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Khargals of Duras #2
Heart of Stone
"Heart of Stone" is a a standalone novel, and the second story in the collaborative, multi-author, sci fi series,
Khargals of Duras.
*-*
Her winged savior was no angel.
When death nearly claims Brianna at the tender age of eight, a being that shouldn’t exist saves her. Twenty years later, she becomes an architect specialized in historic buildings, still searching for evidence that the one who saved her—the one who haunts her increasingly wild dreams—truly exists. When a mystery man hires her for a major project in the catacombs of an old church turned exclusive, gothic nightclub, Brianna believes she may just have her chance at long last.
Alkor has grown weary of this era. Forced to hide in plain sight, forbidden from ever claiming the only woman to have stirred his mating instincts, he considers going back into hibernation rather than pining for her from afar. But the sudden activation of the beacon changes everything. Rescue is on the way! With his only means of reaching the rendezvous point trapped in the catacombs, Alkor hires Brianna to help recover his treasure. However, his lost sigil isn’t the only thing he intends to take back home with him.
Time is running out, and the evil forces conspiring to capture him and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, even using Brianna. Did Alkor save his true mate only to lose her now that they might have a chance at a future together?
** -------------- **
Khargals of Duras
A thousand years ago, a Khargal scouting party left Duras, only to crash on a planet called Earth.
Injured and outnumbered, the stranded Khargals hid among stone effigies and observed the slow evolution of the planet’s primitive inhabitants. With no means of returning to Duras, they watched from their shadowy perches and faded into legend, becoming the mythical gargoyles.
Until today. Long after any hope for rescue had died, the distress signal has finally been answered.
It's time to go home.
** -------------- **
Don't miss out on the full series!
Khargals of Duras.
Book 1: Gravel and Grit by Stacy Jones
Book 2: Hard as Rock by Stephanie West
Book 3: Heart of Stone by Regine Abel
Book 4: Sticks and Stones by Tamsin Ley
Book 5: Etched in Stone by Abigail Myst
Book 6: Taken for Granite by Nancey Cummings
Book 7: Rock My World by Zara Zenia
*-*
Her winged savior was no angel.
When death nearly claims Brianna at the tender age of eight, a being that shouldn’t exist saves her. Twenty years later, she becomes an architect specialized in historic buildings, still searching for evidence that the one who saved her—the one who haunts her increasingly wild dreams—truly exists. When a mystery man hires her for a major project in the catacombs of an old church turned exclusive, gothic nightclub, Brianna believes she may just have her chance at long last.
Alkor has grown weary of this era. Forced to hide in plain sight, forbidden from ever claiming the only woman to have stirred his mating instincts, he considers going back into hibernation rather than pining for her from afar. But the sudden activation of the beacon changes everything. Rescue is on the way! With his only means of reaching the rendezvous point trapped in the catacombs, Alkor hires Brianna to help recover his treasure. However, his lost sigil isn’t the only thing he intends to take back home with him.
Time is running out, and the evil forces conspiring to capture him and will stop at nothing to achieve their goal, even using Brianna. Did Alkor save his true mate only to lose her now that they might have a chance at a future together?
** -------------- **
Khargals of Duras
A thousand years ago, a Khargal scouting party left Duras, only to crash on a planet called Earth.
Injured and outnumbered, the stranded Khargals hid among stone effigies and observed the slow evolution of the planet’s primitive inhabitants. With no means of returning to Duras, they watched from their shadowy perches and faded into legend, becoming the mythical gargoyles.
Until today. Long after any hope for rescue had died, the distress signal has finally been answered.
It's time to go home.
** -------------- **
Don't miss out on the full series!
Khargals of Duras.
Book 1: Gravel and Grit by Stacy Jones
Book 2: Hard as Rock by Stephanie West
Book 3: Heart of Stone by Regine Abel
Book 4: Sticks and Stones by Tamsin Ley
Book 5: Etched in Stone by Abigail Myst
Book 6: Taken for Granite by Nancey Cummings
Book 7: Rock My World by Zara Zenia
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2019
378 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Regine Abel
77 books2,660 followersUSA Today bestselling author Regine Abel is a fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi junkie. Anything with a bit of magic, a touch of the unusual, and a lot of romance will have her jumping for joy. She loves writing hot alien warriors meeting no-nonsense, kick-ass heroines. Her novels are steamy, action-packed, and with the twists and turns you never saw coming.
Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.
Before devoting herself as a full-time writer, Regine had surrendered to her other passions: music and video games! After a decade working as a Sound Engineer in movie dubbing and live concerts, Regine became a professional Game Designer and Creative Director, a career that has led her from her home in Canada to the US and various countries in Europe and Asia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 19, 2019
Okay. First off, I really REALLY enjoy both gargoyles and Regine Abel's writing so this book was already a winner coming out of the gate. Seriously. Sexy, (sometimes) stone men who get a little territorial when their special someone is in danger do it for me. Spice things up by making those sexy, stone men aliens from another planet who are yearning to get home and my brain goes into spasms of delight.
To say that Alkor and Brianna work for me would be an understatement. He's the brooding, mysterious club owner Brianna *thinks* might be able to shed some light on the being who saved her as a child. She's the determined young woman who's put herself exactly where she needs to be to try to find the answers she's craving.
Throw in a shady group doing their best to get their hands on whatever Khargals they can and you've got a recipe for some good, old fashioned bloodletting. You know, if your bloodletting is done by a giant alien who isn't about to let anything come between himself and his mate.
I'm already digging this shared world and the protective aliens who populate it. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
To say that Alkor and Brianna work for me would be an understatement. He's the brooding, mysterious club owner Brianna *thinks* might be able to shed some light on the being who saved her as a child. She's the determined young woman who's put herself exactly where she needs to be to try to find the answers she's craving.
Throw in a shady group doing their best to get their hands on whatever Khargals they can and you've got a recipe for some good, old fashioned bloodletting. You know, if your bloodletting is done by a giant alien who isn't about to let anything come between himself and his mate.
I'm already digging this shared world and the protective aliens who populate it. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 29, 2024
This was the first book I read by Regine Abel without even knowing it, and looking back it was the best introduction to her writing. Brianna's story and her stone guardian gargoyle, Alkor was beautiful. Definitely not Regine's best, by it is one of my favourites.
Tags:
Paranormal MMCs🧛♂️🧞♂️ 🧜♂️
Alien romance 👽👽👽
Matehood❤️🔥 ❤️
Interesting Anatomy👀✨🥵
Simp MMC🙌😻
Size difference👽🐊
HEA🌠 🎇 🎆
Tags:
Paranormal MMCs🧛♂️🧞♂️ 🧜♂️
Alien romance 👽👽👽
Matehood❤️🔥 ❤️
Interesting Anatomy👀✨🥵
Simp MMC🙌😻
Size difference👽🐊
HEA🌠 🎇 🎆
February 23, 2019
I’m at a loss here, what happened ?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa, I’m just at a loss,what happened to the writer I thought I’d fallen in love w/( you know as a reader) when i read “Escaping Fate” the first in the Veredian series ?
The moment I met “Amalia” on the pages of my kindle I was hooked and I couldn’t wait for more...
That book is soo wonderful and I still love telling ppl about that series I like it soo much...
Even the last book “Ravik’s Mercy” was really good even if I really couldn’t stand the heroine by the end of the book..
She was amazingly intelligent and down right stupid , thoughtful and shirt sighted and willingly obtuse all at the same time but the book and its characters had Ms. Abel’s signature excitement and compelling pull that had me hooked right from the get go even when I was wanting smack the h upside the head and beg her to get a clue...
Here ?
It honestly feels like someone else is writing this,it’s dry and wooden and robotic and not compelling in the least ..
The idea behind it is very interesting, an alien race who supposedly are the reason behind the gargoyle myth and you’ve been chasing down one for almost 20 years because he saved your life ?
And, and even better he turns out to be your fated mate ?
Wow,just wow 😮.
That’s amazing! But after chasing him for 20 years,well more or less ,you were only 8 at the time. You just jump his bones the second time you see him after groping him in statue form ?
No,real build up, just let me dress sexy for a “goth” night club built on an old church ⛪ ( no offense but it hardly seems original ) (I mean like a vampire a gargoyle is gonna have some limitations but why not a doctor in Africa w/doctors w/out borders or something fresh and different, that feels less been there done that even if you haven’t read a lot of books w/gargoyles) meet w/him alone in a VIP area chat for about five minutes about who and what he is and then wham! bam! Your in his lap grinding away and later waking up in his bed.
Both these characters felt soo boring and mechanical and Brianna just seemed soo odd in how quickly she accepted everything and wanted to just rip onen his pants and jump on his ( well you know what she jumped on,and I’m not sure what word to use that will get pass the censors ) ..
Ok,you’ve been searching your whole life,ok, but this was just soo off, it didn’t feel right.
Alkor is almost clinical in how he talks about his life and Brianna feels more like 16 in her maturity and intelligence than the “28” she’s supposed if their story started when she was 8 and it’s 20 years later.
After their night together Alkor chuckles at how Brianna marveled about him “losing his wings and regrowing them “. You know like how just about ALL magical beings in books are able to “tuck in “ wings to hide them from sight,especially when around humans. Regrow ? Seriously ? During their shower together the next morning Bri says”, “Dude… You taste like salted caramel! You are so getting blow jobs often!”
Whaaaaaaaat?
“Dude, where is the writer who created the Veredian series ?” Her characters were a 100% more interesting and intelligent than this ?
This
This is just soo fake compared to what I’ve read in the past,usually even when I’ve disagreed with the plot in a book, I still had a deep respect for the MC’s but for me this felt as right as a blue Will Smith as a genie... Will Smith is very talented but you can’t see it spas easily when he looks like a giant blueberry...
Same for Ms.Abel,she is very talented in my opinion but for me you can’t see it in this wooden crazy craziness here that needs to stay far far away from any fires 🔥 or fireplaces ..
If I’d read this first I’d never read her other works that were all passionate and exciting and intelligent and interesting.
Try “Escaping Fate”, with Khel,Amalia and Lhor or “Iced “ or “Unfrozen” from the Valos of Sonhadra series or “Legion” or
the short novella “Dark Swan” ( which I was hoping there would be more of) ,the Veredian series is AM MAZ ING!
Ms.Abel is a very talented writer,but this ?
I just wanna ask, “What happened?”
This stiff,fake awkward writing isn’t you,and feels just soo wrong.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa, I’m just at a loss,what happened to the writer I thought I’d fallen in love w/( you know as a reader) when i read “Escaping Fate” the first in the Veredian series ?
The moment I met “Amalia” on the pages of my kindle I was hooked and I couldn’t wait for more...
That book is soo wonderful and I still love telling ppl about that series I like it soo much...
Even the last book “Ravik’s Mercy” was really good even if I really couldn’t stand the heroine by the end of the book..
She was amazingly intelligent and down right stupid , thoughtful and shirt sighted and willingly obtuse all at the same time but the book and its characters had Ms. Abel’s signature excitement and compelling pull that had me hooked right from the get go even when I was wanting smack the h upside the head and beg her to get a clue...
Here ?
It honestly feels like someone else is writing this,it’s dry and wooden and robotic and not compelling in the least ..
The idea behind it is very interesting, an alien race who supposedly are the reason behind the gargoyle myth and you’ve been chasing down one for almost 20 years because he saved your life ?
And, and even better he turns out to be your fated mate ?
Wow,just wow 😮.
That’s amazing! But after chasing him for 20 years,well more or less ,you were only 8 at the time. You just jump his bones the second time you see him after groping him in statue form ?
No,real build up, just let me dress sexy for a “goth” night club built on an old church ⛪ ( no offense but it hardly seems original ) (I mean like a vampire a gargoyle is gonna have some limitations but why not a doctor in Africa w/doctors w/out borders or something fresh and different, that feels less been there done that even if you haven’t read a lot of books w/gargoyles) meet w/him alone in a VIP area chat for about five minutes about who and what he is and then wham! bam! Your in his lap grinding away and later waking up in his bed.
Both these characters felt soo boring and mechanical and Brianna just seemed soo odd in how quickly she accepted everything and wanted to just rip onen his pants and jump on his ( well you know what she jumped on,and I’m not sure what word to use that will get pass the censors ) ..
Ok,you’ve been searching your whole life,ok, but this was just soo off, it didn’t feel right.
Alkor is almost clinical in how he talks about his life and Brianna feels more like 16 in her maturity and intelligence than the “28” she’s supposed if their story started when she was 8 and it’s 20 years later.
After their night together Alkor chuckles at how Brianna marveled about him “losing his wings and regrowing them “. You know like how just about ALL magical beings in books are able to “tuck in “ wings to hide them from sight,especially when around humans. Regrow ? Seriously ? During their shower together the next morning Bri says”, “Dude… You taste like salted caramel! You are so getting blow jobs often!”
Whaaaaaaaat?
“Dude, where is the writer who created the Veredian series ?” Her characters were a 100% more interesting and intelligent than this ?
This
This is just soo fake compared to what I’ve read in the past,usually even when I’ve disagreed with the plot in a book, I still had a deep respect for the MC’s but for me this felt as right as a blue Will Smith as a genie... Will Smith is very talented but you can’t see it spas easily when he looks like a giant blueberry...
Same for Ms.Abel,she is very talented in my opinion but for me you can’t see it in this wooden crazy craziness here that needs to stay far far away from any fires 🔥 or fireplaces ..
If I’d read this first I’d never read her other works that were all passionate and exciting and intelligent and interesting.
Try “Escaping Fate”, with Khel,Amalia and Lhor or “Iced “ or “Unfrozen” from the Valos of Sonhadra series or “Legion” or
the short novella “Dark Swan” ( which I was hoping there would be more of) ,the Veredian series is AM MAZ ING!
Ms.Abel is a very talented writer,but this ?
I just wanna ask, “What happened?”
This stiff,fake awkward writing isn’t you,and feels just soo wrong.
February 16, 2019
Having 'attended' the party announcing this shared World Series...and watched the almighty teaser of a trailer setting the story for these books in motion I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be reading and reviewing these books..
Alien Gargoyles✔️
Stranded on earth✔️
Hiding in plain sight✔️
Mating instinct✔️
Each book is standalone in same world ✔️
A race against time and possible enemies✔️
Authors that have kickass standalone books✔️
Having read a number of shared World Series books previously I knew I was in for a great read.
Regine Abel is a brilliant writer, with a number of fantastic books of her own. I am a die hard fan and follower of her work and As Regine had previously taken part in the brilliant Valos of Sonhadra shared World Series I was waiting 'not-so' patiently for addition.
Alkor has been stranded on earth for a thousand years, having made the best of a bad situation he has built himself a home and a small family of sorts... but he grows listless and tires of having to hide from the world that is his home... on top of that he has fought to stay away from his mate...the one person who could make his existence on earth more bearable but being with her on earth would condem her and any future children to his very same fate...so the choice is taken out of his hands... he will fight to stay away.
Until the long wished for happens.... his sigil...sparks to life....he and his remaining Khargals brothers are to rescued.
This book did not disappoint... it lived up to and surpassed my expectations and I adored every bit of it! 🙌🏻💯
The original concept and creativity that fills this book was mind bending good. That Alkor was 'hiding in plain sight' and being creative with his business was just too good to be true and really tickled me.
He and Brianna made a wonderful couple, their chemistry and intense feelings for each other made for great reading... HOLY TAILS! 😈🔥🔥
The underlying theme of this book is choice. Alkor refuses to take away Brianna's choice, despite his own dreams and wishes and I absolutely adored that he did...he's a great big hunk of a book boyfriend that was a great mix of empowering, protective and dominant. 💋
WHAT AND ADDITION....Heart of Stone is a fantastic instalment in this series.
Filled with the wonderful world building and atmosphere that oozes from all of Regine's books.. this book cannot help but paint a vivid picture in your brain.
It is a wonderful read that blends sci fi, action and romance that makes for a truly fantastic read.
Alien Gargoyles✔️
Stranded on earth✔️
Hiding in plain sight✔️
Mating instinct✔️
Each book is standalone in same world ✔️
A race against time and possible enemies✔️
Authors that have kickass standalone books✔️
Having read a number of shared World Series books previously I knew I was in for a great read.
Regine Abel is a brilliant writer, with a number of fantastic books of her own. I am a die hard fan and follower of her work and As Regine had previously taken part in the brilliant Valos of Sonhadra shared World Series I was waiting 'not-so' patiently for addition.
Alkor has been stranded on earth for a thousand years, having made the best of a bad situation he has built himself a home and a small family of sorts... but he grows listless and tires of having to hide from the world that is his home... on top of that he has fought to stay away from his mate...the one person who could make his existence on earth more bearable but being with her on earth would condem her and any future children to his very same fate...so the choice is taken out of his hands... he will fight to stay away.
Until the long wished for happens.... his sigil...sparks to life....he and his remaining Khargals brothers are to rescued.
This book did not disappoint... it lived up to and surpassed my expectations and I adored every bit of it! 🙌🏻💯
The original concept and creativity that fills this book was mind bending good. That Alkor was 'hiding in plain sight' and being creative with his business was just too good to be true and really tickled me.
He and Brianna made a wonderful couple, their chemistry and intense feelings for each other made for great reading... HOLY TAILS! 😈🔥🔥
The underlying theme of this book is choice. Alkor refuses to take away Brianna's choice, despite his own dreams and wishes and I absolutely adored that he did...he's a great big hunk of a book boyfriend that was a great mix of empowering, protective and dominant. 💋
WHAT AND ADDITION....Heart of Stone is a fantastic instalment in this series.
Filled with the wonderful world building and atmosphere that oozes from all of Regine's books.. this book cannot help but paint a vivid picture in your brain.
It is a wonderful read that blends sci fi, action and romance that makes for a truly fantastic read.
September 27, 2020
DNF @ 39%
September 27, 2020
I'm disappointed. Esp. when looking at the high average rating of 4.11
This could have been a fantastic book. The story was unique - alien gargoyles stranded on Earth- I can't remember stumbling over this type of alien species in a sci-fi romance before.
It all started well, but unfortunately it all fell flat. In my opinion this book needs an editor. There's a weird mixture of "re-telling" and showing versus actual developing of the characters and having them interact. Parts of the book felt like reading a newspaper article and parts felt like I was reading a book.
This also led to me not being overly invested in the story and the characters. Also, most of the time the two main characters were having sex (constantly), which doesn't appeal to me when it takes up more page time than the actual story does. (Let's not count the many orgasms described...really? )
I wanted the 2 MC's to get to know each other, spend some time together, become friends before falling into bed and then there was the potential for more action with the Rose Syndicate...and a cross-country hunt...
Unfortunately, by that time in the plot I wasn't really invested anymore. Besides the bad guys weren't described solidly...why were they hunting them, for how long, where did the come from, who's the main bad guy...all questions that weren't answered...in the end the bad guys were only in the story to have more action, without investing too much time to make them bad guys...makes sense...
This was a book with a great potential, but poorly executed.
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars.
This could have been a fantastic book. The story was unique - alien gargoyles stranded on Earth- I can't remember stumbling over this type of alien species in a sci-fi romance before.
It all started well, but unfortunately it all fell flat. In my opinion this book needs an editor. There's a weird mixture of "re-telling" and showing versus actual developing of the characters and having them interact. Parts of the book felt like reading a newspaper article and parts felt like I was reading a book.
This also led to me not being overly invested in the story and the characters. Also, most of the time the two main characters were having sex (constantly), which doesn't appeal to me when it takes up more page time than the actual story does. (Let's not count the many orgasms described...really? )
I wanted the 2 MC's to get to know each other, spend some time together, become friends before falling into bed and then there was the potential for more action with the Rose Syndicate...and a cross-country hunt...
Unfortunately, by that time in the plot I wasn't really invested anymore. Besides the bad guys weren't described solidly...why were they hunting them, for how long, where did the come from, who's the main bad guy...all questions that weren't answered...in the end the bad guys were only in the story to have more action, without investing too much time to make them bad guys...makes sense...
This was a book with a great potential, but poorly executed.
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars.
February 19, 2019
This was the first book I read in this new shared world and I can't wait to be sucked into the others just like I was with this one. It was a great combination of action and smoking hot romance. Brianna was rescued by a gargoyle at a young age and spent her life looking for her savior. When she finally finds him, she finds herself quickly drawn into his world for both better and worse. Alkor is an alien that crashed on Earth more than 1000 years ago and has spent his time alternating between absorbing all he can about the planet and watching over his old church as a stone gargoyle. When he realizes that Brianna is his mate, he is torn between his duty of protecting his secret and his desire for her. He keeps her at a distance until the unbelievable happens and he gets the signal that rescue and returning to his home is coming. But while their relationship quickly develops, an evil organization is out to stop them, bringing danger all around them. This fast-paced story will have you at the edge of your seat as you follow Alkor and Brianna on their journey.
February 20, 2019
Regine Abel takes us to a different place where gargoyles exist. And it's freaking amazing! I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to happen. There were several things going on and they all revolved around Alkor. Alkor just wanted to be left alone, having met his mate at an early age. He had to wait fir her to grow up.. And when they finally meet again, the chemistry is undeniable!! Their first time together was smokin' hot!!! I didn't think it could get any sexier!! The tail play was on point! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
It was so much more that a love story, it was a roller coaster of emotions that had me yelling NOOO and then gasping as something else happened. The scene with Brianna fighting was amazing and terrified me. I didn't know where it would end up going.... Then the ending left me in tears... LOVED, LOVED IT!! Another hit for Regine Abel!!!
It was so much more that a love story, it was a roller coaster of emotions that had me yelling NOOO and then gasping as something else happened. The scene with Brianna fighting was amazing and terrified me. I didn't know where it would end up going.... Then the ending left me in tears... LOVED, LOVED IT!! Another hit for Regine Abel!!!
March 6, 2019
Stone man and stone-hearted story
It started out promising... I mean, a weirdly Goth nightclub in an old church, owned by an ACTUAL gargoyle (the legendary name given by ignorant humans to the rarely-glimpsed Khargals, the rare survivors of a spaceship that crashed on Earth a millennium ago). It had all kind of dark and romantic vibes - but the gargoyle turns to stone, and so does the vibe of the book. Author Regine Abel delivers a love story like it was a news report - with a wealth of Who, What, Where, and When, a bit of speculation on Why, and no real emotion whatsoever. I didn't feel the love - or more accurately, the insta-lust - or much of any other feelings, either. This is the kind of alien SF romance you don't mind being interrupted while reading. I give it two stars for the fiercely detailed visual descriptions, because that's the best of this pile of rubble.
It started out promising... I mean, a weirdly Goth nightclub in an old church, owned by an ACTUAL gargoyle (the legendary name given by ignorant humans to the rarely-glimpsed Khargals, the rare survivors of a spaceship that crashed on Earth a millennium ago). It had all kind of dark and romantic vibes - but the gargoyle turns to stone, and so does the vibe of the book. Author Regine Abel delivers a love story like it was a news report - with a wealth of Who, What, Where, and When, a bit of speculation on Why, and no real emotion whatsoever. I didn't feel the love - or more accurately, the insta-lust - or much of any other feelings, either. This is the kind of alien SF romance you don't mind being interrupted while reading. I give it two stars for the fiercely detailed visual descriptions, because that's the best of this pile of rubble.
February 25, 2019
Alkor is not human. He is a Khargal or Gargoyle to humans. He has been here since the ship bringing the crew to Earth crash landed thousands of years ago. Brianna is his mate that he met when she was a child. He tried to stay away from her as she grew into an adult. Brianna is an architectural engineer and hired to clear a room in Alkor’s nightclub. She remembers Alkor from that horrible night when she was saved and lost her mother. Now things are changing and the couple must decide to return to Alkor’s people or stay on Earth. This was a great read and I am looking forward to more about this world.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
February 21, 2019
The Khargals want to go home. This is the first story of the collaboration of the authors about gargoyles that I have read. It is a great read. Alkor has been watching over Brianna since he saved her and her father from drowning many years ago. Alkor owns a nightclub and Brianna is hired to clear the catacombs below the nightclub. His sigil is in the catacombs which is needed to go home. And there is the Rose Syndicate who are after them for the gargoyle tech. This story has everything you want, great love and action. I highly recommend it.
February 22, 2019
I found this book so enjoyable! I thought the whole gargoyle/alien mash-up was inspired and it worked very well. Alkor and Brianna were both very likable and they had such sizzling chemistry. The story itself offered an enticing blend of poignant emotions, drama, action, suspense and a charming romance. Alkor's pain and loneliness was incredibly moving and that he had to wait so long for his fated mate was sweet, beautiful and heart aching. A really wonderful romance. This is my sincere review that I am posting of my own accord.
February 25, 2019
Love the start of this series...
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I have to say I’m impressed also being the first in this series written by other authors that I’ve enjoyed reading before so I took a chance and started it..
With the story having to lay a bit of background for how and why the Khargals happened to have landed on earth and with the threats from the Syndicate that is tracking them down I found that I just had to finish the book in one hit...
This is the first time I’ve read a book by this author and I have to say I’m impressed also being the first in this series written by other authors that I’ve enjoyed reading before so I took a chance and started it..
With the story having to lay a bit of background for how and why the Khargals happened to have landed on earth and with the threats from the Syndicate that is tracking them down I found that I just had to finish the book in one hit...
February 28, 2019
I love Regine Abel's writing. I was so happy to see a new book from her, especially one set in a new world.
The world building is meticulous, making it easy to picture Alkor's life in the past.
The characters are well rounded, with believable back stories that give credence to their current emotions and actions.
It is only natural that Brianna should try to find the being that saved her.
Together Alkor and Brianna make a strong couple. They are more than ready to deal with the treachery and danger that follows them, and to fight for their future.
The world building is meticulous, making it easy to picture Alkor's life in the past.
The characters are well rounded, with believable back stories that give credence to their current emotions and actions.
It is only natural that Brianna should try to find the being that saved her.
Together Alkor and Brianna make a strong couple. They are more than ready to deal with the treachery and danger that follows them, and to fight for their future.
February 20, 2019
Love the story it's my first of the series. And I can only say that if the other stories are as good as Alkor and Brianna. I will definitely be reading them. I hope there is a bit more description of their world. But still I love reading of the khargals of this mythical creatures that are so desperately anxious to return to they world.
February 21, 2019
I loved how Alkor tried to stay true to his specie's directive to stay separate but failed with both his long-term human contact family and his mate. Brianna, saved by Alkor when she was 8, has been searching for Alkor for 20 years.
The pacing was fast, the opponents villainous and unexpected, and the romance was both hot and sweet.
I highly recommend this one!
The pacing was fast, the opponents villainous and unexpected, and the romance was both hot and sweet.
I highly recommend this one!
February 28, 2019
Alkar and Brianna's story is well written with suspense, drama, danger, villains, and romance. The Rose Group is still after the Khargals they try to capture Alkar by kidnapping Brianna. A book that held my interest throughout. I read this book through K U and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2019
Heart
Best book in series. I loved it. I loved the plot and loved the characters. I would love to read a follow up on life on Duras.
Best book in series. I loved it. I loved the plot and loved the characters. I would love to read a follow up on life on Duras.
February 22, 2019
They just keep getting better!
On the 3rd book of this series, and I am hooked! The series just draws you in, and you just can’t put the book down!
On the 3rd book of this series, and I am hooked! The series just draws you in, and you just can’t put the book down!
February 24, 2019
Fun series
Great start to a collaborative new series. Regine shows her adaptability in switching to a new environment. Have enjoyed all her books.
Great start to a collaborative new series. Regine shows her adaptability in switching to a new environment. Have enjoyed all her books.
March 1, 2019
Loved!!
I absolutely loved this book! It was a great story and the characters were great. My favorite part was the epilogue! Oh man so good!
I absolutely loved this book! It was a great story and the characters were great. My favorite part was the epilogue! Oh man so good!
August 3, 2021
I just couldn't connect with the characters. I also dont like instant sex. The chase is the fun part. Also the hero having sex with someone else when he knew who his fated mate was - NOT cool. Also there was too much sex.. Never thought I'd say that. Lol. I ended up skimming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
Stranded alien-gargoyle-shifter meets fated mate after waiting centuries.
May 6, 2019
To begin, I have already read Gravel and Grit, Hard as Rock, and Sticks and Stones before reading this addition to a wonderfully unique undertaking by a group of authors. This is my first real experience with this 'shared' storytelling method, and I have to say that I have enjoyed it thoroughly so far. That being said, I can also vouch that they can be read in any order without issue.
This story does a wonderful job of staying in sync with the other authors and their stories, and this yet again makes me very happy in that it feels truly like one cohesive world. I think my favorite thing about all of these stories is the difference in anatomy (wings, horns, tail, etc) between the Khargals and humans and how the humans deal with them. There is just enough wiggle room in the structure that there are different branches of Khargals so the authors have some room to stretch, if you will.
This book is about Alkor and Brianna, a structural engineer obsessed with old churches and gargoyles since she was saved by one as a child. Note that nobody believed her so she's seen as a bit odd in her life. I liked that she was so dedicated though I suppose it could be construed as obsessed as well. Alkor on the other hand, has to be the most 'out in the open' gargoyle I've read of so far, owning and even running several Gothic style night clubs.
My favorite aspect of Alkor had to be his relationship with Lana and her family. They're the ones who have been helping him for centuries to stay hidden and still interact with the world. His obvious love of his 'adopted' family (and later his actual) is really very touching. I think I cried at one point. He also had a few more gadgets than the other three Khargals have (though some spoke of them) and that was fun.
Something to note, this story felt more like a drama/romance where the other so far have been action/adventure/romance. Don't get me wrong, there is a fight scene or two and they are well done, but overall the book is mostly about the relationship between our two leads. That being said, this book wasn't quite as fun for me as the other three have been, but I still liked the continued world building. My biggest issue with this book is that it was written in first person perspective. I will give it was certainly one of the better done first person perspectives that I've read, but there's still something about the writing style that turns me off. The characters were a bit quick to jump in bed, but other than that, it felt like the romance was pretty steady.
Bit of a spoiler here:
This story does a wonderful job of staying in sync with the other authors and their stories, and this yet again makes me very happy in that it feels truly like one cohesive world. I think my favorite thing about all of these stories is the difference in anatomy (wings, horns, tail, etc) between the Khargals and humans and how the humans deal with them. There is just enough wiggle room in the structure that there are different branches of Khargals so the authors have some room to stretch, if you will.
This book is about Alkor and Brianna, a structural engineer obsessed with old churches and gargoyles since she was saved by one as a child. Note that nobody believed her so she's seen as a bit odd in her life. I liked that she was so dedicated though I suppose it could be construed as obsessed as well. Alkor on the other hand, has to be the most 'out in the open' gargoyle I've read of so far, owning and even running several Gothic style night clubs.
My favorite aspect of Alkor had to be his relationship with Lana and her family. They're the ones who have been helping him for centuries to stay hidden and still interact with the world. His obvious love of his 'adopted' family (and later his actual) is really very touching. I think I cried at one point. He also had a few more gadgets than the other three Khargals have (though some spoke of them) and that was fun.
Something to note, this story felt more like a drama/romance where the other so far have been action/adventure/romance. Don't get me wrong, there is a fight scene or two and they are well done, but overall the book is mostly about the relationship between our two leads. That being said, this book wasn't quite as fun for me as the other three have been, but I still liked the continued world building. My biggest issue with this book is that it was written in first person perspective. I will give it was certainly one of the better done first person perspectives that I've read, but there's still something about the writing style that turns me off. The characters were a bit quick to jump in bed, but other than that, it felt like the romance was pretty steady.
Bit of a spoiler here:
June 23, 2023
Cristal - per RFS
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Alkor Drayvus è un Khargal di Duras, è un esploratore che con il suo gruppo si schiantò mille anni fa sulla Terra. I Khargal, sopravvissuti e bloccati sul nostro pianeta, si celarono sotto le sembianze di pietre e osservarono dai trespoli ombrosi la lenta evoluzione degli abitanti primitivi diventando i mitici gargoyle.
Alkor, come tutti suoi compagni esploratori, cercò di non interferire con la vita degli umani, sebbene vent’anni prima abbia salvato una bambina e suo padre da un tragico incidente; quella famosa bambina ora è diventata adulta. Lei, Brianna, è sempre stata ossessionata dalla ricerca dell’esistenza di colui che l’ha salvata.
La storia si evolve velocemente in un lasso di tempo molto breve.
Alkor sente un’attrazione per Brianna ora che è cresciuta perché lei è riuscita a svegliare il suo istinto di accoppiamento e per questo l’ha tenuta lontana da lui fino a quando non è arrivata l’attivazione del radiosegnale del suo mondo per recuperare i sopravvissuti.
Brianna è ossessionata dal suo salvatore fin da bambina al punto da diventare un ingegnere specializzato in edifici storici, sempre alla ricerca delle prove dell’esistenza di Alkor, anche se non sa chi sia, più di una volta infatti ha tentato di avvicinarsi a lui nel suo locale ma non c’è mai riuscita. A un certo punto però non viene ingaggiata per la ristrutturazione nel locale del gargoyle.
Entrambi i protagonisti vengono attirati l’uno verso l’altra quasi in modo morboso.
La scrittura è molto fluida, si incentra sulla storia dei due protagonisti, tralasciando molte cose sospese e sembra una corsa contro il tempo, è tutto troppo veloce.
La storia di per sé con i gargoyle intriga molto il lettore ma io sono rimasta un po’ delusa perché il tutto si incentra sull’amore dei due protagonisti e non dà spazio allo sviluppo dei personaggi. Manca quello spirito fantascientifico e quella caratterizzazione che permetta di affezionarsi e capire al meglio Alkor e Brianna. Mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere maggiori descrizioni e un’esplorazione più profonda della storia vera e propria.
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Alkor Drayvus è un Khargal di Duras, è un esploratore che con il suo gruppo si schiantò mille anni fa sulla Terra. I Khargal, sopravvissuti e bloccati sul nostro pianeta, si celarono sotto le sembianze di pietre e osservarono dai trespoli ombrosi la lenta evoluzione degli abitanti primitivi diventando i mitici gargoyle.
Alkor, come tutti suoi compagni esploratori, cercò di non interferire con la vita degli umani, sebbene vent’anni prima abbia salvato una bambina e suo padre da un tragico incidente; quella famosa bambina ora è diventata adulta. Lei, Brianna, è sempre stata ossessionata dalla ricerca dell’esistenza di colui che l’ha salvata.
La storia si evolve velocemente in un lasso di tempo molto breve.
Alkor sente un’attrazione per Brianna ora che è cresciuta perché lei è riuscita a svegliare il suo istinto di accoppiamento e per questo l’ha tenuta lontana da lui fino a quando non è arrivata l’attivazione del radiosegnale del suo mondo per recuperare i sopravvissuti.
Brianna è ossessionata dal suo salvatore fin da bambina al punto da diventare un ingegnere specializzato in edifici storici, sempre alla ricerca delle prove dell’esistenza di Alkor, anche se non sa chi sia, più di una volta infatti ha tentato di avvicinarsi a lui nel suo locale ma non c’è mai riuscita. A un certo punto però non viene ingaggiata per la ristrutturazione nel locale del gargoyle.
Entrambi i protagonisti vengono attirati l’uno verso l’altra quasi in modo morboso.
La scrittura è molto fluida, si incentra sulla storia dei due protagonisti, tralasciando molte cose sospese e sembra una corsa contro il tempo, è tutto troppo veloce.
La storia di per sé con i gargoyle intriga molto il lettore ma io sono rimasta un po’ delusa perché il tutto si incentra sull’amore dei due protagonisti e non dà spazio allo sviluppo dei personaggi. Manca quello spirito fantascientifico e quella caratterizzazione che permetta di affezionarsi e capire al meglio Alkor e Brianna. Mi sarebbe piaciuto leggere maggiori descrizioni e un’esplorazione più profonda della storia vera e propria.
February 27, 2019
Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Heart of Stone is written by Regine Abel, and its part of a seven-book collective anthology called Khargals of Duras. Each book in this sci-fi series is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone sci-fi romance. This anthology tells the story of the Khargals, which are gargoyle-like creatures. They have been stranded here on Earth after their spaceship crashed. Finally, after one thousand years, their signal has been answered.
Heart of Stone tells the story of Alkor Drayvus, who is the Major in his Khargal military unit, and Brianna Brent. Brianna’s family had a tragic accident when she was eight years old. She would have also died if Alkor wasn’t there to rescue her. Twenty years have passed, and she still remembers the accident. Brianna continues to search for evidence of the being that saved her.
Alkor knows that time is starting to run out. He hires Brianna to help with the renovations at his gothic nightclub in hopes that she will remember him. When Brianna first meets Alkor, she realizes that it’s her savior. But what is going to happen when Alkor has to leave to get to the rescue ship?
Their chemistry is off the charts, and the sex scenes are steamy! I really enjoyed this story, and it’s a definite add to your TBR list.
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
How explicit is the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 4 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Heart of Stone is written by Regine Abel, and its part of a seven-book collective anthology called Khargals of Duras. Each book in this sci-fi series is written by a different author and can be read as a standalone sci-fi romance. This anthology tells the story of the Khargals, which are gargoyle-like creatures. They have been stranded here on Earth after their spaceship crashed. Finally, after one thousand years, their signal has been answered.
Heart of Stone tells the story of Alkor Drayvus, who is the Major in his Khargal military unit, and Brianna Brent. Brianna’s family had a tragic accident when she was eight years old. She would have also died if Alkor wasn’t there to rescue her. Twenty years have passed, and she still remembers the accident. Brianna continues to search for evidence of the being that saved her.
Alkor knows that time is starting to run out. He hires Brianna to help with the renovations at his gothic nightclub in hopes that she will remember him. When Brianna first meets Alkor, she realizes that it’s her savior. But what is going to happen when Alkor has to leave to get to the rescue ship?
Their chemistry is off the charts, and the sex scenes are steamy! I really enjoyed this story, and it’s a definite add to your TBR list.
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
February 23, 2019
Emotions run high - so thrilling!
A winged being saved Brianna and her father from certain death when she was 8. What a determined young woman she is - even choosing a career that would take her where he might be found. Her inner strength shows, even during the most difficult situations. Alkor realizes he’s drawn to Brianna, but chooses a path safest for her, regardless of his feelings. He’s such a protector!
This is one of those books I just couldn’t put down. The action is nonstop, moving from the excitement of a newfound love to the danger of enemies attempting to steal from them, capture or kill them. An excellent book in the Khargals of Duras series!
A winged being saved Brianna and her father from certain death when she was 8. What a determined young woman she is - even choosing a career that would take her where he might be found. Her inner strength shows, even during the most difficult situations. Alkor realizes he’s drawn to Brianna, but chooses a path safest for her, regardless of his feelings. He’s such a protector!
This is one of those books I just couldn’t put down. The action is nonstop, moving from the excitement of a newfound love to the danger of enemies attempting to steal from them, capture or kill them. An excellent book in the Khargals of Duras series!
March 12, 2019
Another great addition in the series
Alkor saves Brianna when she is a little girl against his beget judgment and ever since then she had been searching for him. He has been avoiding her as he shouldn't interact with humans at all. But when the Beacon is activated Alkor needs her help to get his sigil in time. Will they end up together and will Brianna be willing to leave her planet for him?
I liked that in this book we got to see a bit of Duras as well. And I didn't notice at first but this series is written by different authors. You couldn't tell in this book. Great job!
Alkor saves Brianna when she is a little girl against his beget judgment and ever since then she had been searching for him. He has been avoiding her as he shouldn't interact with humans at all. But when the Beacon is activated Alkor needs her help to get his sigil in time. Will they end up together and will Brianna be willing to leave her planet for him?
I liked that in this book we got to see a bit of Duras as well. And I didn't notice at first but this series is written by different authors. You couldn't tell in this book. Great job!
October 5, 2019
Wonderful collaboration of authors
This was one of several books about a gargoyle alien race callthe Khargals written by different individual authors. This was listed as book 1 but when searching for the series of books the book numbers get a bit confusing. Since this book was written by a favorite author and listed as book I started with this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi spin on gargoyles as well as the well-written world building and character back story development. This book has adventure, romance and some kickass characters. I will most likely real the complete series written so far
This was one of several books about a gargoyle alien race callthe Khargals written by different individual authors. This was listed as book 1 but when searching for the series of books the book numbers get a bit confusing. Since this book was written by a favorite author and listed as book I started with this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sci-fi spin on gargoyles as well as the well-written world building and character back story development. This book has adventure, romance and some kickass characters. I will most likely real the complete series written so far
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