and love.
A heartfelt interesting quick read, just want is welcome on a lazy afternoon. This might start a new minis series from a wonderful writer.
A heartfelt interesting quick read, just want is welcome on a lazy afternoon. This might start a new minis series from a wonderful writer.
February 15, 2024
The Beauty and the Beast; Annaleigh and the gargoyle form and bond and fall in love. This seemed a perfect read for the day.
February 16, 2024
This Wonderful novella has a sweet story, superb pacing inviting one to consume page after page with a smile on your lips and warmth in your heart.
February 19, 2024
Too short and simple. And I felt like . But yay gargoyles!
February 19, 2024
Charming and fun
A fun, cozy read. Painter has created an integrated story that is full of surprises. Recommended quick read as and independent story.
A fun, cozy read. Painter has created an integrated story that is full of surprises. Recommended quick read as and independent story.
February 23, 2024
Sweet, not spicy
A cozy little story with a touch of drama, but no spice. Safe for your teenager or grandma. Well written. Highly recommend!
A cozy little story with a touch of drama, but no spice. Safe for your teenager or grandma. Well written. Highly recommend!
March 3, 2024
This was so outstandingly wonderful! Usually short stories lack luster. Not this one, It was as lustrous as the diamonds in it. I loved the characters. it was a fun and unique story.
March 18, 2024
A very nice stand alone story-loved the characters and plot line_enjoyed this read very much
April 5, 2024
A short story that is full of feeling and magic! Loved it!!!
June 28, 2024
3.5
A sweet paranormal romance. It took me a while to get into it, which is unusual for a KP book, but, in the end, I enjoyed it. It was a short, straightforward novella.
A sweet paranormal romance. It took me a while to get into it, which is unusual for a KP book, but, in the end, I enjoyed it. It was a short, straightforward novella.
July 25, 2024
A very nice romance with likeable characters. A very interesting historical story mixed with fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews