Bound by Hearts & Stone: Tales from the Obsidian Mountains

by Lauren Sanatra

In the kingdom of Talero, Evolette has always been alone, surviving in a world that offers her little kindness. But when a run-in with a royal guard leads to her arrest and certain death, fate intervenes. A raid by gargoyles, ancient enemies of humankind, rips through the kingdom, changing everything.

Caught in the chaos, Evolette is trapped in her prison cart, surrounded by flames and destruction. In the midst of the turmoil, Jet, a gargoyle, is drawn to her. Defying his own kind, he makes the dangerous choice to save her, taking her to the Obsidian Mountains, the home of the gargoyles.

Now in a land where humans are enemies, Evolette can’t ignore the undeniable pull she feels toward Jet and his world. As they grow closer, she begins to feel something she’s never known before—belonging.

Though Jet vows to keep her safe, danger still lurks in every corner. Evolette must decide if she can trust her heart and whether the bond she shares with Jet can survive the forces determined to tear them apart.


“Bound by Hearts & Stone” is a gripping tale of forbidden love, unexpected alliances, and the fight for survival in a world where enemies can become protectors and love can conquer all.

Genres: Fantasy

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Avrial || Bookish.and.blissful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished thoughts ~

I truest loved this! It is like IPB but make it gargoyles, and I loved that.

Full review to come.

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this a 3.5 stars ( Goodreads get with the times )
If you are up for a monster romance this is for you . it is definitely a slow burn which I love ! I just wish there was a bit more detailed plot and background stores for both the characters . I did really enjoy the story though

[Nicole H. ✨️nicoledreamsofbooks✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Monster Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
56/125📚

“When there’s no one left to fight back, when no one’s there to speak the truth, it’s easy to rewrite history.”

I haven't read a monster romance in a hot minute and this was soooo good. The world building was made so easy by Lauren that I didn’t have to think too much on it. Evolette is a fierce, relatable heroine and I loved her relationship with Jet - I think what docked a star for me was the amount if times he promises her he will protect her...and then doesn't.

Thank you @laurensanatra.author for the ARC!

You'll love this if you like...
✨️Gargoyles
✨️Found family
💀Touch her and die
✨️Forced proximity
✨️Fated mates
✨️Monster romance

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and Foremost, I’d like to thank Lauren for her amazing generosity in allowing me to read this book early and given an honest review. I am forever thankful.
Do you like monster romance, how bout “touch her and 💀)?
Then this book is for you.
This book had a really lot of sweet moments that had me enraptured with our two main love birds, Evolette and Jet. Jet a Gargoyle and Evolette a human.
I honestly think that I’m just realizing that cozy romance just really isn’t my vibe. And it’s nothing against this book whatsoever. This book for sure was cute, cozy monster, spicy romance.
I was just missing a lot more resistance and slow burn that I am used to reading. Also it was pretty predictable on which route it was going to take, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but wasn’t particularly my favorite.
Overall I would recommend this book to my lovers of monster romance and cozy fantasy.
Totally give this book a chance when it is released soon. This book for sure is worth diving into if you are interested in anything that I have listed.
Again, I would like to thank Lauren for having me on this journey. I can’t wait to see where the series and the author goes.

[Bookishbeach · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Bound by Hearts and Stone by Lauren Sanatra
Release Date: May 27th, 2025

It’s 2:49 a.m., and I am utterly enchanted. I couldn’t rest until I shared my love for this book while Evolette and Jet are still alive in my heart—and absolutely haunting my thoughts.

Reading Bound by Hearts and Stone feels like being wrapped in the coziest blanket while rain taps at the window and your favorite warm drink is cradled in your hands. It’s comfort and magic, tension and tenderness—an irresistible blend of cozy Romantasy and edge-of-your-seat action, wrapped in a slow burn that simmers and satisfies.

Jet, our MMC, is everything. Protective, respectful, powerful, and loyal with golden retriever energy and a “touch her and perish” attitude that melts your heart rather than chills your bones. The way he sees Evolette? Reverent. Romantic. Real.

Evolette’s journey is just as powerful. Thrust into a new world, navigating the unknown, and discovering a found family she didn’t know she needed—her arc is layered and compelling. I found myself rooting for her at every turn.

The side characters? Onyx and Malone absolutely deserve their own stories. I’m obsessed.

And the chemistry between Evolette and Jet? It's raw, vulnerable, and deeply intimate. Their connection doesn’t just burn—it lingers.

If you’re into lush storytelling, heartfelt romance, and characters who feel like home, this one belongs at the top of your TBR.

Tropes & Themes:
* Forbidden Love
* Golden Retriever MMC
* Found Family
* Stranger in a Strange Land
* Tastefully Done Monster Romance
* Forced Proximity
* Dual POV

I adored this story—and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too.

[Kisha Reinmiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Lauren & NerdFam for sending me this as an ARC!

I had such a fun time reading this debut romantasy! As my first read in the "monster romance" genre, I can say, I'll be back for more.

I had such a good time reading about Jet & Evolette - and enjoyed some solid chuckles with the banter between our "side-kick" friends, this book had some holes/discrepancies to work through. The story itself felt unfinished and in dire need of some growth. The book starts you out with some backstory and world building - a single chapters worth - but then it basically stops.

The story hits on the tropes we all know and enjoy over and over again however some aspects made it feel cheaper than the characters deserved...
- forced proximity - this I enjoyed as they unraveled the "why" as the relationship develops, their confessions to each other also help SOME of our knowledge of history/culture/world.
- FMC suddenly acquiring fighting skills, in the case she - after a few lessons can knock down the "best fighter of their kind" who BTW is a GARGOYLE. was a little too far fetched for me.
- this was also a situation where if it could go wrong, it did. Everyone loves drama - I eat it up - but I just felt sad for Evolette to be the crap beaten out of her every opportunity that was presented.

I know this sounds like I'm poo-pooing on this book, BUT, all the above statements aside, I blew threw this book in a day. It was an easy read with characters that were easy to fall for and a world potential to the extreme! I'd love to see a sequel about the kingdom and see see our MCs look past their little love bubble.

[Lucrezia Castello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who have experienced misery and pain are less likely to be surprised by how much others' actions can hurt the spirit.

Since she was abandoned by her parents, Evolette's life has been defined by loneliness and theft. In the Kingdom of Talerith, survival is everything, and if you pick the wrong pocket, you can only expect the worst.
It is precisely because of a small miscalculation and ensuing panic that she finds herself imprisoned in the royal dungeons.
As luck would have it, after spending some time there, a group ransacks the palace and, for whatever reason, a good samaritan frees her and takes her away.

Jet acted on impulse, driven by memories of the traumatic experiences he had endured centuries ago. His desire to protect the young girl from humans, his own kind and the world is driven by an unseen force that compels him to stay with the woman he has just rescued.
The Obsidian Mountains are no longer safe for humans, as history teaches us on both sides of the coin. But for Evolette, it is better to stay there than on the streets, without a roof over her head and without being able to feed herself.

From the moment Jet saved her from certain death, a new life began for the little human—no longer abandoned to her own devices, but welcomed by a few trusted individuals who want to help her integrate and learn about a side of the world she never had the chance to know.
But not everyone is in favour of his presence among the gargoyles, and those who are hostile will make sure to let him know, in the most brutal way possible🔥

From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the book, especially the world building and the way the author so evocatively described the points of view of our main characters.
The book tackles some very powerful themes, and Jet and Evolette must navigate them to find peace and a place where the war they suffered in the past will never be repeated...

[Rachel’s Coffee & Rain Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok 3.5 ⭐️ but rounded up for GR antiquated ways.

This was an interesting read for me. The premise promised a story right up my alley. Captor/captive, trauma background, soft but strong FMC, golden retriever monster MMC. And while it did deliver all those things, there was something about the storytelling that made it difficult to finish.

I started this book, got 26% and put it down. I almost returned it to KU but it had the tiniest hook in me so I didn’t completely abandon it. But something with the pacing felt off in that first quarter. It starts pretty dark and gritty. Evolette being led to her execution in a cage by evil soldiers. Gargoyles attack, destroy everything, and just before her cell goes up in flames with her in it, she’s rescued by Jet the gargoyle and taken to his mountain home. Ok yummy. But then the story completely changes pace/direction and becomes like a small town cozy romcom. It threw me a bit, and as a serious mood reader, I wasn’t feeling a cozy romcom, I wanted the gritty monster BatB retelling. So I set it aside. But the reviews are good and that dang premise kept me intrigued so I eventually picked it back up.

It was better when I gave it another go. Maybe I was in a better mood for it. But the writing is very verbose, and many things/feelings/actions were over expressed or explained. I would have liked a bit more editing (in content not grammar) and that page space used for more action. Her time in the village. Maybe she helps him at the forge. Let us see their life together developing.

The best parts of this book were the action scenes. They’re well done and my heart was racing. But the in between scenes where Jet and Evolette are falling for each other but over analyzing their feelings? Too long and drawn out.

Still, all the characters were likable, the spice was decent, and their love story was a gooey chocolate brownie. I’m interested in the next one, Onyx’s story, though I may need to read something in between.

[MikeyBabyBad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a fun time reading this debut romantasy! As my first foray into the “monster romance” genre, I can confidently say—I’ll be coming back for more.

Jet and Evolette’s story was an enjoyable ride, and I especially loved the banter between the side characters, which gave me some solid laughs. That said, the book wasn’t without its flaws. There were a few noticeable plot holes and inconsistencies, and the overall story felt a bit underdeveloped. The world-building starts off strong, with a promising backstory introduced in the first chapter, but unfortunately, it doesn’t really go any further from there.

The book hits all the familiar tropes we love, though some of them could have been executed with a bit more finesse:
• Forced proximity: I actually enjoyed this element. Watching their relationship evolve while uncovering the “why” behind it worked well, and their confessions helped flesh out some of the world’s history and culture.
• FMC’s sudden combat prowess: Evolette mastering enough fighting skills to take down the strongest gargoyle warrior after just a few lessons felt a bit too unrealistic for me.
• Relentless misfortune: This was one of those “if it can go wrong, it will” scenarios. I’m all for drama—truly, I live for it—but Evolette getting beat down every chance the story got was more disheartening than engaging after a while.

Now, I know it might sound like I’m being harsh, but here’s the thing—I still flew through this book in a single day. It’s a fast-paced, easy read with characters you can’t help but root for, and a world with massive potential. I’d love to see a sequel that explores more of the kingdom and lets our main couple step outside their little love bubble.

[Smut Goblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-🌶️���️🌶️🌶️
Their bond was forged in blood, steel, and stolen moments—and sealed with vows whispered between bruised lips.

This story delivers:
🖤 Forced proximity in a mountain stronghold
⚔️ Weapon training & found family—with wings and bite
🔥 Slow burn tension with open-door payoff
💘 Bonded mates��chosen, not fated
🛏️ One bed… and he lets her take it
🪨 Gargoyle/human romance with size difference spice
🌸 Snow Tulips from perilous peaks—for the girl who’s never had a birthday

Bound by Hearts and Stone is a romantasy for those who crave tension, tenderness, and triumph. 💖

⚠️Spoilers Ahead⚠️

Caged. Surrounded by flames. Marked for death.
Evolette should’ve been a casualty of an ambush on the royal guard—until Jet, a brooding gargoyle blacksmith, chose to save her.

He takes her from the wreckage of a prison cart to the Obsidian Mountains, where humans aren’t welcome and danger stalks the skies. But he offers her shelter. Safety. And the words: “Stay as long as you’d like.”

What begins as uneasy proximity turns into slow-burn tension and soul-deep connection.
Jet claims her publicly—to protect her. But as weeks pass, she earns her place not as his possession, but as his equal.

But even in the mountains, sanctuary can shatter.

One moment of trust leads to betrayal—and Evolette is taken. The first time, Jet finds her just in time. The second? It’s her turn to draw the blade, stand her ground, protect Jet, and end it.
This time, she doesn’t just survive—she fights for everything she’s claimed.

And when they finally say the mate bond vows?
It’s not just about love. It’s about survival. Choice. And never being caged again.

[Lottie1996 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I adored every part of this love story. Evolette and Jet have my whole heart.

We follow our FMC, Evolette a human, living at the lowest point of humanity, spending each day struggling to survive. She’s taken prisoner following a horrific incident, locked in a prison wagon, on her way to the cruel human King to learn her fate. When their envoy is ambushed by the Gargoyles - once allies now enemies to humans. Left to die burning in her prison wagon, Evolette truly believes this is her end, as her world fades, the last thing she sees are none other than the eyes of our MMC Jet staring back at her.

Jet, a powerful Gargoyle, finds himself struggling to leave the bruised and battered human girl to burn in her cage, and instead rescues her and takes her back to his home in the Obsidian Mountains amongst the Gargoyles. Where even after hundreds of years, it is clear the Gargoyles have not forgiven humans for the acts of their king’s ancestors. So is Evolette really safer here than amongst her own?

Together, they overcome their dislike of each others kind, and slowly form a bond. Evolette finally feels like she belongs, she builds friendships with Jets best friends, Onyx and Maline, who train her into a fierce swordswoman. And of-course she falls in-love with our fierce, loyal, protective MMC, who returns her feelings tenfold.

Together they face the pains and trials of the Gargoyles prejudice. Only strengthening their bond further😍

A perfect Romantasy debut from Lauren, I cannot wait for the next books and to dive into the lives of our lovable side characters 🤍

[Lisa Conant · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
🌶🌶🌶 /5

💙Monster Romance (Gargoyle x Human)
🗡Touch Her and D1e
🥰Golden Retriever MMC
🫂Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥Forbidden Love

Review:
A sweet, rescue, forced proximity romance with a kindly and conflicted Gargoyle, Jet and a fierce hearted thief, Evolette.

I really liked this well paced and tightly packed romance. It has some splashes of battles, daring rescues and the wonderful slow brew of a bonded love. Jet may have an ugly history with humans but he hasn't let that harden him and i love that about him. He's fierce at fighting but is also extremely sweet and perceptive. He takes such care in tending to Evolette's and making her feel safe and comfortable.

Evolette is rightfully hesitant at first, thinking the blue-grey winged but strikingly handsome human-like gargoyle has darker intentions, but quickly sees the honesty and kindness in him.

I loved their slow bonding and the found family of friends was absolutely a delight. Though there are those that mean any human harm and that's where the tension comes in the story.

The relationship between them is so sweet,  I fell for Jet so fast! Highly reccomend this if you want to dip into monster romance! It's an easy read but has excitement and passion with some action.

[Mikala Bravo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am beyond excited for yall to meet Evolette and Jet!!!

As yall know, I am not usually a monster romance person, but I am so glad I gave this book a read. This book felt like a nice warm cup of tea wrapping around your soul at the end of the day. It was literally heartwarming and beautifully written.

When we meet Evolette, she is in a cage being taken to the King. She is beaten down and believes everything is done. She has no hope left.

When gargoyles attack the kings convoy, one of them decides to save her from the cage. Gargoyles have been an enemy of the kingdom for a very long time, and they are rarely seen and usually never leave any survivors.

Jet sees a woman left to die in a cage being enveloped by flames. Everyone is running. No one tries to help her. No one should have that fate. Something comes over him, and he decides to save her. He brings her back to his home and promises to take her back when she is better.

As they get to know each other, they find a bond between them that neither expected. Evolette has one of the most beautiful character arcs I have read and finds a strength in her that I didn't even think was there. All the while, Jet is there giving her the care and courage needed to learn about herself and change as she needs.

[Lauren Penner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you like gargoyles? Me too 🩶

It’s been a long time since I read a monster romance with gargoyles and this one was prefect for getting back into the genre. Very cozy romantasy vibes.

This story is more character driven than plot driven. The romance is mostly sweet moments, with plenty of slow burn tension and some spice towards the end. Evolette is strong and resilient. I love her bravery. Jet is a super tough super alpha warrior but a total cinnamon roll with extra icing for her. He’s an excellent MMC.

These gargoyles are pretty. I love the descriptions of them. And I have to say I love their names, Jet, Onyx, Carnelian, Maline, Jasper, Beryl💎🪨. I collect crystals so it was fun each time we met someone new 🤓.

Fav tropes:
Slow burn ❤️‍🔥
Gargoyles 🪨
Mate bonds 💞
Forbidden love ❤️
Size difference 🌄
Forced proximity 🧲
Cinnamon roll MMC 🥐
Touch her and ☠️
Found family 💓
Kidnapping ⚔️
Wing play 🦇
Betrayal 💔
Royalty 👑

Fav quotes:
“Evolette, your scars tell your story. They’re anything but hideous.”

“But always remember this, in a world that tried to break you, you came out alive. You’re still here.

Thank you Lauren Sanatra for letting me join your arc team 🩶

[Brittney Stanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ golden retriever mmc
✨️ touch her and die
✨️ found family
✨️ forced proximity
✨️ mate bonds

If you're looking for a super cozy and easy monster read- check this out. I adore Evolette and Jet 🥹

"The scent of iron and blood hung heavy on the air, a constant reminder of the kingdoms cruel grip on its people."

This story follows Evolette who is a thief in a kingdom that doesn't care for its residents. And Jet a gargoyle who despises the kingdom for what it did for his kind in the past.

"I wasn't even worth killing, just another broken soul, abandoned by my own kind and by the monsters that had come to destroy us all."

While on a mission to get supplies, Jet stumbles upon a very broken Evolette and something pulls him to help her. Upon brining her home she begins to realize that this place is not much different than her own world.

"Ive already worn enough scars from my own kind, and I won't bare any more from you!"

As tensions rise within the gargoyle community, will Evolette run back to her own kind? Or will she find the family she's been wanting all along.

[Courtney Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. It was raw, beautiful, and everything I needed this week. Truly one of those reads that grabs you and doesn’t let go—I couldn’t put it down!

Jet and Evolette stole my heart. Both were vulnerable in such real ways, but Jet? That man is the blueprint. Gentle, devoted, and unafraid to show emotion—even in public. He’d burn the world for her, but he’d also hold her hand through it all.

The slow-burn spice? Chef’s kiss. Subtle and perfectly timed, it added so much depth to their connection. The payoff? So worth the wait.

Yes, there’s action (including a well-deserved decapitation—justice served), but it never overpowered the heart of the story. It had just the right amount of danger to keep things exciting without going full chaos.

Tropes & Vibes:
✨ golden retriever MMC
✨ monster romance (done tastefully)
✨ touch her and die energy
✨ forced proximity

10/10 would reread. My heart is full.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and here is my honest opinion.

I love the story of Jet and Evolette. The story intertwines intrigue drama, romance, action, myster,y and so much more. We see the vulnerability in the characters of Jet and Evolette. We watched their individual growth and their growth together.

Sometimes life has a way of throwing you a major curve ball and we see that in Evolettes journey. I loved the found family trope in this because sometimes home becomes a place you never expected it to be.

I loved the slow burn between Jet and Evolette. The relationship and the ultimate spice was appropriately placed. I love that it showed people from different worlds and different backgrounds can still come together. I mean human and a gargoyle , you don't get anymore different than that.

This was a great story that I absolutely loved. It made me excited, It made me angry, it made me emotional and those are all things that make a great story.

[Jessica B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
Cozy slow burn monster romance, and make it spicy. I'm in.

The sweetheart of a man Jet falls for the human girl Evolette who is trapped in the Kings royal cage surrounded by engulfing flames. He take's one look and knows he has to save her. It's honestly everything in a cozy monster romance that you need. Found Family, Bounded Mates, and He falls first. UGH it was just so good, I devoured it.

This was not overly spicy, it had a really good amount at the right times and not to the point of where you thought that it was the only thing in the book. I loved that it was a slow burn, and that Jet is the ultimate Golden Retriever man.

I truly feel this would be a great book for a Summerween readathon, nice and cozy but has some gory scenes and action within it. Thank you to Lauren Sanatra for allowing me to be apart of her awesome ARC team. I truly enjoyed this story and I'm excited for the next one.

[Krystina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
This was a book that I honestly wish I could give a higher rating than a 5. Bound by Hearts & Stone was such an amazing romantasy read! I felt like I was immediately transported into this world of wonder and thrills. The characters were written so well I really enjoyed getting a back story of not just the FMC and MMC but also a little touch on two other very important characters. The plot of this was absolutely everything! Every time I read this I didn’t want to put it down. I was lead through the beautifully tragic story of not just Evolette but also Jet. Two souls that both had suffered in different ways but ended up finding peace in the most unexpected place. The love that these two share was so heart warming not only the bond with each other was beautiful but also through found family! I was having heart palpitations while I was reading but in the end it was all worth it! I would definitely recommend!

[Jennifer W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bound by Hearts & Stone follows a gargoyle who saves a human girl from execution at the hands of cruel royal guards. As their bond grows, so does the tension—both romantic and emotional—with plenty of will-they-won’t-they energy. There’s a hint of spice (but nothing too explicit), and the battle scenes don’t shy away from graphic detail.

While I found the concept intriguing and loved the idea of a protective gargoyle romance, the plot felt a bit predictable for me, and I didn’t connect with it deeply enough to revisit. That said, Sanatra excels at vivid, immersive description. I had no trouble picturing the world or its characters, and that visual clarity was definitely the book’s strongest suit.

If you enjoy fantasy romance with dark undertones, emotional doubt, and a slow-burn connection, this might be your next read.

[Mary Anne Wangen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story! From the moment Jet laid eyes on Evolette, he was done for. I absolutely loved how caring and gentle he was with Evolette.

One of my favorite tropes is when the MMC will do anything and everything for the FMC. Bound by Hearts and Stone had that trope down to a T.

Evolette as the FMC is interesting. She knows what she wants, and she is not afraid to get it. She is also strong and does not let her past define her. I love how she gets along well with Onyx and Maline as well.

Jet is a dream. Who doesn’t want someone who will plant a garden for them? I want to know more about Jet’s past and how that has turned him into who he is at present.

Overall, I recommend this book to those who love spicy romances.

✅ Bonded mates
✅ He falls first
✅ He will 💀for her
✅ Close proximity
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from Lauren. I felt like there was always something going on so I never got distracted:)

Evolette is a human who was taken prisoner and on the way to the king to get her sentence when they are attacked by gargoyles. Jet who is a gargoyle can't bring himself to leave Evolette and takes her to his home. I really loved how Evolette was trying her hardest to fit in and train with Jet's friend.

Jet has a feeling she is his mate but can he keep her safe long enough to get her to feel the same way about him as he does for her. The push and pull between these two was great. I would call this low spice since nothing happened until later in the book.

I love these types of book. If you like monster romance with some force proximity this is the book for you.

[Sara Vollaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

News honored to be given an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint. This is a fantasy, monster romance with an emphasis on the romance… and I don’t mean spice, ROMANCE. This author immerses you in the emotions and relationship between the MMC (a gargoyle) and the MFC (a human). The entire book you are rooting for this couple to be together and that’s really what the book is about, them learning about one another and growing into love. There is some action and plot, when the spice hits like 75% into the book it is great BECAUSE of the characters. It gave me all those good feelings. Highly recommend if you are about the relationship and the romance between 2 people with a splash of fantasy, action and spice.

[Amara F · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

I loved the beginning of it. The way it was written and described, beautifully done. It had so much promise and I love the concept of this. Who doesn’t love a chiseled man with wings!? Haha. It kind of falls flat when she gets taken to the mountains, a lot of repetitive am I in danger, I’ll protect you kind of stuff which left it feeling like it needed more story. The mfc Evolette seemed strong yet vulnerable in the beginning but once she was in the mountain, she became weak and meek. Kept me wanting more. With some tweaks, I think this could be a huge hit. I give it a 3 overall but a 4 for concept and promise.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Retriever MMC? Slow Burn? Found Family? Bonded Mates? Hot Gargoyles? Ummm yes to all of this.

This was a good read. Evolette and Jet are serious goals.

This book contains some dark themes but it is NOT dark. This book is a cozy romantasy with the right amount of spice.

Evolette has always been alone, and living in a world that lacks compassion or empathy. One night she is caught by the kings guards and thrown into a prison cart. Enter Jet and his band of Gargoyles there to steal from the guards. He locks eyes on her and makes a decision to save her and bring her back to his home in the Obsidian Mountains.

There is undeniable chemistry between the MCs, but as with anything there are trials and tribulations.

This book was like a warm hug and everyone deserves a Jet.

[Elizabeth Rickards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing

I have never read a fantasy romance book that had a gargoyle as a main love interest

You may think being a gargoyle he is like stone, but it’s actually described that while he looks like a gargoyle with the coloring and wings of one, his flesh is warm like a human

The story and the character development was 10 out of 10 and I will gladly read this book again! Evolette and Jet are amazing characters, and I adored both of them and their growth, their ability to find love that may not have been possible and to give it a chance.

It has:

👏 Found Family
👏 Romance
👏 Fantasy
👏 Gargoyles
👏 Some gory scenes
👏 happiness and sadness


I am looking forward to buying this book physically, because the story was just that good and I was honored to be a part of the ARC team

[Leighann · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When there’s no one left to fight back, when no one’s there to speak the truth, it’s easy to rewrite history,”

Bound by Hearts & Stone is a debut Romantasy following MMC Jet (a true sweetheart) and FMC Evolette through growth, friendship, battles, training and a slow burn.

The back story for Jet is intriguing and keeps the reader interested and wanting to learn more.

Evolette, although naive and lacking self confidence wants to grow, learn, and belong.

Following their stories, in this book, as they intertwine was a great palate cleaner and a nice standalone. But, can also be read as the first in the series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️Mini Book Review - No Spoliers✨️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Genre:  Fantasy | Monster Romance

Release day: 27th May!

This story had me gripped from the beginning! I only meant to skim a few pages… and suddenly I was 150 deep. Such an easy read with great pacing, and no intense world building. Oh, and it starts with a MAP – my ultimate weakness!

This is a monster romance, but done right – no cringe, no overkill. It’s cosy, emotional, intense, and beautifully romantic (not just steamy), whilst also bringing action, high stakes rescues, battles and revenge ⚔️

FMC Evolette is a battered & bruised human who’s had more than her fair share of pain. MMC Jet is a human-like gargoyle living in the obsidian mountains after all creatures were exiled from the kingdom 100 years ago. A chance (possibly fated) encounter leads to difficult decisions that sets in motion a whole new future!

Tropes & Vibes:
🩶 Golden retriever MMC
🩶 Slow burn romance
🩶 Forbidden love
🩶 Chosen mates
🩶 Found family
🩶 FMC
🩶 “Which one of them did this to you?” (swoon!)

I would've liked a bit more fantasy and a little less lovey dovey buy that's just my personal taste. And some more backstory for Evolette on what exactly she's been through.

👉 If you’re craving a monster romance with depth, heart, and heat – this is your next read!

‼️ And if you’re new to monster romance? This one’s a perfect place to start – it was my first too, and I have no regrets!

Lauren’s entire backlist? Instantly added to my TBR 🙌

[Renee Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first monster romance. It was an easy read. The story was not confusing. The writing was good. No complaints there.
I love the gargoyle aspect; first time for a gargoyle in any read for me. The romance was so sweet. The MMC is very protective, and I love that. The story is more of a cozy feel. I feel like if you like the mundane, everyday life happenings, you'll love this book. The cover should be of the two MC, in my opinion, it would capture the true story of these two.

Thank you to Lauren Sanatra and her PR team for sending me an eARC of this book. All my opinions are my own.

[J. Bergan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I didn't love the writing just because the points of view felt repetitive like I understand characters and people tend to repeat thoughts over and over but it felt redundant. The premise itself was intriguing and I think could be fun. I think the Main Male Character could have been a bit more of a rough character more rough around the edges. I wouldn't call this a dark romance I'd say more a fantasy romance with some violence thrown in to give a villain. The struggles within the story just didn't make total sense for me.
if you like gargoyles and romance maybe check it out!