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Elderberry Falls #2
The Gargoyle and the Songbird: Elderberry Falls, Book 2
A siren pop star with a stalker problem, a gargoyle bodyguard with a heart of stone, and a completely unexpected wedding weekend.
Life has been a whirlwind since my debut album dropped, but not all of it is the good kind. Turns out, audiences aren't the only thing I'm attracting—I've got a stalker. My manager insists I need protection, and before I know it, there's a big, hunky gargoyle bodyguard at my door.
Graeme is my polar opposite in every way. He's a massive grump who seems to think smiling is against his job description. The man is all business, no pleasure. And my free-spirited nature seems to be getting under his stone-cold skin.
I can't figure out if I want to punch him or kiss him!
Unfortunately, my sour new shadow has to come with me to Elderberry Falls for my best friend's wedding weekend. And what's worse . . . it seems like my stalker has come too.
With danger lurking closer than I realized, I may have to trust Graeme with more than just my safety . . .
Life has been a whirlwind since my debut album dropped, but not all of it is the good kind. Turns out, audiences aren't the only thing I'm attracting—I've got a stalker. My manager insists I need protection, and before I know it, there's a big, hunky gargoyle bodyguard at my door.
Graeme is my polar opposite in every way. He's a massive grump who seems to think smiling is against his job description. The man is all business, no pleasure. And my free-spirited nature seems to be getting under his stone-cold skin.
I can't figure out if I want to punch him or kiss him!
Unfortunately, my sour new shadow has to come with me to Elderberry Falls for my best friend's wedding weekend. And what's worse . . . it seems like my stalker has come too.
With danger lurking closer than I realized, I may have to trust Graeme with more than just my safety . . .
Audible Audio
First published January 31, 2025
476 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Cora Crane
3 books148 followersHi there! I'm Cora, a debut sweet monster romance writer (THE ORC AND THE INNKEEPER available now!). My childhood was spent with my nose endlessly tucked into a book, usually a high fantasy of some sort or another. So perhaps it's not a surprise that I'm now spending my days dreaming up cozy fantasy towns and magical monsters!
When I'm not working on my next story, you can usually find me with a coffee in hand, either in a big mug while I re-read my favorite fantasy books for the millionth time, or in my trusty to-go mug as I go for a walk (preferably near water!)
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I love writing them.
Sign up for my newsletter for behind the scenes exclusives, early access to new books, and more! http://subscribepage.io/cora
Other places to find me:
Follow me on Instagram: @coracraneauthor or on TikTok: @cora_crane
Visit my website: www.coracraneauthor.com
When I'm not working on my next story, you can usually find me with a coffee in hand, either in a big mug while I re-read my favorite fantasy books for the millionth time, or in my trusty to-go mug as I go for a walk (preferably near water!)
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I love writing them.
Sign up for my newsletter for behind the scenes exclusives, early access to new books, and more! http://subscribepage.io/cora
Other places to find me:
Follow me on Instagram: @coracraneauthor or on TikTok: @cora_crane
Visit my website: www.coracraneauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
September 27, 2024
This book was pure magic! I've been ill and didn't have the energy to read, but as soon as I felt better, I picked this book up and DEVOURED it.
Ecco is a siren who has started a music career in human mainstream music settings that has trouble with a stalker. Enter Graeme, a Gargoyle bodyguard entrusted with Eccos safety.
All the feels are here 💛 forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, and the timeless one bed trope.
Elderberry Falls is a beautifully described world, so rich in comfort. It's almost like a warm blanket.
This story rolls along at a calm pace, making for such a wonderful read. Please get this book.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ecco is a siren who has started a music career in human mainstream music settings that has trouble with a stalker. Enter Graeme, a Gargoyle bodyguard entrusted with Eccos safety.
All the feels are here 💛 forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, and the timeless one bed trope.
Elderberry Falls is a beautifully described world, so rich in comfort. It's almost like a warm blanket.
This story rolls along at a calm pace, making for such a wonderful read. Please get this book.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dnf
September 12, 2025DNF as soon as the hero crawls out of bed with another woman and talks about how he only has ONS and he’s prob going to forget her name. No thanks to a hero who uses women like his personal disposable fleshlights.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
Lo siento, pero no veo que tiene esta novela de Cozy. Llevo ya unas cuantas novelas independientes de estas que me las señalan como este género, pero lo único que veo es otra novela de romance y ya.
No ha estado mal como novela, me ha ayudado a oxigenar el cerebro, que últimamente no está en su mejor momento, pero de aquí a decir que esto es una novela cozy, no la veo. Ni siquiera por como escrito que es bastante sencillo y los personajes pasan de odio a amor en pocas páginas.
Al menos me ha gustado más que el anterior.
No ha estado mal como novela, me ha ayudado a oxigenar el cerebro, que últimamente no está en su mejor momento, pero de aquí a decir que esto es una novela cozy, no la veo. Ni siquiera por como escrito que es bastante sencillo y los personajes pasan de odio a amor en pocas páginas.
Al menos me ha gustado más que el anterior.
September 20, 2024
amazing!
I was privileged to read an ARC of this book and absolutely fell in love! While I really enjoyed book 1 of the series, this book is even more enjoyable. The chemistry of Ecco and Graeme is off the charts. It’s sweet, funny, and cozy with plenty of spice mixed in.
Even though I knew it would have a HEA the tension throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat to find out how they resolved things.
This book is full of some of the best tropes including:
- One (vibrating magical) bed
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Touch her and be unalived vibes
- Popstar/Bodyguard
- Small town
I was privileged to read an ARC of this book and absolutely fell in love! While I really enjoyed book 1 of the series, this book is even more enjoyable. The chemistry of Ecco and Graeme is off the charts. It’s sweet, funny, and cozy with plenty of spice mixed in.
Even though I knew it would have a HEA the tension throughout the book kept me on the edge of my seat to find out how they resolved things.
This book is full of some of the best tropes including:
- One (vibrating magical) bed
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Touch her and be unalived vibes
- Popstar/Bodyguard
- Small town
September 22, 2024
I loved coming back to Elderberry Falls!
Book two of The Elderberry Falls series was every bit sweet, spicy and everything nice. Ecco and Graeme were so perfect for each other! If you love a cozy, magical town filled with a grumpy meets sunshine trope then this book is perfect for you. Also, I know us girlies love the one room, one bed trope… did I mention this book embodies that perfectly?
Elderberry Falls feels just like coming home. Picture Stars Hollow vibes but, magical and whimsical with all types of magical beings, like our main FMC Ecco. A siren who’s also a rising pop star. But, when she finds herself with a bit of a stalker situation she has to get a bodyguard, Graeme. A grumpy gargoyle with a secret heart of gold who takes his protection detail very seriously.
When Ecco has to return to Elderberry Falls for a wedding with Graeme in tow, she’s a target of said stalker. And, when they find themselves trapped due to a magical blizzard… they’re stuck with no way out of her hometown. I won’t say what happens but, there is a surprising twist to the stalker situation, it’s not going to be what you’re expecting at all and I loved it!
Can Graeme keep Ecco safe? Will bodyguard turn into boyfriend.. you have to read this cozy, magical romance to find out! You won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend this book!
Book two of The Elderberry Falls series was every bit sweet, spicy and everything nice. Ecco and Graeme were so perfect for each other! If you love a cozy, magical town filled with a grumpy meets sunshine trope then this book is perfect for you. Also, I know us girlies love the one room, one bed trope… did I mention this book embodies that perfectly?
Elderberry Falls feels just like coming home. Picture Stars Hollow vibes but, magical and whimsical with all types of magical beings, like our main FMC Ecco. A siren who’s also a rising pop star. But, when she finds herself with a bit of a stalker situation she has to get a bodyguard, Graeme. A grumpy gargoyle with a secret heart of gold who takes his protection detail very seriously.
When Ecco has to return to Elderberry Falls for a wedding with Graeme in tow, she’s a target of said stalker. And, when they find themselves trapped due to a magical blizzard… they’re stuck with no way out of her hometown. I won’t say what happens but, there is a surprising twist to the stalker situation, it’s not going to be what you’re expecting at all and I loved it!
Can Graeme keep Ecco safe? Will bodyguard turn into boyfriend.. you have to read this cozy, magical romance to find out! You won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend this book!
September 21, 2024
Cora Crane has done it again! I'm pretty sure that anything she writes will be an auto read for me.
This is another installment to the Elderberry Falls series and it's just as cozy and whimsical as the first.
Going back to revisit the magical town of Elderberry Falls is such a breath of fresh air. We get all the forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine in this book and it really doesn't disappoint.
Ecco's story is told wonderfully and once again there's themes like discovering one's self and thought provoking situations that are handled so well.
I absolutely encourage anyone who wants nice and cozy monster romance to pick up these books.
Thank you so so much to Cora for a copy of this book and allowing me to continue the journey into Elderberry Falls.
These are my own honest opinions.
This is another installment to the Elderberry Falls series and it's just as cozy and whimsical as the first.
Going back to revisit the magical town of Elderberry Falls is such a breath of fresh air. We get all the forced proximity and grumpy/sunshine in this book and it really doesn't disappoint.
Ecco's story is told wonderfully and once again there's themes like discovering one's self and thought provoking situations that are handled so well.
I absolutely encourage anyone who wants nice and cozy monster romance to pick up these books.
Thank you so so much to Cora for a copy of this book and allowing me to continue the journey into Elderberry Falls.
These are my own honest opinions.
November 20, 2025
He deserves all the stars himself for what he did with that tail….just sayin…
September 30, 2024
I was given an arc copy in exchange for my honest review by author Cora Crane.
Ecco is an up and coming Siren pop star. She recently moved to the human city to help further her career. Being in her new mostly barren apartment, with her adorable glow kitten, Minx, she’s missing her old home in magical Elderberry Falls.
Graeme, hired as a bodyguard for Ecco during a stalker scare, is a stoic Gargoyle whose loyalty lies with his clan. Will his heart of stone soften for Ecco?
Oh how I long to live in Elderberry falls! Seriously. I want to live there. Cora Crane did an amazing job making Elderberry Falls feel real. It’s giving magical Stars Hollow vibes.
The story of Ecco and Graeme was wonderfully written. I loved watching the characters grow and adapt to their surroundings.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but you may need your tissue handy when Ecco learns the full extent of her siren powers.. just saying..
My favorite quote:
“My jaw clenches. “You have no idea what I’m capable of in one night,” I growl.”
Thank you so much to Cora Crane for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Gargoyle and The Songbird.
Ecco is an up and coming Siren pop star. She recently moved to the human city to help further her career. Being in her new mostly barren apartment, with her adorable glow kitten, Minx, she’s missing her old home in magical Elderberry Falls.
Graeme, hired as a bodyguard for Ecco during a stalker scare, is a stoic Gargoyle whose loyalty lies with his clan. Will his heart of stone soften for Ecco?
Oh how I long to live in Elderberry falls! Seriously. I want to live there. Cora Crane did an amazing job making Elderberry Falls feel real. It’s giving magical Stars Hollow vibes.
The story of Ecco and Graeme was wonderfully written. I loved watching the characters grow and adapt to their surroundings.
I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but you may need your tissue handy when Ecco learns the full extent of her siren powers.. just saying..
My favorite quote:
“My jaw clenches. “You have no idea what I’m capable of in one night,” I growl.”
Thank you so much to Cora Crane for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Gargoyle and The Songbird.
September 20, 2024
I had the amazing opportunity of getting to beta read this beauty for the lovely Cora Crane, and it was such a great addition to the Elderberry Falls series!
Here are some of the specific things I really loved about this book:
1. I love monster romance. I think you all know this about me by now! I don’t think I’ve read a siren nor a gargoyle romance before, so these were two new checks in the monster romance MC columns for me!
2. I loved how complex of a character Ecco was and how she came full circle throughout the book.
At the beginning of the book, she was interviewing with various sources and was really trying to drive home that while she didn’t hide her siren heritage, she definitely wanted people to know how hard she had worked to get her music to a level of not holding people captive because she’s a siren, but because the music itself spoke to them. She understood the bad reputation often associated with sirens, and she tried to distance herself from that, almost to the point of being fake/putting on a whole different persona. She was also doing this to herself in her personal life by restricting herself from learning her full powers. There is definitely some juicy stuff behind this that I can’t spoil for you, but just know that our girl realizes that by holding back her powers, she isn’t being her true self and rectifies it in the most stunning of ways!!
3. I also loved how complex of a character Graeme was and how Ecco completely turned his world on its head. Graeme came from a militant background and learned the hard way that love is a distraction. Because of this, he never allowed himself to get close to anyone or “do repeats”...until Ecco. Watching every rule fly out the window and every bit of self-restraint crumble was beyond delicious!
4. We got to see and experience so much of the small town of Elderberry Falls in this one! I was so happy to get to explore parts of it for the first time right alongside Graeme!
5. I loved getting to revisit Mariah and Thorak from book 1, especially with all the things going on in their lives!! I refuse to tell you anymore, but it was so nice to revisit these loved characters who started the series 😊
6. I loved the mystery component running throughout the story with the stalker and what/who it was. I loved how it all wrapped up too because it was so endearing.
7. OOOOOK, CORA BROUGHT THE SPICE IN THIS ONE! I feel we got more spicy times and earlier spicy times than in book 1, and I WAS LIVING FOR IT! We’re talking handcuffs, spankings, “good girls”, a whole treasure “chest” worth of adventures in spice town 😉 Also, what a freaking consent king!!!
8. I’m not going to spoil anything here, but like the racism in book 1, there are some characters with some massive shortcomings in this book who are given more depth than just “they’re a bad person”. While the shortcomings are part of them, they are shown as a flaw instead of the person just being evil in general, which is so realistic. I love Cora’s approach with this in both books!
Thank you to Cora Crane for the opportunity to beta read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Beta Read 8/26/2024 - 8/28/2024
OOOOOH I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO READ THIS!!!
Here are some of the specific things I really loved about this book:
1. I love monster romance. I think you all know this about me by now! I don’t think I’ve read a siren nor a gargoyle romance before, so these were two new checks in the monster romance MC columns for me!
2. I loved how complex of a character Ecco was and how she came full circle throughout the book.
At the beginning of the book, she was interviewing with various sources and was really trying to drive home that while she didn’t hide her siren heritage, she definitely wanted people to know how hard she had worked to get her music to a level of not holding people captive because she’s a siren, but because the music itself spoke to them. She understood the bad reputation often associated with sirens, and she tried to distance herself from that, almost to the point of being fake/putting on a whole different persona. She was also doing this to herself in her personal life by restricting herself from learning her full powers. There is definitely some juicy stuff behind this that I can’t spoil for you, but just know that our girl realizes that by holding back her powers, she isn’t being her true self and rectifies it in the most stunning of ways!!
3. I also loved how complex of a character Graeme was and how Ecco completely turned his world on its head. Graeme came from a militant background and learned the hard way that love is a distraction. Because of this, he never allowed himself to get close to anyone or “do repeats”...until Ecco. Watching every rule fly out the window and every bit of self-restraint crumble was beyond delicious!
4. We got to see and experience so much of the small town of Elderberry Falls in this one! I was so happy to get to explore parts of it for the first time right alongside Graeme!
5. I loved getting to revisit Mariah and Thorak from book 1, especially with all the things going on in their lives!! I refuse to tell you anymore, but it was so nice to revisit these loved characters who started the series 😊
6. I loved the mystery component running throughout the story with the stalker and what/who it was. I loved how it all wrapped up too because it was so endearing.
7. OOOOOK, CORA BROUGHT THE SPICE IN THIS ONE! I feel we got more spicy times and earlier spicy times than in book 1, and I WAS LIVING FOR IT! We’re talking handcuffs, spankings, “good girls”, a whole treasure “chest” worth of adventures in spice town 😉 Also, what a freaking consent king!!!
8. I’m not going to spoil anything here, but like the racism in book 1, there are some characters with some massive shortcomings in this book who are given more depth than just “they’re a bad person”. While the shortcomings are part of them, they are shown as a flaw instead of the person just being evil in general, which is so realistic. I love Cora’s approach with this in both books!
Thank you to Cora Crane for the opportunity to beta read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Beta Read 8/26/2024 - 8/28/2024
OOOOOH I CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU ALL TO READ THIS!!!
September 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
I loved The Gargoyle and the Songbird just a smidge more than The Orc and the Innkeeper, and the reason why is the cozy setting of a snowed-in wedding weekend. The chemistry between Graeme, the grumpy gargoyle bodyguard, and the siren pop star was so well done. I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic—it was fun watching Graeme’s tough exterior crack a little more with each interaction.
What really made this book special for me was Minx, the glowkitten. She was so adorable and added a sweet, lighthearted touch to the story. With those cozy snowed-in vibes, the growing romance, and the suspense of a lurking stalker, this book had everything I wanted. If you enjoy a mix of fantasy, romance, and a bit of suspense, this one’s a must-read. Definitely a favorite in the series!
October 5, 2024
It's a tale as old as time. Girl has stalker, hires bodyguard, they fall in love. The fun part about this story is that she's a siren, and he's a gargoyle.
Don't make the same mistake as I did and think it's a romantic suspense. Even though she has a stalker, there was no suspensing going on. It was, however, one of the coziest mysteries I've read and well written to boot!
The thing that makes this 4 and not 5 stars was that the ending was rushed. In 25 pages the external problem is solved, the 3rd act struggle is started and resolved. I read pages about the MC's wandering through town, so the pacing felt off.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Don't make the same mistake as I did and think it's a romantic suspense. Even though she has a stalker, there was no suspensing going on. It was, however, one of the coziest mysteries I've read and well written to boot!
The thing that makes this 4 and not 5 stars was that the ending was rushed. In 25 pages the external problem is solved, the 3rd act struggle is started and resolved. I read pages about the MC's wandering through town, so the pacing felt off.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
✨I received this as an arc and I’m giving my honest review ✨
Cora crane! I LOVED the second instalment of elderberry falls!
My only complaint is they sort of went from enemies to INSTANTLY obsessed with each other, which didn’t feel realistic… but then again, it’s a cozy fantasy, so it’s not supposed to be realistic.
I loved seeing more of Mariah and thorack too and getting to know more of a continuation of their story!
Overall this was a GOOD book
✨I received this as an arc and I’m giving my honest review ✨
Cora crane! I LOVED the second instalment of elderberry falls!
My only complaint is they sort of went from enemies to INSTANTLY obsessed with each other, which didn’t feel realistic… but then again, it’s a cozy fantasy, so it’s not supposed to be realistic.
I loved seeing more of Mariah and thorack too and getting to know more of a continuation of their story!
Overall this was a GOOD book
September 18, 2024
4.25/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Cute little monster / witchy fantasy romance book.
Can be read as a standalone.
Easy to follow story line, cute plot and vibes, perfect for fall and autumn. With deeper meaning and messages learned through the book.
I must read too many dark romance books because I was a little disappointed with the reveal of the stalker. 🥴🤪
2/5 🌶️
Cute little monster / witchy fantasy romance book.
Can be read as a standalone.
Easy to follow story line, cute plot and vibes, perfect for fall and autumn. With deeper meaning and messages learned through the book.
I must read too many dark romance books because I was a little disappointed with the reveal of the stalker. 🥴🤪
October 20, 2025
4⭐️
I quite enjoyed this book. It was cute simple and to the point. It was a body guard and a siren feeling out there connection, him having strong home values and something he grew up with that he almost had to figure out and break and her figuring out herself, a little bit more of her past and her future. i mean, they needed to figure out who the stalker is.
I quite enjoyed this book. It was cute simple and to the point. It was a body guard and a siren feeling out there connection, him having strong home values and something he grew up with that he almost had to figure out and break and her figuring out herself, a little bit more of her past and her future. i mean, they needed to figure out who the stalker is.
September 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review. I thought this book was super cute! I would love nothing more than to get the change to go to Elderberry Falls. The imagery made me feel like I was actually there while I was reading it, and it gave me such cozy vibes! I also fell in love with the characters, it was amazing getting to see Ecco learn how to embrace her siren powers. The romance between Ecco and Graeme was super cute and spicy at the same time. I loved the tension throughout the book. I also loved the mystery element to the story, it kept me hooked and wanting to know more. This was a great cozy monster romance to read in the fall, I would highly recommend this book!
September 20, 2024
Thank you so much to Cora for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book! This is my first monster romance and I am HOOKED! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! This cozy monster romance had me giggling and also shocked at times. When I thought I knew what was to come, I was pleasantly surprised to find I was wrong. This was a perfect palate cleanser in between the looooooong books I’ve been reading and will definitely be a highlight of my 2024 reads. As this was my first monster romance, I didn’t read The Orc and the Innkeeper first and found it was still enjoyable and easy to follow. (But I will be reading the first book in the Elderberry Falls series ASAP because I just need MORE!)
September 20, 2024
This was my first ARC read and I am beyond thankful I got to read this !! Such a good story!! It remind me of a Hallmark mystery in a cute cozy town called Elderberry Falls, but with all the sizzle and spice!l without giving spoilers, you will fall in love with the little mysteries that Ecco helps resolve and her sexy body guard to boot !!
October 6, 2024
This was really sweet and I enjoyed how both characters found their paths both together and seperately. I adore Elderberry Falls so much.
October 8, 2024
It’s giving hallmark
October 26, 2024
What a cozy little Romance
I am officially obsessed with elderberry falls and need to read all the love stories from this collection
I read this in a day.
Absolutely loved it
I am officially obsessed with elderberry falls and need to read all the love stories from this collection
I read this in a day.
Absolutely loved it
December 15, 2025
Talk about redefining the term “tail play”
IYKYK 👀
IYKYK 👀
September 19, 2024
4.5🌟 2.5🌶️
I am telling you right now that I would move to Elderberry Falls so fast it would make your head spin. I love this series ♥️♥️
I didn't know how she'd be able to top The Orc and The Innkeeper (I mean it's the coziest, the cutest) but damn- she did it!
I felt like this was the body guard trope done to steamy, cozy perfection. Graeme is just the best grump to Ecco's sunshine. And when things start heating up, well, get a bucket and a mop.
Honestly, for a super cozy romance I also felt that there was a really fun well thought out plot. And we get to see all the best people from the last book.
This book, and the series as a whole, is quickly making my list of cozy romances that I will always recommend
I am telling you right now that I would move to Elderberry Falls so fast it would make your head spin. I love this series ♥️♥️
I didn't know how she'd be able to top The Orc and The Innkeeper (I mean it's the coziest, the cutest) but damn- she did it!
I felt like this was the body guard trope done to steamy, cozy perfection. Graeme is just the best grump to Ecco's sunshine. And when things start heating up, well, get a bucket and a mop.
Honestly, for a super cozy romance I also felt that there was a really fun well thought out plot. And we get to see all the best people from the last book.
This book, and the series as a whole, is quickly making my list of cozy romances that I will always recommend
September 19, 2024
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely love this series and it’s everything you could want in a cosy monster romance. Although these books are fairly short, the relationships are well developed and always include a whimsical atmosphere, character development and a surprising amount of spice.
Although these books can be read as standalones, I would highly recommend reading them in order as the previous protagonists are heavily included in this storyline.
There’s a big community feeling within these books and I would move to Elderberry Falls in a heartbeat! This book features the below tropes:
- small town
- celebrity x bodyguard
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
- one bed trope
- magical pets
I highly recommend these books if you love monster romance or are looking for a quick, cosy read. If you love Jenna Wolfhart’s books, I think you’ll really enjoy this series!
I absolutely love this series and it’s everything you could want in a cosy monster romance. Although these books are fairly short, the relationships are well developed and always include a whimsical atmosphere, character development and a surprising amount of spice.
Although these books can be read as standalones, I would highly recommend reading them in order as the previous protagonists are heavily included in this storyline.
There’s a big community feeling within these books and I would move to Elderberry Falls in a heartbeat! This book features the below tropes:
- small town
- celebrity x bodyguard
- grumpy x sunshine
- forced proximity
- one bed trope
- magical pets
I highly recommend these books if you love monster romance or are looking for a quick, cosy read. If you love Jenna Wolfhart’s books, I think you’ll really enjoy this series!
October 1, 2024
Reading this book was like being wrapped in a warm, cosy blanket by the fire, with a mug of spiced tea and a fluffy friend purring on your lap. A grumpy (and handsome) gargoyle bodyguard, a talented siren popstar with a fierce fluffy sidekick, and her secret stalker threatening to ruin her carefully laid career plans… visiting her hometown for her best friend’s wedding. What could go wrong! Right?
It was so lovely to revisit the town of Elderberry Falls for the wedding of Thorak and Mariah, both of whom we met back in the first book in the series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you go back and read The Orc and the Innkeeper to get the full experience!
I absolutely love the way Cora Crane writes. Some of the lines in this book read like poetry.
I am so enchanted by the Elderberry Falls township Cora Crane has created. Special mention to Minx the glowkitten, the real star of the show!
Thank you to the author and team for providing copy of this book in exchange for a review.
November 21, 2024
I think this is a really cosy book. We get to go back to Elderberry Falls, see and experience even more of the small town. This book follows Ecco, who’s introduced in the first book, and is a popstar/siren.
As she rises to fame, she unfortunately gets a stalker, and as such, her manager insists on her getting a bodyguard to stay safe. This bodyguard is Graeme, a Gargoyle. Graeme seems very one-dimensional at first, but this is why I love that we have chapters from both Ecco and Graeme, as when we hear form him, we actually get to know him a lot better.
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first one in the series. I feel like Ecco is so flighty, and I find myself agreeing with Graeme that she doesn’t take her security seriously, and then I hate that I agree with him, because I absolutely do not want to agree with any alpha-males.
It definitely starts off as «I like their body more than their person»-type of romance, but it does get a bit better after a while.
It’s an easy read, but I kind of felt like there was not enough going on, like it was too low-stakes, which is why I liked the first book in the series better.
As she rises to fame, she unfortunately gets a stalker, and as such, her manager insists on her getting a bodyguard to stay safe. This bodyguard is Graeme, a Gargoyle. Graeme seems very one-dimensional at first, but this is why I love that we have chapters from both Ecco and Graeme, as when we hear form him, we actually get to know him a lot better.
I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the first one in the series. I feel like Ecco is so flighty, and I find myself agreeing with Graeme that she doesn’t take her security seriously, and then I hate that I agree with him, because I absolutely do not want to agree with any alpha-males.
It definitely starts off as «I like their body more than their person»-type of romance, but it does get a bit better after a while.
It’s an easy read, but I kind of felt like there was not enough going on, like it was too low-stakes, which is why I liked the first book in the series better.
October 24, 2024
Book Review: The Gargoyle and the Songbird
Rating: 4/5 stars
I had the opportunity to be part of the ARC group for this book, and I absolutely loved it!
Ecco is a rising singer with a growing fan base, but that also brought her a personal stalker. To protect her, her manager hires Graeme, a gargoyle. This is Graeme’s last mission before becoming the leader of his clan, responsible for protecting his land from demons and vampires. However, he never expected his world to be turned upside down by his pop star client.
This story is cozy and heartwarming, filled with instant chemistry, forced proximity, and the classic one-bed trope—setting the stage for a perfect disaster.
I loved every moment of this book and highly recommend it! The reveal of the stalker totally caught me by surprise, and I encourage you to read it to find out more!
Rating: 4/5 stars
I had the opportunity to be part of the ARC group for this book, and I absolutely loved it!
Ecco is a rising singer with a growing fan base, but that also brought her a personal stalker. To protect her, her manager hires Graeme, a gargoyle. This is Graeme’s last mission before becoming the leader of his clan, responsible for protecting his land from demons and vampires. However, he never expected his world to be turned upside down by his pop star client.
This story is cozy and heartwarming, filled with instant chemistry, forced proximity, and the classic one-bed trope—setting the stage for a perfect disaster.
I loved every moment of this book and highly recommend it! The reveal of the stalker totally caught me by surprise, and I encourage you to read it to find out more!
September 22, 2024
unlike most sequels to books this book was actually just a great if not better than the first!
Ecco a siren and singer is at the peak of her fame and while on tour she gains a mysterious stalker, after a scare Graeme, a gargoyle, is hired as her bodyguard. He is hired to be Ecco’s shadow until her stalker situation is resolved. Ecco travels back home to Elderberry falls with Graeme in tow to attend our main characters from “The Orc and the Innkeeper” wedding. While they are there a magical snowstorm happens leaving them unable to leave for a few days. Together they work to resolve the magical snowstorm, reveal Ecco’s stalker and find themselves in more than just a professional relationship.
I really enjoyed reading this book and cannot thank Cora enough for trusting me with her book! You can tell how much thought and love she puts into each of her books!
Ecco a siren and singer is at the peak of her fame and while on tour she gains a mysterious stalker, after a scare Graeme, a gargoyle, is hired as her bodyguard. He is hired to be Ecco’s shadow until her stalker situation is resolved. Ecco travels back home to Elderberry falls with Graeme in tow to attend our main characters from “The Orc and the Innkeeper” wedding. While they are there a magical snowstorm happens leaving them unable to leave for a few days. Together they work to resolve the magical snowstorm, reveal Ecco’s stalker and find themselves in more than just a professional relationship.
I really enjoyed reading this book and cannot thank Cora enough for trusting me with her book! You can tell how much thought and love she puts into each of her books!
September 19, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy to read. I had read the previous book and love it. This one didn't disappoint.
If you want a cozy, low stake drama romance, this is a fun read. This book can be read as a standalone so you don't need to read the previous book to understand this one. Though if you want to know more about Mariah, I'd recommend it.
This book follows the "I don't need a bodyguard", "Too bad, I'm still your bodyguard" dynamic. From the get go, the intensity Ecco and Graeme had had me squirming in my seat, knowing it was gonna explode in the most delicious way.
Besides the spiciness, I did enjoy how Ecco learned to grow into her powers by the end of the story. I love her and her princess glowkitty, Minx.
Not gonna lie, I wanted to shake some sense into Graeme about his whole tradition thing. I was yelling at the book for him to get some common sense. Eventually he did but man, I was mad at him for a bit there. Still love his grumpy butt.
I definitely recommend reading it. It's a nice easy read to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee while the house is empty.
If you want a cozy, low stake drama romance, this is a fun read. This book can be read as a standalone so you don't need to read the previous book to understand this one. Though if you want to know more about Mariah, I'd recommend it.
This book follows the "I don't need a bodyguard", "Too bad, I'm still your bodyguard" dynamic. From the get go, the intensity Ecco and Graeme had had me squirming in my seat, knowing it was gonna explode in the most delicious way.
Besides the spiciness, I did enjoy how Ecco learned to grow into her powers by the end of the story. I love her and her princess glowkitty, Minx.
Not gonna lie, I wanted to shake some sense into Graeme about his whole tradition thing. I was yelling at the book for him to get some common sense. Eventually he did but man, I was mad at him for a bit there. Still love his grumpy butt.
I definitely recommend reading it. It's a nice easy read to enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee while the house is empty.
August 16, 2025
Welcome back to Elderberry Falls! And what a pleasure it is to be back…
Is it possible that I could love a cozy monster romance more than The Orc & The Innkeeper? Apparently so.
I absolutely loooved this book! The storyline was so good.
We’re talking about:
Hot body guard x stunning pop star
Grumpy x sunshine
ONE BED / forced proximity
I was so into this book & each chapter had me on the edge of my seat, anticipating what was going to happen next!
—
Ecco, the up and coming pop star has a stalker scare at her apartment one night and her manager hires a body guard, Graeme, to keep her safe.
Little does Graeme know, Ecco had plans to visit the whimsical town of Elderberry Falls for her best friend, Mariah’s, wedding.
What suite does Mariah put the pair into?
Find out what happens next, when they are snowed into Elderberry Falls & unable to get home…
This is easily one of my favourite books and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it too!
Cora Crane, you have done an amazing job!
I was lucky enough to have received an ARC 💕
Is it possible that I could love a cozy monster romance more than The Orc & The Innkeeper? Apparently so.
I absolutely loooved this book! The storyline was so good.
We’re talking about:
Hot body guard x stunning pop star
Grumpy x sunshine
ONE BED / forced proximity
I was so into this book & each chapter had me on the edge of my seat, anticipating what was going to happen next!
—
Ecco, the up and coming pop star has a stalker scare at her apartment one night and her manager hires a body guard, Graeme, to keep her safe.
Little does Graeme know, Ecco had plans to visit the whimsical town of Elderberry Falls for her best friend, Mariah’s, wedding.
What suite does Mariah put the pair into?
Find out what happens next, when they are snowed into Elderberry Falls & unable to get home…
This is easily one of my favourite books and I can’t wait for everyone else to read it too!
Cora Crane, you have done an amazing job!
I was lucky enough to have received an ARC 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
The Gargoyle and the Songbird by Cora Crane is a cute, cozy monster fantasy perfect for cozy fantasy lovers!
I would recommend reading this in the summer when you're craving winter weather. The vibes in Elderberry Falls are picturesque and the perfect small town setting. This book is Dual POV and the grumpyxsunshine vibes. The pop star/bodyguard setup is fun. Our FMC is very likable and the romance between our MCs is very fast and steamy.
This could be a five star book if the book was a little slower paced and the relationships between the MCs and their friends/family were explored more. The payoff from the FMC's underlying power could have been more meaningful and memorable that way. Also, did not love the use of "exploring each other's bodies." I can't explain it, I just got the ick from that sentence and had to walk away for a beat.
Thank you to Cora and BookSirens for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
I would recommend reading this in the summer when you're craving winter weather. The vibes in Elderberry Falls are picturesque and the perfect small town setting. This book is Dual POV and the grumpyxsunshine vibes. The pop star/bodyguard setup is fun. Our FMC is very likable and the romance between our MCs is very fast and steamy.
This could be a five star book if the book was a little slower paced and the relationships between the MCs and their friends/family were explored more. The payoff from the FMC's underlying power could have been more meaningful and memorable that way. Also, did not love the use of "exploring each other's bodies." I can't explain it, I just got the ick from that sentence and had to walk away for a beat.
Thank you to Cora and BookSirens for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
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