Yield To Stone: A Steamy Gargoyle Monster Romance

by Zola Vale

I broke my six-hundred-year vow for one reason. Her.

BASTIAN

I am stone. A sentry cursed to watch the city of Blackwood from the cathedral’s highest spire. For centuries, I felt nothing. Wanted nothing. Until her. Ivy. My "Little Vine." I’ve watched her for a year. And I know she’s running from a past that terrifies her.

When her nightmare finally catches up to her in the alley below my perch, the stone shell holding me prisoner cracks. I don’t care about the ancient laws. I don’t care about the curse.

I only care about getting my claws into the man trying to hurt her. Now I’m awake, I’m burning with a fever only she can cure, and I’m never letting her out of my sight again.

IVY

I thought I was going to die in that alley. Instead, the sky exploded. A monster fell from the heavens, seven feet of granite-grey muscle, wings, and terrifying heat. He didn't just save me; he shattered the pavement to get to me.

He says he’ll tear apart anyone who comes near me. I should be terrified. I should be running. But when he wraps those massive wings around me… for the first time in my life, I don't want to run. I want to yield.

Yield to Stone is a steamy, paranormal romance novella featuring a possessive gargoyle hero, "touch her and die" vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal Romance

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

Reviews

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected Nice Surprise!

Ok Besties… this started as a “I lost a bet” buddy read moment, and somehow turned into me actually enjoying the ride way more than expected. 🤭

This novella pulls you in FAST. The author’s writing is descriptive... in a way that makes every scene feel vivid and cinematic without dragging things out. For something on the shorter side, it packs in a surprising amount of depth, emotion, and just enough suspense to keep you flipping pages.

Bastian? Oh, he is giving full-on obsessive, protective, “touch her & d!e” energy... and honestly, it worked. Ivy balanced him out nicely, and their dynamic had this mix of dark tension and soft, cozy moments that made it feel oddly comforting.

The spice is on the milder side, but it fits the story. It’s more about the vibe... dark, slightly eerie, yet still sweet and endearing. And those little twists? Not overwhelming, but enough to keep things interesting.

If you’re even slightly curious about monster romance, this is a solid, low-commitment way to dip your toes in.👍🏼

🥀 My ratings and review are my own 🖤

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yield to Stone by Zola Vale is a darkly romantic paranormal novella that blends danger, devotion, and destiny into a gripping story about protection, healing, and a love powerful enough to break an ancient curse. With a fiercely protective gargoyle hero and a heroine learning that safety can exist after fear, this story delivers intensity, emotion, and a satisfying happily-ever-after.

For six hundred years, Bastian has been nothing more than stone.

Cursed to stand watch from the highest spire of Blackwood’s cathedral, he has spent centuries as a silent guardian over the city below—unable to feel, unable to act, and bound by laws older than memory. Time passes without meaning… until Ivy appears.

From his perch above the city, Bastian watches her for a year. He sees the quiet strength she hides, the way she carries fear like a shadow behind her, and the truth she tries so hard to escape: someone is hunting her.

When that nightmare finally finds Ivy in a dark alley below his tower, Bastian’s centuries of stillness shatter in an instant.

The stone cracks.
The curse breaks.
And a monster falls from the sky.

What Ivy expects in that moment is death. Instead, she witnesses the impossible—a towering gargoyle with wings of granite and eyes burning with fury crashing into the alley to save her. Bastian’s arrival is explosive, terrifying, and undeniably protective.

Yet beneath his intimidating form lies a devotion that feels almost overwhelming.

Bastian’s instincts are simple and absolute: protect Ivy at all costs. His possessive determination to keep her safe creates a powerful dynamic between them. What could easily feel frightening instead becomes strangely comforting to Ivy, who has spent far too long facing the world alone.

For the first time in her life, someone stands between her and the danger chasing her—and refuses to move.

The chemistry between them is immediate, but it’s their emotional connection that makes the story shine. Ivy slowly realizes that the creature who fell from the sky to protect her might also be the one place she finally feels safe. Meanwhile, Bastian—who has existed as stone for centuries—discovers what it means to feel again.

Zola Vale delivers a romance filled with touch-her-and-die protectiveness, supernatural intensity, and an emotional core centered on trust and safety. The gothic atmosphere of Blackwood, combined with the unique gargoyle hero, creates a setting that feels both mysterious and romantic.

If you enjoy paranormal romance, possessive supernatural protectors, fated connections, and heroes who would break every rule to save the woman they love, Yield to Stone is a thrilling, steamy novella that’s as fierce as it is heartfelt.

Because sometimes the monster who falls from the sky…
is the one who finally makes you feel safe enough to stay.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yield to Stone by Zola Vale is an arresting and emotionally charged opening to The Stone Kings of Blackwood, blending gothic atmosphere with irresistible romantic intensity. Vale introduces a distinctive paranormal premise with confidence, pairing the haunting stillness of a cursed stone guardian with a heroine whose vulnerability and resilience give the story its emotional center. From the first page, the novel establishes a vivid sense of danger, longing, and supernatural intrigue that makes it exceptionally difficult to put down.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its dual point of view, which gives both Bastian and Ivy depth, immediacy, and compelling emotional contrast. Bastian’s voice carries the weight of centuries, devotion, and restrained power, while Ivy’s perspective grounds the story in fear, hope, and growing trust. Together, their perspectives create a dynamic and immersive reading experience, allowing the romance to unfold with both tenderness and urgency.

Vale also demonstrates a sharp command of pacing and tone, delivering a novella that feels rich, polished, and satisfying despite its compact length. The protective-romance dynamic is handled with flair, and the gothic fantasy elements enhance the central relationship rather than overshadow it. Readers who enjoy paranormal romance with high emotional stakes, strong atmosphere, and a clearly defined happily-ever-after will find much to admire here.

Overall, Yield to Stone is a standout series opener that showcases Zola Vale’s ability to combine fantasy, romance, and suspense into a polished and highly engaging read. It is passionate, atmospheric, and memorable, with a central couple that leaves a lasting impression. This is an excellent choice for readers seeking a well-written paranormal romance that delivers both emotional payoff and a strong sense of escapist allure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of The Stone Kings of Blackwood series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'Yield to Stone is a steamy, paranormal romance novella featuring a possessive gargoyle hero, "touch her and die" vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.'

The characters were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quickly paced book. This was a new to me author but the title, cover and blurb really caught my attention because, well Gargoyles (IYKYK) and I'm happy I made the discovery because I was not disappointed. Bastian and Ivy were great characters with an incredible chemistry and strong connection. The storyline was engaging and solid and I found the writing easy to read. The emotions, drama, feelings, steam and heart were well crafted and compelling. My attention was grabbed and my heart consumed as I devoured this tale and I cannot wait for book two to get into my grabby hands.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series AND the first book I have read by this author. I am hooked on both!!! Bastien is a gargoyle and he’s been watching over the city for 600 years. Ivy is surviving and she’s terrified too. When she’s threatened he cones to her aid uncovering a much bigger problem. It’s an amazing story that will suck you in from the beginning and keep your interest throughout the story. Loved this book and their HEA too. Cannot wait for more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yield to Stone by Zola Vale is a spicy story about Bastion, a Gargoyle who has spent 600 years guarding the city atop a cathedral and the last year watching human Ivy as she comes and goes from her job as archivist. Then her abusive ex appears and Bastion breaks free of his stone shell to protect Ivy. They hide atop the bell tower but evil arrives from the Void, forcing the two to battle. She heals him. He protects her. Their love shelters both.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bastian is a gargoyle who watches over Ivy from the top of the building and when her ex boyfriend turns up to drag her back to a life of terror she had escaped from, he literally jumps from the top of the library building to save her. I loved this book, the storyline has sex, drama, monsters and villains who needed to get her for a task they couldn’t do and Bastion not only saves her but claims her too. Well worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I've had a thing for Gargoyles, ever since I first saw a certain animated series as a kid, and they've stayed one of my top monster romance picks. Ivy and Bastian had good chemistry and were reasonably well written characters. I enjoyed the spice and the slice of life additions added in the epilogue. I'm sure a 7 ft gargoyle in the bathroom does take up a lot of space. Lol. Overall this was a good slightly more modern feeling fantasy romance with a monster twist.

[VoraciousBookGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read as though it was written by AI.

I was super excited for a cute short monster love story, being a fan of the concept of gargoyles being alive.

Unfortunately, this read like it was written by AI. The dialogue was clearly not written by a person, people don’t talk the way this dialogue was written. There were multiple plot holes and information gaps and while I do not write bad reviews as a general rule, I cannot give this one any positive spin.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loving these new authors and Zola Vale has a lovely collection to enjoy. Plus, there is an Orc series! :) More ebooks to enjoy. This book is about a gargoyle - Bastian, who has watched Ivy for a year from his perch. When she is threatened, he reveals himself to save her. A great short.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohboyohboyohboyohboy!!!!!!!!

I cannot WAIT to read the next one!!!!!

This was so GOOD!!!!!

Exciting and full of action and a protective gargoyle mate, and nesting, and a fierce heroine, a nasty cult, a good vs evil centuries old fight and fated mates!!!!!!

Weeee!!!!! I LOVED it!!!!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastian and Ivy are the strength each other needs, their own unique protectors. I love how they complement one another and use their strengths together. There's plenty of spice and paranormal adventure with an edge of mystery that hints for future stories without the cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brooke Voigt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this book had some good plot for a novella I found the writing to be very repetitive. I think after the first 5 times of Bastian mentioning he was six hundred yeas old watching that the next 30 times mentioned were unnecessary. There was also repeated sentences making it feel like deja vu while reading.
My favourite part was the ending where Bastian learns to live in an apartment.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this monster romance so much. I’ve always had an affinity for gargoyles, always drawn to architecture with them perched and watching. This brought my monster love and gargoyle love to life, or at least to page! I can’t wait to read the next part of the story!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy and Bastian
I enjoyed this story a lot. Blackwood seems like an interesting place. I enjoyed both Ivy and Bastian as characters, and the epilogue was cute.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I loved the twist and turns and I want to learn more about the curse and what happened to the gargoyles.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bastian and Ivy