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Hidden Hollow #3
Guarded by the Gargoyle: A Hidden Hollow novel
Revisit Hidden Hollow for another cozy, spicy Monster Romance...
Willow
What do you do when the huge stone gargoyle you just happen to touch comes to life and declares he’s your protector? Well if you’re me, you try (unsuccessfully) to send him away. But Kael doesn’t want to leave my side. He says he has to keep me safe from the danger coming after me and I can’t exactly deny it. I have an abusive ex who’s determined to get back together—whether I want to or not.
Kael
The moment I felt Willow’s touch, I knew she was the one I had been waiting for. She woke me from the slumber of stone and made me flesh again. How could I help falling in love with her? But she refuses to let me get close to her—her past relationships with human men have ruined her trust in anyone male. How can I prove that I’m not like them? And how can I convince her to let me protect her?
I’m sure I’ll find a way because in the magical town of Hidden Hollow…anything is possible.
Author’s Warning-- This book contains a h0rny, lonely witch, a hot, devoted gargoyle who is also a fallen angel, a three-headed HellHound, an angry Mafia Boss, a portal to Hell, and a magical cottage which can manifest anything you want the minute you ask for it. Read at your own risk!
What you’ll get in this Spicy, Small Town Monster Romance
-Spicy times with an actual Plot
-A witch who can speak to the dead--even though she really doesn't want to
-An extremely protective Gargolye determined to serve his Mistress in *every* way
-A magical small town filled with Creatures of all kinds including Centaurs, Krakens, Witches, Demons, Ogres, Minotaurs, and more
-A HEA Ending that will give you the warm fuzzies
Author’s Note—This was supposed to be Hidden Hollow Book 2 but my muse wanted to write Dreaming of the Demon first. All the books in the Hidden Hollow series can be read as STAND ALONE novels so it doesn’t matter which one you decide to dive into, though I recommend starting with Sworn to the Orc for a more comprehensive look at the magical small town of Hidden Hollow where it's almost always Autumn at the height of Leaf Season.
I hope you enjoy reading Guarded by the Gargoyle as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Author's second warning--The FMC in this book has been involved in an abusive marriage and she gets into some sticky situations but I promise it all works out in the end. This book has a HEA ending.
There are currently 6 novels in the Hidden Hollow series
Sworn to the Orc
Dreaming of the Demon
Guarded by the Gargoyle
Loved by the Orc
Shared by the Werebears
Mated to the Monster Under my Bed
And be looking for…
Craved by the Kraken
&
Desired by the Dragon
Both coming soon!
Willow
What do you do when the huge stone gargoyle you just happen to touch comes to life and declares he’s your protector? Well if you’re me, you try (unsuccessfully) to send him away. But Kael doesn’t want to leave my side. He says he has to keep me safe from the danger coming after me and I can’t exactly deny it. I have an abusive ex who’s determined to get back together—whether I want to or not.
Kael
The moment I felt Willow’s touch, I knew she was the one I had been waiting for. She woke me from the slumber of stone and made me flesh again. How could I help falling in love with her? But she refuses to let me get close to her—her past relationships with human men have ruined her trust in anyone male. How can I prove that I’m not like them? And how can I convince her to let me protect her?
I’m sure I’ll find a way because in the magical town of Hidden Hollow…anything is possible.
Author’s Warning-- This book contains a h0rny, lonely witch, a hot, devoted gargoyle who is also a fallen angel, a three-headed HellHound, an angry Mafia Boss, a portal to Hell, and a magical cottage which can manifest anything you want the minute you ask for it. Read at your own risk!
What you’ll get in this Spicy, Small Town Monster Romance
-Spicy times with an actual Plot
-A witch who can speak to the dead--even though she really doesn't want to
-An extremely protective Gargolye determined to serve his Mistress in *every* way
-A magical small town filled with Creatures of all kinds including Centaurs, Krakens, Witches, Demons, Ogres, Minotaurs, and more
-A HEA Ending that will give you the warm fuzzies
Author’s Note—This was supposed to be Hidden Hollow Book 2 but my muse wanted to write Dreaming of the Demon first. All the books in the Hidden Hollow series can be read as STAND ALONE novels so it doesn’t matter which one you decide to dive into, though I recommend starting with Sworn to the Orc for a more comprehensive look at the magical small town of Hidden Hollow where it's almost always Autumn at the height of Leaf Season.
I hope you enjoy reading Guarded by the Gargoyle as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Author's second warning--The FMC in this book has been involved in an abusive marriage and she gets into some sticky situations but I promise it all works out in the end. This book has a HEA ending.
There are currently 6 novels in the Hidden Hollow series
Sworn to the Orc
Dreaming of the Demon
Guarded by the Gargoyle
Loved by the Orc
Shared by the Werebears
Mated to the Monster Under my Bed
And be looking for…
Craved by the Kraken
&
Desired by the Dragon
Both coming soon!
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2024
168 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Anderson
297 books5,049 followersEvangeline Anderson is a registered MRI tech who would rather be writing. And yes, she is nerdy enough to have a bumper sticker that says “I’d rather be writing.” Honk if you see her! She is thirty-something and lives in Florida with a husband, a son, and two cats. She had been writing erotic fiction for her own gratification for a number of years before it occurred to her to try and get paid for it. To her delight, she found that it was actually possible to get money for having a dirty mind and she has been writing paranormal and Sci-fi erotica steadily ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 19, 2025
A Gargoyle’s Redemption and a Witch’s Awakening
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
This audiobook blends cozy magical town charm with high-stakes supernatural suspense, anchored by a heroine whose journey is equal parts healing and hell-raising.
We begin in New Orleans, where Willow inherits her Pop-pop’s enchanted shop—a legacy steeped in love, loss, and sacrifice. Her grandfather didn’t just leave her a business; he gave his life to free her from an abusive marriage, using his final magic to sever the bond. Willow’s grief is tangled with guilt, and just as she’s beginning to reclaim her life, her monstrous ex-husband—a cop with a badge and a vendetta—returns. That confrontation triggers the awakening of Willow’s own latent magic, which she accidentally uses to crack open a portal to the literal pits of hell.
But Pop-pop didn’t leave her defenseless. Among the magical keys he bequeathed, one unlocks a hidden town that welcomes her like family. Another unleashes Kael—a fallen archangel cursed into gargoyle form, bound to protect the bearer of his key.
Kael’s backstory adds emotional weight and mythic tragedy. He once loved a woman he was sworn to protect, but her abusive husband held Kael’s key, rendering him powerless to intervene. That failure haunts him, and when Willow arrives with the rightful key, it’s not just a second chance—it’s a reckoning. Their bond simmers slowly, layered with trauma, trust, and the kind of chemistry that builds like a storm.
The plot escalates with hellhounds on the loose, a mafia boss with dark intentions, and a magical town that feels like a balm for Willow’s battered soul. The pacing leans toward slow burn, but the payoff is worth it—romance, redemption, and a heroine who learns to wield her power without apology.
Narration is split between Ada Sinclair and Connor Brown, offering dual POVs that deepen the emotional resonance. Sinclair brings warmth and vulnerability to Willow’s voice, occasionally tipping into melodrama but mostly landing with heart. Brown’s performance is stoic and grounded, perfectly capturing Kael’s stone-bound restraint and quiet intensity.
Overall, this audiobook delivers a satisfying blend of magic, danger, and emotional healing. It’s a story about reclaiming agency, finding unexpected allies, and learning that sometimes the monsters we summon are the ones we need to face to truly be free.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚💜💙❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂☺️😘
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
This audiobook blends cozy magical town charm with high-stakes supernatural suspense, anchored by a heroine whose journey is equal parts healing and hell-raising.
We begin in New Orleans, where Willow inherits her Pop-pop’s enchanted shop—a legacy steeped in love, loss, and sacrifice. Her grandfather didn’t just leave her a business; he gave his life to free her from an abusive marriage, using his final magic to sever the bond. Willow’s grief is tangled with guilt, and just as she’s beginning to reclaim her life, her monstrous ex-husband—a cop with a badge and a vendetta—returns. That confrontation triggers the awakening of Willow’s own latent magic, which she accidentally uses to crack open a portal to the literal pits of hell.
But Pop-pop didn’t leave her defenseless. Among the magical keys he bequeathed, one unlocks a hidden town that welcomes her like family. Another unleashes Kael—a fallen archangel cursed into gargoyle form, bound to protect the bearer of his key.
Kael’s backstory adds emotional weight and mythic tragedy. He once loved a woman he was sworn to protect, but her abusive husband held Kael’s key, rendering him powerless to intervene. That failure haunts him, and when Willow arrives with the rightful key, it’s not just a second chance—it’s a reckoning. Their bond simmers slowly, layered with trauma, trust, and the kind of chemistry that builds like a storm.
The plot escalates with hellhounds on the loose, a mafia boss with dark intentions, and a magical town that feels like a balm for Willow’s battered soul. The pacing leans toward slow burn, but the payoff is worth it—romance, redemption, and a heroine who learns to wield her power without apology.
Narration is split between Ada Sinclair and Connor Brown, offering dual POVs that deepen the emotional resonance. Sinclair brings warmth and vulnerability to Willow’s voice, occasionally tipping into melodrama but mostly landing with heart. Brown’s performance is stoic and grounded, perfectly capturing Kael’s stone-bound restraint and quiet intensity.
Overall, this audiobook delivers a satisfying blend of magic, danger, and emotional healing. It’s a story about reclaiming agency, finding unexpected allies, and learning that sometimes the monsters we summon are the ones we need to face to truly be free.
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August 19, 2025
Jeg er vild med den hyggelige, magiske by, Hidden Hollows, hvor det altid er efterår og alle er søde ved hinanden.
En cosy, spicy fantasyfortælling.
Bogen kinks var ikke lige mine, men resten var underholdende læsning.
Små 4 ⭐
En cosy, spicy fantasyfortælling.
Bogen kinks var ikke lige mine, men resten var underholdende læsning.
Små 4 ⭐
August 2, 2025
This was good! I did love the gargoyle. He was such an golden retriever❤️
I did not like the fml being the dominant one in the relationship but that’s just me.🫣
BUT I still loved that she was the one because she needs to be the one in control because of her past relationship. She have been abused and dehumanised by her ex husband so she needs some control in her future I think.
It was an cozy read full of magical and witchery stuff👏
•Not so violent but the ex gets killed infront of her. Not much after.
•an abusive ex who is crazy mean is after her but thankfully is killed by the gargoyle
•The ex does almost sexual assault her (though he did touch her inappropriately) but is stopped by the gargoyle😌
•There is ghost, magic and a lot of paranormal stuff that I love❤️
I did not like the fml being the dominant one in the relationship but that’s just me.🫣
BUT I still loved that she was the one because she needs to be the one in control because of her past relationship. She have been abused and dehumanised by her ex husband so she needs some control in her future I think.
It was an cozy read full of magical and witchery stuff👏
•Not so violent but the ex gets killed infront of her. Not much after.
•an abusive ex who is crazy mean is after her but thankfully is killed by the gargoyle
•The ex does almost sexual assault her (though he did touch her inappropriately) but is stopped by the gargoyle😌
•There is ghost, magic and a lot of paranormal stuff that I love❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
Another fantastic addition to the Hidden Hollow series! In this latest installment, we meet Willow, who is seeking a fresh start after escaping an abusive relationship. Struggling to keep her small business afloat, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Hidden Hollow, where she receives a crash course in all things magical.
Enter Kael—a mysterious figure who awakens with the firm belief that he is Willow’s protector. As the story unfolds, Willow and Kael must face the troubles that keep coming their way, aided by the quirky and supportive townspeople of Hidden Hollow. The warmth of the town, combined with its spicy magic, makes this an irresistible place to be.
Anderson’s storytelling is as charming and immersive as ever, with delightful characters and plenty of twists to keep readers engaged. Hidden Hollow continues to be a magical, heartwarming, and thrilling world that I can’t wait to revisit.
As always, my book reviews are completely voluntary, and no monetary compensation was received. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.
Enter Kael—a mysterious figure who awakens with the firm belief that he is Willow’s protector. As the story unfolds, Willow and Kael must face the troubles that keep coming their way, aided by the quirky and supportive townspeople of Hidden Hollow. The warmth of the town, combined with its spicy magic, makes this an irresistible place to be.
Anderson’s storytelling is as charming and immersive as ever, with delightful characters and plenty of twists to keep readers engaged. Hidden Hollow continues to be a magical, heartwarming, and thrilling world that I can’t wait to revisit.
As always, my book reviews are completely voluntary, and no monetary compensation was received. The opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.
December 26, 2024
Evangeline Anderson takes us once again to her community in Hidden Hollow. We will meet Willow, our heroine and magic user, and Kael, our hero and fallen angel. Plus, this book has plenty of heat and spice plunked in the middle of the plot. We will be plunged into the depths of Hell, the place Willow accidently left open when the Hellhound escaped to catch and kill her. How Willow came to be the one who opened the door to Hell and exactly what are her magical powers? How did the stone Gargoyle/Fallen Angel come to life and became Willow’s protector? You’ll have to read this one to find out!
I read this one fairly quickly, often staying up past midnight to find out what happened next and trying to digest all that heat. Whew! This book is one you have to read!
I read this one fairly quickly, often staying up past midnight to find out what happened next and trying to digest all that heat. Whew! This book is one you have to read!
December 27, 2024
Another fantastic addition to the Hidden Hollow books!
Kael and Willow's story was so well written!
Along with the fact that we get to visit characters from the previous books, we get to meet Willow and her protector. Hot, hot, hot angel/gargoyle Kael.
From the beginning the sparks are there, what with them both being extremely attractive but also great people on their own.
Carlos, Willows ex is a major AH but he is handled quite satisfactorily! Hell probably doesn't want him.
Willow and Kael's relationship turns hot and heavy and lovely. The intimate scenes are off the charts!
Pop-Pop is a wonderful character as well.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
Kael and Willow's story was so well written!
Along with the fact that we get to visit characters from the previous books, we get to meet Willow and her protector. Hot, hot, hot angel/gargoyle Kael.
From the beginning the sparks are there, what with them both being extremely attractive but also great people on their own.
Carlos, Willows ex is a major AH but he is handled quite satisfactorily! Hell probably doesn't want him.
Willow and Kael's relationship turns hot and heavy and lovely. The intimate scenes are off the charts!
Pop-Pop is a wonderful character as well.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
September 26, 2025
A femdom monster romance!
Not a whole lot of these around.
Books one and 2 were not my thing, I hate listening to a male call a woman “baby” and say things like “ride my shaft baby”.
But this book, book 3, I knew this would be femdom like. It started right away with talking about being a key holder. Now, this didn’t exactly reference what we would traditionally think of as a “key holder” but the terminology was used on purpose. It became more femdom like.
He could only follow her direction. She was in charge of all sexual activities. As it goes on St. Andrew’s crosses are mentioned and…
Just take my word in this! This is a femdom monster romance!
Not a whole lot of these around.
Books one and 2 were not my thing, I hate listening to a male call a woman “baby” and say things like “ride my shaft baby”.
But this book, book 3, I knew this would be femdom like. It started right away with talking about being a key holder. Now, this didn’t exactly reference what we would traditionally think of as a “key holder” but the terminology was used on purpose. It became more femdom like.
He could only follow her direction. She was in charge of all sexual activities. As it goes on St. Andrew’s crosses are mentioned and…
Just take my word in this! This is a femdom monster romance!
December 28, 2024
Hidden Hollow has a diverse community that is growing more fascinating every day.
Willow is regrouping after an abusive relationship and trying to keep her little business afloat when trouble has her finding herself in Hidden Hollow where she gets a crash course in things magical.
Enter Kael, who is awakened and insists he is Willow's protector.
Thanks to the townspeople, guidance helps them when trouble keeps coming through the doors.
Warm, spicy and filled with quirky residents - Hidden Hollow is a wonderful place to be.
Willow is regrouping after an abusive relationship and trying to keep her little business afloat when trouble has her finding herself in Hidden Hollow where she gets a crash course in things magical.
Enter Kael, who is awakened and insists he is Willow's protector.
Thanks to the townspeople, guidance helps them when trouble keeps coming through the doors.
Warm, spicy and filled with quirky residents - Hidden Hollow is a wonderful place to be.
December 29, 2024
I love the strange and sweet little town of Hidden Hollow where fall is around most of the year with some winter thrown in for December and spring and summer for a month at a time, the creatures are varied as are the shops, services and housing. I was very happy to see another book set in this town and I did enjoy parts of the story. However, the talk of pentagrams, fallen angels, demons, possession, channeling etc. made me uncomfortable surprisingly more so than the violence from men and thus, I am giving the story only 3 stars.
December 26, 2024
Willow has powers that she didn't know she had, and who knew it was about to cause chaos.
Her journey takes us back to 'Hidden Hollow' where all creatures and magical humans exist in their safe bubble.
Kael was a gargoyle, or rather a fallen angel waiting to be needed. Willow held his key and he became her protector. The poor girl went through so much, violent ex, gates of Hell and a mobster!
This was one exciting tale of the paranormal and I can't wait for the next one.
Her journey takes us back to 'Hidden Hollow' where all creatures and magical humans exist in their safe bubble.
Kael was a gargoyle, or rather a fallen angel waiting to be needed. Willow held his key and he became her protector. The poor girl went through so much, violent ex, gates of Hell and a mobster!
This was one exciting tale of the paranormal and I can't wait for the next one.
April 13, 2025
Very stimulating
The artistry of this author and the detailed...secret scenes really light up my boring grey imagination and create a whole new universe inside of my heart and mind swirling with never before seen colors. I could totally see myself as a best bitch with this author. Keep writing, beautiful. You have a phenomenal mind. And thanks for making everyday life a little easier to handle, with your sweet escapes.
The artistry of this author and the detailed...secret scenes really light up my boring grey imagination and create a whole new universe inside of my heart and mind swirling with never before seen colors. I could totally see myself as a best bitch with this author. Keep writing, beautiful. You have a phenomenal mind. And thanks for making everyday life a little easier to handle, with your sweet escapes.
January 18, 2025
A monster romance that show that sometimes the monster is safer than a man. Willow just wants to forget her ex and try to have a simple life. Unfortunately things are never easy. But Willow will find surprises in what she can do and where it will lead her. Kael is a fallen angel and a protector of women. But can he protect Willow? A cozy romance with a supernatural twist.
October 14, 2025
I'm enjoying this series with the lighthearted banter and spicy times throughout. My review of the first one applies, so I won't copy it. To summarize, these are fun reads, and they are exactly what I am expecting, which is easy to read, not literary perfection. They are fun, palate cleansers, and I'll finish this series at some point.
4.00 stars.
4.00 stars.
December 24, 2024
I love the world of Hidden Hollow and this one didn't disappoint as an addition to the collection. I love all the creativity that goes into this magical world, and then to add a nice steamy love story in the mix is a huge bonus. I look forward to the next installment of this land.
December 27, 2024
Holy smokes this was out of this world, I absolutely loved Karl and Willow's story. This one definitely got my motor going. If you are looking for a spicy live conquers all story I would highly recommend this, with just intrigue, lust and adventure it is brilliant. Well worth a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
This is an entertaining new world that Evangeline Anderson is creating. I did enjoy this but the story just sort of ended and all of a sudden it was the HEA. It was a bit of a let down but the characters were fun.
December 31, 2024
I loved it!!!
Characters are so relatable. I wish a door to the Hallow would open for me. I loved their story wish I had a protector. Im excited for Goldies story and the Kraken he needs his heart mate. ❤️❤️❤️
Characters are so relatable. I wish a door to the Hallow would open for me. I loved their story wish I had a protector. Im excited for Goldies story and the Kraken he needs his heart mate. ❤️❤️❤️
August 29, 2025
absolutely in love! so glad I finally found a good book after some bad ones! support this human author! this book was a treasure and wow so glad we met some awesome characters. and had an amazing story filled with love, loss,heros, and of course spice! cannot wait for the next book!
October 12, 2025
Another enjoyable tale from Hidden Hollow. Willow is drawn to a magical town following an attack from an abusive ex which takes her into the protective arms of Tael. There will be ups and downs and some spice thrown in. Will Willow and her stone gargoyle find a way? Enjoy the read.
December 22, 2025
I like the concept of a fallen angel, cursed gargoyle plot. there were some fun parts to this story and the spice was fun. the angel/gargoyle have serious Edward Cullen vibes, in the sense of his self flagellation. but in the end it worked out. I loved Grandpa. he was the best!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
More please!
I’m loving the Hidden Hollow series. I can’t wait to read the next tale in the series. I definitely want more!
I’m loving the Hidden Hollow series. I can’t wait to read the next tale in the series. I definitely want more!
January 13, 2025
A cute and very sexy read
This was a rec on someone else's page, and
I'm happy I took them.up on it! Now I'm Impatient to read about the succubus!
This was a rec on someone else's page, and
I'm happy I took them.up on it! Now I'm Impatient to read about the succubus!
February 8, 2025
Good until…
Close to the end of book, that punishment for Kael was a complete turn off. The rest of the book was pretty good.
Close to the end of book, that punishment for Kael was a complete turn off. The rest of the book was pretty good.
April 26, 2025
trigger warning
Abusive ex At the beginning but it sets the stage for the main female ‘s need to be in control. Very spicy.
Abusive ex At the beginning but it sets the stage for the main female ‘s need to be in control. Very spicy.
August 29, 2025
terrible and yet, I still finished it 🤣
September 4, 2025
Over all a fun book.
September 4, 2025
Guarded by the Gargoyle
I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of danger, scary moments and sexy scenes. It held my attention and was well written.
I really enjoyed this book. It had lots of danger, scary moments and sexy scenes. It held my attention and was well written.
October 23, 2025
4.5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌍🌍🌍
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hoping for a Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater story with MMC Peter Jack and a pumpkin colored hair lady getting tricked into treating his appetite.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌍🌍🌍
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hoping for a Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater story with MMC Peter Jack and a pumpkin colored hair lady getting tricked into treating his appetite.
November 22, 2025
This was a good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews