Protected by the Cursed Gargoyle

My Monster, My Protector #8

by Chloe Graves

What is fate but desire set in stone...

Gwen
Running an antique shop is more dust and desk work than ancient artifacts and dodging boulders. Or so I tell myself when vampires attack, seeking a strange diadem my fingers itch to place on my head. Alone, outnumbered, I'm another loss in a war I don't understand—only to be rescued by a high flying escape on wings of stone.

Onyx eyes don't lie when my gargoyle guardian explains I'm a witch with a target on my back. His solemn vow to protect me feels as solid as his carved chest, and his chiseled arms offer a safety I've never known.

But he guards a secret that threatens to break the one relic I can't salvage—my heart.

Garrex
Cursed to stillness by day and living stone by night, I've spent centuries atoning for my failure and waiting. For her, for Gwen, my mate.

Her fiery spirit and stubborn determination draw me in like a moth to a flame, even as her reckless bravery tests the limits of my patience. With every glimpse of her untamed magic, I find myself falling deeper under the captivating witch's spell.

But the shadows of my past are relentless, and Gwen is hunted by the same ancient evil that claimed my previous ward.

I vow to guard Gwen with my life, my love, my everything—even if the truth of my ruin shatters the bond between us.

Protected by the Cursed Gargoyle is a standalone paranormal romance novella in the My Monster, My Protector series. Perfect for fans of spicy fated mates, crafty heroines with dangerous destinies, and insistent, brooding bodyguard gargoyle heroes.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2024

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antique shop worker Gwen (h) stumbles upon a mysterious diadem in her shop only for her life to take a sudden and dangerous turn. Attacked by vampires and saved by Garrex (H), a cursed gargoyle sworn to protect her, Gwen discovers she's a witch with powerful latent abilities. Garrex, bound by an ancient curse to safeguard witches, becomes her guardian and mentor. As Gwen uncovers the secrets of her magical heritage, she and Garrex grow closer, forging a connection that is both protective and deeply personal, and things heat up between the two. Together, they navigate the threats posed by dark forces determined to harness the diadem's power for nefarious purposes. Gwen must learn to control her magic and unlock the full potential of the diadem to thwart the dangers around her and balance the magical world. Hot and steamy gargoyle-witch fated mates romance, exploring magic, danger, and connection.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: So, I feel like this book was written by a like minded soul who also adored The Mummy because it totally has "hidden world but now my eyes are open" vibes. The FMC works at an antiquities shop and has a very....active sense of curiosity that reveals this hidden world. "My gaze drifted to the high shelf where I’d glimpsed that strange wooden box. Strange, because I thought I knew every item in the shop. I grabbed the step stool and hauled it over, climbing up for a closer look. The wooden box sat nestled between a pair of Art Deco bookends. It’d been forgotten for so long a thick layer of dust covered the top, leaving a perfect vase-shaped clearance in the middle. I grasped the edges and lifted it down, surprised by the warmth of the wood. The shelf wasn’t under any particularly strong light or in a window’s path, but the box felt like someone had cradled it in their hands for hours. I blew a breath against the lid, dislodging a cloud of dust that made me cough. It didn’t look like much. An average box carved from dark wood and polished until it gleamed. No maker’s mark, no identifying features beyond its weathered patina. Still... it looked awfully familiar, and it bothered me that I couldn’t place it. Curiosity gripped me in its teeth. I set it on the counter and drummed my fingers. “What are you hiding?” My nail caught on an imperfection along the edge. There. A slight indent. I pressed, and something inside clicked. The lid sprang open, revealing a velvet-lined interior. Nestled on the faded fabric lay a diadem. Twin stones carved into crescent moons, one waxing and one waning, served as the focal point of a silver circlet. Delicate filigree with small moonstones formed a net of stars meant to spread over the top of the wearer’s head. “Holy shít,” I breathed. I’d handled countless priceless artifacts, but this... this was different. The air felt charged. My fingers hovered over the metal, drawn to it like a magnet. I touched it. Warmth flooded through me. Tingles started at my fingertips and raced up my arm. Something surged through me. Power? Recognition? It felt like coming home after a long journey. Like finding a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing."

I loved this vibe, it brought me to this childlike sense of wonder and the hope that there is something MORE to the world. And for Gwen, there's relics, monsters, and fated broody gargoyle mates! Poor Garrex is carrying a lot on his broad stone shoulders and feels unworthy of things like love. But he reluctantly becomes a bit of a guide to the world of the weird for Gwen and watching them interact is both sweet and a ton of fun. 5/5 Stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protected by the Cursed Gargoyle is a fated mates paranormal romance. This novel is one of the My Monster, My Protector series books. Gwen runs an antique shows which thinks is more dust and desk work than ancient artifacts and dodging boulders. At least this is what she tells herself when vampires attack, seeking a strange diadem. Alone, outnumbered, she'll end up being another loss in a war she doesn't understand- only to be rescued by a high flying escape on wigs of stone. Onyx eyes don't lie when her gargoyle guardian explains she's a witch with a target on her back. His solemn vow to protect her feels as solid as his carved chest, and his chiseled arms offer a safety she's never known. But he guards a secret that threatens to break the one relic she can't salvage- her heart. Garrex is cursed to stillness by day and living stone by night, he's spent centuries atoning for his failure and waiting. For her, for Gwen, his mate. Her fiery spirit and stubborn determination draws him in like a moth to a flame, even as her reckless bravery tests the limits of his patience. With every glimpse of her untamed magic, Garrex finds himself falling deeper under the captivating witch's spell. But the shadows of his past are relentless, and Gwen is hunted by the same ancient evil that claim his previous ward. Garrex vows to guard Gwen with his life, his love, his everything- even if the truth of his ruin shatters the bond between them. I thought Gwen to be feisty, brave, stubborn, and reckless at times. Garrex, thought him to be someone who is hard on himself because of a past mistake he made with his previous ward. Garrex is also protective of Gwen not only because she's his ward, but his mate. The chemistry between Gwen and Garrex is explosive and they have some steamy scenes. I love how Gwen helps Garrex move on from the past so they can have a future together. I thoroughly enjoyed Gwen and Garrex as the main characters of this novel. The plot is intense and has great twists and turns. This story is amazing, i finished the book in one sitting. This story would make a great Netflix binge session for a bookworm. This novel is a page-turner and a definite must-read. I give this book as a recommendation to anyone looking for a fun, entertaining, and enjoyable read. I can't wait to see what will be next for Author Chloe Graves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every movement hypnotized me. Every breath soothed the ache of centuries. Every moment drew me closer to her, deeper under her spell.

3.5 stars

As much as I love Chloe's other books, this was not one of my favorites by her. I found the story rushed and predictable (I clocked the "villain" as soon as we met them), and I didn't really connect with the characters. I've read a lot of monster romance and for me, this one just didn't work. The bond between Gwen and Garrex felt forced, and I didn't really understand why they liked each other in the first place. Overall, I don't recommend this one by Chloe but her shifter books are great.

Tropes: fated mates, forbidden love, jaded protector hero, heroine-in-danger, forced proximity, magical curse, found family, steamy🔥

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic is real! Monsters are real!! Curses and feuds never seem to go away. Gwen is a witch except she had no clue she was a witch or that magic was real. However after her powers are awakened she gets attacked by vampires and then swept away by her guardian gargoyle. So yeah that’s one night she won’t forget. Factor in that Garrex is her mate and we have some serious chemistry and steamy times happening. The story is amazing and I binged it in one sitting! This story is like a great Netflix binge session for a bookworm. Now I need more because while the story gets an HEA you want more!! I haven’t been this excited about a book in awhile.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garrex is a cursed gargoyle who failed to protect the witch he was assigned to. Now a new witch has shown up. She's his mate. Will he fail her too? Gwen runs an antique shop. When she discovers a hidden antique, she discovers she has powers, Vampires want to kill her and a grumpy gargoyle is supposed to be her protector. The fate if the world rest on her shoulders. Is she up for the challenge? Read the book to find out the answer to the questions. This was a real page turner with lots of heat and steam. I highly recommend you read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a paranormal spicy romance. Gwen works in an antique shop and has a special affinity for paranormal items. She doesn't know about her heritage. Garrex is a gargoyle who rescues her and becomes her constant protector. They have explosive chemistry and steamy times. I love how Gwen helps Garrex move on from the past so they can have a future together. I enjoyed these two characters. The plot is intense and has great twists. Excellent book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and action-packed! This novella is a first in a series, I hope! I'm not sure as this is a new to me author, but man, this one packs a punch! I loved the magic of the magic and mysticism combined with gargoyles and a criminally addictive backstory! For only ten chapters long, the plot is deep and full of good vs evil, power grabs, vampires and long dead secrets come to life again. It was awesome! So glad I took the chance on an author that I haven't experienced yet, it is definitely going on my list of authors to read more of!

[Dorrita Winch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen is our MFC and unbeknownst to her, a witch. She works at the Whispering Relics antiques. She finds a box that she dosnt remember being there, yet is familiar. Inside is a diadem that she itches to set on her head. And when she touches it! …..😳😃
Garrex Is our MMC and is…yes, a gargoyle. Having been cursed long ago. He’s been waiting, and waiting, and now finally he’s found her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining book about Gwen, who didn't know she was a witch, and Garrex the gargoyle who is her mate and protector. Garrex has to help Gwen come to terms with her powers and Gwen discovers Ivy isn't the friendly witch she thought. This is a page-turner and a definite must-read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A magical tale of awakening and betrayals discovered. Gwen discovers her heritage and Garrex as her protector. I liked that they become a couple and his curse is partially broken.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another engaging story in the My Monster, My Protector, Garrex and Gwen 's story. The story held my interest with its drama, suspense, danger, twists, turns and romance. I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab addition to this fun multi-author series. I really enjoyed how this one unfolded with Gwen being a witch and not knowing it. Garrex, a cursed gargoyle shifter, mentors and protects her.... This was a fun and steamy fated mates romance with danger and magic. Good fun!

[Lulu Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new book in my protector series and this is a bout a girl who discovers she is a witch and her knight and shining armor is a gargoyle and fated mate. This a quick, action packed and steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected By the Cursed Gargoyle

This is the final book in the series that I've read. All of them were entertaining reads. I may not have read them in order, but all of them have been interesting.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cursed Gargoyle

This was a cute story where Garrex was cursed for not being there to protect the witch he was a guardian to and Gwen a new witch that he is now the protector of and she is also his fated mate. I liked it.

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story

[Ti · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice.