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Gamble on a Gargoyle: A Paranormal Monster Romance
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295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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June 30, 2026I received this ALC from Dark Star Romance.
I’m still trying to figure out if I’m getting used to monster romance or if this one just wasn’t fully for me. What did work for me was the relationship. There’s just something about a huge, intimidating character being protective, devoted, and completely soft for the person he loves, that sells me every time, and he really was. Their relationship was cute, and that was easily the part I enjoyed the most.
The monster romance side definitely took some getting used to because some things had me sitting there like, okay, so we’re doing this. The story started out strong for me, but it did start to lose me as it went on, and by the end, I wasn’t as invested as I was in the beginning.
The audiobook performances were great. Dani Soleil and Troy Duran know what they’re doing. I’m not a fan of dual narration because hearing narrators voice the opposite sex pulls me out of the flow, but they were both phenomenal.
I’d recommend it to listeners who enjoy monster romance, protective and devoted heroes, sweet relationships with spice, and great audiobook performances.
I’m still trying to figure out if I’m getting used to monster romance or if this one just wasn’t fully for me. What did work for me was the relationship. There’s just something about a huge, intimidating character being protective, devoted, and completely soft for the person he loves, that sells me every time, and he really was. Their relationship was cute, and that was easily the part I enjoyed the most.
The monster romance side definitely took some getting used to because some things had me sitting there like, okay, so we’re doing this. The story started out strong for me, but it did start to lose me as it went on, and by the end, I wasn’t as invested as I was in the beginning.
The audiobook performances were great. Dani Soleil and Troy Duran know what they’re doing. I’m not a fan of dual narration because hearing narrators voice the opposite sex pulls me out of the flow, but they were both phenomenal.
I’d recommend it to listeners who enjoy monster romance, protective and devoted heroes, sweet relationships with spice, and great audiobook performances.
July 1, 2026
He Rocked Her World
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛💚❤️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂😁😛
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
Character Backgrounds and Plot Summary
Meera accidentally saw her fiancé murder someone. She had wanted proof that Kareem was cheating on her with his secretary, so she was at his office to place a camera to catch him, but when he showed up, she hid in the closet and found he was guilty of much more than she thought. She did her best not to look at the body when she grabbed her gym bag and bugged out of there. Though when she gets back to her apartment, she notices the gym bag she grabbed wasn’t her own, and the one she had stolen had some sort of artifact in it that Kareem and the other man had been arguing about. They called it an egg, but it was almost as big as a basketball.
Years ago, the wall fell, a magical wall that hid supernatural creatures from mortals. So, Meera had no clue what kind of egg she had in her possession, though it could be almost anything, even a dragon shifter’s egg. When the wall fell, she found out from her mother that she came from a line of women with magical talents. Each woman in her line had a different talent, though Meera had yet to find out what hers was. Another thing that happened after the wall fell was that the town of Darlington became a place where a lot of supernaturals moved.
Graham is a gargoyle. Many of his friends and family had found their mates, and he didn’t really want to be around them when they were so happy and lovey dovey all the time, though he didn’t begrudge them their happiness. He was just lonely being the only one without a mate. He had once loved a woman named Seraphina, who betrayed him, and he hasn’t looked at another woman romantically since then. Graham works for Redrock Protective Services, and he takes on a new job protecting Meera.
Highlights and Limitations
I enjoyed the fact that the paranormal world is known to mortals and isn’t treated as some shocking new phenomenon. Meera felt more like a regular person dropped into a strange situation since even though she’d been told she was a witch, she hadn’t found her power yet, so she was still living her life as a human who happens to know paranormals are real.
I also liked that Graham and Meera end up together on the road, being chased by a bunch of people who want the egg, which Graham called “Omelet”. It’s a journey type of story and I love those, the constant forward motion gives the romance room to build in stolen moments between danger, like grabbing a meal at a roadside diner while watching the door for anyone tailing them.
Where it fell a little short for me was depth. This is book eleven in a long series, and I noticed the world has a lot of potential, dragons, witches, gargoyle mating instincts, but Graham’s backstory with Seraphina gets mentioned more than it gets explored. I wanted at least one real scene where that betrayal came up and we got to sit in it with him, instead of it functioning mostly as shorthand for why he’s guarded. I also wished Meera’s magical talent had been revealed earlier in the book rather than left as a dangling thread for most of the run, since it’s clearly meant to matter and I kept waiting for that shoe to drop.
Narration
This audiobook is told in dual point of view via dual narration, performed by Dani Soleil and Troy Duran. Troy Duran has a deep voice that is perfect for a seven-foot-tall beast made of rock. He’s one of my favorite narrators and always does a fantastic job, and here he gives Graham this steady, grounded quality even in the tenser chase scenes that suits a character who is supposed to be, quite literally, unshakeable.
Dani Soleil has a nice, slightly scratchy sounding voice that’s very pleasant. She sounds the right age for Meera and is very expressive and emotive, especially in the moments right after Meera realizes what she’s stumbled into and has to keep her composure while her hands are shaking.
Final Opinion
Overall, I had a good time with this one. If you’ve been following the Possessive Monsters series, Gamble on a Gargoyle delivers what the series promises: a steady, protective hero, a heroine in over her head, and a plot that keeps moving so the spice and the danger both land. It’s not going to be the most layered entry if you’re craving deep emotional excavation of Graham’s past, but as a road trip romance with a literal dragon’s egg as the maguffin, it’s a fun, breezy listen, especially with narration this strong carrying it. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes their monster romance with a side of cross-country chase.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛💚❤️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋🙂😁😛
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
Character Backgrounds and Plot Summary
Meera accidentally saw her fiancé murder someone. She had wanted proof that Kareem was cheating on her with his secretary, so she was at his office to place a camera to catch him, but when he showed up, she hid in the closet and found he was guilty of much more than she thought. She did her best not to look at the body when she grabbed her gym bag and bugged out of there. Though when she gets back to her apartment, she notices the gym bag she grabbed wasn’t her own, and the one she had stolen had some sort of artifact in it that Kareem and the other man had been arguing about. They called it an egg, but it was almost as big as a basketball.
Years ago, the wall fell, a magical wall that hid supernatural creatures from mortals. So, Meera had no clue what kind of egg she had in her possession, though it could be almost anything, even a dragon shifter’s egg. When the wall fell, she found out from her mother that she came from a line of women with magical talents. Each woman in her line had a different talent, though Meera had yet to find out what hers was. Another thing that happened after the wall fell was that the town of Darlington became a place where a lot of supernaturals moved.
Graham is a gargoyle. Many of his friends and family had found their mates, and he didn’t really want to be around them when they were so happy and lovey dovey all the time, though he didn’t begrudge them their happiness. He was just lonely being the only one without a mate. He had once loved a woman named Seraphina, who betrayed him, and he hasn’t looked at another woman romantically since then. Graham works for Redrock Protective Services, and he takes on a new job protecting Meera.
Highlights and Limitations
I enjoyed the fact that the paranormal world is known to mortals and isn’t treated as some shocking new phenomenon. Meera felt more like a regular person dropped into a strange situation since even though she’d been told she was a witch, she hadn’t found her power yet, so she was still living her life as a human who happens to know paranormals are real.
I also liked that Graham and Meera end up together on the road, being chased by a bunch of people who want the egg, which Graham called “Omelet”. It’s a journey type of story and I love those, the constant forward motion gives the romance room to build in stolen moments between danger, like grabbing a meal at a roadside diner while watching the door for anyone tailing them.
Where it fell a little short for me was depth. This is book eleven in a long series, and I noticed the world has a lot of potential, dragons, witches, gargoyle mating instincts, but Graham’s backstory with Seraphina gets mentioned more than it gets explored. I wanted at least one real scene where that betrayal came up and we got to sit in it with him, instead of it functioning mostly as shorthand for why he’s guarded. I also wished Meera’s magical talent had been revealed earlier in the book rather than left as a dangling thread for most of the run, since it’s clearly meant to matter and I kept waiting for that shoe to drop.
Narration
This audiobook is told in dual point of view via dual narration, performed by Dani Soleil and Troy Duran. Troy Duran has a deep voice that is perfect for a seven-foot-tall beast made of rock. He’s one of my favorite narrators and always does a fantastic job, and here he gives Graham this steady, grounded quality even in the tenser chase scenes that suits a character who is supposed to be, quite literally, unshakeable.
Dani Soleil has a nice, slightly scratchy sounding voice that’s very pleasant. She sounds the right age for Meera and is very expressive and emotive, especially in the moments right after Meera realizes what she’s stumbled into and has to keep her composure while her hands are shaking.
Final Opinion
Overall, I had a good time with this one. If you’ve been following the Possessive Monsters series, Gamble on a Gargoyle delivers what the series promises: a steady, protective hero, a heroine in over her head, and a plot that keeps moving so the spice and the danger both land. It’s not going to be the most layered entry if you’re craving deep emotional excavation of Graham’s past, but as a road trip romance with a literal dragon’s egg as the maguffin, it’s a fun, breezy listen, especially with narration this strong carrying it. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes their monster romance with a side of cross-country chase.
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April 26, 2026
Suspicious that her long term boyfriend had been cheating on her, realtor Meera lies in wait in his office one night to catch him in the act with his assistant. What Meera catches him doing, however, is committing a cold blooded execution. In her haste to leave, she accidentally grabs the wrong gym bag and ends up with a fertilized dragon’s egg. As she attempts to deliver the egg to the only dragon she knows of, she’s pursued by many supernatural beings who want to cash in on the precious and rare cargo.
Gargoyle shifter Graham is the only unmated male left at Redrock Security. When he’s sent to retrieve the human Meera and the dragon egg, he feels a lot more than just a professional obligation to her, and her safety becomes paramount. A bad experience a century before has left him sour on a mate, however, and he sabotages what connection he and Meera have.
This was another wonderful read from Maggie Mayhem in the Redrocks Security series, with plenty of steam and adventure, as well as fun cameos from many of the previous books’ characters. I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
Gargoyle shifter Graham is the only unmated male left at Redrock Security. When he’s sent to retrieve the human Meera and the dragon egg, he feels a lot more than just a professional obligation to her, and her safety becomes paramount. A bad experience a century before has left him sour on a mate, however, and he sabotages what connection he and Meera have.
This was another wonderful read from Maggie Mayhem in the Redrocks Security series, with plenty of steam and adventure, as well as fun cameos from many of the previous books’ characters. I was fortunate to have been furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.
July 2, 2026
Thank you to @DarkStarRomance for the ALC of Gamble on a Gargoyle. Its part of a series but fine as a standard alone. I enjoyed the story. This is one book where I loved both the fmc and mmc so much. Neither of them annoyed me lol. The fmc finds a dragon egg and is on the run. Shes trying to protect it. Graham the mmc is a gargoyle and meets up with her at one point and brings her to Darlington where she is protected. There she makes friends with his friends and family and I enjoyed the camaraderie between everyone. The book was short and sweet and action packed and made me LOL!! This one is out now!!
May 12, 2026
More dragons
I love that the story finally circled back to the gargoyles and had a dragon in the mix! It was a sweet catch up on characters- not too much where lost if forgot a story line but it was nostalgic and yes some good twists!
I love that the story finally circled back to the gargoyles and had a dragon in the mix! It was a sweet catch up on characters- not too much where lost if forgot a story line but it was nostalgic and yes some good twists!
May 5, 2026
Here we go. Possessive Monsters book number eleven. I came a little late to this series, but now that I know, I'm here to stay. After reading the first line in Gamble on a Gargoyle, I knew this was going to be a good one. It's a bodyguard romance! The chemistry between Meera and Graham was fantastic. The banter, the playfulness, and the steam were amazing. She wanted to touch his tail. Ha! Meera was sweet but also a little spicy. She had no problem saying what was on her mind. Graham is a good guy, one of the Redrock brothers, and he took his job very seriously. That is, until Meera shows up. I loved how she brought out a lighter side of him. Neither one of them was looking for a relationship. She just got out of a situation, and he's sworn off women (issues from the past), but somehow they found their way to each other. And it was a wild ride.
This book was amazing. There was a lot of action. The chase is on for a stolen dragon egg. Between the car chases, magical escapades, and confrontations, I was hooked, waiting for the next thing to happen. I loved how Meera fit in with the entire friend group right away. The mystery surrounding the egg and the different groups vying for it was pretty intriguing. When it was all said and done, Gamble on a Gargoyle was an incredibly fun read that went by way too quickly. I love this series; I hope there's more to come. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
This book was amazing. There was a lot of action. The chase is on for a stolen dragon egg. Between the car chases, magical escapades, and confrontations, I was hooked, waiting for the next thing to happen. I loved how Meera fit in with the entire friend group right away. The mystery surrounding the egg and the different groups vying for it was pretty intriguing. When it was all said and done, Gamble on a Gargoyle was an incredibly fun read that went by way too quickly. I love this series; I hope there's more to come. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
July 3, 2026
This isn’t my usual style of read, but I thought, why not give it a shot? And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
Gamble on a Gargoyle by Maggie Mayhem was such a fun, quick, easy listen. It had that paranormal monster romance vibe with a protective gargoyle MMC, danger, forced proximity, and a romance that felt sweet, intense, and very meant-to-be.
One of my favorite parts was the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Their connection felt natural, and I liked how safe and protected she felt with him. Graham definitely gave protective/possessive hero energy, and I can see why readers who love monster romance would really enjoy him.
I will say, I did get a little lost with the worldbuilding at times, especially with the cities where humans and monsters live together like it’s completely normal. That may be because this is part of a series, and I haven’t read the other books. It can be read as a standalone, but I do think having more background from the series might have helped me feel more grounded in the world.
Overall, this was still a solid read for me. It was quick, fun, magical, and different from what I usually reach for, but I’m glad I gave it a chance.
Thank you to Dark Star Romance for the opportunity to listen and review.
Gamble on a Gargoyle by Maggie Mayhem was such a fun, quick, easy listen. It had that paranormal monster romance vibe with a protective gargoyle MMC, danger, forced proximity, and a romance that felt sweet, intense, and very meant-to-be.
One of my favorite parts was the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Their connection felt natural, and I liked how safe and protected she felt with him. Graham definitely gave protective/possessive hero energy, and I can see why readers who love monster romance would really enjoy him.
I will say, I did get a little lost with the worldbuilding at times, especially with the cities where humans and monsters live together like it’s completely normal. That may be because this is part of a series, and I haven’t read the other books. It can be read as a standalone, but I do think having more background from the series might have helped me feel more grounded in the world.
Overall, this was still a solid read for me. It was quick, fun, magical, and different from what I usually reach for, but I’m glad I gave it a chance.
Thank you to Dark Star Romance for the opportunity to listen and review.
June 29, 2026
I'm really enjoying these books. They are quick listens and have great characters. The characters can be funny, sweet, loveable, and grumpy all at the same time. You have gargoyles, dragons, witches, demons, sprites, and shifters all living among humans
This book was about the gargoyle, Graham, and a human, Meera brought together by a stolen dragon egg. Meera's ex stole the dragon egg, but Meera ended up with it accidentally. They have to figure out who the egg belongs to and try to keep Meera alive at the same time.
Dual narration by Dani Soleil and Troy Duran as usual was excellent.
This book was about the gargoyle, Graham, and a human, Meera brought together by a stolen dragon egg. Meera's ex stole the dragon egg, but Meera ended up with it accidentally. They have to figure out who the egg belongs to and try to keep Meera alive at the same time.
Dual narration by Dani Soleil and Troy Duran as usual was excellent.
July 2, 2026
I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone with this one. It was a quick read too!
That being said the smut vs story line was on point! 🥵
Troy Duran did a solo narration on this one and oh mylanta your female voice 😳😮💨 I mean your voice is very smooth but gritty at the same time… however I was not expecting the FMC!
This was definitely a happy surprise!
That being said the smut vs story line was on point! 🥵
Troy Duran did a solo narration on this one and oh mylanta your female voice 😳😮💨 I mean your voice is very smooth but gritty at the same time… however I was not expecting the FMC!
This was definitely a happy surprise!
July 2, 2026
Turns out gargoyles are doing it for me.
That's not a sentence I expected to write this year, but here we are.
This book starts with Meera realizing her fiancé isn't cheating on her. Nope. He's murdering people over a dragon egg. Before she can even process that, she accidentally steals the egg and ends up on the run with a gargoyle named Graham.
The egg eventually gets named Omelette, which was honestly one of my favorite running jokes.
Graham is basically a giant flying guard dog made of stone, and I mean that as the highest compliment. He's grumpy, protective to a fault, and completely gone for Meera before he even wants to admit it. Their banter was easily one of my favorite parts of the book, and I loved watching him slowly stop pretending he wasn't head over heels.
Meera was a lot of fun too. She's sarcastic, stubborn, and somehow manages to keep moving forward even after her entire life explodes in spectacular fashion.
I also loved the found family element. Give me a group of supernatural weirdos who immediately decide someone is under their protection, and I'm happy.
Dani Soleil absolutely nailed Meera, and Troy Duran proved once again why he's one of my favorite male narrators. The only thing keeping this from a full five-star narration was that it's dual POV instead of duet, and that's completely a me problem.
I never would've guessed this was book eleven if nobody had told me. It stands perfectly well on its own, but now I'm curious enough to go back and meet everyone else.
Did this become a new all-time favorite? No.
Did it convince me I should probably read more monster romance?
...Unfortunately for my TBR, yes.
Apparently I'm gargoyle-curious now.
Writing & Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25)
🎧 Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5)
Spice 🌶️ 4–5 chili peppers. If this is your first monster romance, prepare to blush and I'd call it a 5. If you've been here before, I'd call it a solid 4.
Who would like this?
- Monster romance fans
- Protective, possessive heroes
- Grumpy x sunshine vibes
- Found family lovers
- Readers who like humor mixed with spice
- Anyone who enjoys paranormal romance that doesn't take forever to get going
Skip this if...
- You only enjoy slow burns.
- Monster romance isn't your thing.
- You want dense fantasy over romance.
- Protective/possessive heroes aren't your vibe.
Tropes
Monster romance, gargoyle shifter, forced proximity, instant attraction, found family, protective hero, on the run, dual POV, standalone
Content Warnings
Murder, violence, abusive/manipulative ex-fiancé, betrayal, threats, explicit sexual content
Thank you to Dark Star Romance and Maggie Mayhem for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC in exchange for my honest review!
That's not a sentence I expected to write this year, but here we are.
This book starts with Meera realizing her fiancé isn't cheating on her. Nope. He's murdering people over a dragon egg. Before she can even process that, she accidentally steals the egg and ends up on the run with a gargoyle named Graham.
The egg eventually gets named Omelette, which was honestly one of my favorite running jokes.
Graham is basically a giant flying guard dog made of stone, and I mean that as the highest compliment. He's grumpy, protective to a fault, and completely gone for Meera before he even wants to admit it. Their banter was easily one of my favorite parts of the book, and I loved watching him slowly stop pretending he wasn't head over heels.
Meera was a lot of fun too. She's sarcastic, stubborn, and somehow manages to keep moving forward even after her entire life explodes in spectacular fashion.
I also loved the found family element. Give me a group of supernatural weirdos who immediately decide someone is under their protection, and I'm happy.
Dani Soleil absolutely nailed Meera, and Troy Duran proved once again why he's one of my favorite male narrators. The only thing keeping this from a full five-star narration was that it's dual POV instead of duet, and that's completely a me problem.
I never would've guessed this was book eleven if nobody had told me. It stands perfectly well on its own, but now I'm curious enough to go back and meet everyone else.
Did this become a new all-time favorite? No.
Did it convince me I should probably read more monster romance?
...Unfortunately for my TBR, yes.
Apparently I'm gargoyle-curious now.
Writing & Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.25)
🎧 Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5)
Spice 🌶️ 4–5 chili peppers. If this is your first monster romance, prepare to blush and I'd call it a 5. If you've been here before, I'd call it a solid 4.
Who would like this?
- Monster romance fans
- Protective, possessive heroes
- Grumpy x sunshine vibes
- Found family lovers
- Readers who like humor mixed with spice
- Anyone who enjoys paranormal romance that doesn't take forever to get going
Skip this if...
- You only enjoy slow burns.
- Monster romance isn't your thing.
- You want dense fantasy over romance.
- Protective/possessive heroes aren't your vibe.
Tropes
Monster romance, gargoyle shifter, forced proximity, instant attraction, found family, protective hero, on the run, dual POV, standalone
Content Warnings
Murder, violence, abusive/manipulative ex-fiancé, betrayal, threats, explicit sexual content
Thank you to Dark Star Romance and Maggie Mayhem for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC in exchange for my honest review!
June 29, 2026
If you’re looking for a cute, sexy, and easy to read paranormal romance, then you should definitely check out Gamble on a Gargoyle by Maggie Mayhem! It is the eleventh book in the Possessive Monsters series, but is a standalone that can absolutely be read on its own. (Though, there is so much to this world, now I’m itching to go back and read the rest of the series!)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to expect:
🐉Paranormal Romance
🥚Forced Proximity
🐉Instant Attraction
🥚Protective & Possessive MMC
🐉All the Monsters/Creatures
🥚Magical Realism
🐉Dual POV/Dual Narration
🥚TW
I found this story to be totally delightful and delicious, edging on the side of cozy with the enticing sensory descriptions and kindness of the friendships. As a fairly short audiobook (6.5 hours), it can easily be listened to in one sitting, but while shorter in length, it is very successfully written as a complete story. I loved how well the FMC and MMC are developed, both very different, but absolutely bringing the best out of each other. Is it a little cheesy at times? Sure, but I think that adds to the charm of the story. And while it is spicy, it is definitely plot driven, with the spicy scenes feeling organic. (But to be clear, the spice is spicing in all the right ways!)
I must highlight the top quality narration. As a serial audiobook listener, I’m always excited to see certain narrators knowing I’m in for a good time, and Troy Duran is one of them. Dani Soleil was new to me, but I cannot wait to listen to more of her catalog. Both narrators did an excellent job sinking into their roles, and bringing the characters to life. From powerful anger and distress, to teasing and flirtatious, Troy and Dani capture every emotion with precision and truly embody Graham and Meera. Their clarity of speech and diction is also fantastic, so whether you want to listen on 0.5x or 3.5x speed, you will have an easy time understanding everything from beginning to end.
Thank you to Maggie Mayhem and Dark Star Romance for the ALC. This is my honest review shared voluntarily.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What to expect:
🐉Paranormal Romance
🥚Forced Proximity
🐉Instant Attraction
🥚Protective & Possessive MMC
🐉All the Monsters/Creatures
🥚Magical Realism
🐉Dual POV/Dual Narration
🥚TW
I found this story to be totally delightful and delicious, edging on the side of cozy with the enticing sensory descriptions and kindness of the friendships. As a fairly short audiobook (6.5 hours), it can easily be listened to in one sitting, but while shorter in length, it is very successfully written as a complete story. I loved how well the FMC and MMC are developed, both very different, but absolutely bringing the best out of each other. Is it a little cheesy at times? Sure, but I think that adds to the charm of the story. And while it is spicy, it is definitely plot driven, with the spicy scenes feeling organic. (But to be clear, the spice is spicing in all the right ways!)
I must highlight the top quality narration. As a serial audiobook listener, I’m always excited to see certain narrators knowing I’m in for a good time, and Troy Duran is one of them. Dani Soleil was new to me, but I cannot wait to listen to more of her catalog. Both narrators did an excellent job sinking into their roles, and bringing the characters to life. From powerful anger and distress, to teasing and flirtatious, Troy and Dani capture every emotion with precision and truly embody Graham and Meera. Their clarity of speech and diction is also fantastic, so whether you want to listen on 0.5x or 3.5x speed, you will have an easy time understanding everything from beginning to end.
Thank you to Maggie Mayhem and Dark Star Romance for the ALC. This is my honest review shared voluntarily.
July 4, 2026
Gamble on a Gargoyle:
By Maggie Mathem
Narrated by: Troy Durant as Graham
DANI SOLEIL as Meera
I received this ALC free of charge for my honest review of this book. This was not my first Maggie Mayhem book, it’s actually my second of this series. The first one I read was Rock Hard Gargoyle. I loved that one years ago when it came out fully intended to come back and read the books to follow that one. I haven’t had the opportunity to read any until now. The story was really good right off the bat in the beginning you get hooked not so much for the plot as the personality that immediately shines through from the FMC, Meera. She was really smart and kind the entire book which might be annoying to some but i felt it was a nice balance when paired with Graham the MMC who was kind of a jaded grumpy gargoyle. The narrators did an amazing job with the way they brought life to the books characters. Troy has always been one of my favorite male narrators and I never have to worry if I’ll like the story or not because he’s a guaranteed winner to any character he plays. Dani was sort of a newer (to me) narrator. I think she was amazing as Meera! The way she performed scenes in this book made me feel like I could be watching a movie playing out. The spice of this book was probably 2.5-3 chili peppers. The overall plot, characters, and narration is definitely 5 stars! I loved this series it was nice to come back to something familiar to my bookshelves.
By Maggie Mathem
Narrated by: Troy Durant as Graham
DANI SOLEIL as Meera
I received this ALC free of charge for my honest review of this book. This was not my first Maggie Mayhem book, it’s actually my second of this series. The first one I read was Rock Hard Gargoyle. I loved that one years ago when it came out fully intended to come back and read the books to follow that one. I haven’t had the opportunity to read any until now. The story was really good right off the bat in the beginning you get hooked not so much for the plot as the personality that immediately shines through from the FMC, Meera. She was really smart and kind the entire book which might be annoying to some but i felt it was a nice balance when paired with Graham the MMC who was kind of a jaded grumpy gargoyle. The narrators did an amazing job with the way they brought life to the books characters. Troy has always been one of my favorite male narrators and I never have to worry if I’ll like the story or not because he’s a guaranteed winner to any character he plays. Dani was sort of a newer (to me) narrator. I think she was amazing as Meera! The way she performed scenes in this book made me feel like I could be watching a movie playing out. The spice of this book was probably 2.5-3 chili peppers. The overall plot, characters, and narration is definitely 5 stars! I loved this series it was nice to come back to something familiar to my bookshelves.
July 13, 2026
I loved this monster romance! What an enjoyable listen with such a fun, interesting storyline.
Meera, the FMC, is on the run with a stolen dragon egg, and Graham, the MMC, is assigned to protect her. Together, they battle ghouls and other monsters to keep both Meera and the egg safe, all while undeniable chemistry builds between them. This story had a perfect balance of world-building, action, romance, and spice.
The audiobook is performed in dual narration by Dani Soleil and Troy Duran. This was my first time listening to Dani, and it definitely won’t be my last. Troy Duran, on the other hand, is already a favorite of mine, and once again, he absolutely delivered. 😮💨
Dani perfectly captured Meera’s guarded yet curious personality, while Troy brought Graham’s possessive, protective nature to life in a way that felt authentic. 🔥Together, their performances elevated the story.
I’ll definitely be continuing with the rest of this series by Maggie Mayhem! Thank you Dark Star Romance for the ALC!
Meera, the FMC, is on the run with a stolen dragon egg, and Graham, the MMC, is assigned to protect her. Together, they battle ghouls and other monsters to keep both Meera and the egg safe, all while undeniable chemistry builds between them. This story had a perfect balance of world-building, action, romance, and spice.
The audiobook is performed in dual narration by Dani Soleil and Troy Duran. This was my first time listening to Dani, and it definitely won’t be my last. Troy Duran, on the other hand, is already a favorite of mine, and once again, he absolutely delivered. 😮💨
Dani perfectly captured Meera’s guarded yet curious personality, while Troy brought Graham’s possessive, protective nature to life in a way that felt authentic. 🔥Together, their performances elevated the story.
I’ll definitely be continuing with the rest of this series by Maggie Mayhem! Thank you Dark Star Romance for the ALC!
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July 7, 2026Thank you DarkStar Romance for the ALC of this book! The audio from Troy Duran and Dani Soleil were amazing. I was a little bummed it was dual instead of duet, but both did a fantastic job voicing their opposite genders.
If you love giant, protective and loyal heroes, a sweet but spicy romance this a is fun, quick read.
Personally, this was my first monster romance and I was very excited to start! It became very clear in the beginning that this was not the first in the series as the world was already established to have both humans and monsters. What I didn't realize is this is the 11th book! We were introduced to many, MANY characters and were given a brief but detailed history about them and I had a feeling I was missing out on something...and I was...10 books of something. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I think I would have liked it more if I had started closer to the start of the series.
If you love giant, protective and loyal heroes, a sweet but spicy romance this a is fun, quick read.
Personally, this was my first monster romance and I was very excited to start! It became very clear in the beginning that this was not the first in the series as the world was already established to have both humans and monsters. What I didn't realize is this is the 11th book! We were introduced to many, MANY characters and were given a brief but detailed history about them and I had a feeling I was missing out on something...and I was...10 books of something. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I think I would have liked it more if I had started closer to the start of the series.
June 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
🎧Dual Narration
💙Gargoyle MMC
💙Human FMC(with some magic lineage)
💙He Calls Her Trouble
💙He’s Protecting Her
💙Found Family
When Meera finds that her finance has stolen a dragon egg (and cheated on her and other awful things) she takes the egg and ends up on the run, but with the protection of a gargoyle. Graham is trying hard not to get attached to the human he is tasked with protecting. When they end up in Darlington with all the fun characters from previous books, Meera finds herself in the midst of a group that immediately took her in and felt like family. Things turn spicy when Graham stops fighting his attraction to Meera. I was a big fan of the creative use of Graham’s tail! And there was just enough suspense in finding out who was trying to kill Meera to make the story even more intriguing.
If you love an overprotective, growly MMC this audiobook is definitely for you! Troy Duran was, as always, chefs kiss in his narration and Dani Soleil might be my new favorite female narrator! Those two really brought something extra into this story.
Thank you to Dark Star Romance and Maggie Mayhem for the alc!
🎧Dual Narration
💙Gargoyle MMC
💙Human FMC(with some magic lineage)
💙He Calls Her Trouble
💙He’s Protecting Her
💙Found Family
When Meera finds that her finance has stolen a dragon egg (and cheated on her and other awful things) she takes the egg and ends up on the run, but with the protection of a gargoyle. Graham is trying hard not to get attached to the human he is tasked with protecting. When they end up in Darlington with all the fun characters from previous books, Meera finds herself in the midst of a group that immediately took her in and felt like family. Things turn spicy when Graham stops fighting his attraction to Meera. I was a big fan of the creative use of Graham’s tail! And there was just enough suspense in finding out who was trying to kill Meera to make the story even more intriguing.
If you love an overprotective, growly MMC this audiobook is definitely for you! Troy Duran was, as always, chefs kiss in his narration and Dani Soleil might be my new favorite female narrator! Those two really brought something extra into this story.
Thank you to Dark Star Romance and Maggie Mayhem for the alc!
June 29, 2026
This is an ALC review of the audiobook version featuring Troy Duran and Dani Soleil.
I will start off by saying I have not read (or listened to) the previous books in the ‘Possessive Monsters’ series, however, after reading Gamble on a Gargoyle, I immediately went and downloaded the previous 10. This book was so good from start to finish. There were no lagging areas- everything in the story moved forward so smoothly. The chemistry between the FMC Meera and the MMC Graham is simply perfect. If you enjoy paranormal romantasies with super possessive MMC and a bad ass FMC- this one is for you!
I listened to this in one day (6hr,5min) and am ready to continue the story!
I will start off by saying I have not read (or listened to) the previous books in the ‘Possessive Monsters’ series, however, after reading Gamble on a Gargoyle, I immediately went and downloaded the previous 10. This book was so good from start to finish. There were no lagging areas- everything in the story moved forward so smoothly. The chemistry between the FMC Meera and the MMC Graham is simply perfect. If you enjoy paranormal romantasies with super possessive MMC and a bad ass FMC- this one is for you!
I listened to this in one day (6hr,5min) and am ready to continue the story!
July 13, 2026
This was my first gargoyle romance and I loved every bit of it! The banter was on point from start to finish! The story had it all with the action, romance, magic, and interesting story line. Meera definitely held her own against Graham. This woman had the right amount sass, grace, and courage. Boy oh boy Mr Graham starts out to be grumpy, but really is a teddy bear at heart. Don’t get me wrong, this man is possessive and protective, but also very talented with his hands, mouth, and tail when it comes to the spice! I definitely need to listen to rest of the series. Narration by Troy Duran and Dani Soleil was fantastic! The chemistry was authentic and natural between these two. Each of their voices matched their characters to the T! Thank you Dark Star Romance and Maggie Mayhem for this great ALC opportunity!
July 9, 2026
Monster Romance for the Win!
I absolutely LOVED this immersive read!! OMG Troy Duran voicing Graham and Dani Soleil as Meera was Perfection!! They embodied the characters so well and made this read that much more enjoyable!
Do you Like Monster Romances with good spice, a Gargoyle who has sworn off love and says helping the FMC is just a job but gets jealous of others and will do anything to protect her, god writing, and a fun world!! Then what are you waiting for, pick up this Book and the Audio today!!
Overall 4.5 Stars
Narration 5 Stars
I absolutely LOVED this immersive read!! OMG Troy Duran voicing Graham and Dani Soleil as Meera was Perfection!! They embodied the characters so well and made this read that much more enjoyable!
Do you Like Monster Romances with good spice, a Gargoyle who has sworn off love and says helping the FMC is just a job but gets jealous of others and will do anything to protect her, god writing, and a fun world!! Then what are you waiting for, pick up this Book and the Audio today!!
Overall 4.5 Stars
Narration 5 Stars
June 30, 2026
I listened to this one on audiobook and Troy Duran and Dani Soleil did a great job with these characters.
Graham and Meera were great characters. I really liked starting with Meera's POV to see how she got herself into the situation she's in, but also to see how she takes it and just starts making decisions without hesitation. So often the FMC is portrayed as dumb or inept so it's really nice to see one that's faced with a situation and immediately starts doing things to resolve it. Graham coming in really added to the story, especially with their verbal sparring. These two are really entertaining together and the side characters have me wanting to dig in to the rest of this series.
The storyline itself was interesting, and I did really enjoy that part while wondering the whys of it all the whole time. Like, it's obvious it's about the money, but why risk all that when if you get caught it's a done deal you're gonna be ☠️ But I guess desperation has people making dumb decisions. I like how it all wrapped up and also teased to what's possibly coming next. I plan to read a bit more from this author in the future!
Graham and Meera were great characters. I really liked starting with Meera's POV to see how she got herself into the situation she's in, but also to see how she takes it and just starts making decisions without hesitation. So often the FMC is portrayed as dumb or inept so it's really nice to see one that's faced with a situation and immediately starts doing things to resolve it. Graham coming in really added to the story, especially with their verbal sparring. These two are really entertaining together and the side characters have me wanting to dig in to the rest of this series.
The storyline itself was interesting, and I did really enjoy that part while wondering the whys of it all the whole time. Like, it's obvious it's about the money, but why risk all that when if you get caught it's a done deal you're gonna be ☠️ But I guess desperation has people making dumb decisions. I like how it all wrapped up and also teased to what's possibly coming next. I plan to read a bit more from this author in the future!
July 3, 2026
Wow, this was the first of the series I have listened to. I will be going and getting the others in the series. This was a well written monster romance. Never read a gargoyle monster romance but it definitely did it for me. Meera and Graham are great characters and loved their story, love a good forced proximity story. Also Troy Duran and Dani Soleil did amazing job with bringing these characters to life!
July 2, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this short story. It was my first time reading something like this. I enjoyed the concept that monsters and humans lived (almost) peacefully amongst each other. I may have to go through the rest of the series at some point.
July 2, 2026
The narration by Troy Duran and Dani Soleil is fantastic. The FMC is a strong woman who saves a dragon egg from danger. Graham is a bit grumpy but deeply protective of her. Their romance is filled with suspense and spice.
May 3, 2026
This book is so well written, you have that great paranormal romance feel, that is fun, yet still intriguing. At times I was laughing at other times I was biting my nails! I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting. I will definitely be going back and reading the other books in this interconnected stand alone series!
There was definitely some good spice in this book. It was NOT a slow burn, but it also wasn’t insta love. The obsessiveness, possessiveness, & yearning in this book are superb! It was all well written and fit in the plot of the story as well!
There was definitely some good spice in this book. It was NOT a slow burn, but it also wasn’t insta love. The obsessiveness, possessiveness, & yearning in this book are superb! It was all well written and fit in the plot of the story as well!
May 4, 2026
She stole a dragon egg. He became the monster between her and death.
Meera only wants proof that her fiancé is cheating. Instead, she witnesses something she can’t unsee, grabs the wrong bag, and ends up fleeing New York with a warm, living dragon egg in her possession. She’s terrified, furious, running on instinct, and still mouthy enough to argue with danger.
Graham is sent to retrieve her before the egg falls into worse hands. He’s a gargoyle with wings, claws, a brutal protective streak, and a past that’s taught him not to trust desire. Meera doesn’t trust him either, but forced proximity strips people to what they really are.
As enemies close in, suspicion turns into heat, and heat turns into something harder to control. Graham wants to protect her, possess her, and keep his distance all at once. Meera sees the wounded man beneath the monster, but she won’t let herself be swallowed by someone else’s fear.
The danger isn’t only outside them. It’s in the old wounds they keep mistaking for truth, the trust they keep testing, and the unsettling relief of being wanted by someone who has seen the worst and still reaches back.
Meera grows from guarded survival into instinct, softness, and desire without surrendering her agency. Graham shifts from lonely, self-punishing protector into a man willing to be seen and loved without assuming intimacy will become exploitation. Together, they move from distrust and survival-driven proximity into high-heat trust, tenderness, and chosen safety.
An ultra-steamy gargoyle monster romance about surviving betrayal, running toward danger with stolen magical cargo, and finding safety with a protective hero who has to learn that love isn’t control. It’s about trust after trauma, sharp banter, found family, and being wanted without being owned.
The Elevator Pitch: After witnessing her fiancé commit murder, a guarded woman flees with a living dragon egg and becomes the target of forces far more dangerous than the man she escaped. The gargoyle sent to retrieve her should be only a protector, but proximity turns distrust into heat, and heat into a bond neither of them is ready to name. As the hunt tightens around them, they must decide whether survival is enough, or whether the most dangerous gamble is trusting someone with the parts of themselves they’ve kept hidden.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Meera only wants proof that her fiancé is cheating. Instead, she witnesses something she can’t unsee, grabs the wrong bag, and ends up fleeing New York with a warm, living dragon egg in her possession. She’s terrified, furious, running on instinct, and still mouthy enough to argue with danger.
Graham is sent to retrieve her before the egg falls into worse hands. He’s a gargoyle with wings, claws, a brutal protective streak, and a past that’s taught him not to trust desire. Meera doesn’t trust him either, but forced proximity strips people to what they really are.
As enemies close in, suspicion turns into heat, and heat turns into something harder to control. Graham wants to protect her, possess her, and keep his distance all at once. Meera sees the wounded man beneath the monster, but she won’t let herself be swallowed by someone else’s fear.
The danger isn’t only outside them. It’s in the old wounds they keep mistaking for truth, the trust they keep testing, and the unsettling relief of being wanted by someone who has seen the worst and still reaches back.
Meera grows from guarded survival into instinct, softness, and desire without surrendering her agency. Graham shifts from lonely, self-punishing protector into a man willing to be seen and loved without assuming intimacy will become exploitation. Together, they move from distrust and survival-driven proximity into high-heat trust, tenderness, and chosen safety.
An ultra-steamy gargoyle monster romance about surviving betrayal, running toward danger with stolen magical cargo, and finding safety with a protective hero who has to learn that love isn’t control. It’s about trust after trauma, sharp banter, found family, and being wanted without being owned.
The Elevator Pitch: After witnessing her fiancé commit murder, a guarded woman flees with a living dragon egg and becomes the target of forces far more dangerous than the man she escaped. The gargoyle sent to retrieve her should be only a protector, but proximity turns distrust into heat, and heat into a bond neither of them is ready to name. As the hunt tightens around them, they must decide whether survival is enough, or whether the most dangerous gamble is trusting someone with the parts of themselves they’ve kept hidden.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
May 1, 2026
There’s something quietly mesmerizing about Gamble on a Gargoyle by Maggie Maybem—the kind of story that doesn’t rush to grab you, but instead settles in, slow and steady, until you realize you’re completely wrapped up in it.
Meera’s life takes a sharp, dangerous turn when she goes looking for proof of betrayal and instead stumbles into something far darker. From that moment on, the story moves with a sense of quiet tension—less about explosive action and more about the weight of every choice she makes while carrying something rare, powerful, and very much coveted. There’s an almost reflective quality to her journey, like she’s constantly walking a line between fear and determination, never quite losing her footing.
Enter Graham—the gargoyle shifter who feels like he was carved from the same stone he embodies. He’s guarded, restrained, and shaped by a past that refuses to loosen its grip. What makes his connection with Meera so compelling isn’t fiery, instant passion—it’s the resistance. The hesitation. The way he fights what’s clearly pulling him toward her, even when every instinct says she’s his to protect.
And that’s where this story really shines.
Instead of loud declarations or sweeping drama, the romance unfolds in quiet glances, careful words, and the unspoken understanding that builds between two people who don’t easily open up. It’s a slow burn in the truest sense—one that feels almost meditative, as if the relationship is being carved piece by piece, just like Graham might shape stone.
The writing itself carries the story beautifully. It leans into atmosphere and tone, giving readers space to sit with the characters rather than rushing them from one moment to the next. Both Meera and Graham are more reserved, more internal—and that restraint makes the emotional payoff feel earned.
If you’re someone who loves a romance that simmers instead of explodes, where connection builds beneath the surface and strength shows up in quiet, steadfast ways, this one is worth the read. It’s less about chaos and more about endurance—about finding something real in the middle of danger, mistrust, and second chances you weren’t sure you wanted.
A thoughtful, slow-burning paranormal romance that lingers long after the last page.
Meera’s life takes a sharp, dangerous turn when she goes looking for proof of betrayal and instead stumbles into something far darker. From that moment on, the story moves with a sense of quiet tension—less about explosive action and more about the weight of every choice she makes while carrying something rare, powerful, and very much coveted. There’s an almost reflective quality to her journey, like she’s constantly walking a line between fear and determination, never quite losing her footing.
Enter Graham—the gargoyle shifter who feels like he was carved from the same stone he embodies. He’s guarded, restrained, and shaped by a past that refuses to loosen its grip. What makes his connection with Meera so compelling isn’t fiery, instant passion—it’s the resistance. The hesitation. The way he fights what’s clearly pulling him toward her, even when every instinct says she’s his to protect.
And that’s where this story really shines.
Instead of loud declarations or sweeping drama, the romance unfolds in quiet glances, careful words, and the unspoken understanding that builds between two people who don’t easily open up. It’s a slow burn in the truest sense—one that feels almost meditative, as if the relationship is being carved piece by piece, just like Graham might shape stone.
The writing itself carries the story beautifully. It leans into atmosphere and tone, giving readers space to sit with the characters rather than rushing them from one moment to the next. Both Meera and Graham are more reserved, more internal—and that restraint makes the emotional payoff feel earned.
If you’re someone who loves a romance that simmers instead of explodes, where connection builds beneath the surface and strength shows up in quiet, steadfast ways, this one is worth the read. It’s less about chaos and more about endurance—about finding something real in the middle of danger, mistrust, and second chances you weren’t sure you wanted.
A thoughtful, slow-burning paranormal romance that lingers long after the last page.
May 1, 2026
When the first sentence grabs you it's very important to just follow it and enjoy the ride. 😂
Meera knows her fiancé is having an affair. After breaking into his office to plant cameras she expects to have the video evidence she needs to leave him without a huge mess. He unexpectedly shows up while she's there and instead of engaging with his secretary he actually kind of murders someone 😬 In a panic while leaving Meera grabs the wrong bag and what she finds in this bag is unlike anything she's ever seen. She knows someone has been killed for it, she knows what her fiancé is capable of in regard to it, and she knows without a single doubt she needs to do whatever she can to keep it safe. She may not know a lot but she does learn it's a dragon egg and the only thing she can think is to try to get this egg to the Dragon in Darlington, a town where monsters openly live and the only place she knows where a dragon can be found. So much for no mess, huh?
Graham is the last unmated gargoyle in his house. Seeing his brothers with their mates has definitely left him feeling some kind of way since he swore off women more than a hundred years ago. He, like his brothers, is an employee of Redrock Protective Services and when the museum gets a call about a rare dragon egg his boss tasks him with intercepting the girl and the egg. Graham doesn't understand why he's immediately drawn to this woman and why he wants to keep her safe so badly. Once they're back in Darlington and the investigation is underway on where the egg came from and what Meera's now ex was doing with it, Graham finds himself actively fighting to stay away from her. Once he gives in to temptation and gets in close proximity he realizes that what his instincts and everyone around him are screaming may be true, Meera may be his. But knowing her stay in town is less than temporary Graham doesn't know how to not only keep her safe from the list of threats that seem to grow by the day but also how to get her to stay when she insists she has to go.
He calls her trouble and sweetness and I absolutely love that 🤭😍 She wants to touch his tail, he says no, but then lets her do it anyway 😏
Meera knows her fiancé is having an affair. After breaking into his office to plant cameras she expects to have the video evidence she needs to leave him without a huge mess. He unexpectedly shows up while she's there and instead of engaging with his secretary he actually kind of murders someone 😬 In a panic while leaving Meera grabs the wrong bag and what she finds in this bag is unlike anything she's ever seen. She knows someone has been killed for it, she knows what her fiancé is capable of in regard to it, and she knows without a single doubt she needs to do whatever she can to keep it safe. She may not know a lot but she does learn it's a dragon egg and the only thing she can think is to try to get this egg to the Dragon in Darlington, a town where monsters openly live and the only place she knows where a dragon can be found. So much for no mess, huh?
Graham is the last unmated gargoyle in his house. Seeing his brothers with their mates has definitely left him feeling some kind of way since he swore off women more than a hundred years ago. He, like his brothers, is an employee of Redrock Protective Services and when the museum gets a call about a rare dragon egg his boss tasks him with intercepting the girl and the egg. Graham doesn't understand why he's immediately drawn to this woman and why he wants to keep her safe so badly. Once they're back in Darlington and the investigation is underway on where the egg came from and what Meera's now ex was doing with it, Graham finds himself actively fighting to stay away from her. Once he gives in to temptation and gets in close proximity he realizes that what his instincts and everyone around him are screaming may be true, Meera may be his. But knowing her stay in town is less than temporary Graham doesn't know how to not only keep her safe from the list of threats that seem to grow by the day but also how to get her to stay when she insists she has to go.
He calls her trouble and sweetness and I absolutely love that 🤭😍 She wants to touch his tail, he says no, but then lets her do it anyway 😏
May 12, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️ Author: Maggie Mayhem
Boyfriend type: Protective
Yasss quote: “The weight of her fear still clung to the air around us, and I wanted her to know she was safe here. Redrock was protected, and even if it wasn’t, they’d have to get through me to get to her.”
Graham is the only one of his gargoyle brothers to have not found a mate — and he doesn’t want one. A terrible betrayal a century ago left him permanently closed off to love. Human Meera is struggling through a betrayal of sorts too. She just watched her fiancé murder a stranger to obtain an incredibly rare dragon egg. She accidentally picks up the bag with the egg and then panics, ultimately fleeing toward the city of Darlington and its most famous resident, a dragon she hopes will house and care for the egg. Graham, who runs a security business with his brothers (and a demon) is sent to locate Meera and the egg and protect them both on the journey. Meera and Graham quickly develop some inconvenient feelings for each other but he’s so stuck on the past that he lets her slip away, straight into danger. By the time he admits to himself that he wants a future with her, he may already be too late.
The universe of Darlington and its inhabitants is so creative and unlike any other world I’ve read. The humor, steam and genuinely lovable characters mix together perfectly. I’m guaranteed to laugh, tear up (sometimes cry!) and love right along with the characters. I especially love how the stories interact with others. They’re all standalone, but it’s lovely when you have characters from previous books pop up. And not just the people — I adore Chicken Nugget 🐦.
I alternately wanted to hug and smack Graham. I ached for his heartbreak but was frustrated that he was letting fear control him. Meera deserved so much better than her fiancé and I’m so glad she learned that (even though she had some heartbreak along the way).
I have loved every book in this series and get ridiculously happy when there’s a new one. I hope they keep coming!
Boyfriend type: Protective
Yasss quote: “The weight of her fear still clung to the air around us, and I wanted her to know she was safe here. Redrock was protected, and even if it wasn’t, they’d have to get through me to get to her.”
Graham is the only one of his gargoyle brothers to have not found a mate — and he doesn’t want one. A terrible betrayal a century ago left him permanently closed off to love. Human Meera is struggling through a betrayal of sorts too. She just watched her fiancé murder a stranger to obtain an incredibly rare dragon egg. She accidentally picks up the bag with the egg and then panics, ultimately fleeing toward the city of Darlington and its most famous resident, a dragon she hopes will house and care for the egg. Graham, who runs a security business with his brothers (and a demon) is sent to locate Meera and the egg and protect them both on the journey. Meera and Graham quickly develop some inconvenient feelings for each other but he’s so stuck on the past that he lets her slip away, straight into danger. By the time he admits to himself that he wants a future with her, he may already be too late.
The universe of Darlington and its inhabitants is so creative and unlike any other world I’ve read. The humor, steam and genuinely lovable characters mix together perfectly. I’m guaranteed to laugh, tear up (sometimes cry!) and love right along with the characters. I especially love how the stories interact with others. They’re all standalone, but it’s lovely when you have characters from previous books pop up. And not just the people — I adore Chicken Nugget 🐦.
I alternately wanted to hug and smack Graham. I ached for his heartbreak but was frustrated that he was letting fear control him. Meera deserved so much better than her fiancé and I’m so glad she learned that (even though she had some heartbreak along the way).
I have loved every book in this series and get ridiculously happy when there’s a new one. I hope they keep coming!
June 5, 2026
'I spread my palms on his chest, resisting the urge to slide under the shirt and feel him skin-to-skin.
“There it is.”
“There what is?” I asked.
“The part where you stop pretending you’re not curious.” His free hand cupped my jaw, his thumb dragging over my bottom lip.
“You mean about your horns and wings?” I purposefully left out his tail. I reached up, feeling my way up the side of his chiseled cheekbones to his temples.
He let out a low growl as my fingers locked around his horns.
“There it is,” I said, mimicking him.
“There what is?” He sounded amused.
“The part where you stop pretending I’m not your type.”
I absolutely loved this book! It was exciting, suspenseful, and fast-paced right from the very start and I was immediately hooked. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Meera and Graham. She was surprisingly quick thinking for the sudden predicament she found herself in having witnessed her fiancé murder someone and accidentally being in possession of a priceless dragon egg- and a live one at that. Graham was strong and capable, and the chemistry between them sizzled once she believed he was there to help her. I also really enjoyed the teasing banter between them. It was cute he nicknamed her Trouble, and I had to laugh that he called the egg Omelet.
With enemies both supernatural and human hunting them down, I was at the edge of my seat! I loved the supporting characters. I was also fascinated at Meera's reminiscing about discovering the existence of other species in society as a kid- starting with her neighbor/friend being a faun with a human mother and faun father. As well as her own heritage. I could read a whole book about that alone.
This was such a fun read with action, danger, suspense, mystery, humor, and romance. I can say this is my favorite Maggie Mayhem book- I cannot wait until it comes out on audiobook! I'm desperate to listen to it! 500 stars
“There it is.”
“There what is?” I asked.
“The part where you stop pretending you’re not curious.” His free hand cupped my jaw, his thumb dragging over my bottom lip.
“You mean about your horns and wings?” I purposefully left out his tail. I reached up, feeling my way up the side of his chiseled cheekbones to his temples.
He let out a low growl as my fingers locked around his horns.
“There it is,” I said, mimicking him.
“There what is?” He sounded amused.
“The part where you stop pretending I’m not your type.”
I absolutely loved this book! It was exciting, suspenseful, and fast-paced right from the very start and I was immediately hooked. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Meera and Graham. She was surprisingly quick thinking for the sudden predicament she found herself in having witnessed her fiancé murder someone and accidentally being in possession of a priceless dragon egg- and a live one at that. Graham was strong and capable, and the chemistry between them sizzled once she believed he was there to help her. I also really enjoyed the teasing banter between them. It was cute he nicknamed her Trouble, and I had to laugh that he called the egg Omelet.
With enemies both supernatural and human hunting them down, I was at the edge of my seat! I loved the supporting characters. I was also fascinated at Meera's reminiscing about discovering the existence of other species in society as a kid- starting with her neighbor/friend being a faun with a human mother and faun father. As well as her own heritage. I could read a whole book about that alone.
This was such a fun read with action, danger, suspense, mystery, humor, and romance. I can say this is my favorite Maggie Mayhem book- I cannot wait until it comes out on audiobook! I'm desperate to listen to it! 500 stars
July 6, 2026
Absolutely Delightful! A monster romance being delightful, you might ask? Yes, for me, it was. I loved every second of this listen!
While on the hunt to capture proof of her boyfriend’s infidelity, Meera accidentally witnesses a murder instead. She flees the scene and upon entering her home discovers a dragon’s egg hidden there. Knowing how precious and rare they are, she decides to then leave town to keep it safe. Once on the run, she makes a call to the only known dragon she has contact information for. He sends out one of his security team to hunt her down and keep the egg safe.
Graham is a gargoyle and has worked security for his dragon friend for years. Meera and the egg were just supposed to be a job and nothing more. Due to past heartbreak, Graham has sworn off love interests. But, from the moment he sees her, chemistry is evident on both sides and this is where the delicious slow burn begins! The dynamic and witty banter between Meera and Graham coupled with the many plot twists throughout the story makes this an easy page-turner.
Dani Soleil and Troy Duran are the voice actors chosen to take you on this magical journey. Being a human with only limited knowledge of the world of monsters, Dani put just the right amount of an inquisitive tone in her voice during the many times Meera discovered something new. It made each scene seem more believable. Troy Duran has a natural gruffness to his voice that was perfect for Grumpy Graham the Gargoyle.
This is a first read for me by this Author. I was impressed with the attention to detail in both the character development and world building. This is a standalone novel in a series and I’m looking forward to now going back and reading the other books in the series. (Particularly any that feature Gargoyles. 😉)
I recommend this novel for mature audiences due to sexual content and some violence.
I received this ACL in exchange for a fair and honest review.
While on the hunt to capture proof of her boyfriend’s infidelity, Meera accidentally witnesses a murder instead. She flees the scene and upon entering her home discovers a dragon’s egg hidden there. Knowing how precious and rare they are, she decides to then leave town to keep it safe. Once on the run, she makes a call to the only known dragon she has contact information for. He sends out one of his security team to hunt her down and keep the egg safe.
Graham is a gargoyle and has worked security for his dragon friend for years. Meera and the egg were just supposed to be a job and nothing more. Due to past heartbreak, Graham has sworn off love interests. But, from the moment he sees her, chemistry is evident on both sides and this is where the delicious slow burn begins! The dynamic and witty banter between Meera and Graham coupled with the many plot twists throughout the story makes this an easy page-turner.
Dani Soleil and Troy Duran are the voice actors chosen to take you on this magical journey. Being a human with only limited knowledge of the world of monsters, Dani put just the right amount of an inquisitive tone in her voice during the many times Meera discovered something new. It made each scene seem more believable. Troy Duran has a natural gruffness to his voice that was perfect for Grumpy Graham the Gargoyle.
This is a first read for me by this Author. I was impressed with the attention to detail in both the character development and world building. This is a standalone novel in a series and I’m looking forward to now going back and reading the other books in the series. (Particularly any that feature Gargoyles. 😉)
I recommend this novel for mature audiences due to sexual content and some violence.
I received this ACL in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent!
Graham,the final Redrock Brother meets his mate, and fights the attraction kicking and screaming. No way was he ever falling for another women’s wiles! One bad experience was enough for any gargoyle’s lifetime! But there is something about Meera that he just can’t seem to resist!
Meera has been betrayed by her fiancé and when she tires to catch him in the act, she catches him cimmitting murder instead. Panicked, she grabs her gym bag by his desk and makes a run for it to her apartment. When she gets there, she realizes she grabbed the wrong bag and finds a huge egg in there. After some research on the internet, she realizes it is a dragon egg and that she must protect it from the people that stole it and were trying to sell it. The only dragon that she knows about lives in Darlington. So, she and her egg go on the run to try and get to Darlington. She calls the museum and asks for Desmon and tries to tell him about the egg. He doesn’t believe her so she sends him a video of the egg. In the mean time there are a bunch of people on her tail trying to get the egg. Desmon sends Graham to find Meera and bring her and the egg back to him.
These two clash from the get go. Meera doesn’t believe he is there to help her and runs from him too. But after saving her several times, she reluctantly agrees to trust him to get her and the egg to Darlington. You would think that once she was in Darlington and the egg was under Desmon’s protection she would be safe. But magical beings are still coming after her and Graham must step up his game to keep her safe. A great read with lots of emotion, action, laughter and a great ending!
Graham,the final Redrock Brother meets his mate, and fights the attraction kicking and screaming. No way was he ever falling for another women’s wiles! One bad experience was enough for any gargoyle’s lifetime! But there is something about Meera that he just can’t seem to resist!
Meera has been betrayed by her fiancé and when she tires to catch him in the act, she catches him cimmitting murder instead. Panicked, she grabs her gym bag by his desk and makes a run for it to her apartment. When she gets there, she realizes she grabbed the wrong bag and finds a huge egg in there. After some research on the internet, she realizes it is a dragon egg and that she must protect it from the people that stole it and were trying to sell it. The only dragon that she knows about lives in Darlington. So, she and her egg go on the run to try and get to Darlington. She calls the museum and asks for Desmon and tries to tell him about the egg. He doesn’t believe her so she sends him a video of the egg. In the mean time there are a bunch of people on her tail trying to get the egg. Desmon sends Graham to find Meera and bring her and the egg back to him.
These two clash from the get go. Meera doesn’t believe he is there to help her and runs from him too. But after saving her several times, she reluctantly agrees to trust him to get her and the egg to Darlington. You would think that once she was in Darlington and the egg was under Desmon’s protection she would be safe. But magical beings are still coming after her and Graham must step up his game to keep her safe. A great read with lots of emotion, action, laughter and a great ending!
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