Meet your perfect match this Saturday night — or your perfect match for the night.
The eclipse of the red Supermoon sends crowds into Boston for an evening hyped up for a night of passion, one not to be missed. Boston police officer Larissa Riley wants nothing to do with the media-driven event, but her friend convinces her they need a night out after all they've gone through. They visit a new gothic-themed club where Larissa is disturbed by the attractive stranger eying her.
Roman, a gargoyle shifter and commander of the Stone Sentries, patrols from the rooftop of a club on the night of the eclipse. The Supermoon bodes danger and he puts all his sentries on watch. When a blast of dark magic soars past him, he searches for its origin and fixes on a brunette. Something about her is different, demanding all senses be on high alert. Is she dangerous? Or is she in danger?
Deciding a night with a hot stranger would be good for her, Larissa invites Roman back to her hotel, unaware he is surveilling her. The night takes a dark turn as secrets are uncovered and danger moves in. Her beloved city is under attack. Larissa must decide who to trust before all is lost, including the fate of her closest friend.
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
This is my first book by Lisa carlisle, it's book one in her stone sentries series. What a fabulous start to what I'm sure will be a awesome gargoyle series! The main characters are Roman a commander of a group of gargoyle sentries and Larissa a cop for the Boston area. When larissa's best friend convinces her to go with her for a celebration for the super moon eclipse a night where you could meet and fall in love with your destined mate,Larissa will meet the handsome and mysterious Roman. The chemistry between Roman and larissa is instantaneous and it doesn't take long for these two to become hot and heavy!! But with the blood moon out the demons have come to play and it will take not only a group of gargoyle's to save mankind ,but a cop who discovers she has a little bit of magic at her fingertips!! Can't wait to read the next book in this series Enticed By A Gargoyle !!!
TEMPTED BY THE GARGOYLE (Boston Stone Sentries, #1) by Lisa Carlisle is the action packed, sexy hot novella length introduction to the paranormal world of gargoyle shifters that protect the human world. If the rest of the series is as well written and imaginative; this is going to be the “new” paranormal series to follow.
Larissa Riley is a Boston police officer who is still trying to deal with being present at the Boston Marathon bombing. Her emotional problems broke up her last relationship and her best friend is still going to rehab for her leg injuries. Larissa knew that day something big was going to happen because she had been having premonitions since she was young, but she fights them so the premonitions were never clear or focused. She has always been different.
Now, she is having that same overwhelming feeling of dread on the night of the red Supermoon. Janie wants to go out dancing after spending so much time in rehab and the Supermoon is supposed to allow you to find your soulmate. Larissa can’t say no and the two set out for the new gothic themed bar downtown. Larissa feels a gorgeous stranger watching her from across the bar and goes to confront him.
Roman has a bad feeling about this night and since he is the commander of the Boston Stone Sentries, he has all of his gargoyle shifters out on patrol. Black magic sweeps past Roman and goes straight to Larissa. Roman tries to figure out what is different about the beautiful woman and if she is a threat or being threatened.
Larissa and Roman soon find the city under attack from demons. Larissa is confronted with other beings and has to decide quickly who she can trust while also learning that she is more than human. Roman begins to realize that Larissa is his life mate and knows he has to keep her safe and in his life as they fight to defeat the demon invasion.
These two have explosive chemistry as they burn up the sheets! Hot sex scenes that are well written abound in this novella. Lisa Carlisle’s world-building has fully fleshed believable paranormal characters. I had two small problems with the ending. It seemed to happen abruptly and there are a few questions not answered, but it is the start of a series so I can let that go this time. I cannot wait to get the next book in this new world!
The following ratings are out of 5: Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚 Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪 Story/Plot: 📕📗📙 World building: 🌏🌍🌎 Character development: 🙃🙁😋🥰 Narration: 🎙🎙 Narration Type: Dual Narration
🧡 The Heroine – Larissa
Larissa is a dedicated Boston police officer whose world turns stranger than usual on the eve of the red super moon eclipse—a night brimming with superstition, chaos, and eerie energy. While she typically prefers a quiet night in, her free-spirited friend Janey convinces her to go out dancing at a local goth club. Rumors swirl that the eclipse might be the perfect time to meet your soulmate… or signal the beginning of the apocalypse. Though Larissa keeps her supernatural abilities—like her occasional premonitions—well under wraps, Janey knows there’s more to her than meets the eye.
💪 The Hero – Roman
Meanwhile, Roman patrols the rooftop of the club with a watchful eye. As commander of the Stone Sentries, a covert group of gargoyles who protect the city, he’s uneasy about the sudden influx of unaware humans drawn to Boston under the blood moon’s pull. With the memory of the Boston bombing still fresh, Roman is especially alert for threats like werewolves lurking in the shadows. He and his clan stand ready to defend the city from the supernatural dangers no one else can see.
🍷 The Storyline
Inside the club, Roman immediately senses something unusual—both dark magic and the magnetic presence of a human woman: Larissa. He’s drawn to her, though unsure if the energy is coming from her or something else nearby. Larissa, ever the intuitive cop, doesn’t appreciate being stared at and confronts Roman directly. Yet, despite her irritation, she’s intrigued by his calm demeanor, foreign accent, and stillness—so unlike the typical overconfident men she meets. When she stumbles and he catches her, the chemistry sparks. Though hesitant at first, Larissa agrees to have a drink with him, considering—just maybe—a one-night escape from her ordinary life.
🔎 Highlights • Larissa’s cop instincts shine through in subtle but sharp observations—like Roman’s unnervingly still posture, a clue that something about him isn’t entirely human. • The concept of gargoyles as ancient, sentient protectors who sometimes lose their will to live adds a melancholic depth to the mythology. • The story provides rich backstory and world-building, particularly regarding Roman’s past and his clan, enhancing the emotional weight of the characters.
⚠️ What Fell Flat • The writing occasionally veers into awkward or clichéd territory. Lines like “Holding hands was far too intimate for someone she just met” don’t quite hit the mark emotionally. • The plot itself feels a bit thin and could have benefitted from deeper stakes or more intricate twists.
🎧 Performance Matters
The audiobook is presented through dual narration, alternating perspectives between Larissa and Roman, which adds dimension and variety to the storytelling. Kieran Flitton and Bridget Bordeaux take on the roles—though neither narrator ranks among my personal favorites. Flitton’s delivery is somewhat monotone, lacking the emotional nuance that could elevate the tension and romance. Bordeaux, while clear and competent, doesn’t quite bring Larissa’s spark to life. That said, having both voices helped anchor the dual-POV format and made the listening experience more dynamic overall.
Larissa Riley has never been the same since the Boston bombing. Being a cop during that time was traumatic. So many lives affected. So many deaths. Sleep is not her friend as she still relives the events in her dream thinking, wondering if there was anything she could have done differently.
BFF Janie talks Larissa into going out on the town during the eclipse of the red Supermoon. A night to kick up their heels and enjoy being attractive single women in a town full of eligible single men. A night to let lose though Larissa's sixth sense is telling her to proceed with caution.
Gargoyle shifter Ramon feels evil in the air. As the Commander for the Boston area it's his duty to protect and safeguard humans who are ignorant of the dark forces around them. He and his crew are extra vigilant as the red Supermoon is a sign that the dark ones will come out to play, in force.
* * *
New to me author who pulls in folklore (Gargoyle) and the Boston bombing aftermath to showcase a paranormal romance.
Appreciated the intent and premise of this story. Did have issues with portions that included the dome, Janie's character, and a few spoiler content items. Also, editing errors were irritating. Overall though it was a pleasant fantasy read.
For those romantics who like to know if there is adult content or not contained in a story. Bedroom action is included though not to any fire extinguishing/fire alarm degree. My personal thought is that the actual lead up to these scenes seem more forced than spontaneous. End takeaway is that for those fans who look for fantasy hook ups with gargoyle shifters, this might hit the spot.
While I totally appreciate a story that builds off of an actual historic part of history, I didn't feel this story flowed to bridge that event with the actual romance premise between these two characters. Awkward at times. Yet, that's the joy of reading. No two persons ever read the same book.
Im sorry i try to find certain things that appeal to me even in books i don't like as i respect any person who can publish a book, and hats off to this author for publishing.
First the heroine... She just blew hot and cold all the way through, a bit of a hot mess, The friendship was nice between her and Janie but no real history to benefit the author.
The chemistry between characters.... considering they were probable mates was like a meeting in Downton abbey, formal and slightly brusque paired with Larrisa going bipolar on him really didn't have me feeling them... the Attack had no rhyme or reason to it it just was... the book lacked a lot of backing and world building.
This was a fun ride with a few issues. The story line moved fairly swiftly, Roman the gargoyle drawn to Larisa a human cop. Meanwhile, something big and evil is about to happen. It was an okay ride but was missing background, mythology, and meat to the bones of the story. It's like the author rushed this book out without going back and building on the story after the rough draft. This could be a great story, it just needs... more.
Omg! Omg! Let me start by saying that! This book is exactly what I have been waiting for! They say you should never judge a book by it's cover, but when I saw the cover to Tempted by the Gargoyle, I had to email the author, who graciously sent me a DRC.
Not only is this one of the most romantic and genuine books I've read this year, it was literally painful to have to put down. I laughed, I smiled, I screamed, I even caught myself saying "This is the best book I have ever read.". Not once but twice.
Larissa has to be, easily one of the most well written and genuine characters ever committed to paper. She's well developed and relateable. She's spunky and sassy, and makes one badass cop.
Roman, a Gargoyle shifter, also is very well written, with just the right amount of cockiness and that loveable quality of being a protector that makes me weak in the knees.
These two characters had such great chemistry, that I can completely see a future for them in series form, and I for one cannot wait for that to happen! I would also like for some of the other characters, especially Janie and Articulate. There are so many directions the author can go here, and I would love to read more.
I received this book for a honest review and here it is, I honestly love this book it keeps you wanting more. The reading is amazing Lisa keeps you wanting more, keeps you cheering for the good guys / girls.
Odd book. The writing isnt bad but the author forgot to flesh out the set up or any character background or mythos building or bad guy motivation. Or good guy reason for even being around. Plus the timeline was legit way too compressed for zero reason.
I Felt like I missed half the buildup of an actual plot only to be butted on the head with weird sex scenes of characters we just met and supposed fated mates with no chemistry. Plus no background on the mythology or what she was or how they came to be guarding the city or how portals work to then be slapped rudely across the face with another awkwardly graphic yet utterly dull sex session.
Tempted by the Gargoyle is our introduction to this world and both of the main characters Larissa and Roman. Larissa is a police officer who has been suffering with PTSD ever since the Boston Marathon bombing, she loves her job but feels guilt over the people she couldn't save that day, especially her best friend Janie, a fellow officer who was badly injured in the explosion. Larissa has always been sensitive and long ago learnt to trust her gut instincts but while her ability may warn her trouble is coming it doesn't always give her enough information to stop it from happening.
Roman is the Commander of the Stone Sentries in Boston, they are a group of gargoyle shifters who do their best to watch over the city and protect the innocent humans living there. The eclipse of the red supermoon has them on high alert, they sense danger is coming but are still trying to tract down the source. Roman senses something about Larissa and he's not sure if she's involved with what's about to go down or an innocent bystander so he decides to follow her.
This was a really fun introduction to this series, I really liked both of the main characters and what we've seen of this world is really interesting so far. I've not read many books with gargoyle main characters so that was a bonus and I found Roman's abilities really intriguing. I hope we'll find out a lot more about him and the rest of the Stone Sentries as the series continues. I thought they had great chemistry from the minute they met and I was totally on board with Larissa's idea to take a walk on the wild side and have a one night stand, the night they spent together was hot and I could easily see them wanting to spend more time together.
If I have one complaint it was that some things felt a little rushed. I get that this is a relatively short instalment but since there are three books about these two characters I would have liked their romance to have been drawn out a little longer, things are quite serious between them already and that didn't feel realistic with them knowing each other less than 24 hours. I also felt like Larissa accepted what she learned about herself and her heritage a bit too easily and I definitely struggled to believe the way she was able to gain control of abilities she didn't even know she had pretty much instantly. In spite of those issues I do have high hopes for this series and I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time with Larissa and Roman in the next two stories.
Title: Tempted by the Gargoyle Series: Boston Stone Sentries Destination: Book 1., 184 Pages, Author: Lisa Carlisle Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan Genre: #PRN #Gargoyle My Score: #5Stars☆☆☆☆☆ ♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡ Wowzer I'm in love with this author, she had me hooked from the beginning and there was no way I was putting it down.(believe me my grandsons will not starve) but I on the other hand will die if I don't find out what's go on, the suspense may doing me in. The characters match exactly each other to a "T Ms. Lisa is my hero, when you expect something she delivers it slowly. Roman is a Gargoyle Shifter plus he's head of the Stone Sentries. They have been patrolling Boston since the Boston Bombing Roman was watching on top of the rooftop of the Club “Rue Morgue" and has all his men everywhere all over the city, some of the Gargoyles where watching but to look at them they were stone statues. Roman just knew trouble was coming especially since everyone was making a big deal over the Eclipse of the Red Supermoon. The he saw her he knew something was different about her and she watched everything around her. Yep he was going to watch the beauty, a Siren can be a lot of trouble. Was she the reason his "Gargie Sences" were going off. He is going to have to keep watch at a distance. Larissa Riley is a police officer for Boston PD, she is a workaholic long hours no social life nothing. Since the bombing of the Boston Marathon Larissa has been different. She sleep anymore she walks around her apartment waiting the hours to go by. Since she was young she would have feeling she knew danger was around, it saved her many a times. And Janie her elementary school friend was saved by it many times also especially the day of the bombing she could have been dead but only her leg was in bad shape. Going to the club cause Janie wanted to dance didn't feel right something was off but what? On the dance she saw him staring at her was it him that made thing feel off? Something was going to happen she knew it. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Gargoyle, Demons and witches Larissa Riley (Cop) has been isolating herself from the night life ever since the Boston Marathon Bombing where her best friend got hurt. Said Best friend, Janie convinces her to go out on the night of the Eclipse of Red Super moon. She gets her to go by telling her she has been practicing dancing and you can’t see her limp when she dances. Roman – Gargoyle Commander Get a weird vibe from Larissa and her friend so he decides to follow them. But there is more to just a vibe but an attraction he can’t explain. Then there is the Dome that was set up just for this night. People can go into it and put on these packs and get to fly. Little do they know who or what erected that dome and the real reason it’s there. The night just keeps getting more interesting. Awesome story with lots of action and adventure. Well written and very entertaining to read.
Omg! What an awesome, captivating PNR romantic suspense must read with smoking hot gargoyle shifters & a unique storyline that will keep readers engaged and pages turning! Once I started, I was glued to my seat & did not want to put it down! So I read it all in one afternoon :D Great characters you can relate to & amazing descriptions will pull you into the story like you are there! I also loved the memorial to the Boston Marathon victims :D ... Even tho I volunteered to read an advanced ecopy, I really loved this & all opinions expressed here are honestly my own with no outside influence. I strongly recommend this to all adult fans of fiction especially those who love fantasy, paranormal & Sci-fi :D
Larissa is the type of woman that would protect anyone even at risk of her own life. So it is no surprise that she is a cop. But after the Boston bombing she lost herself and only her job mattered. Roman is also a protector, but he is also a gargoyle shifter. Both know there is something different about the other, but it may take some demons to make them realize it.
I love that Larissa's character really shows depth. We get to see into her and how devastating the bombing was. And I'm glad the author used real life events in the story.
Highly recommend for PNR readers. Can't wait for more.
Let me start by admitting I may have a slight bias; Paranormal Romance IS my favorite genre. Having said that, I absolutely loved this book! The story was typical of this genre, but I loved the uniqueness Carlisle gave it. The characters are well developed, each with personality that allows every reader to relate to at least one character.
Overall, I found Tempted by the Gargoyle to be well written, entertaining and fun; very easily, a 4 Boundless Star book. I look forward to ready more from Carlisle....Beth
This is a fantastic story that will grip you from the beginning until the end and not let go. It has action, drama, revenge, romance and heartache all rolled into the pages of this book. I am not going to describe anything because it would contain spoilers and I do not like spoilers so let me just say that this book is another gargoyle winner for the author.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.
Gargoyles are my latest PNR favorite. Something different from lions,tigers, bears and wolves. I have never seen a gargoyle statue that I thought of as gorgeous, hot or even remotely attractive so this story about Roman the gargoyle shifter was me taking a chance. I really enjoyed it and having it based in Boston really made it interesting since I’m facing with that city and it’s history.
Tempted by the Gargoyle is the first book in the Stone Sentries (Boston) series. Larissa and her best friend decide to go out dancing on the night of the red super moon eclipse, but their plans of a girl’s night quickly change when Larissa runs into Roman. While completely drawn to him, she’s terrified of the feelings he evokes. But when both of their lives are put in danger, will they have the ability to face their future?
This book was so much fun to read! I loved the connection, passion, and danger that Larissa and Roman felt and faced! This book was fast paced, had me flipping pages, and I felt hooked right from the very beginning! Larissa is a cop, a protector by nature, and cares deeply for those close to her. I loved her passion, her battle of her inner demons, and I enjoyed her bravery! Roman is also a protector, but he has a streak of vengeance inside as well. Both had been hurt from their pasts and both can’t seem to resist their connection, but I really loved that they had way more similarities than differences! There’s some serious danger that they need to face, Larissa needs to face the truth of her own self, and I really enjoyed the events that happen in this book. There’s a happily for now ending, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
Tempted by the Gargoyle: a witch and shifter fated mates romance by Lisa Carlisle is a wonderful story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series and I can not wait to read the next book in this wonderful series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who love reading about romantic suspense and paranormal romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
that was interesting... though not much about the aftermath with the cops. Love how her friends supports her with no hiccups on her abilities nor the fact she could be a witch. Maybe she will meet her grandma next book?
I liked it. The characters were well rounded with a good story line. Real page turner! I absolutely loved it. This book is amazing. I would suggest this to anyone looking for a great romance novel and love for reading!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like the storyline in this, it was a good read. There was some repeat areas and grammar mistakes, but who am I to point that out. I can't write reviews very well either... The way Larissa and Roman came to know each other was good and you just wish the best for them. I don't think I will continue on but Recommend to all the Gargoyle fans out there, as well as witches.. Does have sex, and violence in this. Gina Clabo
3.5 🌟 Too short for me as there was much more scope for meat on the bone possibilities for the storyline which could've made it to a 4 rating. I did enjoy the novella otherwise. Spicey and a happy ending. Hopefully in the next book will have more
Larissa and Roman have intense instant attraction but their time is torn apart by a demon attack! Roman's other identity as a warrior gargoyle is revealed and Larissa learns something life changing about herself! Battles, shifters, witchcraft, danger, loss, action, lust and fated mates. Entertaining!
A cop with curves. That is what she was. She also had PTSD from the Boston bombings. Larissa and her BFF Janie were at the finish line, and Larissa had a bad feeling that saved Janie’s life, but Janie now walked around with a permanent limp. But Janie wanted to go dancing on Saturday, the night of the blood moon or supermoon. Larissa didn’t believe in the apocalypse or the astrology meet-your-mate claims, but what’s a girl gonna do when her BFF Janie wanted to go clubbing. So when Saturday came around, they went out but not before Janie helped Larissa accessorize. Janie had Larissa add makeup to her eyes, blood-red lipstick, and a silver chain to accompany her almost little black dress that hugged her curves. They went to a new themed club where she met a man who drew her to him for some reason. He was not a crook or doing anything illegal, but she wanted to know why. Roman, her target of interest, was also drawn to her, and he did not know why, but he wanted to find out.
The world-building was done well, but the vests and the dome had me wondering how they worked. Magic? I don’t know, and while you wanted me to suspend belief and believe in the world created with gargoyle shifters, protectors of humanity, there was no explanation on how the vests worked. It was troubling for me and nagged at me for the world created. Then, character interaction, while I believe it was mostly done well, there is this part. “The loosened dress fell to her waist, exposing a strapless black lace bra that matched her panties.” “Reaching around her back, he undid her bra and slid it off her arms.” These quotes are from the same seduction scene. So, is the bra strapless or not? Or did she take the strapless off, reach into her bag, and put a bra on with straps? Did it also match her panties? Then there is the cover. That ain’t like no female police officer I’ve ever seen, and I used to have a copy of the Playboy that had the female NYC police officer who bared it all.
WARNING: ADULT CONTENT: This read has a lot in it. It is a fantasy with a shifter gargoyle, a witch, and demons. Does that sound interesting? I give it three stars out of five stars.
Tempted by the Gargoyle Boston police office, Larissa Riley, is haunted by the Boston Marathon bombing from a couple years ago. She has trouble sleeping and with relationships. Work has become everything to her. She lives and breathes for work. Her best friend, Janie, talks her into a ladies night out on the town. Larissa has a bad feeling about the eclipse of the red supermoon. The whole town will be alive with media and party-happy people. There is a folktale circulating that you could find your soulmate on such a night. Also out on the town is Roman, the commander of the Stone Sentries. The Stone sentries are gargoyles that patrol the skies and keep super-naturals and others under control. Roman has a bad feeling about this Supermoon that he cannot shake. While patrolling he feels a blast of magic and searches for the source and finds a lovely brunette. Is she the source? Something about her is special but what? Roman is determined to find out. Larissa is attracted to Roman and decides she needs a little fun, she ditches Janie and takes Roman back to her hotel room. Boston is under a supernatural threat and is being attacked. Who or what is responsible? Where is her best friend Janie? Is Roman involved? This is an action-packed book. The characters seem very real from the emotional trauma that Larissa suffers as an aftermath to the Boston Marathon bombing. I like the action and suspense. This book grabs you and drags you right in. I can’t wait for the second book, I want to/need to know what happens!!
It is the night of the red moon when there will be a total eclipse. Larissa is a police officer who was caught up in the Boston Marathon bombings. Her friend, Janie was badly injured and has had to persevere through intense physical therapy in order to walk again. But Larissa has been scarred internally. Janie wants to go dancing and, eventually, persuades Larissa that they will have a good time. After all, the rumours say that this moon can bring your soul mate to you. But Larissa has had one of her premonitions and is worried. Roman is a gargoyle shifter. Since the bombing he has been given control of the area with a troop of other gargoyle shifters and he has them all on alert that night, for their purpose in life is to protect humans from other supernaturals. When Larissa walks into the club he is in he immediately notices her. He also gets a whiff of black magic and worries that it either comes from her or is targeting her. So he makes that his excuse to follow her. Unbeknownst to either of them there is indeed black magic and evil in the air. Roman finds that he has taken on nearly more than he can deal with and Larissa faces more heartache and suffering than she needs. This is a very adult book as far as sexual activity is concerned so be warned.