Return to the small, secret, monster town of Fate's Falls for this steamy and sweet, feel-good, cozy monster romance!
ROSE
As the motherless only child of a ruthless mafia don, I was destined to be leveraged, not loved. Until one of the gargoyles on my family’s centuries-old mansion came to life…and saved mine.
That was eleven years ago. Since the night he carried me off, I’ve lived among monsters in Fate’s Falls, a mountain town cloaked and protected by ancient magic. Life has been peaceful and safe. I have everything a twenty-four-year-old woman could want…except romance. Sure, I’ve been on some dates with perfectly nice members of the local monster population, but none of them made my heart race. Not the way Cornelius Reinhorn does.
The hulking rhino-man is tall, thick, strong, and dependable. I’m desperate to know if his gray skin is as rough as it looks, and I’ve spent more nights than I can count fantasizing about that horn on his snout. Cornelius has always been kind to me. Friendly, even, but never more. If only the big monster of my dreams would see me as a womanly flower, ready and willing to be plucked, instead of “sweet little Rose,” the shy human who can’t squeak out more than single words in his presence…
* * * Part of the Fate's Falls monster romance series by Karla Doyle Content notes: nonhuman (rhino man is humanoid) + human pairing, explicit sex, special peen, fated mates, discussion of having a baby in the future, prologue includes the heroine narrowly avoiding becoming a child bride This book is intended for adult readers only. Visit the author's website for content notes about all of her books.
Karla grew up in a small town on the north shore of Lake Erie. She trained and worked in the fashion industry for over two decades, before embracing the writing muse. When she's not writing romance, Karla loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets, reading romance novels, and playing online Scrabble.
This was cute, but very fluffy. If you like your monster romance syrupy sweet and uncomplicated this would be for you.
PLOT: Rose escapes her mafia don father at 13 after he tries to sell her to an old man as a wife. She is saved by a gargoyle (her adoptive dad) and flown to a happy magical town full of monsters. Instantly attracted to rhino man, Cornelius, Rose has a hard time going after what she wants. After an accident occurs the two spend more time together and romance blooms.
THOUGHTS:
- This was super sweet and fluffy, a bit too much for my taste to be honest. I prefer my romance to be a bit edgier or deep and this was more of a light romp.
- Rose was an ok character but kind of bland and annoying. She's a grown woman but is super innocent and naive and can barely say two words to the guy she likes. I kind of hated her "origin story". Her dad is a Mafia don and sells her virginity to a pedo when she's 13, her maid is complicit and she literally has to jump out a window to commit suicide to avoid her fate (but is actually saved by a gargoyle who becomes her new adoptive dad). NONE OF THAT was ACTUALLY needed for the story, she literally could have been an orphan or something instead?!? also the whole way it's handled is so odd, like she's never even heard of monsters being real and she's totally cool / not scared at all when one saves her?. Then there's the fact that none of that is even relevant at the end of the book so it felt like it was thrown in to make things dramatic, it was all a bit odd IMO. Also, a sweet redhead named Rose? it's a bit heavy handed.
- Next we have Cornelius, the rhino man. He was ok.... but also kind of bland. He was super into her and basically had a constant hard on for her and kept going on about how sweet and young and innocent she was so we got like nothing of his story. why he's there, if he's got family etc. it's all just him being obsessed with her.
- the sprained ankle thing made me roll my eyes (this girl is basically throwing herself at him and Cornelius isn't getting the hint). Seriously how clumsy do u have to be to fall in the bath and sprain your ankle badly. maybe that's just me tho.
- the smut was ok but nothing fancy. I kind of expected more of a size difference issue but we didn't see that.
Rose’s father Angelo Falsone was a mafia don, one of the most feared in Sicily. Her mother had died when she was two years old and her father never remarried. Now he was hosting a well-attended birthday celebration for his daughter and embarrassing her by announcing to all her body’s debut into womanhood. Rose went to bed early with an upset stomach from an overabundance of desserts, so when she got up to walk around a little, she heard her father discussing his plan to marry her off at 16. Nicolo Nicchi, another don he is conversing with, intends to claim her now even though she is only 13 since she is apparently officially a “woman”. Her father assures him she has never been kissed and has been under his protection from any intimate contact with others. But he insists Nicolo wait 3 more years as agreed. But Nicolo said he was amending the terms of the deal and would take her now or take Angelo’s head! To her shock, her father agreed! She turns to run and knocks over a vase that has everyone running toward her. She and her nanny Isabella collide and she won’t help her escape because this is her duty and feelings about her to-be husband are irrelevant. She sends Isabella to get something for her upset stomach, then runs out onto the terrace over the courtyard and finds no way to escape. She screams to Nicolo standing below that she will choose death over a life with him, and she climbs over the railing and lets go of it. A loud roar sounds and the creature from her childhood nightmares comes to life and catches her in the air, flying away to safety. Garion is a gargoyle who has always been there to protect her, a guardian of the Polizzi family, and she doesn’t fear him.
Life has been good living among the monsters, under the magical protection of Fate’s Falls. But Rose is lonely, ready for romance, and none of her dates have meant anything special to her. Only one male has ever captured her attention, her next-door-neighbor rhino man Cornelius Reinhorn, who has always been kind to her but remains only a friend. How can she get him to see that she is interested in a relationship with him when he considers himself too old and won’t pursue her? Will she be able to change his mind somehow and entice him to make her his? Could he be her fated mate?
I received this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is 2025, and having P3d0 content in a 107 page novella is not something we need. It was disgusting on so many levels. No explicit intimate actions occurred thankfully. This stuff took up 12% of the novella, which is a good sized chunk when it is that short.
I ended up skimming the rest of the book, because I was too grossed out at this point. Thankfully it was blessedly short.
Putting the quotes under a spoiler. If this could affect you in a negative way please don't keep reading. This crap needs called out.
Rose is 13 when she discovers her father is planning on giving her to another Don. She hears the Don tell her dad he will take her tonight. She runs to her room yelling she won't go. She finds no one who will champion her. So as her father and the Don come into the room, she goes to the balcony and tells him she will die before going with him. Then she jumps. She hears a roar and something catches her. The family gargoyle has her and is taking her somewhere where she will never be found. He introduces himself as Garion. He is the Polizzi family guardian...her mother's family. He was to late to save her mother but he will save her. She discovers he saved her twice and the many times she thought she saw a shadow and movement it was him. Now he's taking her to Fate's Fall in the mountains of British Columbia Canada. She now owns a flower shop there and has her eye on one male..Cornelius. Cornelius Reinhorn works and own a masonry business. He moved in next door to Rose and Garion, who became her adoptive father. Since the day he moved next to Rose and her "dad" Garion, he knew she was his mate. That was the pull he felt towards Canada from his home in Kenya. But Garion told him he wanted his Rose to have a happy human life and that he can't give her. So he pines for her from afar trying to keep away from her. Rose also pines for him and has for all the years she's lived next door to him. But....her dad needs to return to Sicily. He asks Cornelius to keep an eye on her. Will Rose and Garion find the courage to go for what they each want? A beautiful story which the author weaves in and out to form a picture of love.
At thirteen, Rose (h) escaped the mafia world, and an arranged marriage to a brutish older mobster, with the help of her watchful gargoyle protect-come-father-figure, Garion. Now she’s twenty-four, rebuilding her life in a hidden mountain sanctuary, Fate's Falls, protected by magic . Her flower shop is her dream come true—until her grumpy, silent neighbor awakens something she never expected. Rhino man Cornelius (H) has known for years that Rose is his fated mate , but he’s convinced she deserves better—a full, human life without someone like him. He's kept his distance, burying his feelings under duty and restraint… until one late-night plumbing emergency changes everything. When the walls between them finally break, desire and trust bloom . But with secrets, old wounds, and protective family still in the mix, they'll have to choose what their future holds. A slow-burn, steamy, fated mates, monster romance, exploring choosing love, a blooming connection, healing from trauma, choosing your own path, found family, and finding home in the most unexpected place.
4.25 stars. Rose, the female human lead, was whisked away to Fate’s Falls by her gargoyle guardian years ago. Now fully grown, she’s had a crush on her next door neighbour, Cornelius, the rhinoceros humanoid male lead, for years but he doesn’t seem to reciprocate her interest.
Cornelius knew that Rose was his fated mate when he met her years ago. He also thinks he’s far too old for her. But when Rose’s hot water system breaks, he’s quick to offer a place to stay…
This novella is dual POV, well written and edited and a super sweet fated mates, contemporary fantasy romance with steam. I enjoyed seeing Rose take the initiative and step out of her shell for Cornelius. I empathised with Cornelius’ concerns and enjoyed seeing him open up to Rose’s advances. I found the relationship development very cute and appreciated the secondary character engagement.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a new to me author and I enjoyed this story from the very beginning, Once you start reading be prepared to not put it down till you are finished. I loved how this story developed with the gargoyle saving Rose as a little girl and taking her to a place that she will be safe and she can finish growing up. The way the relationship develops between Rose and Cornelius is so cute and full of laughter the way these two dance around each other and I love how the people in their life to meddle to get this cute couple together. I so can't wait to read more of the other people in this town and will definitely be making a stop at the store to look up the other possible books from this author. I highly recommend this book!!!
This was a great read that has a rough start with Rose being bartered off to a mafia don at the age of 13. Of course, she gets rescued, by a gargoyle pledged to her deceased mother's family - so cool!, from this horrible fate but you need to know, going in, that this threat is hanging over her if it could be triggering for you. Be safe with your reading! Ok, around that difficult prologue, Rose is now living in Fate's Falls and is enamoured with Cornelius, a rhino-man. These two were beyond cute together and I really like how he was cautious at the beginning of their romance. Expect to giggle away as the other townspeople meddle in their romance ;D Definitely entertaining and a great addition to the series :D
Rose was not willing to be bartered by her human father when she realized at 13 that he was sending her to a fellow mob guy to be his wife. She jumped from the window, rather than go willingly. Lucky for her that she had a savior in a protective gargoyle that snags her from the air as she fell and took her to Fate Falls where she could be safe and live her life. When she met Cornelius, their next door neighbor, she was attracted and so was he. But he hesitated thinking that as a rhino man he may not be the one for her. It took them a while to get out of the way of their HEA but that made their eventual HEA, with a little help from her gargoyle 'dad', that much sweeter and steamy as all get out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A cozy, feel-good monster romance with a swoon-worthy fated mates twist! Rose may have escaped a life of crime, but she’s never been able to outrun her feelings for Cornelius—the strong, dependable rhino shifter is her neighbor. In the magical, hidden town of Fate’s Falls, she’s built a peaceful life, yet something is missing: love. While Rose longs for Cornelius to see her as more than just a shy human, he’s been holding back his own desires for years. Will she finally gather the courage to show him she’s ready for something more? The Rhino’s Rose is a heartwarming and steamy monster romance packed with charm, longing, and a dash of magic!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A delightful sweet and steamy visit to Fate’s Fall. Rose has crushed after her next door neighbor since she was nineteen . Now at twenty-four she is determined to get over her shyness and get the “delectable hunk of rhino-liciousness” to notice her. Cornelius Reinhorn is trying to control his mate bond urges when Rose is around. From there we follow their love journey full of humor, misunderstandings, undeniable chemistry, temptation, a “first-aid tape to the test”, friend/family meddling, sweet succumbing, and heartfelt love. A quick fun fated mates romance fix. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rose was rescued and now lives in Fate's Falls and she's been crushing on her neighbor Cornelius for years. Cornelius feels the same way and he knows she's his fated mate but he thinks he's too old for her. This is a paranormal, instalove story with fated mates, interesting characters, misunderstandings, unexpected twists, and a sweet monster romance. The Rhino's Rose is a great addition to the multi-author Mated to the Monster: Season 3 series and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this fun series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
I loved that Karla was able to create such emotions and pull me into the story so fast. I had to see what happened to Rose! Rose is a mafia princess. Cornelius is a rhino-man. Tropes: Mafia, arranged marriage, paranormal, rhino, special equipment, fated mate, age-gap, quick read, small town, forced proximity, fantasy, HEA romance.
A huge thank you to Karla Doyle and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rose is protected on her mother’s side by a gargoyle. Garion has become her father now that he has rescued her and they have a great peaceful life in Fates Fall. When Rose is 19 she meets the monster she will want with her whole being. Too bad Cornelius treats her like his neighbors little girl. Or so he tries to have her believe for five long years. Then fate aka her father sets things into motion.
Is it about giving her the life she deserves or the life she wants? Making choices for her or allowing her to make choices for herself? Rose and Cornelius have very different views on these, and both think they are doing the "right" thing. Seeing them find the middle ground and embrace their "fated mate" status is really sweet. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
The Rhino's Rose is the fourth book in the Fate's Falls series but also part of the multi-author Mated to the Monster: Season 3 series. The book is about Rose and Cornelius in this fated mates story. Fate has a way of working out and in this book it does just that, with a little help from some loved one's that is. Their story is sweet, swoony, romantic, smexy and a completely entertaining and enjoyable.
This Book 2 in The A Fate's Falls Monster Romance Book Series & Book 5 as part of the multiauthor Mated to the Monster: Season 3 Book Series has a Monster instalove romance with fated mates. This has a well-crafted world, intriguing story and unique characters. These characters have engaging personalities, believable interactions and intense feelings. A Good story in this book series that has twists, turns, a crush, a misunderstanding, fated mates, trust and love.
Monster in love Fate’s Falls is such a great hidden little community, I thoroughly enjoy every visit with each new book. Rose and Cornelius are shy, sweet and steamy, each waiting for the other. It’s charming and tender, with some misunderstandings to work though and is a romantic fated mates story. This is a quick and easy read within a wonderful small town, with unique and interesting characters.
Timing is Everything After a horrible childhood, Rose is rescued and finishes growing up in Fates Falls. When Cornelius moves next door, she’s wildly attracted to him, and he feels the mate pull towards her. Five long years later… This story is sweet and comfy/low angst, but still plenty spicy (imagine a large rhinoman… enough said.) I loved revisiting Fates Falls and the familiar faces - hopefully there’s more to come! A great read.
I enjoy these sweet and steamy stories. They are not my normal style since I usually go for closed door romances. I like this author and her style. These are short, sweet, fated mates stories and are a great afternoon read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was SO cute! For such a quick read, it packs a lot of heat and a funny twist in the end, too!! I just loved the book and only wished it was longer, cause I wanted more. Great characters with tons of chemistry. No cheating, no major drama and a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a sweet romantic book to read and it holds the readers as a spicy pager-turner. Never a dull moment with all the characters and the journey to Rose and Cornelius's HEA. Even though this is a short novel, Karla did not disappoint with this book. Definitely recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For 5 years he's been waiting for her and to claim his fated mate. He gets the chance when her father has to leave town and asks him to watch over his daughter. They get to claim each other, only to find out they were set up by her father. What a heartwarming story ending with a HEA.
After being rescued by a gargoyle and taken to Fate falls, Rose has been happily living amongst the monsters. Cornelius is Roses fated mate, he is a rhino monster. It is a well written story, with great characters. I love visiting Fate's Falls!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author has taken us back to Fate's Falls and pulled us into the lives of Rose and Cornelius. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, determination and revelations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is a charming book. The characrers were romantic with some steamy parts. I would recommend this book to everyone. The book is a fast and easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the story and the world, pretty spicy too! I was frustrated by how long he held out though, he should have groveled more! Also Garion better get a story too! He is a romantic 'daddy'!
In this story of Fate Falls we begin with Rose’s back story and then learn about Cornelius the fated Rhino mate. This feel good story is my favorite so far (but I think I say that after each one I read). What are you GO READ these🌹☺️