Gaga for the Gargoyle

Fated Dates #2

by Settle Myer

Xander

I’m running out of time.

In six months, on my 1,000th birthday, I will permanently turn to stone.

Unless I find my fated mate.

As Gargoyle King of New York City, the last place I expected to find true love was on a dating app. But when one mysteriously shows up on my phone, I decide I have nothing to lose.

I sign up and immediately have a match.

And she’s human.

Evangeline

After an abusive marriage and brutal divorce, I’m ready to get back out there. But I’m forty years old and the dating scene terrifies me.

I have no idea what I’m doing, but I know I don’t want commitment. I just want one night of hot sex. So, when a mysterious dating app shows up on my phone, I sign up.

I never expected to be matched with a gorgeous, seven-foot-tall purple… man? With horns, fangs, and… is that a tail?

I might be hallucinating, but that doesn’t stop me from agreeing to meet him.

Genres: Monster Romance, Romance, Monsters, Novella, Smut, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2024

About the author

Settle Myer lives in New York City with her cats Zombie, Michonne, and Birdie. She's currently a TV news writer who hopes to one day leave a world of death, disaster, and politics for a world of creativity and adventures. She loves all things zombies, cats, karaoke, and tattoos. But not necessarily in that order.

Reviews

[Aria Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so freaking cute!! Baby girl Evangaline was in a horrible relationship with a piece of trash who didn’t appreciate her and broke her down until her self worth was gone. She’s able to leave and begins her self love journey which always brings me so much joy. As a plus sized woman it’s such a treat to get to read about a woman who learns to love herself and her curves on her own. The outside validation helps but she learned she was a goddess all on her own.

Sorry. I digress.

I loved how much Xander pampered her! As soon as she started any kind of self deprecating he was quick to correct her. Fucking swoon worthy. Also his tail? It vibrates. His cock? It vibrates! And sky sex??? Where is this app in the Apple Store because I want my monster mate right now!

[Sonia With an I · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I wanted more of this! I love the FMC, she’s 40 and plus size! More of that please. The MMC swoon! 5🌶️ spicy!
Now I want to know Farrah’s story!

[Kay - kayreads_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Settle Myer for the e-A R C ! I am so grateful! All thoughts and opinions are my own 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Find more on my IG @kayreads_romance

⚠️ !! Please be sure to check any TWs before diving in !! ⚠️

What to expect:
* Fated mates
* Touch her and 💀
* Size difference
* PRN Romance
* Plus size FMC
* Age gap (959 year age gap)
* Spicy
* Vibrating gargoyle tail


O M G !!!! This book was so incredibly good!!! HOT HOT HOT and the plot was good too!!!!! Highly recommend this ahhhh!!!! I had never read a gargoyle book before but I think I may need to read some more 👀👀👀

[Rachelqueenvixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this

40 year old human fmc
999 year old gargoyle Mc

He need to find his fated mate before turning to stone forever on his 1,000th bday.

The spice was great.

I love that the fmc isn't an 18 year old. I love that she's plus sized and loving herself even tho her ex was a a hole.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

From page one, I knew this was going to be the kind of ~spicy that makes me cringe, and yet here we are.

[Annelie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 64%

The instalove ruined the story. I wasn't interested in continuing this book after 64% because everything was said and the main plot felt like a side story in fact.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaga for the Gargoyle is a fast, fun standalone.
This novella is a part of the Fated Dates compilation, however I was lucky enough to ARC read, so currently it is the only work I’ve read from the compilation so far.
The story is a second chance love, fated mates set in New York City. I enjoyed following Evangeline and Xander as they match by chance on a dating app that neither can seem to remember downloading. Fate brings them together and their bond is apparent with some fiery insta-love. Evangeline is a refreshing FMC, a plus sized, divorced 40 year old woman finally coming into her own confidence after an unfulfilling marriage to her high school sweetheart. She matches Xander and decides to take a chance, unswayed when she sees that he indeed is a 7 foot tall muscled Gargoyle. He embarks on a quest to keep her safe from impending supernatural doom and convince her to accept the mate bond he knows exists between them. There is pretty much everything you could want from a Gargoyle romance…talented tails, knots, acrobatic mid air claiming. This book will give you a whole new fear of things that can fall out of the sky and hit you while walking the NYC sidewalks. All in all, it was cute and the characters were likable. Definitely an enjoyable read and able to finish in one sitting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
This was a super cute and spicy read that was just what I needed. Evangeline is a divorcee looking for a one night stand of steamy fun when a mysterious dating app matches her with the last person she expected. While Xander is a gargoyle on the search for his fated mate to help save his city when a dating app pops matches him with a woman he is immediately obsessed with. What follows is a fast-paced romance full of non-stop action for these two lovebirds to over come. Xander worships his queen like she has always deserved in hopes that Evangeline can understand just how deep their mate bond goes. This series continues to be a joy to read! I adored this sweet read full of vibrating tails, spicy flying, kidnapping rescues and two souls meant to find their happily ever after together.

[Blair Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh how i love the is universe that settle myer has created. the easter eggs about millie from a vow for the vamp made me smile so hard.

the writing is always so easy and quick to read. and the scenery of new york will always be absolute perfection.

i loved this so much! it was so fast paced and action packed while also so cute and spicy. xander is such an amazing mmc. hes so soft but willing to kill in an instant for evangeline. evangeline has the perfect backstory. i loved learning about her and her mom!

i could have easily taken this as a full novel and not a novella!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as part an ARC. Settle Myer does it again. She has a refreshing and easy to read style. It is fast paced and I can’t believe all that happens in this novella. If you enjoy monster romance, fated mates, age gap, lots of spice, plus size FMC set in New York City look no further!

[christy - pr0bablyreadingsmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am a certified FREAK for this book. xander is EVERYTHING *drool*. what a steamy and scrumptious novella. will be recommending this book to every gargoyle lover i know *chefs kiss*

five kitten stars

[meevreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing novella from the Fated Dates series!

Gaga for the Gargoyle was hot and swoon-worthy. I loved that Evangeline was as feral for Xander as he was for her from the start. The banter and texting were top notch. Also, shout out to Locheran for being an amazing side character.
The little twist and suspense was really good, I gobbled it all up.

Overall, it was simply a great story that you should totally read if you got the hots for panty-melting gargoyles with vibrating appendages, fated mates, a little suspense, and delectable spice 👌🏼

*I have received an early copy of this book to review. All opinions are mine*

[Alexis Rios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot single purple gargoyle king ? YES please! 😍🥵
Amazing story that will keep you coming back for more! This mysterious dating app links teo total strangers to each other and poof human plus-size women’s meets hot purple gargoyle. the 🌶️ scenes 🥵🫣🤯 goes perfect with the story. so many great tropes hard core age gap but we love it, fated mates, betrayal, action, insta lust, secrets and touch her and die to name a few. Xander and Evangeline are so great and perfect for each other can’t wait to read who this mysterious app pairs up next Love that characters from previous book mentioned. Highly recommend!

[Areadingsunflower · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the opportunity of reading this as an ARC. I sadly didn't like this one like I had hoped I would.

This story is set in the same world as "A Vow for the Vamp," but in all honesty, I preferred that one to this book.
Dislikes: I didn't like the FMC very much. She came across as kinda immature for her age. I know her past trauma has a part to play in that for sure, but I still just found her a little annoying. I didn't feel the chemistry between the MCs. The whole APP aspect of the story wasn't as prevalent as i thought it would be, too. Towards the end of the story, especially, it felt like like there was just too much going on, and it was overwhelming and, to an extent, felt unnecessary.

Likes: I liked the friend of Xander's, and his banter was funny. The spice was pretty good , but the lack of chemistry (in my opinion) made it less appealing. It read quickly, which isn't a bad thing.

All this to say, I still will read this author in the future and won't let one book deter me from reading more from this author.

[Adeselna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Settle Myer for the ARC <3

“Gaga for the Gargoyle” explores a theme that has been explored through time from the classics and most recently in more award-winning literature: sexual dissatisfaction. While the theme has been scrutinised by male authors in the classics, most recently women authors are starting to be in charge of the theme. In classics such as “Madame Bovary” and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” the women need to seek pleasure and other male company outside of marriage due to their lacklustre husbands. The women are then punished by society for trying to seek some happiness in their life with the narrative often ending in tragedy. Almost like a cautionary tale to those who should try to find some bliss in your life.

However, we are now seeing a boom of romance and female characters being portrayed by women themselves, and taking control of this theme by the POV of the gender who has suffered from indifferences also changes the outcome. Settle Myer grabs this theme of a woman who was never sexually happy and instead of punishing her, grants what she always wanted. Why should she be punished? Why shouldn’t the female main character be granted a happy ending as she has suffered such a dull and long relationship for most of her life?

Evangeline is an empowered figure, she is forty, plus-size and while her ex-husband criticised her for small things such as getting tattoos, she never allowed his words to poison her self-esteem and, thus she is rewarded with the man of her dreams.  Xander is all the right answers on a test sheet when dating a guy. He is protective, loves to give pleasure, and knows how to cook - History has taught us guys like these don’t exist and it’s not just because he is a gargoyle, but rather because perfection is impossible and Xander is near that too perfect to exist type. 

Moreover, Xander is Evangeline’s reward for enduring her tortured marriage. He is everything she dreams of because that is what she deserves, a happy ever after with someone who will fulfil all her fantasies and is kind to her no matter what. I remember a guy in a book presentation said we women were writing men in such an unrealistic way that we were putting a lot of pressure on them. But that is not true nor fair. Xander is just an example of how we, women, counterbalance the narrative for the decades of those who suffered at the hands of men who were unable to pleasure them. Women are now in charge of our sexual journey and are being creative with their heroes. Evangeline is forty, plus-size, and divorced, a decade ago it would be impossible to read about such a real person, especially in terms of sexuality. This type of character is especially possible since indie/self-published authors have the freedom to control and explore the fantasies that the readers want to read. This also leads to a catalogue of amazing creativity when it comes to sex with things like vibrating tails and inhuman long tongues.

“Gaga for the Gargoyle” may seem like it will be a fun quick read but it will be a book that will never be out of style since it focuses on something so simple as female pleasure and true love. If literature has taught us something, it’s that themes on love and women’s pleasure can take the test of time, and twenty years from now, we will still be reading and debating these topics.

[Kascha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packs a punch of character development, paranormal threats, and unique spice in a quick read.

Xander, the Gargoyle King of New York City, faces a ticking clock as he nears his 1,000th birthday, which will seal his fate as stone unless he finds his fated mate. To his surprise, a mysterious dating app leads him to Evangeline, a human re-entering the dating scene after a traumatic divorce. While she seeks a no-strings-attached encounter, Xander's otherworldly presence—with his towering height, horns, and tail—challenges her perceptions of love and attraction. As they navigate their unexpected connection, both must confront their pasts and the possibility of a future together, blending humor, romance, and the magic of fate.

Evangeline is a relatable protagonist navigating the complexities of life while grappling with her past traumas. Her journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment is compelling, showcasing her evolution as she works to embrace her confident, plus-size self. This nuance makes her experiences not just engaging but profoundly real, resonating with anyone who has faced similar struggles.

The chemistry between Evangeline and Xander is electric, characterized by flirty banter that had me squealing with delight. Their text exchanges are infused with flirty banter, capturing the essence of budding romance in a contemporary setting. Xander, with his patient nature and culinary skills, is the perfect foil to Evangeline’s insecurities. The spice is taken to new heights (literally), since Xander’s gargoyle form opens up new doors for form, tricks, and abilities.

The plot is well-paced, interweaving Evangeline and Xander's relationship with an underlying threat that keeps readers on their toes. This tension adds a layer of intrigue, enhancing the romance while seamlessly connecting to the larger world of Settle’s other paranormal romances. The stakes are high, and the blend of danger and desire makes for an enthralling read.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of paranormal romance. It masterfully balances humor, heart, and a dash of spice, making it a captivating addition to the genre. Evangeline and Xander’s journey is a celebration of love, resilience, and the enchanting possibilities that lie in embracing one’s true self—gargoyle form and all!

[Virginie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Gaga For The Gargoyle is part of the Fated Dates series, which consists of several books by different authors.

This book follows Evangeline, a 40-year-old woman who has just left an abusive relationship and is finally enjoying her freedom after her divorce. She works as a nurse in a hospital and feels an inexplicable connection to a church she passes on her way to work. Unbeknownst to her, an almost thousand-year-old gargoyle sits on the roof of the same church, feeling the same connection. At 999, Xander has only a few months left to find his true mate. One dating app later, these two characters finally meet and discover that the connection they felt to the church is connected to each other after all.

I really enjoyed this story. It’s nice to read stories where the main characters are close to or past their forties—just slightly in Xander’s case 😂 Although I’m finding more and more stories with protagonists who are at least past their thirties, there was a time when there were more characters in their early twenties than anything else, which made it hard to identify with the characters when we ourselves have been past that age for a little while.

Evangeline is a character that I really liked. The fact that she finally accepts herself after what she went through during her marriage makes her an inspiring character. Xander is an almost perfect gargoyle. He respects and worships Evangeline from the first moment he sees her.

I’m really looking forward to Settle Myer’s next stories set in this universe that began to take shape in A Vow for the Vamp —I must admit I’m very intrigued by Locheran’s story, which I really enjoyed in the book.

Thanks to Settle Myer for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Gaga For The Gargoyle. I am writing this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

[The Spicy Familiar · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your dream man is 7 feet tall, carved like a gothic cathedral, and capable of flying you into an aerial orgasm, then Gaga for the Gargoyle is about to rock your world (and probably your furniture).

Part of the Fated Dates monster romance series, this novella is short, spicy, and packed with exactly what the title promises: horny fate, hot stone boys, and a heroine who’s done settling.

Evangeline, our plus-sized, divorced, 40-something FMC, is thriving post-boring-marriage glow-up. She’s confident, smart, and finally saying yes to herself—including saying yes to a mysterious match on a dating app she doesn’t even remember downloading. (Fate, babe. Fate.)

Enter Xander, the literal gargoyle who shows up to their date, 7 feet tall and carved like temptation, complete with wings, tail, and one very firm belief: Evangeline is his fated mate.

What follows is a fast-burn second-chance vibe (they knew each other once… sort of), with fiery chemistry, a touch of danger, and some very creative use of gargoyle anatomy. We're talking:
🪨 Knotting? Yes.
🪨 Talented tail? Check.
🪨 Mid-air mating? Absolutely.
🪨 Protective mate mode activated? Oh, you know it.

Despite the novella length, the emotional beats still hit. Xander is sweet, loyal, and full of that protective monster energy we love, while Evangeline brings maturity, boundaries, and zero time for nonsense. The age and body-positive rep here is also so refreshing—she’s not here to be “fixed” or “changed,” she’s just stepping into her power... with a little help from a granite-inclined suitor.

Tropes:
🪨 Gargoyle x Human
🪨 Fated Mates
🪨 Dating App Magic
🪨 Age-Positive / Plus-Size FMC
🪨 Protective MMC with Wings, Knots, and Tail Talents
🪨 Second-Chance Vibes + Magical Interference

Read Rating: 🔮🔮🔮
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (creative anatomy, aerial action, mating claim central)
Magic Meter: 💫💫 (just enough paranormal to make it sparkle)

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: I LOVE this story so much, in no small part because my experience mirrored the FMC's so closely in rediscovering yourself after a terrible long term relationship where the partner chipped away at your confidence and self-worth. And holy wow, dating in your late 30's or 40's you're definitely not looking for the same type of person or in the same places so that resonated with me hard as well. I found the first interaction between Xander and Evangeline via the app to be SO CHARMING and felt really authentic as well as relatable: "Okay. Let’s just...be honest. Be...real. Me. "I’ve been trying to figure out what to say in my first message to you. I’m really bad at this. Dating apps seem so impersonal which is why I’ve never used them before. I’m pretty sure my friend downloaded this one on my phone because I don’t remember doing it myself. I suppose I should thank him though as I’ve matched with you. You’re stunning." I hit send and blow out a long stream of breath. Okay. That wasn’t hard. I kept it casual. Real. I didn’t care about grammar or punctuation. Not that I’ve ever been good with that shit, but I’ve learned in these modern times that text messages tend to be informal. Wait. Should I ask her a question? Did I ramble too much? I suppose I don’t need to add more nonsense. Wow. 999 years of my life, and I still get nervous when meeting a beautiful being." SAME XANDER, SAME. And omg then Evangeline's response made me laugh so hard: " Good news! I’m also bad at this so we can be bad together." I add a kissy face and hit send. Wait. Did I really just say “let’s be bad together?” YEAH YOU DID GIRL AND IF I SAW A HOT GARGOYLE I WOULD DO THE SAME AWKWEIRD THING. This is a sensationally good read and unbelievably spicy. 5/5 Stars

[Joanne Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gaga for the Garygole is part of the Fated Mates series - a series of novellas written by different authors but all including monster romance initiated by the Kiss-Meet app.

I am really enjoying how each author that has participated in the Fated Mates series has taken the Kiss-Meet app and written it in their own style. Settle Myer used the app sparingly, but it was the perfect catalyst to start Evangeline and Xander's love story. Myer has written a fast paced novella that not only explores romance with a gargoyle, but also is action packed. I enjoyed the balance of spice, romance, magic and action with the gargoyle army. I have read A Vow For A Vamp, and Gaga for the Gargoyle builds nicely on the world set up in that novel - I recommend you read that one also!

I found Evangeline an interesting mix of strong and slightly naive, but if you have been with the same man for most of your life, and are now finding yourself, that makes sense. I liked Xander, but I think I enjoyed the light hearted nature of Lochran, his second, more. I would like to read more about Evangeline and her mother's magic - as this is a novella, a lot of things were packed into it, but I'd like to hear some of the stories Evangeline's mother told her in the past.

This was a fun read and a good intro for me to gargoyles! For a short book, it is full of action, adventure and romance but these are all well written and not so rushed that you can't fully visualise the world. If you like a bit of monster and magic in your romance, I can recommend Gaga for the Gargoyle for you.

[sycokittykat - Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overcoming odds

After everything Evangeline has been through she still finds joy in a beautiful church, a night out with friends, and her job.

After talking to a friend about joining the dating sites she finds a dating app on her phone that she doesn't remember downloading but decides to fill out anyway. She adds her name and a photo but this doesn't ask for a bio. She decides not to worry about it for now.

Xavier is a 999 year old gargoyle who has been searching for his fated mate all his life. He is running out of time and sees a dating app that he assumes his friend added to his phone. He fills in the details as if he were human and adds his photo. The app changes his details and he can't edit it.

As these two are matched Evangeline decided she may as well make this dude a one night stand. However, what happens next will unlock a lot of secrets she never expected.

Will these two overcome everything trying to keep them apart? Will the unknown be the ruin of them both?

This book was funny but also has a lot of details and background. It may be short but it is packed with everything needed to make a great complete story.

I was surprised on multiple occasions by everything that had happened and what was currently going on as well. I really enjoyed the main characters and Lachlan too.

[Becca Stonecipher · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨E-ARC Review✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

-Fated mates
-Touch her and die
-Knotting
-Vibrating tail!
-Sky sex
-Dating app magic?

Xander is an aging Gargoyle with little time left to find a mate, discovers a mysteriously added dating app on his phone. When he opens it he sees he has a new match, the beautiful Evangeline who just happens to be human. While the two decide to meet in person fate seems to have already destined them together.

Evangeline being a divorced nurse living in the city with no luck in dating I totally felt for her. She finds Xander on the dating app. Smitten with him they meet and things spiral from there. This books has instalust, a MMC who loves her instantly as well, and a vibrating tail, and pen1s! There is fluff there is steam, there is action. I enjoy how this book is slightly interconnected with Settle Meyer's last novella, "Vow for the Vampire" too. Her novellas always leave me wanting more!

[Kimerys Bookmarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 62 years young, I am definitely in my monster phase!! Thanks in part to Settle! It’s never too late! Settle starts “Gaga for the Gargoyle” with a bang. Since I found Settle 3 books ago, she gets right to the point! Which I love!!

Xander is a 999 year old gargoyle, he needs to get some things “settled” before he hits the BIG 1,000!!

Evangeline is new to New York City after leaving an abusive marriage and horrible divorce. All she was able to do was keep her cat. Dear old hubby gets what’s coming to him.

Xander and Evangeline meet on a dating app. Evangeline can’t help but act a little bratty during their introduction chat.

There is so much more I want to say BUT I don’t want to drop any spoilers. Settle had lots of surprises with Xander and Evangeline’s story.

My favorite quotes:

“He made me believe I wasn’t worthy every damn day until something clicked, and I realized he was wrong, and he was the one who wasn’t worthy of me.”

“I get distracted by the buildings and stop to admire the stunning structures, especially the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. The gothic architecture is hauntingly beautiful.” (one of my favorite buildings in NYC)

“This woman is going to ruin me.”

“You will never be ‘just’ anything. Never underestimate yourself, Evangeline. Not in your beauty, your career, or your life.”

“Her words make my heart kick in my chest. I can’t tell her that it’s likely because she’s my fated mate. It’s too soon, and I don’t want to scare her away.”

[Hales The Bibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evangeline, a recent divorcee, is learning to navigate life free from her cheating, verbally abusive ex-husband. She’s finally discovering herself and she decides she wants to get laid. Lo and behold, a dating app appears on her phone. What’re the odds?

Xander is a 999 year old gargoyle, who is king and protector of New York, who in six months, will permanently turn to stone if he doesn’t find his mate. Strange enough, a dating app appears on his phone, and he is intrigued.

First of all, I love me a good paranormal romance. Gargoyles? YES! A mysterious being with evil intentions coming after the FMC? YES! Fated mates? Absolutely YES! And an FMC that’s 40 years old and not a 20-25 year old? YES!!! SIGN ME UP! This was a fast paced and spicy read and I loved it! I can’t wait for more!

Also, two words: vibrating tail

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just didn’t like it. The FMC seemed so immature she practically giggled the whole time she first saw the MMC and she’s 40 fucking years old. At 40 I can’t tell you when the last time I giggled was and certainly not over a creature who is threatening to kill me. Which just shows you how idiotic this woman came across. The insta love was exhausting bc there was no real chemistry between the characters just sex. The sex scenes were so similar I just started skipping those bc I was bored with them and this book is only like 200 pages so that’s never a good sign!
And if I had to hear the MMC threaten to kill her ex for making her feel like she does about herself one more time I was going to lose it. We get it the ex was an ass and verbally abusive but damn we only have 200 pages do we really need to be repeating ourselves over and over? Sadly disappointed

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally went back to reading one of the previous monster romance books by Settle Myer. As a fan of the show Gargoyles, I was a little stoked to see this pairing of Xander and Evangeline. I know it's a part of a Dating App series, but I also love that it became its own series which ties in books like "Vow for the Vamp" and "Guardians for the Vamp".

I loved how there was clear cut point of danger looming in the shadows, but our romantic leads were exploring the possibilities of coupling. It's also nice to see appearances from other characters that are featured in the "Vamp" books.

I recommend that folks check this out, but be warned. The trigger warnings are quite up front and they aren't for the the sensitive. Other than that, if you love gargoyles, magic, NYC, and romance then give this title a try.

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know I need a gargoyle king but now I do. Brb while I stroll around some old cathedral.

Evangeline moved to New York after a divorce, and dipped her toes in dating via Kismeet. Xander’s almost 1000 and when if he won’t find his fated mate, he’s gonna turn into stone and the protection over NY gonna fall.

It’s very high stake among the others that I read which I didn’t expect, but I love it. It’s insta-lust and where the story focused on the first half. I can’t really pinpoint what seems to be missing but I wished we have the plot and the spice balance out throughout the story.

I still did enjoy it, and I love meeting side characters so you can expect me to read their stories!

[molly ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

book started out strong, and i was really liking our main character, Evangeline, but it quickly fell off and became rather boring. each smutty scene felt exactly the same, and they kinda made me cringe as i was reading.

i was also kinda bothered by how much alcohol they drank. like, why when anything bad happened did the main characters have to get hammered? as if water just immediately sobers you up. i'm not sober, but i don't know, it was strange to me, and it blurred boundaries of consent to me--even though this is an instalust story, i like clear consent & alcohol in those quantities does not really convey that for me.

lastly, Xander said tacos are one of his fav foods... then served white people tacos with shells LOL

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and fast read. The perfect romance book to use as a palette cleanser if you're struggling with a book hangover!

If you love fated mates, read this book!
If you love he falls first, read this book!
If you love spicy open-door romance, read this book!
If you loved the MMCs in the Ice Planet Barbarians, read this book!
If you like age-gap romance, read this book!
If you love sweet lust-at-first-sight romance, read this book!
If you're in a book slump or having trouble getting over your book-hangover from your last read, read this book!

I had so much fun getting to know Xander and Evangeline, along with all their cute supporting characters! I will definitely be seeking out the others in the series once they are out!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off hot and heavy, it took me a second to adjust but them I loved it! I would call this a quick read, mainly because I did not want to put it down. I was expecting a lot of spice, and you get that, but also I really enjoyed the plot. This is my kinda book because you get a full story with foreshadowing, twists and turns, spice, humor, all wrapped up nicely.

Xander is literally made for women. He is supportive, he vibrates, he can easily carry a plus sized gal! Evangeline is super relatable and hilarious. She finds her own confidence after a horrible marriage and Xander is there to support her and validate her. Such a swoon worthy romance!