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Monsters Hollow #2
The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer
Welcome to Monsters Hollow, where love knows no bounds—even in a town full of monsters!
A quirky romance writer in hiding. A sexy gargoyle lover turned bodyguard. And a stalker that just won’t quit...
Ryder St. James
I assumed writing swoony romance novels about humans and Otherkind might attract some unsavory attention. But I never imagined I’d have an obsessive fan stalking me.
As a former foster kid, I’m pretty resilient but this situation is messing with my sleep and I’m on deadline for my next book!
About the only thing that can help at times like this is some regular mind-blowing…release. Trust me, solo methods just aren’t enough and hooking up with randos isn't my style. I need someone safe who can reliably rock my world in the bedroom and maybe help me with my research as a bonus!
Enter the hunky Scottish gargoyle who’s been flirting with me ever since I arrived to hide out in Mystic Hollow. We come up with an ideal no-strings and no-feelings arrangement.
After all, romance is just a fantasy I write about in my books--right?
Vash DarkWing
From the moment I met Ryder St. James, I wanted to know more about the bonnie, brave man who speaks his mind. With no filter.
When he proposes a few weeks of mutually beneficial shagging before his book tour starts, I immediately jump on the chance to, well, jump him. Just a bit of fun and maybe friendship.
Hell’s bells, but Ryder slips past all my defenses and wins my affections without even trying! Now, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the man I love safe. Even if it means putting my heart as well as my life on the line.
The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer features an inappropriately curious novelist, a sexy Scottish gargoyle, a specialty harness for aerial…shenanigans, a creepy stalker, and true love for the win. This is the second book in the Monsters Hollow series and can be read as a standalone.
A quirky romance writer in hiding. A sexy gargoyle lover turned bodyguard. And a stalker that just won’t quit...
Ryder St. James
I assumed writing swoony romance novels about humans and Otherkind might attract some unsavory attention. But I never imagined I’d have an obsessive fan stalking me.
As a former foster kid, I’m pretty resilient but this situation is messing with my sleep and I’m on deadline for my next book!
About the only thing that can help at times like this is some regular mind-blowing…release. Trust me, solo methods just aren’t enough and hooking up with randos isn't my style. I need someone safe who can reliably rock my world in the bedroom and maybe help me with my research as a bonus!
Enter the hunky Scottish gargoyle who’s been flirting with me ever since I arrived to hide out in Mystic Hollow. We come up with an ideal no-strings and no-feelings arrangement.
After all, romance is just a fantasy I write about in my books--right?
Vash DarkWing
From the moment I met Ryder St. James, I wanted to know more about the bonnie, brave man who speaks his mind. With no filter.
When he proposes a few weeks of mutually beneficial shagging before his book tour starts, I immediately jump on the chance to, well, jump him. Just a bit of fun and maybe friendship.
Hell’s bells, but Ryder slips past all my defenses and wins my affections without even trying! Now, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep the man I love safe. Even if it means putting my heart as well as my life on the line.
The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer features an inappropriately curious novelist, a sexy Scottish gargoyle, a specialty harness for aerial…shenanigans, a creepy stalker, and true love for the win. This is the second book in the Monsters Hollow series and can be read as a standalone.
398 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2024
219 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Archer
16 books284 followersChloe Archer writes queer sci-fi and paranormal rom-coms with laugh out loud humor, zany shenanigans, silly acronyms, and plenty of spice!
She currently call Minnesota home, but has lived abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. She’s hoping to relocate to Scotland permanently in the next few years if the stars align.
Chloe is a fur mama to two adorable Yorkies, Jasper and Teddy, and she loves them in a crazy dog mama kind of way. When she isn’t busy writing, she enjoys visiting friends and family, traveling, reading, binge watching movies and TV shows, and practicing her karaoke skills. She does a mean cover of Pat Benatar and Cher, or so she’s been told.
She currently call Minnesota home, but has lived abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. She’s hoping to relocate to Scotland permanently in the next few years if the stars align.
Chloe is a fur mama to two adorable Yorkies, Jasper and Teddy, and she loves them in a crazy dog mama kind of way. When she isn’t busy writing, she enjoys visiting friends and family, traveling, reading, binge watching movies and TV shows, and practicing her karaoke skills. She does a mean cover of Pat Benatar and Cher, or so she’s been told.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
March 19, 2025
A really cozy monster romance for sure! I enjoyed this so much, loved the plot and all the characters, audio narration is fantastic! Will be re listening soon!
I’m excited for the next book in the series!
I’m excited for the next book in the series!
August 1, 2025
Are you interested in human/gargoyle relations with a bit of voyeuristic merman thrown in for good measure? 🧜♂️ Yes? 😏 Well, I have the book for you! ✨
Great! Now that I have your attention, I need everyone to read this book because it is SO GOOD 🤩 I'm not lying though. There is legit a voyeuristic merman and he ends up being part of one of the most unique sex scenes I've ever read in the wildest of ways 💦 I'm not going to say more, so if that little tidbit has caught your attention, then you're just going to need to get to reading! Actually, go for the audiobook because Greg B is amazing and Vash, the gargoyle, has a Scottish accent 😌 You can thank me later.
Now for the part where I keep rambling...
While book one in the series was perfectly fine, it wasn't good enough for me to scream at people to read because, honestly, it was just okay, and that was thanks in large part to Greg B's narration 😅 The stories aren't so interconnected that I think you MUST read the first book, but it gives context to Ryder and Vash as characters and introduces you to the town of Monsters Hollow, as well as some of the other townsfolk. Monsters Hollow is a lovely setting, so it's nice getting to know it from the start. If you just don't feel like reading book one though, don't let it stop you from reading this one because again- IT IS SO GOOD 💙
I'm not going to say this is just like MateHub: Legend, but if you liked that book, I think you'll like this one too. There's just something about the vibe that works. It even has fun beginning of the chapter bits like the chat in MateHub did. Otherwise, I think it was more that the book surprised me with how much I liked it. It was fun, charming, and there was just something about it that made me happy the way that MateHub did 🥰
Ryder and Vash have great chemistry right from the moment they meet though it's not your typical meet-cute 😂 Vash is incredibly charming and self-assured, while Ryder is unpredictable and bold in the best of ways. The book will have you laughing and smiling all the way through. The plot has a couple of things going on including the mystery of Monsters Hollow and a pesky stalker bothering Ryder. The Monsters Hollow part was interesting and fun, but the stalker thing was a bit silly in the end. I actually had a good laugh about how it played out. Bottom line: don't take this too seriously and just roll with it! It's a great time and the audio makes it even better! 🎧
Great! Now that I have your attention, I need everyone to read this book because it is SO GOOD 🤩 I'm not lying though. There is legit a voyeuristic merman and he ends up being part of one of the most unique sex scenes I've ever read in the wildest of ways 💦 I'm not going to say more, so if that little tidbit has caught your attention, then you're just going to need to get to reading! Actually, go for the audiobook because Greg B is amazing and Vash, the gargoyle, has a Scottish accent 😌 You can thank me later.
Now for the part where I keep rambling...
While book one in the series was perfectly fine, it wasn't good enough for me to scream at people to read because, honestly, it was just okay, and that was thanks in large part to Greg B's narration 😅 The stories aren't so interconnected that I think you MUST read the first book, but it gives context to Ryder and Vash as characters and introduces you to the town of Monsters Hollow, as well as some of the other townsfolk. Monsters Hollow is a lovely setting, so it's nice getting to know it from the start. If you just don't feel like reading book one though, don't let it stop you from reading this one because again- IT IS SO GOOD 💙
I'm not going to say this is just like MateHub: Legend, but if you liked that book, I think you'll like this one too. There's just something about the vibe that works. It even has fun beginning of the chapter bits like the chat in MateHub did. Otherwise, I think it was more that the book surprised me with how much I liked it. It was fun, charming, and there was just something about it that made me happy the way that MateHub did 🥰
Ryder and Vash have great chemistry right from the moment they meet though it's not your typical meet-cute 😂 Vash is incredibly charming and self-assured, while Ryder is unpredictable and bold in the best of ways. The book will have you laughing and smiling all the way through. The plot has a couple of things going on including the mystery of Monsters Hollow and a pesky stalker bothering Ryder. The Monsters Hollow part was interesting and fun, but the stalker thing was a bit silly in the end. I actually had a good laugh about how it played out. Bottom line: don't take this too seriously and just roll with it! It's a great time and the audio makes it even better! 🎧
April 5, 2025
Cute, zero angst, slice of life romance in a small monster town between a romance writer and a gargoyle (as you might have suspected from the title... 😂). The writer is quite sassy and isn't ready for romance and the gargoyle is a bit smitten and a lot protective. I like how they are in a romantic relationship before they even realise they actually are in a relationship. It has fun dongs, a bit of tail play and aerial sex, but I liked it better than Rhys and Feyre darling 😆.
November 9, 2024
It's purely a me thing, I didn't enjoy the kidnapping part at all, I really dislike how the author tried to make it funny
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
The Mystic Hollow books are just pure fun, and this one follows the same basic narrative but with an obvious storyline that's unique to an author and gargoyle falling in love.
Ryder's not your typical romance writer either, in fact, he doesn't really know anything about love, as he had a difficult upbringing in foster care with a family who didn't appreciate him.
He's neurodivergent and speaks whatever's in his mind without always thinking about the appropriate setting.
He's a bit judgey too, but he's also super easy to like because he's so enthusiastic about making sure his research is right and that he's representing Otherkind properly.
Vash is your typical alpha bodyguard type on the surface, but underneath, he's really a marshmallow fluff who never thought he'd get a mate as he didn't get any gargoyle magic.
There's loads of other minor plots going on in the background which include a few surprises as well as ideas on what night be coming next.
Ultimately, though, this fits beautifully into the series and provides another sexy, funny, and swoony, addition.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ryder's not your typical romance writer either, in fact, he doesn't really know anything about love, as he had a difficult upbringing in foster care with a family who didn't appreciate him.
He's neurodivergent and speaks whatever's in his mind without always thinking about the appropriate setting.
He's a bit judgey too, but he's also super easy to like because he's so enthusiastic about making sure his research is right and that he's representing Otherkind properly.
Vash is your typical alpha bodyguard type on the surface, but underneath, he's really a marshmallow fluff who never thought he'd get a mate as he didn't get any gargoyle magic.
There's loads of other minor plots going on in the background which include a few surprises as well as ideas on what night be coming next.
Ultimately, though, this fits beautifully into the series and provides another sexy, funny, and swoony, addition.
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2025
I liked the first one more, but Greg B killed the narration! A sexy Scottish gargoyle HELLO!! My panties were off with the accent 😂
Really easy cozy low angst reads with humans and different “other world” species and it’s very CAMP and gay!
Really easy cozy low angst reads with humans and different “other world” species and it’s very CAMP and gay!
May 6, 2024
4.5 stars for me.
Chloe Archer always makes me want to read the stories that her characters write LOL - now i want to read all the monster stories that Ryder writes!
Ryder is a romance author and has temporarily moved to Monsters Hollow, a safe haven for all sorts of paranormal and supernatural beings. He is being sent threatening letters and packages, which is concerning since he has an upcoming book tour. Vash, a gargoyle (and Scottish!) is hired to protect him and the two strike up a FWB deal on the side - of course, we always know how that turns out in a romance, right?
These two - so sweet and fun, and caring. I loved how respectful Vash was of every request and comfort that Ryder needed. Ryder had been burned previously due to his neurodiversity, but Vash never made him feel bad or an annoyance, which I loved so much.
There is steam, danger, and so much humor - it's a Chloe Archer book, after all, and there are so many characters I hope we'll get stories for!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Chloe Archer always makes me want to read the stories that her characters write LOL - now i want to read all the monster stories that Ryder writes!
Ryder is a romance author and has temporarily moved to Monsters Hollow, a safe haven for all sorts of paranormal and supernatural beings. He is being sent threatening letters and packages, which is concerning since he has an upcoming book tour. Vash, a gargoyle (and Scottish!) is hired to protect him and the two strike up a FWB deal on the side - of course, we always know how that turns out in a romance, right?
These two - so sweet and fun, and caring. I loved how respectful Vash was of every request and comfort that Ryder needed. Ryder had been burned previously due to his neurodiversity, but Vash never made him feel bad or an annoyance, which I loved so much.
There is steam, danger, and so much humor - it's a Chloe Archer book, after all, and there are so many characters I hope we'll get stories for!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2024
This was such a lovely story. I enjoyed the first book in this series very much, and I was looking forward to reading about Vash and Ryder, they were just wonderful!
Ryder is an author that writes romances between humans and other kinds of beings. He has a stalker and decides to hide in Mystic Hollow where his friend Max lives. The town protects with magic its citizens from anyone who wants to cross its borders to cause harm to any of them, so Ryder felt safe there. Vash is a gargoyle, lives in the town too and has a security firm. Ryder and Vash meet through mutual friends and they feel attracted to each other from the beginning.
Ryder and Vash were so much fun together! I loved every encounter they had, especially Ryder's mouth and how he kept asking everyone about their penises. He had no filter and spoke his mind up without hesitation, but he also had a big heart and deeply loved those he cared about. Vash couldn't resist Ryder's honesty and I loved his gargoyle protective instincts when they got on full mode. Vash was loyal, a great friend and a caring being.
The pace of the story was slow and I enjoyed witnessing Ryder and Vash encounters, how they got to know each other despite his arrangement being at the beginning of the sexual type. They complemented each other perfectly and Vash was exactly what Ryder needed to believe in love again.
This was a wonderful book full of different creatures that I found interesting and also made me laugh (like a certain merman, ahem ahem). The world-building was great and the suspense about trying to find out who the stalker was kept me reading. The scenes of Ryder and Vash together were hot and romantic, the respect that Vash showed for Ryder's preferences was everything.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. There is an adorable B&B owner that is just waiting for his love story to happen.
Ryder is an author that writes romances between humans and other kinds of beings. He has a stalker and decides to hide in Mystic Hollow where his friend Max lives. The town protects with magic its citizens from anyone who wants to cross its borders to cause harm to any of them, so Ryder felt safe there. Vash is a gargoyle, lives in the town too and has a security firm. Ryder and Vash meet through mutual friends and they feel attracted to each other from the beginning.
Ryder and Vash were so much fun together! I loved every encounter they had, especially Ryder's mouth and how he kept asking everyone about their penises. He had no filter and spoke his mind up without hesitation, but he also had a big heart and deeply loved those he cared about. Vash couldn't resist Ryder's honesty and I loved his gargoyle protective instincts when they got on full mode. Vash was loyal, a great friend and a caring being.
The pace of the story was slow and I enjoyed witnessing Ryder and Vash encounters, how they got to know each other despite his arrangement being at the beginning of the sexual type. They complemented each other perfectly and Vash was exactly what Ryder needed to believe in love again.
This was a wonderful book full of different creatures that I found interesting and also made me laugh (like a certain merman, ahem ahem). The world-building was great and the suspense about trying to find out who the stalker was kept me reading. The scenes of Ryder and Vash together were hot and romantic, the respect that Vash showed for Ryder's preferences was everything.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. There is an adorable B&B owner that is just waiting for his love story to happen.
April 27, 2024
[Only small spoilers below]
So I read the 2 novellas in the series and I had loved them both but I didn’t read book 1 (orc and the manny)
I know it’s part of a series but it says that it can be read as a standalone. I’m not sure about that honestly. A lot of moments left me confused because it sounded like we were supposed to know who this character was or the backstory with the murder in book 1…So while it is technically possible to read as a standalone I don’t recommend it.
It started well and was funny (“I think we should enter into a mutually beneficial sex contract.”😂) but it went on too long with lots of backstory about the lore of Monster hollow for me.
For me my biggest problem was that there were too many stories:
• the main romance
• The stalker storyline
• The history of the magic protecting the town and Ryder’s obsessive research about it. This part really lost me I admit. It went on for too long and I didn’t care for it. I guess it was useful for the rest of the series but then as a standalone it felt like too much information.
• The murder/trial linked to book 1. IMO it didn’t bring anything to the main story.
Then there were some bits that were annoying or not believable:
- Daryl’s habit of getting his notebook out to write his discoveries at all times (or want to) even during sex was a bit annoying IMO (and a bit too much) . I get that he’s neurodivergent but that was a mood killer for me. It’s fun at first but wanting to take notes while being pleasured by Vash was not for me.
- He’s supposed to be such a great and famous romance writer that every person/monster he meets in the book knows him/has read all of his books/is a big fan (a bit too much 🙄) BUT somehow he’s totally clueless about the fact that you tell someone “we need to talk” it’s usually seen as bad news. I can’t believe that. Again, I get it, he’s not good at social clues but I have a hard time believing he could be so good at writing love stories if he’s that clueless about relationships and love in general.
- Likewise, he spends the whole book saying he doesn’t like fluids/is very sensitive about some of the things he does in bed (which is totally understandable of course) BUT then he tells Vash that he wants to rim him (which he has never done before because of the reasons mentioned above) even though it’s the end of the day/ they just did some physical activities/ Vash is not fresh out of the shower. I don’t think it fits with the rest of his intimacy issues. I could see him offer it after a shower and in the comfort of their houses but not in the situation they were in.
- Ryder is always very honest about everything and ok it can be fun but seriously I could have done without the “I don’t do anal before I’ve had my morning po*p” (not exact quote but I can’t remember it 😂) Of course in the real world it does makes sense but in a romance I prefer to not think about those IRL details 😅
- Too many details about secondary characters
- The big stalker plot line fell a bit flat in the end IMO. As soon as we get to meet them their identity is obvious and the confrontation was underwhelming.
I did like seeing a character with a disability and who doesn’t like to be touched and I loved seeing familiar characters from the novellas!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for that!
So I read the 2 novellas in the series and I had loved them both but I didn’t read book 1 (orc and the manny)
I know it’s part of a series but it says that it can be read as a standalone. I’m not sure about that honestly. A lot of moments left me confused because it sounded like we were supposed to know who this character was or the backstory with the murder in book 1…So while it is technically possible to read as a standalone I don’t recommend it.
It started well and was funny (“I think we should enter into a mutually beneficial sex contract.”😂) but it went on too long with lots of backstory about the lore of Monster hollow for me.
For me my biggest problem was that there were too many stories:
• the main romance
• The stalker storyline
• The history of the magic protecting the town and Ryder’s obsessive research about it. This part really lost me I admit. It went on for too long and I didn’t care for it. I guess it was useful for the rest of the series but then as a standalone it felt like too much information.
• The murder/trial linked to book 1. IMO it didn’t bring anything to the main story.
Then there were some bits that were annoying or not believable:
- Daryl’s habit of getting his notebook out to write his discoveries at all times (or want to) even during sex was a bit annoying IMO (and a bit too much) . I get that he’s neurodivergent but that was a mood killer for me. It’s fun at first but wanting to take notes while being pleasured by Vash was not for me.
- He’s supposed to be such a great and famous romance writer that every person/monster he meets in the book knows him/has read all of his books/is a big fan (a bit too much 🙄) BUT somehow he’s totally clueless about the fact that you tell someone “we need to talk” it’s usually seen as bad news. I can’t believe that. Again, I get it, he’s not good at social clues but I have a hard time believing he could be so good at writing love stories if he’s that clueless about relationships and love in general.
- Likewise, he spends the whole book saying he doesn’t like fluids/is very sensitive about some of the things he does in bed (which is totally understandable of course) BUT then he tells Vash that he wants to rim him (which he has never done before because of the reasons mentioned above) even though it’s the end of the day/ they just did some physical activities/ Vash is not fresh out of the shower. I don’t think it fits with the rest of his intimacy issues. I could see him offer it after a shower and in the comfort of their houses but not in the situation they were in.
- Ryder is always very honest about everything and ok it can be fun but seriously I could have done without the “I don’t do anal before I’ve had my morning po*p” (not exact quote but I can’t remember it 😂) Of course in the real world it does makes sense but in a romance I prefer to not think about those IRL details 😅
- Too many details about secondary characters
- The big stalker plot line fell a bit flat in the end IMO. As soon as we get to meet them their identity is obvious and the confrontation was underwhelming.
I did like seeing a character with a disability and who doesn’t like to be touched and I loved seeing familiar characters from the novellas!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
I love this series but unfortunately with every full-length novel I read by this author, I can't help but think she is better at writing novellas. Even the short glimpses of fictional books and stories that the author always has at the beginning of a chapter had me more interested than the actual novel.
I think the problem is the pacing. In novels it seems just a little off, just a bit too slow. Especially in this novel, in which there is a lot of repetition in the beginning. For instance, the reader gets told Ryder doesn't like people touching him but that his friend Max is an exception. Then a few pages later it is mentioned again, and a little while later AGAIN. Meanwhile, the same repetition is happening with other little background facts.
This meant it took me a while to get into the story. Throw in the facts that Ryder is written like a typical guy with autism (as far as the reader knows, he is not autistic, just a writer who is in his head a lot) and that the story skips the first few months of Ryder and Vash's interaction, and I almost stopped reading. Alright, the story starts where the last book ends and where Ryder and Vash were very interesting together, but then it is 3 months later.
To be honest, I was more interested in Ryder and Vash in the last book. There they seemed very hot and interesting. Sadly that fell a bit flat. I found it tiresome to be in Ryder's head so much, especially with all the repetition, and Vash's sexy Scottish accent didn't really get across. There are about 3 Scottish words that he speaks, including 'aye', and I'm sorry but that is not enough for me to envision a Scottish accent.
The beginning of the story also means that although this story is said to be a standalone, it starts very confusing if you haven't read The Orc and the Manny. I've read it and even I had to think for a minute to remember what had happened.
Anyway, there were a lot of things that didn't quite work for me, and then I'm not even mentioning the whole 80% action with the bad guy who gives BDSM a bad name. Cringe.
On the other hand, it is an easy and nice read, especially for fans of this author. Quite low on the angst - a bit more towards the end (not relationship angst) - but please check the content warnings below, provided by the author, if necessary.
Content warnings:
I think the problem is the pacing. In novels it seems just a little off, just a bit too slow. Especially in this novel, in which there is a lot of repetition in the beginning. For instance, the reader gets told Ryder doesn't like people touching him but that his friend Max is an exception. Then a few pages later it is mentioned again, and a little while later AGAIN. Meanwhile, the same repetition is happening with other little background facts.
This meant it took me a while to get into the story. Throw in the facts that Ryder is written like a typical guy with autism (as far as the reader knows, he is not autistic, just a writer who is in his head a lot) and that the story skips the first few months of Ryder and Vash's interaction, and I almost stopped reading. Alright, the story starts where the last book ends and where Ryder and Vash were very interesting together, but then it is 3 months later.
To be honest, I was more interested in Ryder and Vash in the last book. There they seemed very hot and interesting. Sadly that fell a bit flat. I found it tiresome to be in Ryder's head so much, especially with all the repetition, and Vash's sexy Scottish accent didn't really get across. There are about 3 Scottish words that he speaks, including 'aye', and I'm sorry but that is not enough for me to envision a Scottish accent.
The beginning of the story also means that although this story is said to be a standalone, it starts very confusing if you haven't read The Orc and the Manny. I've read it and even I had to think for a minute to remember what had happened.
Anyway, there were a lot of things that didn't quite work for me, and then I'm not even mentioning the whole 80% action with the bad guy who gives BDSM a bad name. Cringe.
On the other hand, it is an easy and nice read, especially for fans of this author. Quite low on the angst - a bit more towards the end (not relationship angst) - but please check the content warnings below, provided by the author, if necessary.
Content warnings:
September 17, 2025
This book was a delight, exactly the kind of cozy monster romance book I needed. Ryder was straightforward, spoke his mind about what he wanted but at the same time was hiding behind sturdy walls he built to protect his heart after past difficulties that left a mark. Then flying comes sexy protective gargoyle Vash with his flirty demeanour and will to give Ryder everything he needs.
They start a no strings, research and fulfilment, only sex relationship but we all know how feelings have a way to get yourself trapped wonderfully in all the strings and emotions. I loved how Vash was patient with Ryder and his fears of commitment, how he saw his quirks as endearing rather than annoying. How he saw bringing Ryder happiness as his number one goal every single day. And Ryder is not a person in distress needing saving, he is strong and knows his boundaries and is not afraid to tell you. He is curious and inquisitive and he cares deeply when he allows himself to do so, first with his bff Max, then with Hal at the B&B and in the end with Vash when he realized there are feelings and he really wants him around forever.
The book was also plenty naughty, so so steamy and I have to admit gargoyle anatomy truly is remarkable. Impressive really. Their aerial steamy shenanigans got my imagination running, it was amazing.
All the inhabitants of Mystic Hollow are just so great and I hope I get to experience some of them getting their HEA!
They start a no strings, research and fulfilment, only sex relationship but we all know how feelings have a way to get yourself trapped wonderfully in all the strings and emotions. I loved how Vash was patient with Ryder and his fears of commitment, how he saw his quirks as endearing rather than annoying. How he saw bringing Ryder happiness as his number one goal every single day. And Ryder is not a person in distress needing saving, he is strong and knows his boundaries and is not afraid to tell you. He is curious and inquisitive and he cares deeply when he allows himself to do so, first with his bff Max, then with Hal at the B&B and in the end with Vash when he realized there are feelings and he really wants him around forever.
The book was also plenty naughty, so so steamy and I have to admit gargoyle anatomy truly is remarkable. Impressive really. Their aerial steamy shenanigans got my imagination running, it was amazing.
All the inhabitants of Mystic Hollow are just so great and I hope I get to experience some of them getting their HEA!
May 5, 2024
DNF 50%
This book is suuuuppppper repetitive. The author could have cut it by 30% just by removing half the repetition. Example: MC thinks to himself that something is super weird because he never wants to do it. Four paragraphs later, he thinks to himself that it's really weird he's doing the thing because he never wants to do it usually. Yeah, author, you just had him think that four paragraphs ago. We get it.
It's just way way way too much of the same thing. This is the third book I've read by this author without any improvement with this issue, and this type of low quality storytelling is just not for me.
This book is suuuuppppper repetitive. The author could have cut it by 30% just by removing half the repetition. Example: MC thinks to himself that something is super weird because he never wants to do it. Four paragraphs later, he thinks to himself that it's really weird he's doing the thing because he never wants to do it usually. Yeah, author, you just had him think that four paragraphs ago. We get it.
It's just way way way too much of the same thing. This is the third book I've read by this author without any improvement with this issue, and this type of low quality storytelling is just not for me.
June 12, 2024
“𝑨𝒚𝒆, 𝒎𝒐 𝒈𝒉𝒓𝒂̀𝒊𝒅𝒉. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔, 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒅𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉.”
Vash and Ryder take us on their journey in Tʜᴇ Gᴀʀɢᴏʏʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Rᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ Wʀɪᴛᴇʀ by Chloe Archer, the second book in the Monsters Hollow series.
Vash is a workaholic and takes all his jobs very seriously until Ryder comes to town and upends Vash's life in the best way possible.
Ryder has a stalker and moves to Mystic Hollow to attempt to get away and decompress but the mystery surrounding the town and a certain Gargoyle steal all of his focus.
Vash and Ryder have an entertainingly bumpy road to their happily ever after. Vash falls first and has the fun job of convincing Ryder that he loves his brand of filter-free weirdness. Some very serious incidents show the depth of Vash and Ryder's connection and their support for each other.
If you enjoy...
🏳️🌈 MM • 🪽 Monster • ✍🏻 Stalker • 🪽 Bodyguard • ✍🏻 Size Difference • 🎙️ Dual, First
...this book may be for you!
I have always been a sucker for gargoyles and Scottish heroes so Vash ticked all my boxes. I feel a binge-watch coming soon of the show Gargoyles. I can not wait for what comes next for Mystic Hollow.
🍁🍁🍁🍁.5
Vash and Ryder take us on their journey in Tʜᴇ Gᴀʀɢᴏʏʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ Rᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ Wʀɪᴛᴇʀ by Chloe Archer, the second book in the Monsters Hollow series.
Vash is a workaholic and takes all his jobs very seriously until Ryder comes to town and upends Vash's life in the best way possible.
Ryder has a stalker and moves to Mystic Hollow to attempt to get away and decompress but the mystery surrounding the town and a certain Gargoyle steal all of his focus.
Vash and Ryder have an entertainingly bumpy road to their happily ever after. Vash falls first and has the fun job of convincing Ryder that he loves his brand of filter-free weirdness. Some very serious incidents show the depth of Vash and Ryder's connection and their support for each other.
If you enjoy...
🏳️🌈 MM • 🪽 Monster • ✍🏻 Stalker • 🪽 Bodyguard • ✍🏻 Size Difference • 🎙️ Dual, First
...this book may be for you!
I have always been a sucker for gargoyles and Scottish heroes so Vash ticked all my boxes. I feel a binge-watch coming soon of the show Gargoyles. I can not wait for what comes next for Mystic Hollow.
🍁🍁🍁🍁.5
July 30, 2025
Very cute. Love Chloe Archer's brand of writing and I hope there are more books in this series in the future. Audio was a fun time!
June 5, 2024
Such a fun read!!
Ryder is such a lovable dork, and Vash is all growly but so sweet too. I kind of expected the stalker to be who it turned out to be, but MY GAWD, the scene where Ryder stands up to his stalker - comedic gold!
Ryder is such a lovable dork, and Vash is all growly but so sweet too. I kind of expected the stalker to be who it turned out to be, but MY GAWD, the scene where Ryder stands up to his stalker - comedic gold!
May 6, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer is the second novel in Chloe Archer’s Monsters Hollow series (although there are a couple of prequel stories as well). We met both Ryder and Vash in the first book as Max and Targan’s best friends respectively, but I think you could jump in here from a plot perspective. What I enjoy the most about this series is Archer’s creative world building and this story is no exception. This is a world with a wide variety of supernatural beings and it is so much fun seeing all the different types of supes and getting to know more about them. I love the little details, like schools and libraries being open at night to accommodate the nocturnal beings. In this story, in particular, Ryder is a voice for the reader in that his writer’s brain has him constantly asking questions about different types of supernaturals, so we get to learn a lot through him as well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The Gargoyle and the Romance Writer is the second novel in Chloe Archer’s Monsters Hollow series (although there are a couple of prequel stories as well). We met both Ryder and Vash in the first book as Max and Targan’s best friends respectively, but I think you could jump in here from a plot perspective. What I enjoy the most about this series is Archer’s creative world building and this story is no exception. This is a world with a wide variety of supernatural beings and it is so much fun seeing all the different types of supes and getting to know more about them. I love the little details, like schools and libraries being open at night to accommodate the nocturnal beings. In this story, in particular, Ryder is a voice for the reader in that his writer’s brain has him constantly asking questions about different types of supernaturals, so we get to learn a lot through him as well.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 8, 2024
First things first:
*clears throat, sings* When there's trouble, you call D-W! DarkWing Duck! Let's get dangerous!
*clears throat again* Ahem. So....I've been meaning to do that since Vash DarkWing was introduced, but, feeling he'd have his own book soon enough, figured this was the best place to throw that in there! I'm a very big Disney fan and, when I was a kid (way back in 1991-1992), DarkWing Duck was a favorite cartoon of mine. He even made his mark on the relatively recent reboot of DuckTales. Also, another Disney cartoon that came to mind with this was, unsurprisingly, Gargoyles. It was out in 1994-1997 and was a bit darker. Still loved it. I know they look nothing alike, but I was thinking of Goliath when reading with Vash. I mean, in the cartoon, their story originally starts in Scotland....
Okay. I'm done with my cartoon commentary.
So, onto the book. Gonna write this here: there are brief spoilers, little bits, most of which don't affect the story and, the little that does, I'm going to do my best not to ruin anything completely. BUT....I still issue a warning.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Another thing I keep meaning to write? I love the way Archer introduces each chapter. With each of her books, how she adds something that specifically addresses the speaker of the chapter, whether it's Ryder's books or Targan's books, or the forum Yuki goes on for that show everyone loves...it's very creative and pretty cute.
However, I am not a fan of the book Ryder is writing for his gargoyle romance. I'm never really a fan of a writer putting themselves into their work and this is so very obvious. I mean, yay for him embracing his feelings about Vash, but the names....so many people in Mystic Hallow seem to be fans and he's very obviously writing about himself and Vash and....yeah, this is not something I'm here for. He could've tried a little harder to hide it or maybe talked to Vash about it first or something, have that be an issue that comes up during the book.
The story itself was sweet. I figured out who the stalker was extremely early, though. It wasn't really very hard to figure out. I don't know if Archer did it intentionally or not, but, right from the get-go, I knew. So, when I figure things out that quickly, I'm a bit disappointed. The romance was sweet, Vash and Ryder seem to work well together. Also, this book introduced a new way for more humans to come to town, gave some answers that had been hidden. And Marius made another appearance! I kinda love that pervy merman!
So, for me, this was good but not great. So far, Yuki and Kassiel (who also make appearances in this, yay!) are my favorite couple from this series. I am looking forward to Hal getting some romance in his life. though. The big sasquatch is just so adorable, he deserves some love!
*clears throat, sings* When there's trouble, you call D-W! DarkWing Duck! Let's get dangerous!
*clears throat again* Ahem. So....I've been meaning to do that since Vash DarkWing was introduced, but, feeling he'd have his own book soon enough, figured this was the best place to throw that in there! I'm a very big Disney fan and, when I was a kid (way back in 1991-1992), DarkWing Duck was a favorite cartoon of mine. He even made his mark on the relatively recent reboot of DuckTales. Also, another Disney cartoon that came to mind with this was, unsurprisingly, Gargoyles. It was out in 1994-1997 and was a bit darker. Still loved it. I know they look nothing alike, but I was thinking of Goliath when reading with Vash. I mean, in the cartoon, their story originally starts in Scotland....
Okay. I'm done with my cartoon commentary.
So, onto the book. Gonna write this here: there are brief spoilers, little bits, most of which don't affect the story and, the little that does, I'm going to do my best not to ruin anything completely. BUT....I still issue a warning.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Another thing I keep meaning to write? I love the way Archer introduces each chapter. With each of her books, how she adds something that specifically addresses the speaker of the chapter, whether it's Ryder's books or Targan's books, or the forum Yuki goes on for that show everyone loves...it's very creative and pretty cute.
However, I am not a fan of the book Ryder is writing for his gargoyle romance. I'm never really a fan of a writer putting themselves into their work and this is so very obvious. I mean, yay for him embracing his feelings about Vash, but the names....so many people in Mystic Hallow seem to be fans and he's very obviously writing about himself and Vash and....yeah, this is not something I'm here for. He could've tried a little harder to hide it or maybe talked to Vash about it first or something, have that be an issue that comes up during the book.
The story itself was sweet. I figured out who the stalker was extremely early, though. It wasn't really very hard to figure out. I don't know if Archer did it intentionally or not, but, right from the get-go, I knew. So, when I figure things out that quickly, I'm a bit disappointed. The romance was sweet, Vash and Ryder seem to work well together. Also, this book introduced a new way for more humans to come to town, gave some answers that had been hidden. And Marius made another appearance! I kinda love that pervy merman!
So, for me, this was good but not great. So far, Yuki and Kassiel (who also make appearances in this, yay!) are my favorite couple from this series. I am looking forward to Hal getting some romance in his life. though. The big sasquatch is just so adorable, he deserves some love!
May 4, 2024
When you live in a Sanctuary city, you get the opportunity to meet all kinds of Otherkinds, and when you are a romance writer who writes about relationships with all types of species, it's a perfect place to do research. When Ryder needs to be protected from his creepy stalker, living in the protection of the sanctuary is perfect. Romance of his own isn’t even a consideration. Vash Darkwing will be protecting Ryder, but his heart decides it is more than a job. It's his destiny to care for a human, even though he is a dead, sexy gargoyle.
Feelings sneak up on them both, and before they know it, emotions and stuff are involved. They have to decide if they should lean into it or push it away. Unfortunately, there are quite a few obstacles between them and their happily ever after.
OPINION: I liked this one even more than the first one. There is so much humor in the telling of this story that you can’t help but love the MCs. Chloe has an amazing sense of humor that comes through in the stories. Each of the characters in the book is charming, and you can’t help but want to know more about them. I enjoyed every word and was delighted by the extra little twists and turns, even a few subplots that were unexpected, giving the story a unique vibe and introducing some great additional characters. I am completely here for Monster Hollow and look forward to the next book. You will not regret reading this story if you have a sense of humor and love a good romance book. Read both novels in this series. Even if monster romance isn't your jam, these are just fun to read.
SPICE:
There are some wonderful spices, including what happens between a gargoyle and a human. It’s a delight, and I am 100% there for it. The scenes are full of humor like the rest of the book, and they fit perfectly within the story.
Feelings sneak up on them both, and before they know it, emotions and stuff are involved. They have to decide if they should lean into it or push it away. Unfortunately, there are quite a few obstacles between them and their happily ever after.
OPINION: I liked this one even more than the first one. There is so much humor in the telling of this story that you can’t help but love the MCs. Chloe has an amazing sense of humor that comes through in the stories. Each of the characters in the book is charming, and you can’t help but want to know more about them. I enjoyed every word and was delighted by the extra little twists and turns, even a few subplots that were unexpected, giving the story a unique vibe and introducing some great additional characters. I am completely here for Monster Hollow and look forward to the next book. You will not regret reading this story if you have a sense of humor and love a good romance book. Read both novels in this series. Even if monster romance isn't your jam, these are just fun to read.
SPICE:
There are some wonderful spices, including what happens between a gargoyle and a human. It’s a delight, and I am 100% there for it. The scenes are full of humor like the rest of the book, and they fit perfectly within the story.
April 27, 2024
I want to thank GRR for provide the ARC.
The second book of Monsters Hollow is a great addition to the world that Chloe Archer has created. Full of romance, humor and erotic scenes. And Monsters that are cinnamon rolls. Although the main characters appear in the first book, it can be read as a standalone.
Ryder Thomas is a writer of romantic novels, whose mc´s are a human and a member of the species of Otherkind, who must take refuge in Mystic Holloe , due a stalker. He hasn´t luck and expertise in love because of bad experiences in childhood. He grew up in foster care without love.
Vash DarkWing is a gargoyle who runs a security and proteccion company. He takes care of Ryder. In more than one way, by agreeing to a friends-with-benefits agreement that will evolve .
I enjoyed the erotic scenes.
I really like the author´s sense of humor. I have laughed a lot with the chapters' entrys. There´s a lot of references, one in particular has made me cry.
I'm looking forward to reading the third volume, one of the mc´s appears in the last chapter and his mate has a place in my heart.
The second book of Monsters Hollow is a great addition to the world that Chloe Archer has created. Full of romance, humor and erotic scenes. And Monsters that are cinnamon rolls. Although the main characters appear in the first book, it can be read as a standalone.
Ryder Thomas is a writer of romantic novels, whose mc´s are a human and a member of the species of Otherkind, who must take refuge in Mystic Holloe , due a stalker. He hasn´t luck and expertise in love because of bad experiences in childhood. He grew up in foster care without love.
Vash DarkWing is a gargoyle who runs a security and proteccion company. He takes care of Ryder. In more than one way, by agreeing to a friends-with-benefits agreement that will evolve .
I enjoyed the erotic scenes.
I really like the author´s sense of humor. I have laughed a lot with the chapters' entrys. There´s a lot of references, one in particular has made me cry.
I'm looking forward to reading the third volume, one of the mc´s appears in the last chapter and his mate has a place in my heart.
April 17, 2024
I absolutely adore Ryder. He is a socially awkward loner, has no filter, can be rather blunt and that’s just to name a few of his marvellous eccentricities. He is a successful romance writer who doesn’t believe he will ever find his match. Then Vash, who appreciates Ryder’s absolute honesty, comes along to turn his views on romance around.
The two of them together provide so much entertainment in this very enjoyable read. There’s plenty of laugh out loud and “did Ryder really just say that” moments that are balanced with the stalker plot line. I had picked early in the piece who the villain was but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. With a little bit of drama, plenty of steam, two wonderful main characters and a cast of side characters (old and new) to keep things interesting I was fully engaged from the beginning as Ryder and Vash muddled their way to a heartwarming HEA. I can’t wait for more in this wonderful series.
The two of them together provide so much entertainment in this very enjoyable read. There’s plenty of laugh out loud and “did Ryder really just say that” moments that are balanced with the stalker plot line. I had picked early in the piece who the villain was but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. With a little bit of drama, plenty of steam, two wonderful main characters and a cast of side characters (old and new) to keep things interesting I was fully engaged from the beginning as Ryder and Vash muddled their way to a heartwarming HEA. I can’t wait for more in this wonderful series.
April 29, 2024
Book 2 in this series...a freaking DELIGHT!... so entertaining...Ryder was a HOOT!...he has no filter and I freaking LOVED it!. Vash...OMG...I loved that softie of a gargoyle. I want one of him in my life...a true protector, sweet and caring...no nonsense when the time calls for it but all in all...a big softie. I truly love this author's writing style...so many entertaining elements you can't help but get wrapped up in the characters, the romance...the overall story. Ryder and Vash's no strings attached arrangement was bound to fail due to their intense chemistry...so it wasn't any hardship waiting on them to come to the conclusion that they were truly soul mates. So sweet...so HOT...a freaking DELIGHT...LOL. I enjoyed this. Before wrapping this review up, to all who is on the fence about reading...just know when you get to the "cheesy, low budget BDSM sex dungeon" scene, it was ALL worth it...LOL! I REALLY can't wait til Book 3!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 1, 2024
Cozy monster romance for the win! This book is perfect for something longer and low angst, silly and cute that is good for when you want to just chill out and not think too much while reading. Ryder and Vash were great together! Ryder is a bit of an awkward lovable nerd and Vash is his himbo opposite. I appreciated how Vash actually enjoyed all of Ryder's quirks. He didn't just put up with them, he liked them, it was sweet. And seeing more of Max and Targan was also fun. It's a cute little world that's being built and I think the premise is great for what it is, cozy and fluffy monster romance.
I'm assuming Hal will get a book and I can't wait for that! He's so sweet and I have a feeling his story will be adorable. The characters are lovable and the stories are entertaining and steamy. Definitely recommend if you like these kinds of books!
I'm assuming Hal will get a book and I can't wait for that! He's so sweet and I have a feeling his story will be adorable. The characters are lovable and the stories are entertaining and steamy. Definitely recommend if you like these kinds of books!
November 3, 2024
Loved this latest entry in this series. A solid 3.75.
Ryder is so ridiculously blunt, I love him to pieces. And Vash is very...gargoylely? I don't know how to explain it. He's quite protective and scary, but very sweet too. I placed fated mates tag on this because even though its stated many times in this book that only gargoyles with magic have fated mates, and Vash is not one of those, these two are CLEARLY meant for each other.
There's a stalker and some other intrigue involving dragons, the important stuff is resolved by the end making it a very satisfying HEA. Looking forward to more books in this series.
Ryder is so ridiculously blunt, I love him to pieces. And Vash is very...gargoylely? I don't know how to explain it. He's quite protective and scary, but very sweet too. I placed fated mates tag on this because even though its stated many times in this book that only gargoyles with magic have fated mates, and Vash is not one of those, these two are CLEARLY meant for each other.
There's a stalker and some other intrigue involving dragons, the important stuff is resolved by the end making it a very satisfying HEA. Looking forward to more books in this series.
April 25, 2024
Kudos to the writer. It is one of the best cozy monster-human romances I have ever read. The first book about the ORC was good. However, this one is superb. Memorable moments: The fight between Ryder and the bad guy, and the flying fuck with an unexpected action in the end. it got me laughing hysterically. I'm still laughing while writing this review.
May 2, 2024
SO GOOD🥲
I loved Vash and Ryder so much. Their dynamic was great, their idiots-to-mates vibes were perfect, and I love the deepening overall storyline that’s happening.
Also, I’m desperate for Hal’s story, because I adore him. Tbh I’m just itchy for more of this series in general. It’s everything good🥺♥️
4.75/5! Gimmie mooooooore ! ! !
I loved Vash and Ryder so much. Their dynamic was great, their idiots-to-mates vibes were perfect, and I love the deepening overall storyline that’s happening.
Also, I’m desperate for Hal’s story, because I adore him. Tbh I’m just itchy for more of this series in general. It’s everything good🥺♥️
4.75/5! Gimmie mooooooore ! ! !
Read
May 5, 2024Dnf. Not sure why, just couldn't get into it.
April 30, 2024
Chloe shows us her unique sense of entertainment in her latest book! Ryder has zero filter and abandonment issues for days, but with Vashs encouragement and support, he is able to let those issues fall away. Vash a gargoyle with serious overprotective vibes and stubborn streak for days is able to help Ryder open up with some time and effort. This book has so much heat in it that I was not prepared! Even saying that it did not distract from the overall story where you fall more for these characters.
A great blend of humor, action, and heated times. As with previous installments, I can not recommend this series enough, just so different from anything I've read.
A great blend of humor, action, and heated times. As with previous installments, I can not recommend this series enough, just so different from anything I've read.
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