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.


Bound by Hearts & Stone is an adult monster romantasy that contains explicit language, violence, and mature themes. Reader discretion is advised. This story is intended for audiences 18 and older.
Trigger This story contains content that may be distressing to some readers, including explicit language, graphic violence, murder, body mutilation, and discussions of sexual assault.

Genres: Fantasy, Forced Proximity, Monster Romance, Audiobook, Romantasy

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like this are dangerous.
They make me believe that love and true yearning actually exist in real life 🥲

This was amazing! It was everything I wanted it to be. It was fluffy with an undercurrent of danger. The care and respect both main characters show each other is chef's kiss.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love cozy fantasy and monster romances that are both sweet and spicy, I highly recommend giving Bound by Hearts and Stone a listen!

The banter, chemistry and tension between Evolette and Jet is utter perfection! & I have definitely added Jet to my list of forever book boyfriends. He is so sweet and kind to Evolette, but willing to cut anyone who looks at her the wrong way. *swoon*

Thank you so much Lauren for gifting me a listening copy! I loved this so much!

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- monster romance
- human + gargoyle
- size difference
- forbidden romance
- forced proximity
- touch her and ☠️
- found family
- mate bonds

TW: on page recollection of sexual assualt told by FM (ch 6)

[Kelly||sketchbooksandsoftbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good and fun SOUP.

Review soon

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Details
Title: Bound by Hearts & Stone
Series: Tales from the Obsidian Mountains
# in series: 1
Author: Lauren Sanatra (She/Her)
Genre: Monster Romantasy
Tropes/Keywords: Caretaking, Feminine-Rage, Forced-Proximity, Golden Retriever MMC Horns, Imprisoned FMC, Protective MMC, Wings
Pages: 436
Main Characters: FMC: Evolette MMC: Jet
POV: Dual 1st person

My Thoughts
Steam: Open door
Spice: 🌶🌶/5
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Review:
This was a fun intro to a new to me Romantasy series. I really felt for the FMC and her struggles, and loved how she got to find a new strength in herself. Our MMC was so sweet and only wanted what would be best for her, whether that means they stayed together or not.

**ALC provided by the author. All thoughts are my own**

Audiobook Details
Narrator(s): Claudia Rivera Tinsley, James Cassidy
Narration Type: Dual narration
Length: 12:52
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Review:
Great narration by both narrators. The main characters and all side characters had individual voices, I was easily able to tell the voices apart.

CW Down Below
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CW: From the book: This story contains content that may be distressing to some readers, including explicit language, graphic v!0lence, m*rder, body mutilation, and discussions of SA

Pregnancy?: No. However, mentions that they would not be able to conceive

Babies/Children?: No

Hashtags: #MonsterRomance #MonsterRomantasy #GargoyleRomance

[Dario Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread Review:

For sure enjoyed the second time around. A tale of finding love in the most unlikely of places. A spicy cozy monster romance that will work its way into your heart. Narrators are amazing and the best way to expiernce this book in my opinion ❤️

[Claressa Hallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evolette, imprisoned after killing a guard in self-defense, is rescued during a gargoyle raid by Jet. Leaving danger in her own land, Evolette finds herself surrounded by a new threat in the Obsidian Mountains from the gargoyles that view humans as the enemy. Finding solace in Jet's home, and among his friends, Evolette finally feels like she may be home. Can Evolette survive the dangers she encounters to hold on to the love she's found?

This book is a love story between two people that have survived insurmountable trauma. Despite the scars of the past, this unlikely couple finds love. I found it truly beautiful that both Evolette and Jet must learn to trust each other, but also learn their own self-worth. Neither finds themselves worthy of love, but the journey they take to find each other was enjoyable to watch play out.

There was a good deal of second-guessing and misunderstanding throughout. Both trying to give the other space to figure out feelings when, in reality, they both felt the same way. I liked the siblings that Jet was friends with and how they readily embraced Evolette.

Jet was my favorite character. I loved how from the beginning of their relationship he paid attention to the little things - when she passed the bakery and had a childhood memory of a certain cookie, when her eye caught a dress she liked, when she said she liked snow tulips - the little details built a strong MMC. Learning his backstory made this characteristic of his even more meaningful.

The world building was really well done. The backstory of the characters and the overall character development was also very strong.

I recommend for anyone looking for a spicy monster romance. The audiobook was dual narration and performed really well.

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook in return for an honest review.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d love to thank the author for an audio version of this, my ear holes are extremely grateful!

First off, I would like to preface that this is for the now adult fans of the Crave series by Tracy Wolff! I have for you, your next gargoyle romance and it is perfection

Evolette (FMC) has been brought into a world she had no idea even existed and her growth throughout the story both as herself and with her friends (we love found family here!!!) is beautiful. I couldn’t stop rooting for her!

Jet (MMC) oh sweet sweet baby Jet. He’s a mix of golden retriever, yearning and protect her with his life screw everyone else deliciousness! I honestly couldn’t get enough of him either, I NEED MORE (please lol).

I don’t want to give too much away, but I do want to add that one of my favorite tropes is found family and the characters you meet on this story are so great and I can’t wait for more of each of them in the future!

What to expect:

• Found Family
• Monster Romance
• Golden Retriever MMC
• Forced Proximity
• Forbidden Love


Seriously, if you’re looking for your next awesome Romantasy read, this is a great option’

[Heathers Lit Voyage · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something really fun about stepping into a genre for the first time and being completely surprised by what you find. Bound by Hearts & Stone by was my first monster romance and it definitely won me over in ways I wasn’t expecting.

Going in, I expected a romantasy with some monster romance elements and spice, but I found so much more beneath the surface. Evolette and Jet brought a lot of emotional depth to the story, and I really appreciated that the book explored themes around mental health and the complexities of the characters in a way that felt meaningful and layered.

Jet completely understood the assignment because I am such a sucker for a protective character with a soft heart. Watching the connection between him and Evolette develop through a slower burn made those moments land even more. I also loved that the spice felt balanced. It added to the story rather than taking over the story.

This book has forbidden love, found family, belonging, danger, and cozy moments woven together with action and emotional themes. For a first monster romance experience, this was such a fun one to step into! The author generously offered me an ALC of the book, so thank you Lauren! I always appreciate a new and fun listen!

[Kiki Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

He is a gargoyle. No need for more… but! ☝🏼 here me out! He is a golden retriever with wings and horns and gray. Jet, papito lindo. Yes, yes, yes.

It’s a beautifully dark, emotional ride that gives you the perfect mix of high-stakes fantasy and deep, character-driven healing. what completely hooked me was both of them carry such intense, raw trauma. If you’re a fantasy romance fan who loves the "who did this to you?" you absolutely need to read this. 🌶️🌶️

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have come to realize I’m not a cozy romance girlie.

I love the premise of a gargoyle MC and was excited to get into this monster romance with some juicy slow burn spice. However, it was a bit too cutesy for my taste, and the spice felt…tame.

I found myself getting distracted while reading and not feeling invested in the FMC and MMC. IMO it was giving cinnamon roll + golden retriever. I, personally, crave tension and stakes.

But again, a lot of this has to do with preference. If you’re looking for something cozy and cute, this one’s for you!

Lauren is a gifted writer, that I can tell from reading two of her books. We know that independent and/or self-published authors can fall into the trappings of typos, grammar errors, plot holes, etc. That’s not the case here. I feel this book as well as the previous one I reviewed could use some good editing of repetitive, overly descriptive language as well as “filler” scenes.

2.75/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️

[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.

[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.

[Magg · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ 1🌶️
The vibes were fun but the writing and storytelling had me wanting a bit more. So I’d say it was enjoyable but not my favorite.
I noticed that there were a lot of repeated words and phrases in the sentence structure, and Evolette and Jet both had the same voice in their pov, so at times I forgot which pov I was reading from. Some of the narrative with the lore and backstories of characters was repeated through the book too, so it felt like the repeated parts should have been cut to put more impactful parts in.
A LOT happened in this book quickly, and I wish there had been less in the plot so that there was more time to focus on characters and the romance.

TROPES
Dual POV
Damsel in Distress
Human x Gargoyle
Found Family

THE CHARACTERS
The characters fell a bit flat for me. Evolette and Jet both felt more like puppets on strings rather than realistic people (or person and gargoyle I guess?). It just felt as if the author wanted to give both MCs traumatic backstories without allowing them to influence the way that they thought and acted.
Evolette was very ready to become dependent, despite being a thief and fending for herself for years. The second night with Jet, she moved to the den to sleep near him because she couldn’t stand to sleep alone. It felt counterintuitive to her characters backstory for her to act this way and to be so clingy.
Jet has a background in fighting but he was an advisor to a king, not an army commander. He also works as a blacksmith running a family business. I would have liked to learn about how he got so good at fighting. Similarly, Maline and Onyx are said to be the best of the best at fighting - how did they get these skills? It felt like plot armor just to give Evolette a chance to train, instead of fitting their characters.

THE ROMANCE
The pacing was off at the beginning for me. It made it feel like insta-love. For Jet to be so possessive of Evolette so quickly, and for her to be so trusting within an hour of knowing him, didn’t feel realistic. For Jet to be saying “I would never let anyone hurt you, I would never let anything happen to you” after knowing her for like 24 hours? Then the day they went to the village, after being there for MAYBE 2 hours, Jet says that the people still don’t trust her yet. Obviously! They just saw her for the first time!
Overall, the love story progressed quickly even though the spice was more of a medium/slow burn. It was definitely giving insta-love for me that felt more based on proximity rather than emotional depth. Not a lot of time passed in this book from start to finish, so the love story moved really fast in my opinion.

QUOTES:

"In all the years I've known him, he's never taken a single day off from work, not once, not since you arrived. He's never brought a female to train either, not until you expressed interest. And one thing is certain, in all the years I've known him, I've never seen him look at a female the way he looks at you. Like maybe he is considering a taking a mate."

“But always remember this, in a world that tried to break you, you came out alive. You're still here. You're victorious. And if you ever forget how powerful you are, all you have to do is look at those scars and remember, it didn't break you. They didn't break you."

[Ciara McN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Lauren Sanatra for gifting this copy of Bound by Hearts and Stone performed in Dual Style narration by James Cassidy and Claudia Rivera Tinsley 💙

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

•Brooding & Protective MMC
•Touch Her & Die vibes
•Monster & Forbidden Romance
•Slow-burn romance with plenty of yearning
•Forced Proximity
•Found family
•Bonded Mates
•Dual POV
•Clashing of species
•Tyranny & corruption in the world

Finally!!! An FMC who has been saved from a life of poverty, abuse, exploitation & starvation, is given everything that she could possibly need and want, and actually embraces her new life instead of your typical FMC who fights to return to the horrific life she came from. Lets be honest; if this were a real-life situation, we all would choose to embrace the new lifestyle without question, just like Evolette.

This story brings us through a full range of emotions from panic, distrust and horror to suspense, relief and vindication. The slow-burn forbidden romance gradually builds as the yearning increases with each chapter.

Everybody deserves to have a Jet in their life- our MMC is brooding, protective, ruthless (when it comes to Evolette), honourable and kind with wicked charm.

The narrators truly acted out each scene so that the listener is deeply immersed. They perfectly portrayed the intensity of scenes, particularly any fight and action scenes. This is my first time listening to Claudia and I will be sure to look out for more performances by her as she was a pleasure to listen to. James Cassidy is an all-time favourite narrator of mine, and never fails to perfectly portray the growly and intensely protective MMC. Neither narrator holds back when conveying the emotions felt by the characters through the scenes of torture, abduction and heartbreak and narrated the spice deliciously.

This cosy monster romance is a perfect book for between heavy & dark reads/listens.

An easy listen and I think it would be the perfect introduction to the Monster Romance Genre.

Thanks once again to Lauren for gifting the audiobook to me 💙

[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...

[Plot_Twist_Momma -Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Hearts & Stone by Lauren Sanatra
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I went into this audiobook completely blind after receiving the audio from the author, and honestly… I’m so glad I did because this story completely surprised me in the best way.

We start with Evolette, a lonely young woman trapped in a prison wagon on her way to the king’s castle, and right away the atmosphere feels tense and dangerous. Then thunder cracks across the sky and I fully expected dragons…

But instead?

Gargoyles.

And somehow that made this story even better.

Jet absolutely stole my heart. The second he sees Evolette trapped in flames, he knows he has to save her, and from there we get this cozy, emotional, slow-burn monster romance that honestly felt like a warm blanket wrapped around a fantasy world filled with danger and history.

The Obsidian Mountains, the gargoyle world, the found family dynamics….all of it felt immersive without being overwhelming. I loved learning how gargoyles and humans once lived together before one king destroyed the peace between them.

And Jet? Ultimate golden retriever MMC energy. Protective, sweet, loyal, completely gone for Evolette from the start. The “he falls first” trope was SO good here.

What I appreciated most was that the spice never overtook the story. It was there at the right moments, but the emotional connection, trust, and relationship-building stayed the focus. The slow burn felt earned, and watching Evolette slowly find belonging and safety honestly made my heart ache in the best way.

This feels like the perfect Summerween read….. cozy fantasy romance with monster vibes, action, some gore, emotional healing, and just enough spice.

If you love:
🖤 Gargoyles
🔥 Cozy Monster Romance
💕 He Falls First
⚔️ Slow Burn
🐾 Found Family
💫 Bound Mates
🏔️ Hidden Magical Worlds

…you’ll probably devour this one like I did.

[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.

[Alison Neffendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this audio book was so so good. The narrators had the absolute best voices. The pacing between the chapters was perfection. I not once found myself waiting to get to the other persons point of view. This was an amazingly well done audio experience. I will definitely be listening to this book again souly because it just felt good on my ears.
The story was a complex read for me. As in the story and vibe are.. complex.. There was this really easy journey in the romance part of it. Almost no conflict at all in any way between the fmc and mmc. It just poured out of them in such an easy way that I would be like "what a cozy little romance", but then the internal emotional struggles of both were so deep, dark, and articulated, that it felt like a dark romance in those moments. The character reminded me of a storm cloud in a cupcake shop. Everything is beautiful and wonderful around her, but she is so broken and has so much healing to do. This was a great read that had me really connecting with those doom and gloom emotions, because I really relate. But that also kind of triggered me just a bit because I really felt that darkness with her. And I didn't expect that going into it. So I think this was complex for me because it was joyful and dark for me personally due to my relatability to the fmc. I can't even remember the last time that a book related to me so hard that I felt triggered. Being able to create the emotion from someone from a cute yet dark gargoyle romance earns it 5 stars alone. The quality of the audio performance was also 5 star worthy. I don't give many 5 stars.

[CrysTellsReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨🎧 Audiobook Review: Bound by Hearts and Stone ✨
By @laurensanatra
🎙️ Narrated by Claudia Rivera Tinsley as Evolette & James Cassidy as Jet

Thank you for the #gifted audio @laurensanatra! I really appreciate you reaching out and allowing me to listen to this story. 💖

This was my very first monster/gargoyle romance and honestly… I had SO much fun with this one!

Enter Evolette: a girl imprisoned by the Royal Guards in the Kingdom of Talero. I won’t spoil why she’s there, but let’s just say life has never been kind to her and she’s only been trying to survive. Evolette believes her story is about to end… until the Gargoyles attack the kingdom.

Then comes Jet. 🖤
Even though humans are considered the enemy, Jet can’t ignore the pull he feels toward Evolette. Instead of leaving her behind with the rest of the “traitor” humans, he chooses to save her.

He takes her back to the Obsidian Mountains — home of the Gargoyles — and this is where everything gets GOOD. We get:
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Forbidden love
✨ “Touch her and 💀” energy
✨ Protective monster boyfriend vibes

I absolutely ate this up.

There’s so much tension, drama, and fighting for a love that’s forbidden between humans and Gargoyles in the Obsidian Mountains. Watching them navigate all of that while trying to hold onto each other had me fully invested.

And the narrators? SO GOOD.
James Cassidy was absolutely perfect as Jet. I honestly wish we got even more of his POV, but that’s probably because I could listen to his voice forever. 😂 Claudia Rivera Tinsley also did a phenomenal job bringing Evolette to life emotionally. Going the audiobook route genuinely elevated this story for me. 🎧✨

[bookswithjaxy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you firstly to the lovely Lauren Sanatra for gifting me the ALC of this book!

The story of Evolette and Jet can be summed up as a cozy yet action packed, slow-burn gargoyle romance.

I can honestly say that this ALC was an absolute pleasure to listen to. The voices of Claudia Rivera Tinsley & James Cassidy worked so well together, it just left you wanting to continue onto the next chapter.

Evolette is a young woman who has had to survive in a world that does not want her. In an odd turn of event, she finds herself captured by a gargoyle and taken to a land where gargoyles live. Jet is a gargoyle who set off to obtain food for his kind but finds himself saving a young woman who he sees something different in as opposed to other humans. Jet wants to take car of Evolette. He knows that not all gargoyles are happy with humans and that being in this land does put her in danger, but he hopes that by keeping her in his sights she will remain safe.
Evolette finds herself becoming close to two of Jet’s closest friends, as well as Jet. She finally feels care for, however she’s uncertain how comfortable she should be getting in a place that may not truly accept her.
Given some time Jet and Evolette find themselves caring for each other. Jet begins to take Evolette out to where more gargoyles see her. Many gargoyles find her to be a wonderful addition to the community, where others want to seek out revenge against the humans that have hurt gargoyles in the past.
There are many twists and turns in this love story. You won’t want to stop listening to this amazing story.

Lauren Sanatra did a fantastic job. I can’t wait to continue on with the series.

[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 🤍

[Krissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inhalt:
Evolette wurde schon immer ihr ganzes Leben lang von den Menschen im Stich gelassen. Täglich kämpft sie ums Überleben und versucht sich mittels Taschendiebstählen über Wasser zu halten. Als sie eines Tages dabei von Soldaten des Königs erwischt wird, weiss sie, dass es kein Entkommen gibt und der Tod ihr bald begegnen wird. Es kommt aber alles ganz anders. Auf dem Weg zum Anwesen des Königs geraten sie und die Soldaten in einen Überfall. Angeführt durch Gargoyle. Sie ist sich sicher, dass nun ihr Ende bevorsteht und sie genauso wie die Soldaten von den Gargoylen getötet wird. Als Jet sie allerdings sieht, beschließt er sie zu verschonen und sie zu retten. Aber wie soll Evolette als einziger Mensch in einem Dorf voller Gargoyle überleben.

Persönliche Meinung:
"Bound by Hearts & Stone" ist eine Monster Romance zwischen einem Mensch und einem Gargoyle und tatsächlich mein erstes Buch in diesem Genre.

Leider hatte ich zwischendrin ein paar Probleme mit dem Tempo des Buches. Während es am Anfang recht actionreich los geht, hat es sich bis zur Mitte des Buches ziemlich gezogen. Danach ging es mit der Spannung aber richtig los und gerade die Action Szenen habe ich gerne gelesen.

Obwohl Jet am Anfang als sehr gefährlich rüber kommt, merkt man schnell was für ein großes Herz er hat und vor allem, als er von der Vergangenheit von Evolette erfährt, will er nichts anderes, als sich um sie zu kümmern und zu sorgen.

Insgesamt empfang ich "Bound by Hearts & Stone" als eine süße Monster Romance, die mir gut gefallen hat.

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ALC Review*

I had a great time with this audiobook! It has everything that I love in a monster romance - strong messaging, intimate conversations/feelings, cozy vibes, spicy spice, and lush storytelling/atmosphere.

The romance between Evolette and Jet was pure and felt from the start - I loved that (even tho she sometimes had reason not to) she always felt inexpicably "safe" with Jet. And in turn, I loved that Jet was always fiercely protective of Evolette - tho he hopefully learned from his mistakes in this book and is on the path to being a better protector!!! LOL

I also loved the side characters - Onyx and Maylene (unsure of the spelling since I listened to the audio). I love their little found family and was so enamored by the final scenes in the story and was so happy that Evolette found them all. I love monster romance for always having the same message without even having to try - differences can bring us together as long as we are open to getting to know one another - and this book had that in spades for me.

The narrators did a fantastic job - I loved James Cassidy as Jet. He did the growly, possessive gargoyle very, very well. ;) And this was my first time listening to an audiobook with Claudia Rivera Tinsley, and I thought she was wonderful! She was perfect for Evolette's character to me (soft, yet with conviction), and I thought the casting of both James + Claudia together went really well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story & listening to it on audio. I definitely recommend for anyone who loves a good monster romance!

[hollie reads it all · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Lauren Sanatra for the gifted audiobook of “Bound by Hearts & Stone” 💖

This was my first gargoyle book and now I think I have a think for gargoyles 😂

I loved this book - it was sweet, and spicy (1 chili pepper 🌶️), and serious, and lovely. Let me break it down:

-Sweet: I loved the relationship between our FMC and MMC. He’s a gargoyle, described as being a deft warrior, strong, mentally/physically/emotionally hard as stone. For our FMC though, he has this innate softness. It’s such a juxtaposition to his description, and I’m obsessed.

-Spicy: this is about 1 🌶️ in spice. It is open door spice (hell yeah) and it’s gooooooooood.

-Serious: there are some aspects of this book that may be difficult to read, so always check your trigger warnings. However, I though the healing our FMC goes through was really beautiful. There is real hurt and betrayal, and not only does the relationship with the MMC help, but so does the found family 💖

Our narrators, Claudia Rivera Tinsley and James Cassidy were perfection. This was my first audiobook narrated by Claudia and I was absolutely impressed with her performance. I’m a huge fan of James Cassidy, but this was the first fantasy book I’ve heard him perform, and it was wonderful to see even more of his range!

Thank you so much, Lauren, for the gifted audiobook!!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Lauren Sanatra for a gifted audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

Evelotte has been imprisoned in the kingdom of Talero after trying to survive in a world that offers her little kindness. A raid by gargoyles rips through the kingdom, destroying everything in their path. But, Jet, a gargoyle, is drawn to this woman who has been left abandoned by her own people. He brings her back to his land, and as they grow closer, he vows to keep her safe.

This audiobook is dual narrated by Claudia Rivera Tinsley (narrating for Evolette) and James Cassidy (narrating for Jet). I enjoyed both narrators and felt the emotion exuding from them during the highs and lows.

I also adored these two characters, as well as the side characters. The found family in this book is so heartwarming! Jet was a perfect character who yearned for Evolette. I loved hearing how he was searching for little gifts for her to show some sort of physical manifestation of his love, as well as the little gestures he did to show it non-materialistically. While there was a few scenes of spice here and there, it was the perfect amount and done well.

Trigger Warnings: This story contains content that may be distressing to some readers, including explicit language, graphic violence, murder, body mutilation, and discussions of sexual assault.

[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.