It's In His Hiss

by Violet Rae

He’s a grumpy gorgon. She’s pure chaos. Falling for her was never part of the plan.

Gordy
Love isn’t an option for me—not when my gaze can turn someone to stone. Ever since a mad scientist’s Halloween punch cursed me into a gorgon, I’ve kept to myself, running my bookstore in Screaming Woods, where monsters aren’t out of place. It’s safer that way.

Then Alice crashes into my shop—soaked, flustered, and utterly irresistible. She’s all sunshine and chaos, and suddenly, solitude doesn’t seem so appealing. But the more I want her, the more dangerous I become. Because if I lose control, I could lose her forever.

And then, just when I let myself believe in more, the worst happens.

Alice
I came to Screaming Woods searching for answers about my own strange magic, not expecting to fall for a grumpy, bookish gorgon with eyes he refuses to let me see. Gordy warns me to keep my distance, but I’ve never been good at listening.

The closer I get, the more I realize he’s just as cursed as I am. And when we finally stop fighting what’s between us, my worst fear becomes reality.

Now, I’m trapped in stone, frozen in time. And the only one who can save me is the man who’s spent his life afraid to look too closely at love.

Genres: Monsters

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Mom. Author. Chocoholic.

I am the author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romances.

Thank you for checking out my Author page. You can find me on most social media platforms.

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Gordon (H) wants is to run his quiet little bookstore in Screaming Woods and avoid turning anyone into stone. Literally. As a cursed gorgon with a talent for accidental petrification, Gordy has spent years keeping people at arm’s length—until Alice (h) barges into his life, soaking wet, full of questions, and possibly magical. Gordy is a careful introvert with sentient hair trying no to turn people to stone, and Alice is an artsy mess of untrained magic and wild energy. Together, they’re a sweet, chaotic, lovable disaster couple. Their connection is instant, their chemistry off the charts, and their risks... very real. Alice and Gordy's world is full of sentient espresso machines, enchanted books, and flirtatious snakes. Their relationship isn’t perfect—it’s messy, risky, and literally dangerous at times—but that’s what makes it so compelling. When love and magic collide, Alice ends up frozen in stone, and Gordy is wrecked by guilt. What follows is a journey of healing, magical misfires, hard truths, and the kind of love that doesn’t back down, even when it’s terrifying. Together, they learn to communicate, support each other, and lean into their weirdness instead of hiding it. A sweet and steamy monster romance packed with awkward charm, supernatural snark, found family, and two people figuring out how to love without breaking each other. It’s messy, it’s magical, and it’s all theirs.

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordy and Alice! I loved their story!!

The storyline grabbed my attention right away. But it was the chemistry and passion that developed between Gordy and Alice that kept me engaged. Gordy and Alice had me in my feelings throughout this whole book. Gordy, being a grumpy gorgon, has chosen to live his life alone because of his fear of possibly petrifying his mate. But fate had other ideas in the form of Alice. I loved her personality!! Right from the start, I knew she was going to be just what Gordy needed. Alice was dealing with her supernatural powers. She has just moved to Screaming Woods and was getting a feel for the town when she saw Gordy's bookshop. Their meet cute was so cute. Pardon the pun. I'm not a fan of snakes. Nope. But I have to say I liked "Sheila". Sheila, the snake was too funny at times. This book was such a delight to read! I'm so glad Gordy and Alice got their happily ever after. They most definitely deserved it! Especially after the drama that they went through. If you know, you know. I highly recommend this book for all monster romance fans. You won't be disappointed.

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: I just love every story I read in the Screaming Woods shared universe and this one is absolutely no exception. Alice and Gordy are the very definition of adorkable. Alice has the worst luck and seems to be a lightning rod for disasters magically speaking. And who better to help to help figure out a magical mystery than a shy but sweet bookstore owning gorgon?! Gordy has problems of his own concerning his *ahem* stony gaze and that's made him more introverted and hermit like than he otherwise might be. Alice is amazing for bringing him out of his shell just like Gordy does an awesome job of supporting and encouraging Alice. Their chemistry is instant and electric but their journey to love is anything but smooth due to forces outside of their control. The story is fun and engaging from first to last page. 5/5 Stars.

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

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordy Stone was turned into a Gorgon due to the mad scientist’s Halloween punch. He lives in Screaming Woods, running his bookstore. His gaze can turn a person to stone. If someone comes in the store, Gordy usually puts on sunglasses to be safe. One day, a cloaked man comes in, buys a book on breaking curses and leaves. Gordy finds a cryptic note that says a storm is coming.

Alice Hawthorne comes to Screaming Woods to explore her art and absorb the magic of Screaming Woods. She wants to find out more about her own magic. She was living in Fable Forest with her best friend Verity. Verity fell in love and got married, so Alice decided to move to Screaming Woods which is the next town over.

These two were quite a pair. Both of them needed help controlling their powers. It was fun having Verity and Gideon make an appearance in the story.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a man who just wants to live his life in his bookstore and not stress about turning anyone into stone. Gordy tries to keep to himself and away from the public eye. He loves to read, and what better way than in his store. When a bombshell of crazy walks through his door, it's like lightning strikes. Alice is adorable with her own set of magic and chaos. These two try to navigate the sparks that fly and the friendship that grows. But when something goes wrong, they will have to work together to fix it. Can love, magic, and chaos bring these two a happily ever after?

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read that brings together Gordy, a gorgon, and Alice, seemingly human but turns out she's so much more. She's clumsy to his careful, outgoing to his introvert and their romance was sweet as well as spicy. However, with her chaotic energy surprisingly working both with and against his talent of turning things to stone, well, you know there's going to be drama and challenges that they'll have to work through to get their well deserved HEA. I really enjoyed the snark, humour, charm and risk, making this a page turner for me. Good fun!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordy is a Gorgon with a head full of snakes and Alice aka Al, doesn't really know what she is. She has a knack for making things happen when they shouldn't. But once Al and Gordy meet it's chaos, and laughter and fun for sure. Loved the chemistry between Al and Gordy, loved their ability to laugh at everything, even Al's bad puns. I just loved the story, fast paced, sweet and steamy and a feel good read with a great ending.

[Kayla Lietzau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED it!!! Gordy and Alice are true soulmates!! The chemistry between them had me swooning throughout the whole book!!
Both trying to overcome their fears and doing it together was magical!
The spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥!!
I loved the appearance of Gideon and Verity & how they helped these two navigate through their troubles. I enjoyed it so much and didn’t want it to end!!!
Highly highly recommend!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice meets Gordy, who is a Gorgon, and although it seems like being a Gorgon would make it impossible to have any kind of real relationship, somehow the author makes it work and has crafted a warm, funny story.

I have also read the author's previous book Dad Bod Gorgon which I also enjoyed tremendously, and I would love to read more about the Screaming Woods town!.

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

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Happiness

Gordon is a Gorgon thanks to that fateful Halloween punch. He navigates his life as a reclusive in his bookstore, living life vicariously through books. He longs for love but fears loving someone and turning them to stone. When a storm blows Alice into his life he finds all that he has been missing and so much more. I always like returning to the Screaming Woods because I know it will be a wild and crazy read. I loved it.

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s a grumpy gorgon. She’s pure chaos. Falling for her was never part of the plan.

I'm glad there's another book set in the Screaming Woods.

This was such a fun and sweet monster romance to read. Gordy has been living a secluded life since he was turned into a Gorgon, and Alice is a witch trying to control her magic. A soaking meet-cute and their paths are aligned.

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordy is a Gorgon and lives in Screaming Woods, running his bookstore. Alice is in Screaming Woods searching for answers but ends up finding so much more. I loved Gordy and Alice from their crazy, fun banter and sweet romance to their happily ever after. It's In His Hiss is book one and a wonderful start to the Monster Between the Sheets: Screaming Woods series, and I can't wait to read the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a good monster romance. It was a well written story with a good pace. I liked how everything wasn’t quite as it seemed in the beginning, it made the story more interesting. Gordy and Alice had a good connection and it was able to get them through a great deal. I enjoyed the story.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has taken us back to Screaming Woods, that wonderful town with all the monsters and humans living together. The story pulls us into the lives of Gordon/Gordy and Alice/Al. He's a nerdy Gorgon and she is a Witch with uncontrollable magic. We keep turning the pages with humor, fears, determination and steam.

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

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a great time reading this! I absolutely love our FMC—she really followed her heart, even though it came with some risks. And I just adore our MMC and his devotion to her. I’m so happy that the mishap didn’t spoil their happily ever after!.

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

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything about this book was very enjoyable. Gordy and Alice were wonderful characters and although they were polar opposites they are so very well suited and just perfect for each other. I loved the banter and the fun that happened around Gordy and Alice and there was also lots of chemistry. A great feel good read that kept on putting a smile on my face.

[C Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Rae is now responsible for my Gorgon obsession. It started with Gideon in Dad Bod Gorgon, and Gordon in this book is just...yummy. He is such a cinnamon roll and Alice is witty and hilarious - literally LOLing over here with her commentary and antics. I love their story, chemistry, passion, and love. This was such a great addition to the Screaming Woods storyline.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and delightfully clever, I absolutely loved this book. Gordy and Alice's romance was just so much fun. Packed with puns and charming banter, this endearing romance had me laughing out loud as it filled my heart with pure joy.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's In His Hiss is Gordy and Alice's gorgon/human quick read. We are back in Screaming Woods and I enjoy each story. This story was good but a bit slow for my liking.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I really liked the off the charts chemistry between Gordy and Alice and how perfect they were for each other. That is not to say there wasn't problems but I'm glad they worked past them to be together and in love.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Read

This was a nice read. It actually was a nice change of pace. This was different from what I was expecting. Gordy was a gorgon and Alice was a witch. Definitely a nice read and would recommend it to anyone looking for something different

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

strange

I like these books normally but this one was just a little strange to me. I didn’t really connect with the characters and I found his snakes (all of them) to be very creepy. Just wasn’t for me but others may enjoy it.

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordy & Alice
'I catch it. The bar, not the wink. That one hits me square in the ovaries.'
I don't often read Paranormal books but this one was outlandish in a funny & good way, so I'm glad I took a chance on it. Shiela & eventually Steve stole the show!

[Jovette Bossé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gordy and Alice just belong together! A sweet and beautiful healing love story! I absolutly loved it! 😍❤️🥰

[Dorothy Y Nunamacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This storyline is sooooooo friggin adorable. I just love all the characters.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice moves to Screaming Woods to find herself. Gordy, suffering from a science experiment gone wrong, hides from himself. Together they are explosive. Great characters, witty banter, silly puns and lots of over the top heat makes for a fantastic read!!!