He’s sworn to protect the town’s secrets—but she might just unravel his heart.
Gwendolyn
Buying the old B&B was supposed to be my fresh start. But Hillcrest Hollow isn’t exactly welcoming. The house is crumbling, the neighbors glare like I’m some kind of threat, and something’s definitely watching me from the woods.
Then there’s Jackson—the town’s sheriff with storm-gray eyes and a quiet intensity that makes my heart forget how to behave. He’s always there when things go sideways, and I’m starting to think those hands could fix a lot more than broken porch steps. The more I dig, the darker the town’s secrets get—and the more tangled up we become.
Whatever’s hiding in Hillcrest Hollow isn’t just folklore. And if I’m not careful, it won’t just break my heart—it might claim everything.
Jackson
The second Gwendolyn arrived, I knew she’d be trouble. Hillcrest Hollow chews up outsiders, and the things that live in the dark don’t take kindly to curious humans. She should’ve left—but she’s still here. And I’m starting to forget why I ever wanted her gone.
She’s fierce, stubborn, and too damn tempting for a man who’s spent years keeping his beast on a leash. But something old is waking, and she’s at the center of it. I swore to protect this town—but I’d burn it to the ground before I let anything touch her.
Even if the real danger… is what I am.
This is Book Three in the Hillcrest Hollow Shifter series, but each book can be read as a standalone. Bound to the Griffin delivers a protective griffin shifter, a bold human heroine looking for a new beginning, ancient secrets, and a sizzling HEA.
Vala Stone is a passionate storyteller who weaves together romance and the supernatural in her enthralling paranormal romance novels. When she’s not writing, she enjoys crocheting and binge-watching her favorite shows like Supernatural. Vala lives in a quaint, little town with her loving family and a mischievous tortoise cat, whom she adopted as a stray.
Gwendolyn is the new owner of a dilapidated but very promising heap of a house that will make a wonderful bed and breakfast. Jackson is the sheriff who also happens to be a griffin shifter, half lion and half eagle.
When a supernatural threat arises against Gwen and her investment, Jackson not only steps in to help defend her, but he instantly recognizes Gwen as his fated mate.
This was a fast-paced and steamy shifter romance that also features characters from previous books in the same universe.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and I’m sharing my honest review.
Synopsis: He’s sworn to protect the town’s secrets—but she might just unravel his heart.
Gwendolyn
Buying the old B&B was supposed to be my fresh start. But Hillcrest Hollow isn’t exactly welcoming. The house is crumbling, the neighbors glare like I’m some kind of threat, and something’s definitely watching me from the woods.
Then there’s Jackson—the town’s sheriff with storm-gray eyes and a quiet intensity that makes my heart forget how to behave. He’s always there when things go sideways, and I’m starting to think those hands could fix a lot more than broken porch steps. The more I dig, the darker the town’s secrets get—and the more tangled up we become.
Whatever’s hiding in Hillcrest Hollow isn’t just folklore. And if I’m not careful, it won’t just break my heart—it might claim everything.
Jackson
The second Gwendolyn arrived, I knew she’d be trouble. Hillcrest Hollow chews up outsiders, and the things that live in the dark don’t take kindly to curious humans. She should’ve left—but she’s still here. And I’m starting to forget why I ever wanted her gone.
She’s fierce, stubborn, and too damn tempting for a man who’s spent years keeping his beast on a leash. But something old is waking, and she’s at the center of it. I swore to protect this town—but I’d burn it to the ground before I let anything touch her.
Even if the real danger… is what I am.
Review: I had so much fun reading this fast paced shifter romance! I loved the small town and all its residents in it! It was great I loved the grumpy/ sunshine dynamic between the two leads! It felt so heartwarming to read about the main character who is looking for a community and friendship to be involved in! It’s not always your blood who makes a family sometimes it’s the community of people you meet despite the place fearing change! I will admit I felt so bad for the female lead when the people in town were so cold toward her! The romance was very fast but I understand why because it is a shifter romance so the connection between the characters was instant! I loved the appearances of previous characters from the books that came before this one! I can’t wait to pick up the next book in Hillcrest Hollow!
I am so happy I was able to read this book in advance thanks to BookSirens!
She came for a fresh start, but fate had other plans.
When Gwen impulsively buys a crumbling bed and breakfast in the remote town of Hillcrest Hollow, all she wants is a clean slate. What she finds instead is tension behind polite smiles, a house full of old secrets, and a sheriff who watches her like she matters more than she knows. Jackson, a griffin shifter sworn to protect the Hollow, feels the pull right away. But letting her in means pushing against a town that doesn’t welcome outsiders and unlocking truths long buried.
As Gwen tries to settle in, the house stirs with strange dreams and eerie shadows, and the town’s coldness turns sharper. Jackson steps in, not just as a protector, but as someone who sees her strength even when she doesn’t. Their connection deepens while they uncover the pieces of a broken past that someone, or something, is trying hard to keep hidden.
When danger resurfaces and the Hollow looks to Gwen for answers, she has to decide if she's ready to face what’s chasing her. And Jackson must prove that being mates isn’t just about destiny, it’s about showing up when it counts.
Gwen grows from cautious and closed-off to quietly brave and rooted, learning to trust herself and the life she’s building. Jackson shifts from a lone guardian to a steady, emotionally grounded partner who listens, adapts, and stands beside her no matter what. Together, they become something unshakable.
A fated mates, grumpy sunshine, small town, shifter romance filled with protective instincts and buried magic, exploring trust, belonging, identity, healing, found family, and love. It’s about building connection in a place that fears change, choosing closeness after years of isolation, and holding your ground when everything around you starts to crack. At its heart, it’s about a woman who stops running, a griffin who refuses to let go, and a bond built on choice, not just fate.
This was such an amazing book. I love how Jackson takes such good care of her and protects her. They make such an amazing couple and I can't wait to read more about Hillcrest Hollow. Vala Stone is such an amazing author.
I really enjoyed this newest book in the Hillcrest Hollow Shifters series of standalone shifter romances. Jackson (Griffin shifter) & Gwendolyn made a fun couple and I enjoyed seeing how the two of them got together as well as how Gwen interacted with the other members of the town and how they gradually embraced her as one of their own. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and getting to know Luther better.
What I've come to love about Vala Stone is her figurative style of writing, and that was predominant in her latest book, Bound to the Griffin. It's a writing style that draws you in and mesmerizes you that you don't want to stop reading. That is precisely what I experienced in this book as I read it.
Beyond that, I had enjoyed the story - fated mates is a trope that is among my favorites. As with the previous books in the series, the mystery involving an evil presence in the magical, supernatural town of Hillcrest Hollow prevailed, but this time haunting the town's B&B and its newest outsider owner. I loved how this story was about an initially unwelcome outsider slowly but surely finding her place in a town filled with beings so unlike her, not just because she was mated to one of them, but because of her commitment and determination to call their town her very own home. This found family trope is definitely yet another of my favorites. How could you not fall in love with a story where the main character finally finds a community of people who comes to accept her fully, and a place where she can finally set down real roots?
It thrills me to know that the series does not yet end with this book and instead more are yet to come. I haven't had enough of the characters in this book, and of this entire supernatural town that is Hillcrest Hollow. I can't wait for the next book to drop where the town's enigmatic vampire finally finds his own soulmate!
I received this book as a free review copy. I write this review voluntarily.
This is the first book I have read by Vala Stone, and I really enjoyed it. It was a fun and quick read. I liked that the book had romance, humor, and suspense in it. The main characters, Gwen and Jackson, were a great couple together. The town was very cold to Gwen when she first arrived, as they did not want any outsiders in their town. Once they found out that she was Jackson’s mate, they all bonded around her and made her feel more than welcome. With Gwen being human and Jackson being a griffin, Jackson had to take things really slow. Once Gwen was told about Jackson and the town of Hillcrest Hollow, she was so excited and felt like she had finally found where she belonged. I loved how excited she got the first time she got on Jackson’s back when he shifted to his griffin and flew over the town. All of the other people who lived in the town were great to read about. The town was one big family that came together when someone needed them. I really appreciated the Appendix at the end of the book that explained who was who. Starting in the middle of the series, it was confusing to me as to who was what. I have already downloaded the free prequel, Bound to the Werewolf, and will read the first two books of this series before the next book is released. I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Be warned that once you start reading this book, you will not be able to put it down. The world building, the writing style, the plot and the characters all suck you in. Gwen has bought a money pit of a B & B sight unseen in the town of Hillcrest Hollow. She can't understand why the residence first treat her so poorly, but she is digging her feet in and refusing to leave. Jackson is the sheriff, a griffin shifter, who identifies her as his mate as soon as he lays eyes on her; this changes the town's determination to get the human to leave. He is possessive and a fierce protector of both her and the town. Being fated mates, they have instant chemistry. He protects her from the burglar who breaks into her home, and from a supernatural threat. I enjoyed the action, the suspense and the romance. I also found the secondary characters very fascinating and I admired their loyalty to each other. I've enjoyed this series so far and I'm looking forward to the next installment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Jackson and Gwen! They both had so much feeling. Especially Gwen. That first day was rough for her and I was so on her side all the way. Her just trying to find her place and people in the world after what she'd gone through at home came through the pages. But, I loved her tenacity through it all.
Jackson being the protector for all was on brand with his griffin nature. It's just what he did. And he was so caring and attentive to Gwen. I loved the honest communication between them in their talks.
The townsfolk were the second stars of the story. They each added so much character and a of bit odd comedy to the story, at times.
Their coming together was everything a "normal" in a town full of supernatural beings should be. It was a bit awkward, slightly comical; with a small amount of suspended belief from Gwen, at times. Although, in the end, she really did take it all in stride quite well. And found her place after all.
A very pleasant read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bound to the Griffin is a fantastic paranormal romance that is both sweet and exciting. The story starts with Gwendolyn, a human woman looking for a fresh start. She buys a bed and breakfast in a small, strange town called Hillcrest Hollow. The town is not very welcoming, and Gwendolyn soon realizes that something is not right. She feels like she is being watched. Her life changes when she meets Jackson. He is the town's sheriff and a griffin shifter. Jackson is very protective, and he quickly realizes that Gwendolyn is his fated mate. He takes on the role of her protector. They face dangers together as they uncover the town's secrets and a darkness that is waking up. The romance between Gwendolyn and Jackson is perfect. Their chemistry is wonderful, and the story moves at a great pace. I loved how the book deals with themes of found family and trust. It's a fun and action-packed read with a very satisfying happily ever after.
Bound to the Griffin is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Hillcrest Hollow has long been a sanctuary to the odd and the magical. After some recent hiccups, the townsfolk have agreed to not allow regular humans to live there any more because they bring too much trouble with them. So when Gwendolyn buys the dilapidated B&B, her reception in town is frosty at best.
Jackson is a griffon shifter and the town sheriff. He was on his way to let Gwen know she wasn't really welcome in town, but when he sees her for the first time, he's struck with the realization that she's his soulmate.
Together they must tackle the prejudice of the townsfolk, Gwen's possessive, cheating ex, a shadowy evil, a blossoming relationship and oh so many DIY projects in the B&B.
Bound to the Griffin is a cozy, spicy tale of new beginnings and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to advance read it.
Bound to the Griffin is a delightful book three of the series and finds it’s MFC Gwendolyn Avery the newest resident of Hillcrest Hollow after purchasing the B&B Halver’s Haven, and looking forward to a fresh start while pushing away the few doubts about the purchase because of all the work the place needs. In a town obviously harboring secrets and rather unwelcoming to outsiders she soon becomes caught up in the mystery that surrounds it along with the handsome local sheriff who intervenes when she needs supplies from the local store, and is turned away. The chemistry becomes immediately evident between them and a tantalizing story begins to take shape. Filled with flawless writing, vibrant characters, magic, surprises, danger, drama, passion, and spice. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you BookSirens, and Vala Stone for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was so good!
It had everything I could want. There was so much coziness, some scary bits, and even some action too.
I loved both Gwen and Jackson, and they were so cute perfect for each other. I was expecting Jackson to be the cold cop type, but he is the sweetest cinnamon roll ever! Gwen is strong and independent, but also willing to accept help and all the changes that come along with living in a community of magical people. The spice was plentiful, and will warm you up on a cold night.
The side characters were fantastic, and we have met most of them in previous books. This is a standalone, and can be read as one, but it is so much better if you know their backstories.
Overall this is a great book if you are wanting a good mix of tension, spice, and a bucket load of cozy goodness.
This is a five star plus series. It is exciting, funny, and steamy hot. This story is so much fun to read. The characters have wonderful personalities. Gwendolyn aka Gwen is a feisty young woman. She received an inheritance from her Aunt. When she decides to move and start over after a terrible break up. Gwen finds a B&B in the small town of Hillcrest Hollow. She buys it sight unseen ,and sets out on an adventure. Little does she know what she is moving into! Jackson is a sexy Griffin shifter, and the sheriff of Hillcrest Hollow. Hillcrest Hollow is full of secrets ,and the town wants to keep them secret! So the town set out to scare off any new comers! Jackson is ok with this until he meets Gwen! Problem is not only is Gwen new, but she is human! Will Jackson do what the town wants, or fallow what fate and his heart says! Can he protect her from his towns people?
"She tasted like rain and firelight, and I lost myself in the way she clung back, matching me heartbeat for heartbeat."
The fates are hard at work in Hillcrest Hollow. The grumpy owner of the B&B suddenly decides to sell and Gwen falls in love with the place. The inhabitants of Hillcrest Hollow are suspicicious and not wellcoming. One look and Jackson knows she's his soulmate. But there are sinister forces lurking in the shadows.... A sweet and steamy romance ,well written, with a good world building and loveable characters. The overarching plot is rich and imaginative and the author even left hints about who's the next to be striked by the fate. If you like sweet, paranormal romance with a touch of spice and loveable characters that didn't fit anywhere else,this series is perfect for you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gwen moved to a small town to open a B&B and get away from her mom and the man she wanted to set her up with. She had a lot of work to do to fix up this house she bought and as she went through town she found there was a big feeling of not being welcome. Jackson was the sheriff of the town and they don't want any more humans in town so their way is to chase them out. Jackson went to meet this new woman and as soon as he walked to where she was he scented her and new immediately she was his mate. There was no way he was going to let her be chased away. This is a sweet slow burn romance with a lot of strange things happening that need to be solved. It keeps you guessing till the end and you end up falling in love with the many different characters that are in this town and end up welcoming Gwen and making her feel like she has her own family. This is a must read!!
This Griffin Shifter story is part of a series, but it works perfectly as a standalone thanks to something really clever the author included—an appendix that explains who the important characters are, their relationships, and a summary of what happened in previous books. It makes jumping in so easy without feeling lost, which I absolutely loved.
The story itself is well written with a solid and engaging arc. The winter setting adds an extra cozy and seasonal feel, making it a perfect read for colder days. It’s both magical and heartwarming, with characters you can connect with and a world that pulls you right in.
A lovely addition to the series, but also a fantastic read if this is your first time stepping into this world!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a fun and easy read! I’m really enjoying diving into the monster romance genre, and this one definitely delivered. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Griffin romance before, and I have to say, I was intrigued!
The story was quick to get into, easy to follow, and had that fated mates pull that always gets me. Even though this book is part of a series, I hadn’t read the earlier ones and didn’t feel lost at all. The author includes a glossary at the end with character names, their shifts, and other details, which I found super helpful.
Overall, it’s a great, fast-paced read for anyone who loves small-town secrets, protective heroes, and a touch of monster magic. Definitely one to add to your TBR if you’re exploring the world of monster romance! 🖤✨
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gwendolyn is the new owner of a run down bed and breakfast. It needs a lot of work and love is needed. Unfriendly neighbours and the feeling of being watched comes with it. The local sheriff Jackson is a man of many secrets and one of the big one is he is a griffin shifter, half lion and half eagle. He starts to help Gwen repair the B&B. With each repair and secrets of the town the two of them get closure they get. One secret is that Jackson know is that Gwen is his fate mate.
When some thing old and supernatural threat Gwen , Jackson knows he must stop the threat against his mate and the woman who has taken his heart.
If you a full on protector shifter and stubborn woman, with pace , steam, drama and brilliant characters this book is perfect.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and sweet and steamy, fated mates, contemporary fantasy romance between male griffin shifter sheriff, Jackson, and female human B&B owner/renovator, Gwen(dolyn). I chuckled at Jackson’s shocked recognition of his fated mate and his immediate reversal of previous plans to chase the human away. I enjoyed Gwen’s determination to have a fresh start. I enjoyed the way she cherished being included as part of the community. I enjoyed the building relationship. I enjoyed the ongoing overarching plot continuation though I’m not fond of the theoretical antagonist as far as revealed.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Having read the previous books in this series, I was really excited to receive a copy of Jackson's story.
If you have even just the smallest sense of whimsy, you NEED to read this series! Gwen was so perfect for Jackson. He doesn't strike me as the type to be happy with your typical "damsel in distress", and she is NOT that. Her hope to find somewhere she belongs and his base need to protect blended together beautifully. He won't rush in and solve all her problems if he thinks that she can handle it, and that's perfect, because she doesn't want him to. Most importantly, they both know when she NEEDS help, and they aren't afraid to act on it. Couple that with the undeniable sparks they both felt in their first meeting, and we have a recipe for a steamy romance for the ages!
Gwendolyn she is the new owner of the dilapidated B And B in Hillcrest Hollow. Jackson is the sheriff in Hillowcrest Hollow.
Gwen comes to town for a new start away from her family and ex boyfriend and best friend. Gwen and Jackson meet on a bit of a cool reception in town. Eventually there is a slow burn of attraction and chemistry to explosive, once Jackson realizes he is his mate.
Jackson, Gwen and the town people work to figure out who is targeting Gwen and her B and B. Can they solve the mystery and have a Happily Ever After?
This book has intrigue, suspense, danger and some twists and turns.
Another cute engaging story by Vala Stone that's about Gwendolyn who purchased a run-down B&B in the quaint ghost-like town of Hillcrest Hollow hoping for a fresh new start but encounters cold acceptance from the locals. She meets Jackson the town’s sheriff a griffin shifter while trying to buy cleaning supplies. Jackson discovers that she's his fated mate. When strange occurrences start happening around her, together they try to solve who is targeting her. This mystery romance was an enjoyable read, and the storyline was engaging, and the characters were very likable and had chemistry in this fated mate story I'd received a copy and volunteer to read and review.
Welcome back to Hillcrest Hollow. And welcome to Gwen, the new owner of the rundown B&B in the secluded town. She has hopes to restart her life here. Unluckily for her the townspeople have decided they don't want any new people in town and let her know it. And then walks in Jackson, the town sheriff and resident Griffin shifter. As soon as he sees her he knows she is his mate. Everything changes. Gwen and Jackson fall hard for each other and he shows her all the love and adoration he knows she needs and deserves. They and the townspeople have to fight off a darkness and her ex fiancée, but with her new friends and love she has the confidence to do it. There is plenty of gentle and loving spice, which is written perfectly and makes you melt into the moments. I read this when I was on vacation and it was nearly impossible to put down to go out and adventure. But I always had it on my phone if I had some down time I would be reading. I have read one of the other books in this standalone series. Bound to the Minotaur, and am in the process of getting the rest. That's how good they are.
This book is an absolute must read! With second chances, found family, and some unexpected twists, Bound to the Griffin draws you in and won't let you go.
The characters are so loveable and the relationship, while definitely instant attraction because fated mates, is written so well that you get see the relationship develop instead of it just being an inevitable thing with no depth.
I could not put this book down, and I can't wait to read it again!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Honestly, the towns people are a bunch of hypocrites. They have just as much trust issues and better than you attitude as the humans are supposed too. I did enjoy when Justin walks into Luther's store and tells him to get what she needs. Gwen has had a pretty rough life. She is looking for a new start and things owning the B&B will help. Justin needs to figure out what the big mystery is around the B&B and how it affects Gwen and the rest of the town. Was a great read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a great supernatural story. Hillcrest Hollow is not what it seems at first glance. Gwen has bought the rundown B&B to renovate for a fresh start. Jackson is the town sheriff who is also a griffin shifter. Add in dark magic, annoying mother, ex who won't let go and their HEA is everything you could want in this page-turner.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Book 3 in The Hillcrest Hollow Shifters Book Series has a paranormal romance story, a well-crafted world, and intriguing characters. These characters have unique personalities, believable interactions, and interesting histories. This has an emotional journey for a woman who is starting over with her B-B, things going wrong, a protective Griffin Sheriff , an ancient waking in the forest, danger, twist turns, adventure, chemistry and a HEA.
I was looking forward to returning to Hillcrest Hollow. I wasn't disappointed. We follow Jackson, a Griffin shifter, and Gwendolyn, a human who buys a run down B&b. Things don't go as well as Gwen hoped until Jackson shows up. I really enjoyed the speed of their romance, no questions just acceptance of their bond. There's just enough drama to keep you interested and more storylines are unraveled to make sure you want to return.
I read the second book in this series before this one and both stories were so cute! You can definitely read them separately and not be lost but I feel like the books are culminating into a big final showdown of sorts. I already liked Jackson’s character in previous books and I love Gwen’s “if you say I can’t do it, it’ll only make me want to prove you wrong” attitude. Pretty quick read and definitely worth it.