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Nocturne Falls #17
The Gargoyle Beguiles The Beauty
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.
The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.
Sydney Marlowe is making big changes to her life. She’s retired from her modelling career and sold her cosmetics company, all to live her dream of being a trad wife in a small town. She just needs to find a husband, something she’s confident won’t be a problem. Especially if she can learn to cook.
Gargoyle Adam Rockford is in Nocturne Falls temporarily. He’s agreed to help at the fountain so another gargoyle can take some time off. It’s the perfect chance to recuperate from the devastating heartache of his recent breakup. He has no interest in another relationship anytime soon, but he didn’t count on a woman moving in next door who shares a lot of his same dreams.
Too bad she’s human. Then again, his last girlfriend was a real witch…
The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.
Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.
Sydney Marlowe is making big changes to her life. She’s retired from her modelling career and sold her cosmetics company, all to live her dream of being a trad wife in a small town. She just needs to find a husband, something she’s confident won’t be a problem. Especially if she can learn to cook.
Gargoyle Adam Rockford is in Nocturne Falls temporarily. He’s agreed to help at the fountain so another gargoyle can take some time off. It’s the perfect chance to recuperate from the devastating heartache of his recent breakup. He has no interest in another relationship anytime soon, but he didn’t count on a woman moving in next door who shares a lot of his same dreams.
Too bad she’s human. Then again, his last girlfriend was a real witch…
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2025
168 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
177 books3,405 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 1, 2025
The Gargoyle Beguiles the Beauty by Kristen Painter
Nocturne Falls series #17. Paranormal romance. Closed door. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, a town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year so the paranormal residents can live openly.
Gargoyle Adam Rockford is temporarily in Nocturne Falls to fill in as the gargoyle statue. He has a new neighbor, Sydney Marlowe, and helps her unload her moving truck. She drops by his house as a thank you, but he’s a bit standoffish. He doesn’t want her to think he’s ready for a relationship. He’s still dealing with his last girlfriend continuing to contact him. As Adam and Sydney become friends and more, he wants to tell her about his other form. But she’s human and he’s not allowed to share the secret. Can their relationship grow with that big a secret between them?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book narrated by B J Harrison who does the full series and connected series. The performance is wonderful and has distinct voices for main characters and a few for secondary. The comedy and concern comes through clearly as the couple gets to know each other. Because it’s the same narrator for the series, it feels like coming home when listening to the story. I do think his drawl is too slow so speed my playback above 1.5 so I can read an ecopy along with the audio.
Revisiting this town is such a comfort and getting a new romance is joyful.
Entertaining with a smidge of suspense as they deal with other paranormals. Love a good backed potato with toppings to choose from!
I received a copy of this from the author. Opinions are my own. I also purchased a copy to keep.
Nocturne Falls series #17. Paranormal romance. Closed door. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Welcome to Nocturne Falls, a town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year so the paranormal residents can live openly.
Gargoyle Adam Rockford is temporarily in Nocturne Falls to fill in as the gargoyle statue. He has a new neighbor, Sydney Marlowe, and helps her unload her moving truck. She drops by his house as a thank you, but he’s a bit standoffish. He doesn’t want her to think he’s ready for a relationship. He’s still dealing with his last girlfriend continuing to contact him. As Adam and Sydney become friends and more, he wants to tell her about his other form. But she’s human and he’s not allowed to share the secret. Can their relationship grow with that big a secret between them?
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this book narrated by B J Harrison who does the full series and connected series. The performance is wonderful and has distinct voices for main characters and a few for secondary. The comedy and concern comes through clearly as the couple gets to know each other. Because it’s the same narrator for the series, it feels like coming home when listening to the story. I do think his drawl is too slow so speed my playback above 1.5 so I can read an ecopy along with the audio.
Revisiting this town is such a comfort and getting a new romance is joyful.
Entertaining with a smidge of suspense as they deal with other paranormals. Love a good backed potato with toppings to choose from!
I received a copy of this from the author. Opinions are my own. I also purchased a copy to keep.
July 14, 2025
The Gargoyle Beguiles the Beauty is book 17 in the Nocturne Falls series. I didn't really care for this book and I actually felt the same way about the novella that came just before this one, so now I am wondering if perhaps this series has run its course. I will try book 18 when it comes out, but that will be my deciding factor for continuing these books. I absolutely loved this series and the two spinoffs for Jayne Frost and Frost & Crowe, so this was really disappointing. These books are always immediate audiobook purchases for me when they are released.
I had some raised eyebrow moments at the beginning of the book when it started feeling a tad tradwife like with comments like, "She couldn't imagine a man being interested in a woman who didn't at least know the basics of how to put a meal together." and then right after the comment about men only being interested in women who can make them a good meal, it keeping them happy, and old fashion values being back in, we get this gem, "Her new life was all about landing the right guy, getting married, and having a family." Then it is followed up with "She was 28, not the youngest woman out there. She didn't want to come off as desperate but her biological clock was ticking, loudly." Where are the strong independent female characters we usually get? That's just not my cup of tea, but that's fine, I can look past that and keep going for the exciting story I was expecting. But then it never came. This book felt more like filler content than a main story. It could have been a novella, I guess, but it still would have been light on action and excitement. It felt unimaginative and uninspired. The "big" action scene and drama with the ex was contrived. Ironically, it felt both lazy and over the top. It just didn't fit. It didn't fit this book and it didn't fit the series. At least not the series that I have loved and devoured for years now. Wow, this almost feels like a break up. Haha. But as I said earlier, I will try the next book. If that one is like this one and the novella before it, it will be 3 strikes in a row and I will just have to move on and keep re-listening to all the books that came before.
One thing that made me laugh was how often the bathed the dogs or talked about giving the dogs baths. You can tell the author is a cat person. No one should be bathing their dogs that frequently without a medical reason. :D
I loved Birdie in this book. She is such a great side character and always brings life and happiness to all of her scenes. I also loved the dogs. They were great, especially the big Gargoyle man adopting such a tiny dog. That was adorable. The town was great and I enjoyed the auction scenes too.
The narration was great, as always. This narrator does the entire series and he really nails the various voices and characters.
Overall, I give this book 2 stars.
I had some raised eyebrow moments at the beginning of the book when it started feeling a tad tradwife like with comments like, "She couldn't imagine a man being interested in a woman who didn't at least know the basics of how to put a meal together." and then right after the comment about men only being interested in women who can make them a good meal, it keeping them happy, and old fashion values being back in, we get this gem, "Her new life was all about landing the right guy, getting married, and having a family." Then it is followed up with "She was 28, not the youngest woman out there. She didn't want to come off as desperate but her biological clock was ticking, loudly." Where are the strong independent female characters we usually get? That's just not my cup of tea, but that's fine, I can look past that and keep going for the exciting story I was expecting. But then it never came. This book felt more like filler content than a main story. It could have been a novella, I guess, but it still would have been light on action and excitement. It felt unimaginative and uninspired. The "big" action scene and drama with the ex was contrived. Ironically, it felt both lazy and over the top. It just didn't fit. It didn't fit this book and it didn't fit the series. At least not the series that I have loved and devoured for years now. Wow, this almost feels like a break up. Haha. But as I said earlier, I will try the next book. If that one is like this one and the novella before it, it will be 3 strikes in a row and I will just have to move on and keep re-listening to all the books that came before.
One thing that made me laugh was how often the bathed the dogs or talked about giving the dogs baths. You can tell the author is a cat person. No one should be bathing their dogs that frequently without a medical reason. :D
I loved Birdie in this book. She is such a great side character and always brings life and happiness to all of her scenes. I also loved the dogs. They were great, especially the big Gargoyle man adopting such a tiny dog. That was adorable. The town was great and I enjoyed the auction scenes too.
The narration was great, as always. This narrator does the entire series and he really nails the various voices and characters.
Overall, I give this book 2 stars.
July 1, 2025
(said with a huge smile) D*mn you Kristen Painter!
I love these cute little novels. They are so much fun. But for 17 years, the real center of my life was a small little princess of a dog who owned my heart - at least until 3 years ago. Kristen truly understand how, and more importantly why, these small furry personalities can claim such an enormous place in our lives.
As she describes the MC’s thoughts and feelings and the rationale behind them, it was very much an experience of reliving those self-same thoughts and feelings from 20 years ago. I’m not sure if was cathartic or not but it is clearly something I needed as it has left me simultaneously both grateful and devastated.
As for this book, it’s a little less Nocturne Falls-y than you might be used to. It’s set in the town, but this novel is all about the dynamic between the two MC’s AND their dogs. It’s absolutely stellar. This is Painter at her best - wrapping reality in a bit of whimsy and fantasy all brought to life in incredibly relatable characters. Despite the tears and woe this story brought it also made me chuckle, quite often in fact.
What more could any reader ask for?
Don’t worry if you haven’t read anything else in the Nocturne Falls Universe. This is an excellent entryway and I assure you, you’ll be reading the rest shortly after you finish this one. Enjoy!
I love these cute little novels. They are so much fun. But for 17 years, the real center of my life was a small little princess of a dog who owned my heart - at least until 3 years ago. Kristen truly understand how, and more importantly why, these small furry personalities can claim such an enormous place in our lives.
As she describes the MC’s thoughts and feelings and the rationale behind them, it was very much an experience of reliving those self-same thoughts and feelings from 20 years ago. I’m not sure if was cathartic or not but it is clearly something I needed as it has left me simultaneously both grateful and devastated.
As for this book, it’s a little less Nocturne Falls-y than you might be used to. It’s set in the town, but this novel is all about the dynamic between the two MC’s AND their dogs. It’s absolutely stellar. This is Painter at her best - wrapping reality in a bit of whimsy and fantasy all brought to life in incredibly relatable characters. Despite the tears and woe this story brought it also made me chuckle, quite often in fact.
What more could any reader ask for?
Don’t worry if you haven’t read anything else in the Nocturne Falls Universe. This is an excellent entryway and I assure you, you’ll be reading the rest shortly after you finish this one. Enjoy!
September 6, 2025
It was great to revisit Nocturne Falls. Nice to get a Will and Nick update. Birdie was also in this.
It is a great lighthearted love story that fills in more information on the Nocturne Falls Universe. This book did bring up a lot of questions for me on the vetting process of the residents. I would like to know if Pandora and Alice ever deny residency.
It is a great lighthearted love story that fills in more information on the Nocturne Falls Universe. This book did bring up a lot of questions for me on the vetting process of the residents. I would like to know if Pandora and Alice ever deny residency.
July 29, 2025
Cozy Gentle Paranormal
Fun drama. HEA. Each book is a stand-alone but favorite characters from other stand-alones make appearances in this without taking over. Dog-lovers looking for a gentle read paranormal will enjoy this.
Low violence. Slow burn. Off camera. Delightful, cozy paranormal. Also available in audio version and you can switch between formats which is especially nice for commutes or vacation driving. Enjoy.
Fun drama. HEA. Each book is a stand-alone but favorite characters from other stand-alones make appearances in this without taking over. Dog-lovers looking for a gentle read paranormal will enjoy this.
Low violence. Slow burn. Off camera. Delightful, cozy paranormal. Also available in audio version and you can switch between formats which is especially nice for commutes or vacation driving. Enjoy.
August 12, 2025
Series: Nocturne Falls #17
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Sydney Marlow is making big changes in her life, including retiring from her modeling career and selling her cosmetic company. Now she is determined to live her true dream of becoming a traditional wife and starting a family, but first she has to find a man which hopefully she can find in her new neighborhood. What she doesn’t expect is to start falling for her grumpy neighbor.
This was another cute Nocturne Falls romance. Adam and Sydney were neighbors who both have the dream of the traditional family and kids, but one thing is never going to happen and the other is trying to make it happen. I don’t usually love romances where the main characters whose main goals are getting married and having kids, but I did enjoy this one for the most part.
Adam Rockford is only supposed to be in Nocturne Falls for six months while he figures out what he wants to do with his life. His plans to return to Chicago are soon looking more daunting as he gets to know his neighbor and quickly starts falling for her. I liked Adam, especially his instant adoption of a dog who trusted him. Also he never judges Sydney for her previous career and automatically accepts and strives to help with Sydney’s dreams.
Sydney is a woman who knows what she wants out of life and is finally making it happen now that she has the funds to do it. I liked how independent and determined she was to fulfill her dreams and to make her house into a home. Sydney is human in a monster town though so the third act breakup is her struggling to come to terms with this new world and that she is in love with a gargoyle. I did like that once she accepted him she went all in and even worked to help Adam fulfill one of his dreams.
The villain in this ends up being an ex who was determined to not let them go. I thought it was an interesting burst of tension, but I also was expecting more from this confrontation. We see the evil happen on page but the capture and stopping of this ex was all off page and barely mentioned. It was disappointing that we didn't get to find out how they stopped them or what the council ended up doing to them.
Overall, this was another enjoyable Nocturne Falls romance. I do wish we had seen a bit more information about the villain’s capture and punishment but I still enjoyed the book overall. I look forward to reading the next one.
TW: toxic ex-girlfriend; manipulation and loss of control from magic;
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
Sydney Marlow is making big changes in her life, including retiring from her modeling career and selling her cosmetic company. Now she is determined to live her true dream of becoming a traditional wife and starting a family, but first she has to find a man which hopefully she can find in her new neighborhood. What she doesn’t expect is to start falling for her grumpy neighbor.
This was another cute Nocturne Falls romance. Adam and Sydney were neighbors who both have the dream of the traditional family and kids, but one thing is never going to happen and the other is trying to make it happen. I don’t usually love romances where the main characters whose main goals are getting married and having kids, but I did enjoy this one for the most part.
Adam Rockford is only supposed to be in Nocturne Falls for six months while he figures out what he wants to do with his life. His plans to return to Chicago are soon looking more daunting as he gets to know his neighbor and quickly starts falling for her. I liked Adam, especially his instant adoption of a dog who trusted him. Also he never judges Sydney for her previous career and automatically accepts and strives to help with Sydney’s dreams.
Sydney is a woman who knows what she wants out of life and is finally making it happen now that she has the funds to do it. I liked how independent and determined she was to fulfill her dreams and to make her house into a home. Sydney is human in a monster town though so the third act breakup is her struggling to come to terms with this new world and that she is in love with a gargoyle. I did like that once she accepted him she went all in and even worked to help Adam fulfill one of his dreams.
The villain in this ends up being an ex who was determined to not let them go. I thought it was an interesting burst of tension, but I also was expecting more from this confrontation. We see the evil happen on page but the capture and stopping of this ex was all off page and barely mentioned. It was disappointing that we didn't get to find out how they stopped them or what the council ended up doing to them.
Overall, this was another enjoyable Nocturne Falls romance. I do wish we had seen a bit more information about the villain’s capture and punishment but I still enjoyed the book overall. I look forward to reading the next one.
TW: toxic ex-girlfriend; manipulation and loss of control from magic;
July 7, 2025
2025 bk 78. Another excellent read from the pen of Kristen Painter. A famous fashion model moves next door to former bodyguard (now working as a town gargoyle) and sparks begin to - glimmer. Going first for friendship, our heroes temporary stay in town may reck havoc with the model's plans for the suburban life - spouse, 2 kids, house, ets. There isn't the tension and mystery involved as in prior books, with the bad girl more annoying than causing real harm. I like a bit more mystery - but still greatly enjoyed this read for early summer.
July 17, 2025
Really?
It just ends with no real ending. It's like she's just going through the motions. Time to end this series. It's getting 3 stars instead of 2 because of the dogs and thankfully NO CATS. Yet another book where i have no idea what these main character looks like. Did i miss the description of Adam? I did do alot of skipping pages
It just ends with no real ending. It's like she's just going through the motions. Time to end this series. It's getting 3 stars instead of 2 because of the dogs and thankfully NO CATS. Yet another book where i have no idea what these main character looks like. Did i miss the description of Adam? I did do alot of skipping pages
July 2, 2025
Great new characters
I just love the Nocturne Falls series, and I think it is because you can be yourself no matter what or who you are. I feel like I personally know all the characters (in my head) in NF, so when new characters are introduced, you need to pay attention to see what new abilities can appear in the story.
One of the new and main characters is Sydney Marlow, recently retired from modeling, sold her beauty company, and moved to NF with her dog Mackie because of the low crime rate. She is a very assertive woman, knows what she wants, and goes for it in her way. A typical city girl looking to settle down that doesn't know how to cook.
Adam Rockford is the other new and main character who is renting from Willa and Nick for 6 months to work as the Gargoyle by the fountain. He wants to get away from a hard breakup from Veronica. He is a well-mannered, humble guy that his biggest wish is to be a cook besides having a family.
As days go by, they develop a great friendship that turns into an attraction that both fight. They seem to complement each other, where he cooks for her and she dresses him up. The only obstacle is that she is a human that doesn't know about the paranormal world. But like always, Birdie shows up for the rescue and intervenes every time a problem arises. And a lot of problems happen, especially when Veronica shows up doing many witchy things, giving us a lot of action. Figuring out how things end up for both of them, you need to read the book because I don't want to write spoilers.
I just love the Nocturne Falls series, and I think it is because you can be yourself no matter what or who you are. I feel like I personally know all the characters (in my head) in NF, so when new characters are introduced, you need to pay attention to see what new abilities can appear in the story.
One of the new and main characters is Sydney Marlow, recently retired from modeling, sold her beauty company, and moved to NF with her dog Mackie because of the low crime rate. She is a very assertive woman, knows what she wants, and goes for it in her way. A typical city girl looking to settle down that doesn't know how to cook.
Adam Rockford is the other new and main character who is renting from Willa and Nick for 6 months to work as the Gargoyle by the fountain. He wants to get away from a hard breakup from Veronica. He is a well-mannered, humble guy that his biggest wish is to be a cook besides having a family.
As days go by, they develop a great friendship that turns into an attraction that both fight. They seem to complement each other, where he cooks for her and she dresses him up. The only obstacle is that she is a human that doesn't know about the paranormal world. But like always, Birdie shows up for the rescue and intervenes every time a problem arises. And a lot of problems happen, especially when Veronica shows up doing many witchy things, giving us a lot of action. Figuring out how things end up for both of them, you need to read the book because I don't want to write spoilers.
July 2, 2025
Sweet romance, with cute little dogs added in
This story had me smiling throughout! Adam has come to Nocturne Falls to help sub as the fountain Gargoyle, when one of the locals was on paternity leave for 6 months . It’s also a good distraction from his broken heart. Sydney was ready to break away from the modeling life and wanted to live in a house with a yard in a safe neighborhood. When something happened to one of the movers, her neighbor Adam steps in to help out.
Being talked into a bachelor auction to help fund raise for a local animal shelter, Adam enlists his beautiful human neighbor to help him find something to wear, without telling her what it’s for.
I can’t say anything more, but I loved this story. Familiar characters of this town from previous stories make an appearance. And the dogs were an integral part of the story, too!
This story had me smiling throughout! Adam has come to Nocturne Falls to help sub as the fountain Gargoyle, when one of the locals was on paternity leave for 6 months . It’s also a good distraction from his broken heart. Sydney was ready to break away from the modeling life and wanted to live in a house with a yard in a safe neighborhood. When something happened to one of the movers, her neighbor Adam steps in to help out.
Being talked into a bachelor auction to help fund raise for a local animal shelter, Adam enlists his beautiful human neighbor to help him find something to wear, without telling her what it’s for.
I can’t say anything more, but I loved this story. Familiar characters of this town from previous stories make an appearance. And the dogs were an integral part of the story, too!
did-not-finish
December 10, 2025I didn't read the synopsis before starting to read this book and was off put with Sydney's comments such as, "She couldn't imagine a man being interested in a woman who didn't at least know the basics of how to put a meal together." Her whole speech about how old fashioned valued being back in rubbed me the wrong way, especially with our current political climate and its views on women's rights. I'm all for doing what makes you happy and all that but I don't really agree with a woman's only goal being finding a man and having kids. The whole tradwife theme isn't for me.
The last straw was the fact that Adam was accidentally bound to do Sydney's bidding super early on and I do not love that trope.
The last straw was the fact that Adam was accidentally bound to do Sydney's bidding super early on and I do not love that trope.
June 23, 2025
Very lighthearted romance story. Sydney, a retired model and businesswoman, moves to Nocturne Falls to have a 'normal' life away from the city and hopefully find a man to marry and have children with. Adam, a gargoyle from Chicago, takes a temporary job in NF and lives next door to Sydney while he covers for another gargoyle out on paternity leave. Both are looking to marry and settle down. Adam is recovering from a burned relationship, and knows he can't be in one with another human. However he's very attracted to Sydney. Can these two overcome their differences? Bonus in this story is the very cute doggie friendship between Sugarbelle and Mackie. Sweet read.
July 5, 2025
Kristen Painter's Nocturne Falls is a cozy town full of magic hiding in plain sight. This addition brings two newcomers together. Gargoyle Adam is a temporary resident. Former model Sydney has retired and just wants a simple life. These nex-door neighbors are in for a ride. Add two cute doggos and what's not to love? If cozy paranormal romance is your catnip, grab this one now!August 12, 2025
Wonderful Story!
Sydney is a former model and cosmetic company owner and human who wants to live a normal life with a husband and kids so she moves to Nocturne Falls hoping to find that there. Adam is a gargoyle who moves temporarily to Nocturne Falls due to a break up from his witch fiance and they end up being neighbors. There's an auction, dog adoption, growing feeling of more than friendship, and jealousy in this new wonderful story. This is one of my favorite series and if you like clean stories (no spicy times) with magic and monsters then this is the series for you too.
Sydney is a former model and cosmetic company owner and human who wants to live a normal life with a husband and kids so she moves to Nocturne Falls hoping to find that there. Adam is a gargoyle who moves temporarily to Nocturne Falls due to a break up from his witch fiance and they end up being neighbors. There's an auction, dog adoption, growing feeling of more than friendship, and jealousy in this new wonderful story. This is one of my favorite series and if you like clean stories (no spicy times) with magic and monsters then this is the series for you too.
June 24, 2025
In book 17 of the Nocturne Falls series there are two new additions to the magical town. Sydney a retired fashion model and temporary resident Adam, who is a gargoyle. They strike up a friendship but things are complicated because of their pasts and future plans. This is a sweet romance, with a little suspense and some sweet moments. I love that Birdie made her way in this book she is one of my favorites. As always in this series there are pets but this time there are dogs. An enjoyable switch from my more "intense" reads.
June 30, 2025
I was happy to see that one of my favorite Nocturne Falls characters was in this. There's never a dull moment in Nocturne Falls and just about every resident is or can do something cool but this character adds a little something extra in each appearance that's for sure.
I always enjoy finding out what supernatural being the characters are and the lore that goes with it and in this one I thought a detail was revealed very cleverly. I hope we get a follow up how certain plans turn out for them but I have a feeling there are nothing but good things ahead.
I always enjoy finding out what supernatural being the characters are and the lore that goes with it and in this one I thought a detail was revealed very cleverly. I hope we get a follow up how certain plans turn out for them but I have a feeling there are nothing but good things ahead.
July 9, 2025
This was priceless! You could read the books in any order but you get to know each characters and things about them that appears in other books. But I think I like this one best of all. Of course, I say that each time. But I woulf start with this one lol. I binge listened to this until 530 am. Couldn't stop. I loved the characters much. I want to live in this town. The author really makes you feel like it's real. The plotting and timing were all perfect. The dogs were a big plus to the story.
Who wouldn't love this narrator?! He can do any voice and accent. Really brings the book to life.
Who wouldn't love this narrator?! He can do any voice and accent. Really brings the book to life.
July 16, 2025
Every time I get to revisit Nocturne Falls I realize it’s been too long! Meeting new people, and seeing old friends, I really want to live in Nocturne Falls when I grow up.
The Gargoyle Beguiles The Beauty is Kristen Painter’s 17th Nocturne Falls book. 17! Wow. Adam and Sydney are great additions to the town, and I absolutely love that Birdie met Sydney the way she did. Also, it’s wonderful that the town grows and evolves the way any city or town would. Truly can’t express enough how amazing every visit to Nocturne Falls is.
The Gargoyle Beguiles The Beauty is Kristen Painter’s 17th Nocturne Falls book. 17! Wow. Adam and Sydney are great additions to the town, and I absolutely love that Birdie met Sydney the way she did. Also, it’s wonderful that the town grows and evolves the way any city or town would. Truly can’t express enough how amazing every visit to Nocturne Falls is.
August 7, 2025
another fun Kristen Painter book
I’m just disappointed that I’m a human. All of the nonhumans seem to have the most fun. It’s a great story and a wonderful cast of people and pets. Nocturne Falls is a place I know if I visited, and knew that there were supernatural beings - I would stay forever
Having your key figures a gargoyle - they usually seem to be unattractive and huge - and the female, a gorgeous supermodel, piqued my interest and kept it to the whole book. The whole series never disappoints.
I’m just disappointed that I’m a human. All of the nonhumans seem to have the most fun. It’s a great story and a wonderful cast of people and pets. Nocturne Falls is a place I know if I visited, and knew that there were supernatural beings - I would stay forever
Having your key figures a gargoyle - they usually seem to be unattractive and huge - and the female, a gorgeous supermodel, piqued my interest and kept it to the whole book. The whole series never disappoints.
July 27, 2025
Friends to Lovers
This storyline had promise until the violent and dangerous ex-girlfriend came into the picture. The ex-girlfriend seemed to be just a motive to increase word count to this book. I am a big fan of Kristen Painter but sometimes violence and madness is such a downer. I respect the author and appreciate her talent but sometimes madness and violence spoils the love story.
This storyline had promise until the violent and dangerous ex-girlfriend came into the picture. The ex-girlfriend seemed to be just a motive to increase word count to this book. I am a big fan of Kristen Painter but sometimes violence and madness is such a downer. I respect the author and appreciate her talent but sometimes madness and violence spoils the love story.
August 4, 2025
I am always tickled to get to visit Nocturne Falls! It’s one of my very favorite places!!
This story was lots of fun to read and the characters were awesome! It made for a very enjoyable read! It’s so nice to able to slip into this amazing world and meet new characters and get to visit with favorites! Especially Birdie, she is always so much fun!!
This is one series I kinda like to read in order even though they are all stand alones.
This story was lots of fun to read and the characters were awesome! It made for a very enjoyable read! It’s so nice to able to slip into this amazing world and meet new characters and get to visit with favorites! Especially Birdie, she is always so much fun!!
This is one series I kinda like to read in order even though they are all stand alones.
October 18, 2025
Needing to get away, Gargoyle Adam Rockford leaves a broken heart in Chicago to Nocturne Falls. His ex-Ranger friend, Nick Harwin, needs temporary help with gargoyle tourist duty. So he rents a partly furnished house to use for the next six months.
Wanting a simpler life, Sydney Marlow has left her modeling career in NYC and bought the house next door in Nocturne Falls.
Fave scenes: moving in, the bachelor auction, the thrift store, and Mackie’s reaction to Birdie.
Wanting a simpler life, Sydney Marlow has left her modeling career in NYC and bought the house next door in Nocturne Falls.
Fave scenes: moving in, the bachelor auction, the thrift store, and Mackie’s reaction to Birdie.
December 2, 2025
An eye opening experience
This story is about a woman that wants to live a normal life with love, marriage and children. She moves to a small town to pursue her dream. Unbeknownst to her, she is not living in just any small town and most of the people who live there are looking for the same thing she is. The hot neighbor is all the things she is looking for but he has other plans. Well worth reading.
This story is about a woman that wants to live a normal life with love, marriage and children. She moves to a small town to pursue her dream. Unbeknownst to her, she is not living in just any small town and most of the people who live there are looking for the same thing she is. The hot neighbor is all the things she is looking for but he has other plans. Well worth reading.
July 1, 2025
Another Wonderful Addition
I'm a finicky reader. The further the books get from the original couple the less interest I have in them. That's not true with Nocturne Falls. I've loved every moment in this series. This was another wonderful book, with a wonderful couple, adorable pets and a surprisingly clean love story.
I'm a finicky reader. The further the books get from the original couple the less interest I have in them. That's not true with Nocturne Falls. I've loved every moment in this series. This was another wonderful book, with a wonderful couple, adorable pets and a surprisingly clean love story.
July 3, 2025
Incredible read
Kristen painter has done it again pulled us into a wonderful town with amazing characters and different stories never a boring read it's the opposite after a day of work relaxing reading and laughing and going thru all with what the characters go thru puts a smile on my face. Adam finds his happy after and Syd finds some interesting things about herself.
Kristen painter has done it again pulled us into a wonderful town with amazing characters and different stories never a boring read it's the opposite after a day of work relaxing reading and laughing and going thru all with what the characters go thru puts a smile on my face. Adam finds his happy after and Syd finds some interesting things about herself.
July 4, 2025
Awesome Book !
I was so excited when Kristen Painter decided to add another book to the Nocturne Falls series !
I absolutely love everyone of her characters so much and it was such a wonderful book. I really hope she adds more but if you have not tried this series go try it. It is amazing. All of her books are awesome !!
I was so excited when Kristen Painter decided to add another book to the Nocturne Falls series !
I absolutely love everyone of her characters so much and it was such a wonderful book. I really hope she adds more but if you have not tried this series go try it. It is amazing. All of her books are awesome !!
July 5, 2025
This book is on track with the authors other books set in Nocturne Falls. I love how we meet new characters and visit with old ones. Birdie is a favorite of mine and I am always glad when she graces a book.
Can a gargoyle and a human become more than friends? What happens when the human realizes where she actually lives? Read this book to find out!
Can a gargoyle and a human become more than friends? What happens when the human realizes where she actually lives? Read this book to find out!
July 6, 2025
Awesome as always
Every book in this series is a fun read and this one is no exception.
I love gargoyles. I collect them, have one tattooed on my back and have gargoyle art.
This book was sweet, romantic, fun, witty, and had all the feels.
Get it and read it. I want to support this author so she keeps adding to this series. :)
Every book in this series is a fun read and this one is no exception.
I love gargoyles. I collect them, have one tattooed on my back and have gargoyle art.
This book was sweet, romantic, fun, witty, and had all the feels.
Get it and read it. I want to support this author so she keeps adding to this series. :)
July 10, 2025
Slow start, great Finish
I did feel like this story dragged a little in the beginning. However, as you came to the middle, it picked up the pace. Really wonderful story with the perfect HEA. The only thing missing was visualizing Veronika being taken down. She was awful. Love Nocturne Falls.
I did feel like this story dragged a little in the beginning. However, as you came to the middle, it picked up the pace. Really wonderful story with the perfect HEA. The only thing missing was visualizing Veronika being taken down. She was awful. Love Nocturne Falls.
July 18, 2025
So cute
A supermodel moves to Nocturne Falls and falls for her next door neighbor. She doesn’t know it but he’s a gargoyle! He’s attracted to her but thinks they have to stay just friends because he thinks she’s human. Throw in 2 cute dogs who are equally smitten with each other, Birdie intervening, a jealous ex and cooking and you have a great story! Highly recommend!
A supermodel moves to Nocturne Falls and falls for her next door neighbor. She doesn’t know it but he’s a gargoyle! He’s attracted to her but thinks they have to stay just friends because he thinks she’s human. Throw in 2 cute dogs who are equally smitten with each other, Birdie intervening, a jealous ex and cooking and you have a great story! Highly recommend!
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