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Heart of Stone #3
Sueños Rotos: Un Romance de Gárgola Protectora (Corazón de Piedra)
Desde que su madre murió, Rochelle no ha conocido más que mala suerte. Apenas logrando continuar sus estudios mientras trabaja en dos empleos, viviendo con su novio que pronto será su ex, si tan solo la escuchara el tiempo suficiente para oír que todo ha terminado... es todo lo que puede hacer para mantenerse en pie.
Hasta que conoce a Ben, un compañero artista que la ayuda a liberarse. Pero Ben tiene sus propios secretos oscuros y un pasado más sombrío de lo que Rochelle puede imaginar...
Enterrado después de un ritual fallido, Ben despierta como una gárgola protectora. La maldición de la gárgola lo obliga a proteger a Rochelle, pero Ben también tiene su propia misió encontrar a sus hermanos perdidos, cazar al hombre que los maldijo y hacerle pagar por sus crímenes.
Ben pensó que ya lo había matado, pero esta vez, se asegurará de enviar al bastardo al infierno permanentemente... aunque tenga que invocar al diablo mismo para hacerlo.
Hasta que conoce a Ben, un compañero artista que la ayuda a liberarse. Pero Ben tiene sus propios secretos oscuros y un pasado más sombrío de lo que Rochelle puede imaginar...
Enterrado después de un ritual fallido, Ben despierta como una gárgola protectora. La maldición de la gárgola lo obliga a proteger a Rochelle, pero Ben también tiene su propia misió encontrar a sus hermanos perdidos, cazar al hombre que los maldijo y hacerle pagar por sus crímenes.
Ben pensó que ya lo había matado, pero esta vez, se asegurará de enviar al bastardo al infierno permanentemente... aunque tenga que invocar al diablo mismo para hacerlo.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
27 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
933 books3,879 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 18, 2022
🎨An artist who reveals he's a fair 🔍detective too!
My patience has been rewarded by this third book in Carlton's Heart of Stone gargoyle series set in Fremantle, Western Australia. The series has centered on three brothers from the nineteenth century wrongly imprisoned and miraculously transformed into modern-day gargoyles. I've followed each story in the series to learn the whys and wherefores about their gargoyle enchantment. After finishing this youngest brother's story, the reason and method is clear.
Ben Stone is an artist desperate to get revenge and learn the fate of his older brothers. He does not know why or how he was reanimated as a gargoyle in a Fremantle cautiously making its way through COVID. He also wants to learn what happened to the people back in Victorian age Scotland that caused his imprisonment and transportation to Australia, so he gets cracking in his search for answers. In the process he enlists the help of a university student/waitress/ghost tour guide named Rochelle. Rochelle has low self confidence, largely thanks to the heel boyfriend and housemate she's trying to ditch. I liked Ben's constant efforts to build her self esteem. And, of course, soon they can't keep away from each other.
The steamy scenes are a touch descriptive but, for me, neither too extended nor too explicit. And, just when I feared another book down with no answer to their gargoyle origin mystery, the light shines and the answer is revealed with enough detail to satisfy this enquiring mind😉. The story has a good, clear ending for all three brothers and their Aussie ladies, but there's a tiny tease at the end indicating there could be more Fremantle magic in the cards.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
My patience has been rewarded by this third book in Carlton's Heart of Stone gargoyle series set in Fremantle, Western Australia. The series has centered on three brothers from the nineteenth century wrongly imprisoned and miraculously transformed into modern-day gargoyles. I've followed each story in the series to learn the whys and wherefores about their gargoyle enchantment. After finishing this youngest brother's story, the reason and method is clear.
Ben Stone is an artist desperate to get revenge and learn the fate of his older brothers. He does not know why or how he was reanimated as a gargoyle in a Fremantle cautiously making its way through COVID. He also wants to learn what happened to the people back in Victorian age Scotland that caused his imprisonment and transportation to Australia, so he gets cracking in his search for answers. In the process he enlists the help of a university student/waitress/ghost tour guide named Rochelle. Rochelle has low self confidence, largely thanks to the heel boyfriend and housemate she's trying to ditch. I liked Ben's constant efforts to build her self esteem. And, of course, soon they can't keep away from each other.
The steamy scenes are a touch descriptive but, for me, neither too extended nor too explicit. And, just when I feared another book down with no answer to their gargoyle origin mystery, the light shines and the answer is revealed with enough detail to satisfy this enquiring mind😉. The story has a good, clear ending for all three brothers and their Aussie ladies, but there's a tiny tease at the end indicating there could be more Fremantle magic in the cards.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 19, 2022
I was excited to finally get Ben's story, and I wasn't disappointed. Ben digs himself out of the ground to find he was buried under a lawn. Trying to make sense of where he is, he discovers that the nearest building is an art college - how apropos. As he has figured out that he can pass through stone, he uses the walls of the building to attend classes during the day and slips out to pilfer art supplies during the night. As the classes cover everything including history, he also learns about how the colony developed and even how to use technology that he could never have dreamed of. And then he meets Rochelle.
Rochelle's life has been going wrong ever since her mother died of cancer. She is barely passing her university classes since the films she makes for her assignments keep disappearing and her boyfriend has stopped paying both attention to her and his share of the bills. Sitting on top of the rock wall outside the house that used to belong to her grandmother, she tosses rocks at things and holds pity parties for herself. One night, after a particularly embarrassing and snotty cry fest, she sees a man watching her from the top of a nearby hill. And that is how she meets Ben.
I won't spoil the book for you. If you have read the previous books in the series you have some idea of what happens next. I will say that there is a surprise appearance by a character from another of Demelza's series. Also, I can't wait for Uncle Stanley's story (you'll see). I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Rochelle's life has been going wrong ever since her mother died of cancer. She is barely passing her university classes since the films she makes for her assignments keep disappearing and her boyfriend has stopped paying both attention to her and his share of the bills. Sitting on top of the rock wall outside the house that used to belong to her grandmother, she tosses rocks at things and holds pity parties for herself. One night, after a particularly embarrassing and snotty cry fest, she sees a man watching her from the top of a nearby hill. And that is how she meets Ben.
I won't spoil the book for you. If you have read the previous books in the series you have some idea of what happens next. I will say that there is a surprise appearance by a character from another of Demelza's series. Also, I can't wait for Uncle Stanley's story (you'll see). I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
July 22, 2022
Rochelle is going to University in Australia she has been having problems with her assignments they seem to disappear from her computer and her high school boyfriend treats her like she is not important and she is miserable but when she goes outside of her Gran's house to sit on the limestone wall she throws limestone rocks at the street and the sports grounds across the street she hits the oval and then something incredible happens and Ebenezer aka Ben fights his way from his grave and he is shocked to find out what year it is. He remembers everything that happens and he is determined to find the man responsible for his brother's demise. He finds that Uni and explores and finds the art classes he loves and begins sketching again and attending classes but in a different way during the day he meets Rochelle one night when he is on the other side of the street when he is hit by a rock and he comes to talk to her and a friendship begins. The excellent storyline and characters are wonderful. Drama, suspense, adult content, love, danger, and surprises. I read a copy via BookFunnel without obligation. I volunteered an honest review.
July 19, 2022
Ben, the male gargoyle lead, wakes up to find years have passed since he was buried. He knows he needs to avenge the lady he’s convicted of killing, knowing that he didn’t, as well as his brothers who were killed in Australia. When he emerges, he finds Rochelle, the female lead and a university student struggling to complete her course and in a verbally abusive relationship.
With Ben’s encouragement, she leaves her abuser and starts making progress on her degree. Meanwhile, Ben has been learning about the modern world…
This story is full length but quite densely packed and, I admit, felt longer, dual POV, and well written. I enjoyed Ben and Rochelle as characters, as well as their individual and relationship development. I also enjoyed the family reunion if Ben with his brothers and the resolution for the overarching plot.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
With Ben’s encouragement, she leaves her abuser and starts making progress on her degree. Meanwhile, Ben has been learning about the modern world…
This story is full length but quite densely packed and, I admit, felt longer, dual POV, and well written. I enjoyed Ben and Rochelle as characters, as well as their individual and relationship development. I also enjoyed the family reunion if Ben with his brothers and the resolution for the overarching plot.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
August 10, 2022
This is the final book of the Heart of Stone series. I loved this whole series. In Heart of Stone, it started with Ben, Tor and Dunstan. Then Broken Chains was Tor's story, whilst Broken Bonds was Dunstan's story. Now Broken Dream is Ben's story. We finally find out what happened to the three brothers and how they became gargoyle protectors.
Rochelle is studying for her degree, but her assignments keep disappearing from all her backups. She is living with her selfish soon to be ex-boyfriend in her Grans house. She can live in this house as long as she is studying or has done her degree. She meets Ben and sparks fly. He is artist in residence at the cafe where she works. He has been employed by her boss as a protector as well as artist.
The three Stone brothers set out to break the spell and hopefully turn back into ordinary men.
This book is full of action and some steamy scenes.
I recommend this series, but it would pay to read each book in order.
Rochelle is studying for her degree, but her assignments keep disappearing from all her backups. She is living with her selfish soon to be ex-boyfriend in her Grans house. She can live in this house as long as she is studying or has done her degree. She meets Ben and sparks fly. He is artist in residence at the cafe where she works. He has been employed by her boss as a protector as well as artist.
The three Stone brothers set out to break the spell and hopefully turn back into ordinary men.
This book is full of action and some steamy scenes.
I recommend this series, but it would pay to read each book in order.
September 4, 2022
Ben Stone digs himself up and finds himself in the middle of a football field. What kind of magic is it that butcher Pierce performed on him hundreds of ago that he is still alive and can walk through walls, but no matter that, he must seek vengeance for his brother's deaths. Well at least now he can take those art classes he always wanted to, but couldn't, he'll just have to do it from the rafters.
He finds that he can't get that beauty he met by the field throwing rocks, out of his mind, he must follow her wherever she may be, which turns out to be the coffee shop where she works and a place where he is able to make a living with his art.
But will Rochelle still want to be with him when she learns that her lover is a gargoyle and a convicted murderer hundreds of years ago at that?
The art that Ben creates depicting himself with Rochelle in their passionate moments will have you sweating bullets!
He finds that he can't get that beauty he met by the field throwing rocks, out of his mind, he must follow her wherever she may be, which turns out to be the coffee shop where she works and a place where he is able to make a living with his art.
But will Rochelle still want to be with him when she learns that her lover is a gargoyle and a convicted murderer hundreds of years ago at that?
The art that Ben creates depicting himself with Rochelle in their passionate moments will have you sweating bullets!
July 20, 2022
Ben closes the Stone Brothers trilogy with an intriguing history on the curse that hung over him and his brothers. At last, we get to know what the mystery around them was. I really liked how little by little he was handling his situation with receptivity, integrating himself into his new life and offering us answers to previous questions. Also, nice that Ben, in addition to protection, offered Rochelle support and helped her self-esteem. Interesting narratives and descriptions with attention to historical details, suspense, some funny scenes, romance, passion, some violence, and a mystery that kept me intrigued waiting for the outcome that turned out to be very satisfying. Caught my attention the surprise at the end that hints at something else in the future.
February 26, 2024
I loved it! The youngest brother, finally gets his wish. When he is awakened by the woman he is to protect he discovers the art college. He was an artist before he was cursed but never got to study art. Now while his charge is going to classes nearby he can study art & a few other classes as well. When he finally discovers his brothers still alive like him, they discover he is a little more modernized by being over at the college. It is fun reading about how he tries to find out what happened to them & then discover them staying in they house across from the cafe he had been vending his art in for several weeks. I am already wanting to see what is happening with the cousin on the archeology dig in Antarctica!
July 22, 2022
Book 3 of the Heart of Stone series wraps up most of the mysteries of how the brothers got to be gargoyles. Ben is the most approachable of the three to read. He remembers all his trauma and isn't phased by modern life like his brothers. This is helpful since he's in love with a barista / tour guide who isn't quite as entrenched in the past as his brothers' sweethearts. Rochelle needs a modern hero with a more even temper. She finds him. She also has a bit of a monster kink. By the end of the story, things are looking up for everyone with happily for now guaranteed and happily ever after on the horizon. Now for the mystery of Uncle Stanley Steel up next.
August 31, 2022
Book 3 and I could not wait to meet Ben after the tease of him at the end of book 2. I was a little surprised by how much Ben remembered compared to that of his brothers, but that is eventually explained.
I enjoyed the overlap with books 1 and 2 and getting to see the explanation behind the videos that get posted of Moth man. I liked how much more worldly Ben is compared to his brothers. Story was a compelling read that I had a hard time putting down even when my break at work was over. I have enjoyed all 3 stories and am looking forward to the new series.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I enjoyed the overlap with books 1 and 2 and getting to see the explanation behind the videos that get posted of Moth man. I liked how much more worldly Ben is compared to his brothers. Story was a compelling read that I had a hard time putting down even when my break at work was over. I have enjoyed all 3 stories and am looking forward to the new series.
I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
February 17, 2024
Gargoyles
This is the 4th book of the Heart of Stone series I have read. I highly recommend them especially if you love gargoyles as I do. However this is my first review. I couldn't wait to get to the next book even to leave a review. The story jumps back and forth from the mid 1800's to the present. This was done very well. I can't wait to read the 5th and final book? I will say the a....scenes were well done. Plus there is nothing like a Scottish gentleman from the past. If only they were available ......
Kathy
This is the 4th book of the Heart of Stone series I have read. I highly recommend them especially if you love gargoyles as I do. However this is my first review. I couldn't wait to get to the next book even to leave a review. The story jumps back and forth from the mid 1800's to the present. This was done very well. I can't wait to read the 5th and final book? I will say the a....scenes were well done. Plus there is nothing like a Scottish gentleman from the past. If only they were available ......
Kathy
January 28, 2025
Fun series
I enjoyed listening to this series. I liked the three main male characters and the female characters that they were paired with. Overall, some of the storyline was predictable and some was surprising. I'm glad I listened to the series. This book ended with a twist that makes it so I might have to look at another series written by this author but I really don't want to say exactly what happened because I don't like to give away events in this book. Overall, good series and decent narrator!
I enjoyed listening to this series. I liked the three main male characters and the female characters that they were paired with. Overall, some of the storyline was predictable and some was surprising. I'm glad I listened to the series. This book ended with a twist that makes it so I might have to look at another series written by this author but I really don't want to say exactly what happened because I don't like to give away events in this book. Overall, good series and decent narrator!
July 18, 2022
Who would have thunk that throwing rocks would result in a story like this? I really enjoyed the puzzle of the cozy mystery combined with the paranormal romance of Ben with Rochelle. The intellectual challenge contrasted nicely with the sweet intimacy and got both my mind and heart fluttering. This was a fun sequel to Dun's and Tor's stories.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2022
"I declare you guilty"... these are some of the last words that Ben hears before awakening in a new century, in a new life, in a new reality. This final story in the trilogy of the brothers accused of murder and turned into gargoyles wraps up the series nicely. Ben's compassion and loyalty is put to the test when he encounters Rochelle and starts to help her deal with her situation. Family, friendship, mystery and drama all intertwine with action and suspense.
July 24, 2022
A talented writer like this author can bring a book to life for you to enjoy. This series is prerogative and the Stone brothers was treated wrong, though they couldn't do anything about it. Years, many years Ben woke up to find life very different while having to stay inside buildings. Ben was an artist and learned how to be a better artist by taking classes while trying to find his brothers or if they were even alive. Does that make these guys gargoyles? Good reading!
September 22, 2022
A wonderful story. Ben Stone and Rochell Bourke were introduced in the previous title of the series. This title shares their story in considerably more detail; a well-woven tale with very real emotions. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Romantic. Scary. Steamy. Tear-jerker. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
September 23, 2023
This is the last book in the Heart of Stone series (I hope there is more) and I enjoyed the all.
This is Ben and Rochelle's story and how they find his brothers. I have wondered who and why the brothers were cursed and the answers are in this book. There were some twists and turns but in the end, everyone got the ending they deserved after everything that happened to them.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
This is Ben and Rochelle's story and how they find his brothers. I have wondered who and why the brothers were cursed and the answers are in this book. There were some twists and turns but in the end, everyone got the ending they deserved after everything that happened to them.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 19, 2022
The final gargoyle brother Ben is released to protect Rochelle. Ben saw his brothers murdered and vows to avenge their deaths. But first he needs to navigate his new reality and find the culprit while protecting Rochelle and earning a living from his art. An enjoyable read. I received a copy from the author and I am leaving a voluntary review.
July 19, 2022
This book introduces Ben, the third and youngest cursed brother. Throughout his story, the answers to many questions are revealed, then just as you think the mystery has been solved, a surprise twist at the end of this story leaves readers eager for more. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
July 20, 2022
Finally get to find out what happened to Ben and see if he can find his brothers and they bad guy. Entertaining and fun to read as I got sucked into the story and could not put it down. Loved the story and the characters and had to see what would happen this time. Lots of funny scenes and good characters to add to all the fun.
July 23, 2022
A Little Long But Worth It
I enjoyed reading about Ben and Rachel. I have a fascination with gargoyles and I wasn’t at all disappointed with the story. There is a lot going on and the type of scary action I’m used to wasn’t there but boy howdy were the sexy times Hot! And I could not believe the ending, that was a shocker.
I enjoyed reading about Ben and Rachel. I have a fascination with gargoyles and I wasn’t at all disappointed with the story. There is a lot going on and the type of scary action I’m used to wasn’t there but boy howdy were the sexy times Hot! And I could not believe the ending, that was a shocker.
August 9, 2022
When Ben woke as a gargoyle 165 years after he was buried, he soaks up all the knowledge he can and observes people of this time, unnoticed by all, that is, until he meets the beautiful Rochelle. Broken Dreams is a paranormal romance full of drama, intrigue, and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read Stanley's story next!
July 18, 2022
Best book in the series. My questions from the prequel book and the rest of the series are finally answered in this one. In my opinion Ben is the most likeable of all the brothers. I also appreciate that Ben is out of the ground a bit longer than his brothers before falling into bed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
We meet up with the last Stone brother in this book. Join him and Rochelle on their journey. Ben wants to avenge his brothers. Rochelle is leaving behind a horrible ex and just wants yo graduate. Find out what happens as they venture down their paths and find love along the way.
July 24, 2022
Highly entertaining, heart racing, sweetly sexy and action-packed adventure filled with desire, the struggle for true love and passion. An edge of your seat emotionally thrilling journey from beginning to end and so hard to put down.
August 4, 2022
This is a very enjoyable storyline filled with magic, chemistry, drama, and great main characters. There is humor, violence, mystery, and suspense in this entertaining and engaging book. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 15, 2022
I must admit I've read this series binge reading as it is a great story from start to finish. Warning... once you start you won't be able to stop. This is a page turning series that won't let you stop once you start so allow time to fly.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
August 21, 2022
Heart of Stone would have been better incorporated here as a prologue rather than sold separately. It flows directly into this story and feels much less incomplete when they are read together.
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. I was happy to finally get the reunion scene!
Likeable characters and a satisfying story. I was happy to finally get the reunion scene!
November 1, 2022
Love solved many things
Wow what an incredible journey the 3 brothers had. Each had their own journey to survive. This time it was Ben's chance to forge his way and try to find out what had happened. In doing so he found Rochelle, the love of his life.
Wow what an incredible journey the 3 brothers had. Each had their own journey to survive. This time it was Ben's chance to forge his way and try to find out what had happened. In doing so he found Rochelle, the love of his life.
August 29, 2023
I enjoyed this 4th book, and in this one a lot of various things are explained and revealed. I love the personality of Ben and wish I could actually see some of his artwork. Narrator does a lovely job with the various characters and the entire storyline, too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews