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The Gargoyle and the Spinster: A Fantasy Monster Romance
The village spinster. The monster who guards the gate. One night that changes everything.Daughter of a fisherman, Maggie’s true love has always been the sea. Maybe that’s why she never married. But when her father grows too sick to captain his ship, she shoulders the weight of her family’s survival, even if it means accepting a marriage proposal from a greedy sailor who wants their fishing boat more than her.
It’s not the life she dreamed of, but dreams don’t put food on the table.
Evrard has guarded Brinehelm for years, watching over the village gate. Now, war calls him away to fight the encroaching goblin horde. Though he doesn’t question his duty, he will miss the brave human woman who meets his gaze without fear.
When Maggie learns he’s leaving, she offers him a goodbye to One reckless night. No promises. No regrets.
They both know it can’t last beyond the morning.
But with Evrard gone, Maggie must face a future she doesn’t want—and a man determined to take everything from her. And when Evrard reaches his new post, he realizes leaving her unprotected might be his greatest mistake.
She’s done sacrificing herself for others. He’s done following orders. And this time, nothing will keep them apart.
The Gargoyle & the Spinster is a short, steamy prequel to the Nightfall Guardians series filled with forbidden love, a protective gargoyle, and the human woman who earns his ultimate devotion.
It’s not the life she dreamed of, but dreams don’t put food on the table.
Evrard has guarded Brinehelm for years, watching over the village gate. Now, war calls him away to fight the encroaching goblin horde. Though he doesn’t question his duty, he will miss the brave human woman who meets his gaze without fear.
When Maggie learns he’s leaving, she offers him a goodbye to One reckless night. No promises. No regrets.
They both know it can’t last beyond the morning.
But with Evrard gone, Maggie must face a future she doesn’t want—and a man determined to take everything from her. And when Evrard reaches his new post, he realizes leaving her unprotected might be his greatest mistake.
She’s done sacrificing herself for others. He’s done following orders. And this time, nothing will keep them apart.
The Gargoyle & the Spinster is a short, steamy prequel to the Nightfall Guardians series filled with forbidden love, a protective gargoyle, and the human woman who earns his ultimate devotion.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
80 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
June 20, 2025
I'll take a purring gargoyle any day of the week!
June 16, 2025
3.5 stars
I liked the premise of this book and Maggie’s independent streak. She and Evrard had a solid start, but I’d have loved to see the emotional connection and maybe some groveling for a certain lie he told her. Overall it was cute, even if one of the triggers hit me, personally, harder than I was anticipating. The author lists the triggers tho.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: birth control tampering, animal mistreatment (not by MCs), ill parent, coerced engagement (not between MCs), sex between MCs when coerced engagement in is place, arson, attempted assault, pregnancy, violence, heights, war (discussion of)
I liked the premise of this book and Maggie’s independent streak. She and Evrard had a solid start, but I’d have loved to see the emotional connection and maybe some groveling for a certain lie he told her. Overall it was cute, even if one of the triggers hit me, personally, harder than I was anticipating. The author lists the triggers tho.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: birth control tampering, animal mistreatment (not by MCs), ill parent, coerced engagement (not between MCs), sex between MCs when coerced engagement in is place, arson, attempted assault, pregnancy, violence, heights, war (discussion of)
June 6, 2025
Gargoyle Monster Romance
📖 Bookish Thoughts:
Absolutely adored this monster romance! Our FMC Maggie was a total baddie, I loved her fierce independence, and the plus-size rep made my heart so happy.
And Evrard? The sweetest cinnamon roll gargoyle ever. He was protective, tender, and completely smitten. They were perfect together, and I’m so glad they realized it. The ending? ADORABLE!! 😍
This is a short novella prequel to a brand-new series, and I’m very excited to read the full books as they come out!
🩶 What You Can Expect:
• Cinnamon roll MMC
• Plus-size FMC
• Protective Gargoyle Daddy
• Forbidden love
• Fierce, independent FMC
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts:
Absolutely adored this monster romance! Our FMC Maggie was a total baddie, I loved her fierce independence, and the plus-size rep made my heart so happy.
And Evrard? The sweetest cinnamon roll gargoyle ever. He was protective, tender, and completely smitten. They were perfect together, and I’m so glad they realized it. The ending? ADORABLE!! 😍
This is a short novella prequel to a brand-new series, and I’m very excited to read the full books as they come out!
🩶 What You Can Expect:
• Cinnamon roll MMC
• Plus-size FMC
• Protective Gargoyle Daddy
• Forbidden love
• Fierce, independent FMC
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.
December 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
Much more tender than expecting
While the ending felt rushed (and also a bit corny), I deeply enjoyed Maggie’s character.
I love a strong, fiery woman with a quiet, softer man.
CW: misogyny, arson, explicit sexual content, mentions of war
Much more tender than expecting
While the ending felt rushed (and also a bit corny), I deeply enjoyed Maggie’s character.
I love a strong, fiery woman with a quiet, softer man.
CW: misogyny, arson, explicit sexual content, mentions of war
November 23, 2025
2.5
Relato leído conjuntamente con mi amiga Mary de estas redes. ¿Sinceramente? Le tenía muchas más expectativas. Aquellos que me conozcan por estas redes saben que tengo una debilidad por este tipo de monstruos y cualquier libro que vea sobre ello lo leo sin pensármelos dos veces.
Mi problema con esta novela ha sido que en general la historia se me ha hecho un poco irreal. El protagonista masculino me ha parecido más bestia que hombre, sin razonamiento alguno y eso a mi directamente este tipo de novelas no me gusta. A medida que va avanzando la historia si mejora un poco la cosa, pero a esto hay que sumarle una especie de lujuria-amor instantánea que no es para nada creíble.
Seguramente lea las siguientes entregas pero por el momento se quedan aparcadas hasta nuevo aviso.
Relato leído conjuntamente con mi amiga Mary de estas redes. ¿Sinceramente? Le tenía muchas más expectativas. Aquellos que me conozcan por estas redes saben que tengo una debilidad por este tipo de monstruos y cualquier libro que vea sobre ello lo leo sin pensármelos dos veces.
Mi problema con esta novela ha sido que en general la historia se me ha hecho un poco irreal. El protagonista masculino me ha parecido más bestia que hombre, sin razonamiento alguno y eso a mi directamente este tipo de novelas no me gusta. A medida que va avanzando la historia si mejora un poco la cosa, pero a esto hay que sumarle una especie de lujuria-amor instantánea que no es para nada creíble.
Seguramente lea las siguientes entregas pero por el momento se quedan aparcadas hasta nuevo aviso.
July 24, 2025
4.5 stars✨
💜 gargoyle x human romance
This book hit like crack. I loved Maggie’s strong and independent personality! She’s such a great FMC!!
Evrard is a big ol sweetheart but would do anything to protect Maggie🥹
I’m obsessed with the gossiping moths LOL they were hilarious just talking smack while flying around Evrard
💜 gargoyle x human romance
This book hit like crack. I loved Maggie’s strong and independent personality! She’s such a great FMC!!
Evrard is a big ol sweetheart but would do anything to protect Maggie🥹
I’m obsessed with the gossiping moths LOL they were hilarious just talking smack while flying around Evrard
May 31, 2025
This one was more spice than substance, which is fine but not usually what I pick up. I was just so excited by the premise because I LOVED the gargoyles cartoon as a kid, but this was NOT that.
Sadly for me, this just had a lot of tropes that I don't like. Which are tropes that others adore! So if you like instant love and animalistic love interests with a successful breeding trope, this might be for you!
Also, I was a little confused by the whole “spinster” label. Maggie is called one, but she’s engaged? And then she turns around and wants kids immediately? I’m not here to gatekeep what a spinster can or can’t want, but the title sets up certain expectations for me.
I’m sure that the full Nightfall Guardians series digs deeper into those threads because there’s clearly potential here. As a prequel, this is fine if you're here for monster spice and not much else. But if you're looking for romantic depth, character development, or a plot that feels less like a setup and more like a story, you might want to skip ahead to the main series.
I truly appreciate the complimentary copy to read and review. I know that this absolutely has its audience, but just wasn't for me.
Sadly for me, this just had a lot of tropes that I don't like. Which are tropes that others adore! So if you like instant love and animalistic love interests with a successful breeding trope, this might be for you!
Also, I was a little confused by the whole “spinster” label. Maggie is called one, but she’s engaged? And then she turns around and wants kids immediately? I’m not here to gatekeep what a spinster can or can’t want, but the title sets up certain expectations for me.
I’m sure that the full Nightfall Guardians series digs deeper into those threads because there’s clearly potential here. As a prequel, this is fine if you're here for monster spice and not much else. But if you're looking for romantic depth, character development, or a plot that feels less like a setup and more like a story, you might want to skip ahead to the main series.
I truly appreciate the complimentary copy to read and review. I know that this absolutely has its audience, but just wasn't for me.
June 11, 2025
This was good for a quick read!
It is very fast paced and I wish they had more scenes of emotional connection or simply getting to know each other at all, but that’s instalove for you! 🤷🏻♀️
It is very fast paced and I wish they had more scenes of emotional connection or simply getting to know each other at all, but that’s instalove for you! 🤷🏻♀️
June 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
OH MY WORD! What a wonderful intro to the series!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR MORE !! Sara Ivy Hill writes some of my favourite MMCs, the cutest companions, and the LORE?! THE LORE?! I already love Gargoyle lore, but then of course there’s the lovely detail of the gossiping moths?!
The gossiping moths were such a small detail, but they meant so much to me? They made my day. The moths kind of remind me of the movie Aquamarine… 🙈 Aquamarine, a mermaid, mentions these cute lil starfish who are “notorious suck ups” and give complaints to whomever wears them on their ears .. the moths were the complete opposite and I am obsessed with them 😭💜. I wanna talk shit with them so bad.
THEN WE HAVE EVRARD!! He is both daddy and baby girl somehow. I want to protect him so bad!! I love that he was able to get his happy ending, and I may or may not have cried when Evrard was assumed to have loved ones because he was groomed. Our baby girl Maggie made him feel so loved by just her being her kind self. 😭
Maggie is a bad ass too and really doesn’t help the bisexual dilemma… Do I want to be her or be with her?! 🙈 She is so fierce, independent, but also so freaking kind 😭 I am so happy she could get her revenge. I am so happy she was able to find her footing in the world. 😭 She made her own home and her own happily ever after.
ALSO BRANDT?! OMG?! I screamed when it was revealed he has a human mate.. I thought I missed a book .. BUT NOPE ITS THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE SERIES AND I AM SO EXCITED !!! Eeee!!! THE COVER TOO 🤯.
Many feelings, all happy.
Thank you Sara for writing this book and letting me reading an advanced copy 👉👈. And for going out of your way to get me the title assets 🥹… I adore the heck out of you!
ps. protect kit at all costs 🐈
——
What You Can Expect:
💚 Who Hurt You?!
🧡 Knotting & Breeding
💚 Hero w/ Stone Fists and a Soft Heart
🧡 A Little Bit of Revenge
💚 Size Difference
🧡 Language Barrier
💚 Age Gap
🧡 Spice in Flight
💚 He Falls First
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
OH MY WORD! What a wonderful intro to the series!! I AM SO EXCITED FOR MORE !! Sara Ivy Hill writes some of my favourite MMCs, the cutest companions, and the LORE?! THE LORE?! I already love Gargoyle lore, but then of course there’s the lovely detail of the gossiping moths?!
The gossiping moths were such a small detail, but they meant so much to me? They made my day. The moths kind of remind me of the movie Aquamarine… 🙈 Aquamarine, a mermaid, mentions these cute lil starfish who are “notorious suck ups” and give complaints to whomever wears them on their ears .. the moths were the complete opposite and I am obsessed with them 😭💜. I wanna talk shit with them so bad.
THEN WE HAVE EVRARD!! He is both daddy and baby girl somehow. I want to protect him so bad!! I love that he was able to get his happy ending, and I may or may not have cried when Evrard was assumed to have loved ones because he was groomed. Our baby girl Maggie made him feel so loved by just her being her kind self. 😭
Maggie is a bad ass too and really doesn’t help the bisexual dilemma… Do I want to be her or be with her?! 🙈 She is so fierce, independent, but also so freaking kind 😭 I am so happy she could get her revenge. I am so happy she was able to find her footing in the world. 😭 She made her own home and her own happily ever after.
ALSO BRANDT?! OMG?! I screamed when it was revealed he has a human mate.. I thought I missed a book .. BUT NOPE ITS THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE SERIES AND I AM SO EXCITED !!! Eeee!!! THE COVER TOO 🤯.
Many feelings, all happy.
Thank you Sara for writing this book and letting me reading an advanced copy 👉👈. And for going out of your way to get me the title assets 🥹… I adore the heck out of you!
ps. protect kit at all costs 🐈
——
What You Can Expect:
💚 Who Hurt You?!
🧡 Knotting & Breeding
💚 Hero w/ Stone Fists and a Soft Heart
🧡 A Little Bit of Revenge
💚 Size Difference
🧡 Language Barrier
💚 Age Gap
🧡 Spice in Flight
💚 He Falls First
June 10, 2025
What a sweet prequel to a new series! There is so much to love in such a short book.
I LOVED Maggie. She's such a badass. Her sassy, independent, and "I don't need a man" attitude was great to read. I was cheering her on as she made choices for her own happiness and future.
And Evrard?? Oh my goodness...what a sweetie. Such a protective cinnamon roll. And the gargoyle history and lore was so interesting. I am excited to learn more about it in the new series. I'm really looking forward to Brandt's book, too! I might have squealed a bit when he shared that moment with Evrard.
My favorite part though? The gossiping moths! They had me giggling. They were such a fun addition to the story. I'm going to imagine the moths I see outside in the evening passing around all the hot goss from the neighborhood. 🤣
I LOVED Maggie. She's such a badass. Her sassy, independent, and "I don't need a man" attitude was great to read. I was cheering her on as she made choices for her own happiness and future.
And Evrard?? Oh my goodness...what a sweetie. Such a protective cinnamon roll. And the gargoyle history and lore was so interesting. I am excited to learn more about it in the new series. I'm really looking forward to Brandt's book, too! I might have squealed a bit when he shared that moment with Evrard.
My favorite part though? The gossiping moths! They had me giggling. They were such a fun addition to the story. I'm going to imagine the moths I see outside in the evening passing around all the hot goss from the neighborhood. 🤣
December 18, 2025
This served its purpose as a quick palette cleanser. Evrard and Maggie fall into insta-love within moments of their first conversation, despite Evrard only being able to speak a few words of the human language. Big plot points like the gargoyle-goblin war and Maggie's vengeful ex-fiancé were tied up way too neatly for the couple to have their happy ending.
I liked that Maggie was the experienced partner in this relationship and the smutty scenes were quite sweet. The writing and pacing were alright. I normally wouldn't have such high expectations but I've recently read another excellent fantasy novella and saw what was possible within 100+ pages. I just wish this one had given us a bit more.
I liked that Maggie was the experienced partner in this relationship and the smutty scenes were quite sweet. The writing and pacing were alright. I normally wouldn't have such high expectations but I've recently read another excellent fantasy novella and saw what was possible within 100+ pages. I just wish this one had given us a bit more.
May 21, 2025
Gargoyle smût for the win! This monster romance is spicy hot and incredibly sweet.
Is the plot a little wild? Yeah. Is the story unhinged? Yes. And is it pure hot entertainment and happiness? Absolutely!
This Gargoyle is such a cute cinnamon roll he melted my heart and my panties.
Thank you to the author Sara Ivy Hill for trusting me with this incredible eARC.
Is the plot a little wild? Yeah. Is the story unhinged? Yes. And is it pure hot entertainment and happiness? Absolutely!
This Gargoyle is such a cute cinnamon roll he melted my heart and my panties.
Thank you to the author Sara Ivy Hill for trusting me with this incredible eARC.
June 8, 2025
This was the perfect little novella to read in one sitting! I just loved the MCs and the way they helped each other heal and find hope in each other. I love the way Sara Ivy Hill has the ability to fully develop characters and worlds in a novella sized book. She really packs a punch with story telling and spice. I'm looking forward to more books in this series because I need to know more about this world! Thank you for the advanced copy!
December 9, 2025
quick and sweet
Sara never disappoints with her books. Her writing is always fantastic and the stories even better. I loved this story; you really get so much packed into just a few pages. Sara remains a favorite of mine
Sara never disappoints with her books. Her writing is always fantastic and the stories even better. I loved this story; you really get so much packed into just a few pages. Sara remains a favorite of mine
May 29, 2025
Thankyou Sara and Bookfunnel for this eArc!
I'm usually an orc girlie but my gosh... not anymore! This was a short and sweet monster romance with plenty of spice for the length. Maggie is a great FMC with a wicked sense of humour and she knows what she wants in life. Evrard is a cinnamon roll MMC who might look scary and old but is an absolute sweetheart.
This is the introduction to the Nightfall Guardians series and I simply cannot WAIT to see where we go from here!
I'm usually an orc girlie but my gosh... not anymore! This was a short and sweet monster romance with plenty of spice for the length. Maggie is a great FMC with a wicked sense of humour and she knows what she wants in life. Evrard is a cinnamon roll MMC who might look scary and old but is an absolute sweetheart.
This is the introduction to the Nightfall Guardians series and I simply cannot WAIT to see where we go from here!
October 23, 2025
This was delightful and everything I want from a short, steamy gargoyle romance.
I liked that we did not shy away from the non-humanness of Evrard, and I found Maggie to be a really strong and empowered character.
I liked that we did not shy away from the non-humanness of Evrard, and I found Maggie to be a really strong and empowered character.
May 31, 2025
"I want... to bite... the fruit of your mouth."~Evrard
This was a prequel to the upcoming Nightfall Guardians series and while this was a shorter book, I kind of got where the path was going. Maybe.😆😆 Curvy Maggie was salty, she didn't take anyone's garbage, not even from the villian Kaspar who had his eyes on the envy of the fish village residents and Maggie's sick Dad's ship to end all ships: the Wolfhunter.🚢⚓ He wants that ship even if he has to marry her to get it. So why does this take no prisoners 32yr old "spinster", I didn't get that from her in any way, suddenly decline a marriage proposal then the next day gets on her knees to accept and beg for him to ask her again.🫢😬 Yuk! I didn't understand it. She didn't care what anyone thought, how she spoke, let's everyone know she slept with another guy at the bar, and she suddenly caves in. Why? B/c of her parents. The @$$ and brass as her Dad likes to call Maggie's mother; they would have known that their daughter knew what she did and did not want. Her parents were rough around the edges but funny. **Slight spoiler** it was a shame that the plans Maggie had to be captain didn't work out. That would have been a great aspect to the story.
Gargoyle guard Evrard was the type of monster who had his heart in the right place. Very sweet and overprotective. I liked him. He had his eyes on Maggie. Annoyed with the gossiping moths, more like flies, that talked smack to him...🪰🪰🪰 that was hilarious.😄 Evrard had to make a move. He might not have been able to communicate the human language very well but he made his intentions known. It was about staking a claim with a bite. In the air. Spice in flight. That was different.😝🔥🔥 Or anywhere really.😈
While I liked the idea of the story, there wasn't enough oomph for me. The story kind of dragged at odd moments. The chemistry of our couple was there but I felt like they 'fell' into their sudden romance/emotions since I guess they had always had been friends.🤷🏼♀️ I never got a sense of a beginning or groundwork for them to be that way or flirting with each other if that makes sense. I didn't get swept away with the fantasy.😺 Sidenote: The artwork inside the book was fantastic!! Like gargoyle romances. Then this could be for you. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💚🖤💚🖤
👩🏼🦰⛩️🧌Thank you to Ms Hill and Bookfunnel for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.🧌⛩️👩🏼🦰
This was a prequel to the upcoming Nightfall Guardians series and while this was a shorter book, I kind of got where the path was going. Maybe.😆😆 Curvy Maggie was salty, she didn't take anyone's garbage, not even from the villian Kaspar who had his eyes on the envy of the fish village residents and Maggie's sick Dad's ship to end all ships: the Wolfhunter.🚢⚓ He wants that ship even if he has to marry her to get it. So why does this take no prisoners 32yr old "spinster", I didn't get that from her in any way, suddenly decline a marriage proposal then the next day gets on her knees to accept and beg for him to ask her again.🫢😬 Yuk! I didn't understand it. She didn't care what anyone thought, how she spoke, let's everyone know she slept with another guy at the bar, and she suddenly caves in. Why? B/c of her parents. The @$$ and brass as her Dad likes to call Maggie's mother; they would have known that their daughter knew what she did and did not want. Her parents were rough around the edges but funny. **Slight spoiler** it was a shame that the plans Maggie had to be captain didn't work out. That would have been a great aspect to the story.
Gargoyle guard Evrard was the type of monster who had his heart in the right place. Very sweet and overprotective. I liked him. He had his eyes on Maggie. Annoyed with the gossiping moths, more like flies, that talked smack to him...🪰🪰🪰 that was hilarious.😄 Evrard had to make a move. He might not have been able to communicate the human language very well but he made his intentions known. It was about staking a claim with a bite. In the air. Spice in flight. That was different.😝🔥🔥 Or anywhere really.😈
While I liked the idea of the story, there wasn't enough oomph for me. The story kind of dragged at odd moments. The chemistry of our couple was there but I felt like they 'fell' into their sudden romance/emotions since I guess they had always had been friends.🤷🏼♀️ I never got a sense of a beginning or groundwork for them to be that way or flirting with each other if that makes sense. I didn't get swept away with the fantasy.😺 Sidenote: The artwork inside the book was fantastic!! Like gargoyle romances. Then this could be for you. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💚🖤💚🖤
👩🏼🦰⛩️🧌Thank you to Ms Hill and Bookfunnel for an early book. The opinions shared here are my own.🧌⛩️👩🏼🦰
May 16, 2025
🖤 “Mine. My Maggie.”
~~~
Maggie is so awesome! She’s kind, compassionate and hardworking. I loved that she knew what she wanted and never settled for less. Even more, she’s so bold, confident, fearless, fiercely independent and never hesitates to stand up for herself. Maggie is an incredible woman and I loved her so, so much!
And Evrard is such a wonderful male! The huge, dangerous and fearsome gargoyle might look very intimidating at first, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Because underneath his stony facade, there’s a caring, generous and gentle male. Evrard is such a sweet and irresistible cinnamon roll and I adored everything about him!
I loved everything that happened between Maggie and Evrard! For years, Evrard has been guarding the gates of Brinehelm. And he’s been admiring Maggie - the only woman who’s actually acknowledged him - from a distance until one night he swoops in to her rescue. And when Maggie learns that he’s about to leave and fight the goblin horde, she offers him a goodbye to remember. I adored Maggie and Evrard together! Their chemistry was fantastic and the passionate moments they shared were so hot. Even more, what was supposed to be just one night, turned into something so much more. Because duty and desire collided and intertwined into a forbidden love story that will defy all odds. Maggie and Evrard were truly perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and love together. And I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
Overall, The Gargoyle & the Spinster is a quick, sweet and spicy story.
I loved it and I’m very excited for the new series and what will happen next!
~~~
Maggie is so awesome! She’s kind, compassionate and hardworking. I loved that she knew what she wanted and never settled for less. Even more, she’s so bold, confident, fearless, fiercely independent and never hesitates to stand up for herself. Maggie is an incredible woman and I loved her so, so much!
And Evrard is such a wonderful male! The huge, dangerous and fearsome gargoyle might look very intimidating at first, but there’s more to him than meets the eye. Because underneath his stony facade, there’s a caring, generous and gentle male. Evrard is such a sweet and irresistible cinnamon roll and I adored everything about him!
I loved everything that happened between Maggie and Evrard! For years, Evrard has been guarding the gates of Brinehelm. And he’s been admiring Maggie - the only woman who’s actually acknowledged him - from a distance until one night he swoops in to her rescue. And when Maggie learns that he’s about to leave and fight the goblin horde, she offers him a goodbye to remember. I adored Maggie and Evrard together! Their chemistry was fantastic and the passionate moments they shared were so hot. Even more, what was supposed to be just one night, turned into something so much more. Because duty and desire collided and intertwined into a forbidden love story that will defy all odds. Maggie and Evrard were truly perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and love together. And I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
Overall, The Gargoyle & the Spinster is a quick, sweet and spicy story.
I loved it and I’m very excited for the new series and what will happen next!
June 1, 2025
🌟Age Gap
🌟Language Barrier
🌟He Falls First
🌟Mating Bite
🌟Knotting
🌟Breeding
🌟Spice In Flight
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 was such a fun, fast-paced, and utterly charming read—I flew through it with a big smile on my face. Maggie is a total gem of a character. I loved her grit and determination—she’s not content to just sit back and accept the role society wants to hand her. Instead, she takes control of her future with confidence and heart, and I was cheering for her the whole way. She’s clever, resilient, and honestly, just a delight.
And Evrard? Oh, Evrard. He’s the softest, sweetest gargoyle with a heart of gold. He sees Maggie for exactly who she is—brilliant, bold, and worthy—and the way he protects and cherishes her had me melting. Their language barrier makes their interactions even more endearing. Every moment of miscommunication, every careful translation or heartfelt attempt to connect, just made me love them more. It added such a tender, sometimes hilarious layer to their growing bond.
The little whimsical touches throughout the story were an extra treat—like the gossiping moths (hilarious), the sweet awkwardness of Maggie and Evrard trying to understand each other, and the moment Maggie realized she lost her shoe (iconic). Every quirky detail added to the cozy fantasy vibe and made the world feel so alive.
Maggie and Evrard fall for each other quickly, but it works. Their romance is sweet, heartfelt, and leaves you with that content, HEA glow. If you’re looking for a light monster romance that’s heavy on charm, heart, and magical little moments, this one’s absolutely worth picking up.
Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy ❤️
🌟Language Barrier
🌟He Falls First
🌟Mating Bite
🌟Knotting
🌟Breeding
🌟Spice In Flight
🌟🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 was such a fun, fast-paced, and utterly charming read—I flew through it with a big smile on my face. Maggie is a total gem of a character. I loved her grit and determination—she’s not content to just sit back and accept the role society wants to hand her. Instead, she takes control of her future with confidence and heart, and I was cheering for her the whole way. She’s clever, resilient, and honestly, just a delight.
And Evrard? Oh, Evrard. He’s the softest, sweetest gargoyle with a heart of gold. He sees Maggie for exactly who she is—brilliant, bold, and worthy—and the way he protects and cherishes her had me melting. Their language barrier makes their interactions even more endearing. Every moment of miscommunication, every careful translation or heartfelt attempt to connect, just made me love them more. It added such a tender, sometimes hilarious layer to their growing bond.
The little whimsical touches throughout the story were an extra treat—like the gossiping moths (hilarious), the sweet awkwardness of Maggie and Evrard trying to understand each other, and the moment Maggie realized she lost her shoe (iconic). Every quirky detail added to the cozy fantasy vibe and made the world feel so alive.
Maggie and Evrard fall for each other quickly, but it works. Their romance is sweet, heartfelt, and leaves you with that content, HEA glow. If you’re looking for a light monster romance that’s heavy on charm, heart, and magical little moments, this one’s absolutely worth picking up.
Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy ❤️
June 5, 2025
I got this book as an ARC and I am leaving a review because I want to and enjoyed it (read it in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down)
This book is a great palate cleanser! Honestly, the only notes I have is that it was over too quickly (I wanted to live in the world longer) and I wish I got to see a little more of their relationship!
The book is well paced, you do not feel like you are getting whiplash with it being too short or like it is dragging on for being too slow. It is only around 100 pages but it didn’t feel like it jammed packed, you just jump right into the story and the world builds around you, it was really enjoyable to experience!
I love the FMC she was so strong and confident in herself, it was refreshing to see. I love a MMC who is completely for their lady and we get that in this story! I thought the moss removal was funny and cute, it reminded me of monkeys and how they clean each other. It was cool to see her take on gargoyles and I thought the purring and moss were cute details that you never see in gargoyle books, for some reason I have read quite a few haha. I love the dual POVs you get in this story and Kit!
Overall, I would read this again, it was lighthearted had a lot of my favorite aspects of books- dual POVs, animal companion, fated mates, claiming, funny banter, girl power, and a HEA. I am very excited to read more about this world and see more of this war that’s brewing!
This book is a great palate cleanser! Honestly, the only notes I have is that it was over too quickly (I wanted to live in the world longer) and I wish I got to see a little more of their relationship!
The book is well paced, you do not feel like you are getting whiplash with it being too short or like it is dragging on for being too slow. It is only around 100 pages but it didn’t feel like it jammed packed, you just jump right into the story and the world builds around you, it was really enjoyable to experience!
I love the FMC she was so strong and confident in herself, it was refreshing to see. I love a MMC who is completely for their lady and we get that in this story! I thought the moss removal was funny and cute, it reminded me of monkeys and how they clean each other. It was cool to see her take on gargoyles and I thought the purring and moss were cute details that you never see in gargoyle books, for some reason I have read quite a few haha. I love the dual POVs you get in this story and Kit!
Overall, I would read this again, it was lighthearted had a lot of my favorite aspects of books- dual POVs, animal companion, fated mates, claiming, funny banter, girl power, and a HEA. I am very excited to read more about this world and see more of this war that’s brewing!
June 6, 2025
She refuses to be claimed. He never expected to want. Together, they choose each other.
Maggie (h32) is single by choice and trying to keep her family afloat in the seaside village of Brinehelm. When a marriage proposal comes with strings attached and threatens her family’s future, she walks away with nothing but her name and her pride.
Gargoyle Evrard has guarded Brinehelm from the shadows for decades, unnoticed and unthanked. Until Maggie. Her fire draws him out, and one quiet act of protection sparks a bond neither fully understands—but neither wants to break.
Duty pulls him away. Betrayal burns her world down. When he returns, it’s not to watch from a distance, but to stand beside her. What begins as survival becomes something more: partnership, passion, and a future built with grit and choice.
Maggie grows from an independent woman burdened by responsibility into a bold leader who takes control of her life and legacy. Evrard shifts from a silent sentry into a fiercely loyal mate who chooses love over obedience. Their relationship deepens from mutual respect to lasting, physical, and emotional connection.
Hot and steamy gargoyle-human fantasy romance. exploring love against the odds, found family, resilience, autonomy, loyalty, healing, transformation, partnership, gender roles, protection, belonging, and rewriting tradition. It’s about choosing love without permission, rebuilding from ruin, and holding onto what was never meant to be.
Maggie (h32) is single by choice and trying to keep her family afloat in the seaside village of Brinehelm. When a marriage proposal comes with strings attached and threatens her family’s future, she walks away with nothing but her name and her pride.
Gargoyle Evrard has guarded Brinehelm from the shadows for decades, unnoticed and unthanked. Until Maggie. Her fire draws him out, and one quiet act of protection sparks a bond neither fully understands—but neither wants to break.
Duty pulls him away. Betrayal burns her world down. When he returns, it’s not to watch from a distance, but to stand beside her. What begins as survival becomes something more: partnership, passion, and a future built with grit and choice.
Maggie grows from an independent woman burdened by responsibility into a bold leader who takes control of her life and legacy. Evrard shifts from a silent sentry into a fiercely loyal mate who chooses love over obedience. Their relationship deepens from mutual respect to lasting, physical, and emotional connection.
Hot and steamy gargoyle-human fantasy romance. exploring love against the odds, found family, resilience, autonomy, loyalty, healing, transformation, partnership, gender roles, protection, belonging, and rewriting tradition. It’s about choosing love without permission, rebuilding from ruin, and holding onto what was never meant to be.
July 11, 2025
Such a great novella!
Maggie was a fisherman's daughter, she was strong and hard working. Her father was sick and couldn't captain his ship anymore, so she was feeling like her only option was marriage to a fisherman who would be able to take over. She didn't want to marry, she was 32, overweight and mouthy so she knew that no man in her village would take her for her and would be enticed only because of her father's ship.
Evrard was a gargoyle assigned as a guardian of the village. He didn't care much for humans, he was bound to protect them from goblins and other dangers, but they didn't even notice him, so he ignored them too. But not Maggie. He was waiting for her every evening, she was walking home by him after she finished selling shellfish at the tavern and always left something for him. He was summoned to join gargoyle army, and it was a great honor, but he delayed his departure just to see Maggie again.
The story was a bit mad, with the proposal, refusal, begging, proposal and refusal once again, but I had fun reading it. Evrard was the sweetest grump ever, he barely knew Maggie and already fell for her kindness and pretty hair. Maggie was great! She would do anything for her family, was fierce, outspoken and unapologetically herself, even when changing may have helped her chances of marriage she stayed true to her character. And thanks to that she snagged a hot gargoyle ;)
Maggie was a fisherman's daughter, she was strong and hard working. Her father was sick and couldn't captain his ship anymore, so she was feeling like her only option was marriage to a fisherman who would be able to take over. She didn't want to marry, she was 32, overweight and mouthy so she knew that no man in her village would take her for her and would be enticed only because of her father's ship.
Evrard was a gargoyle assigned as a guardian of the village. He didn't care much for humans, he was bound to protect them from goblins and other dangers, but they didn't even notice him, so he ignored them too. But not Maggie. He was waiting for her every evening, she was walking home by him after she finished selling shellfish at the tavern and always left something for him. He was summoned to join gargoyle army, and it was a great honor, but he delayed his departure just to see Maggie again.
The story was a bit mad, with the proposal, refusal, begging, proposal and refusal once again, but I had fun reading it. Evrard was the sweetest grump ever, he barely knew Maggie and already fell for her kindness and pretty hair. Maggie was great! She would do anything for her family, was fierce, outspoken and unapologetically herself, even when changing may have helped her chances of marriage she stayed true to her character. And thanks to that she snagged a hot gargoyle ;)
May 9, 2025
Prequel novella to a new series, The Nightfall Guardians, this was an enjoyable start to the world of protective gargoyles.
Evrard being referred to as big kitten had me in stitches, only the human woman who is his obsession could think that. Both of them see themselves as less, but realize through each other lives they are worth being Loved.
Exploring their draw to each other through language barrier, touch and a very special goodbye has me looking forward to reading more.
If you want a cute, steamy, quick mojster read this one is for you. Prequel novella to a new series, The Nightfall Guardians, this was an enjoyable start to the world of protective gargoyles.
Evrard being referred to as big kitten had me in stitches, only the human woman who is his obsession could think that. Both of them see themselves as less, but realize through each other lives they are worth being Loved.
Exploring their draw to each other through language barrier, touch and a very special goodbye has me looking forward to reading more.
If you want a cute, steamy, quick monster read this one is for you.
Dual POV
Monster Romance
Gossiping Moths
Size Difference
Knotting/Breeding
Language Barrier
Touch her and Die vibes
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Evrard being referred to as big kitten had me in stitches, only the human woman who is his obsession could think that. Both of them see themselves as less, but realize through each other lives they are worth being Loved.
Exploring their draw to each other through language barrier, touch and a very special goodbye has me looking forward to reading more.
If you want a cute, steamy, quick mojster read this one is for you. Prequel novella to a new series, The Nightfall Guardians, this was an enjoyable start to the world of protective gargoyles.
Evrard being referred to as big kitten had me in stitches, only the human woman who is his obsession could think that. Both of them see themselves as less, but realize through each other lives they are worth being Loved.
Exploring their draw to each other through language barrier, touch and a very special goodbye has me looking forward to reading more.
If you want a cute, steamy, quick monster read this one is for you.
Dual POV
Monster Romance
Gossiping Moths
Size Difference
Knotting/Breeding
Language Barrier
Touch her and Die vibes
I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2025
A brief tale of love and changing alliances.
Evrard is an older Gargoyle who’s old enough to have outlived his loved ones. Bound by an alliance that requires his service guarding human settlements against more destructive races, Evrard’s days are spent guarding a people who pay him no mind.
Well, everyone apart from the spirited Maggie, known for bringing treats to her favorite Gargoyle. She’s got her own enterprise, catching and shucking oysters, and mussels, and other fish to sell at the inn. She’s too independent to be a quiet wife, though her ailing father could use a son-in-law to help keep the family afloat. Realizing her freedom would end any day, she chooses to have a last hurrah with her Gargoyle, setting off a chain reaction of divided loyalties.
I loved that Maggie was self-assured enough to push against societal constraints, even when it set her apart from her fellow humans. She’s brave and caring and generous of spirit. I find it difficult to accept that Evrard makes some ultimate choices that could call his honor into question, but I can see how it sets up the rest of the series and is in-line with the changing winds in their world.
Looking forward to book one (this was a prequel). Three stars.
Evrard is an older Gargoyle who’s old enough to have outlived his loved ones. Bound by an alliance that requires his service guarding human settlements against more destructive races, Evrard’s days are spent guarding a people who pay him no mind.
Well, everyone apart from the spirited Maggie, known for bringing treats to her favorite Gargoyle. She’s got her own enterprise, catching and shucking oysters, and mussels, and other fish to sell at the inn. She’s too independent to be a quiet wife, though her ailing father could use a son-in-law to help keep the family afloat. Realizing her freedom would end any day, she chooses to have a last hurrah with her Gargoyle, setting off a chain reaction of divided loyalties.
I loved that Maggie was self-assured enough to push against societal constraints, even when it set her apart from her fellow humans. She’s brave and caring and generous of spirit. I find it difficult to accept that Evrard makes some ultimate choices that could call his honor into question, but I can see how it sets up the rest of the series and is in-line with the changing winds in their world.
Looking forward to book one (this was a prequel). Three stars.
June 9, 2025
Thank you Monster Facebook group for showing me this author's post on release day!!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This was the perfect quick read I needed.
Oh my goodness this story. I ate it right up. This book checked off almost every one of my favorite tropes:
✔Fated Mates
✔Mate Bonding
✔Possessive MCs (I don't care which usually, in this case it's both which is so cute)
✔Cinnamon roll, but only for her
✔Breeding
✔Breeding with successful pregnancy
✔Knotting
✔Biting and other primal tendencies
Maggie, our FMC, is all brass and ass as her father says and she finds herself stuck between what she wants and what she feels is her duty to her family. Evrard is tasked with keeping humanity safe and, as a solider, going wherever he is assigned. He's been watching over Maggie's town for a handful of years now and has gotten his orders to leave. The only problem is his draw to a certain red haired brassy babe.
This prequel novella does a really good job of setting up the series that is to come. When I read the teaser for the next book I got so excited realizing who it is about. When we met him in this story and saw the connection he and Evrard had I was really hoping we'd get the full scoop! I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Oh my goodness this story. I ate it right up. This book checked off almost every one of my favorite tropes:
✔Fated Mates
✔Mate Bonding
✔Possessive MCs (I don't care which usually, in this case it's both which is so cute)
✔Cinnamon roll, but only for her
✔Breeding
✔Breeding with successful pregnancy
✔Knotting
✔Biting and other primal tendencies
Maggie, our FMC, is all brass and ass as her father says and she finds herself stuck between what she wants and what she feels is her duty to her family. Evrard is tasked with keeping humanity safe and, as a solider, going wherever he is assigned. He's been watching over Maggie's town for a handful of years now and has gotten his orders to leave. The only problem is his draw to a certain red haired brassy babe.
This prequel novella does a really good job of setting up the series that is to come. When I read the teaser for the next book I got so excited realizing who it is about. When we met him in this story and saw the connection he and Evrard had I was really hoping we'd get the full scoop! I can't wait for the rest of the series.
September 15, 2025
The main pairing was implausible and unconvincing. They barely had talked to one another before, the heroine was leaving food for the gargoyle much like as to a pet, and then, boom, all of a sudden there was this big mutual romance and attraction? It felt completely artificial and quite uncomfortable. He wasn't fluent in human speech. They didn't have things in common. There was nothing which would have enabled it to be build. I saw no reason especially from the side of Maggie to suddenly be that interested in it and so invested. And as said before, this upgrade from one day being someone's literal chore to suddenly being the love of their life felt wrong.
This just didn't work in my opinion. Too much insta everything but really dull. Dfned at about 80% but started to skim earlier.
The only interesting part for me was the burning of ship and how the gargoyle made the culprit pay for it. The rest of the story felt pretty much like odd and incongruent pieces being shuffeled.
At least the gargoyle had respect for the heroine and was interested in her consent which is something one cannot unfrotunately easily find in many other, more problematic monster romances.
This just didn't work in my opinion. Too much insta everything but really dull. Dfned at about 80% but started to skim earlier.
The only interesting part for me was the burning of ship and how the gargoyle made the culprit pay for it. The rest of the story felt pretty much like odd and incongruent pieces being shuffeled.
At least the gargoyle had respect for the heroine and was interested in her consent which is something one cannot unfrotunately easily find in many other, more problematic monster romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
A really cute novella from the always inventive Sara Ivy Hill. Maggie helps keep her parents in medication and taking in a little income by selling oysters and mussels at the local tavern. On her way home each night she often stops to feed a few bivalves to the gargoyle who keeps watch on her burg from his perch on a wall.
Evrard the gargoyle has long admired Maggie but has kept his distance until he witnessed an act of cruelty upon and her kitten by an arrogant human with designs on Maggie’s father’s boat. A grateful Maggie thanks Evrard in a very physical manner just before Evrard is due to join the other gargoyles in battle.
Evrard knows Maggie is his mate but will he be able to convince her that they’re meant to be together?
I as generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Evrard the gargoyle has long admired Maggie but has kept his distance until he witnessed an act of cruelty upon and her kitten by an arrogant human with designs on Maggie’s father’s boat. A grateful Maggie thanks Evrard in a very physical manner just before Evrard is due to join the other gargoyles in battle.
Evrard knows Maggie is his mate but will he be able to convince her that they’re meant to be together?
I as generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
June 10, 2025
This story is very creative and original, with good world building and an interesting cast of characters. It is the beginning of a new series that looks very promising. Maggie is one tough cookie who knows her own mind and stands up for herself. Evrard is a gargoyle who has taken a vow to protect humans, even though humans don't treat him very well. Maggie is one person who does treat him well, giving him shellfish from her cart to thank him for his protection. He has to leave, so she gives him a goodbye to remember. In the process, they both fall for each other. I love his protectiveness and her strength, as well as how sweet they are together. When Maggie is tormented, I appreciate how Evrard makes sure justice is served. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2025
Sara Ivy Hill has a talent for taking two characters in an untenable situation and giving them a happy ending in spite of absolutely everything. Maggie is a human fishmonger, trying to keep her family afloat in spite of her father's illness and the lack of crew for their ship, the Wolfhunter. Evrard is the gargoyle assigned to guard her town, though he is merely on loan till the Zenith requires his service to fight elsewhere. They have built a tender friendship in the crepuscular hours, a friendship that is doomed in light of a proposal of marriage and combat orders. How will our romantic leads find happiness? Maybe you should read it. 😉
Did I mention there's a sassy orange kitten? The cat survives, nay, thrives. There is indeed a line where they "grow fat on fish tails," should this sway your judgment.
Did I mention there's a sassy orange kitten? The cat survives, nay, thrives. There is indeed a line where they "grow fat on fish tails," should this sway your judgment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
This was really good. I loved that the characters were older. There was none of the flighty, romantic drama of youth. Instead, two people who’d known and appreciated each other for a while, finally spent enough time together for a smolder to start.
She is so stalwart and pragmatic. For her life is about survival on a day to day basis, but hardships have yet to beat her down to steal away her kindness.
He’s been longing for her from his guard post for a long time. A secret romantic, trying to gather the courage to sweep her off her feet in both the literal and figurative ways.
He supports her. Does what he can to make her dreams come true, to make her happy… and in return she showers him with every bit of love, devotion, and family he ever wanted.
And you’ve got to love a story where he bites off his claws to please her. 😏
She is so stalwart and pragmatic. For her life is about survival on a day to day basis, but hardships have yet to beat her down to steal away her kindness.
He’s been longing for her from his guard post for a long time. A secret romantic, trying to gather the courage to sweep her off her feet in both the literal and figurative ways.
He supports her. Does what he can to make her dreams come true, to make her happy… and in return she showers him with every bit of love, devotion, and family he ever wanted.
And you’ve got to love a story where he bites off his claws to please her. 😏
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