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Stone Shifters #2
Stonewing Guardian
He’s her second chance.
She’s his last hope.
After a devastating accident, archaeologist Thea shut herself away from the world. But now, there’s an incredibly hot guy in her office, with an offer that might just be enough to drag her back into the field. He’s either crazy… or an entire secret race of magical shapeshifters desperately needs her help.
Time is running out for gargoyle shifter Mace. His people are in grave danger, and their only hope is a lost Viking amulet… and the brave, smart, emotionally scarred woman who might just be his mate.
But if this is going to work, he’ll have to trust a human with his people’s greatest secret…
… and she’ll have to trust him with her heart.
Filled with action, romance, and heart, Stonewing Guardian takes you back to the gargoyle shifter sanctuary of Stonegarden on the beautiful Newfoundland coast. One-click today!
She’s his last hope.
After a devastating accident, archaeologist Thea shut herself away from the world. But now, there’s an incredibly hot guy in her office, with an offer that might just be enough to drag her back into the field. He’s either crazy… or an entire secret race of magical shapeshifters desperately needs her help.
Time is running out for gargoyle shifter Mace. His people are in grave danger, and their only hope is a lost Viking amulet… and the brave, smart, emotionally scarred woman who might just be his mate.
But if this is going to work, he’ll have to trust a human with his people’s greatest secret…
… and she’ll have to trust him with her heart.
Filled with action, romance, and heart, Stonewing Guardian takes you back to the gargoyle shifter sanctuary of Stonegarden on the beautiful Newfoundland coast. One-click today!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2021
About the author
Lauren Esker
75 books86 followersLauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 28, 2021
Mace is looking for a magical amulet and hopes to find it before the magicians in the cloaks find it first. The magicians are after him and so he and everyone around him are in danger. Mace asks Thea to help him find this amulet and because she's an archaeologist, he thinks she's the perfect person to help him find what he's looking for.
Thea is working out of an office these days instead of doing field work because something bad happened to her and she can't go back to the dig sites yet. So when Mace asks her to help him find a magical amulet, she's not sure but she decides to help him.
Mace is a gargoyle shifter and he and his people are very secretive. But there's magical cloaked figures after him and his people. He knows some secrets about his people that these cloaked people want and they want to capture him to get them so they dart him with tranquilizers to try and capture him. But Thea and his friend Gio are thankfully there a couple of the times that the darts are able to get him and they take care of him. Mace can usually get away really fast because he can stone walk. Which means he can walk through stone, rock, pavement, concrete and he can get to other places really fast by doing this. While it wasn't explained really well what happens when he stone walks, I got the gist of it.
The magical cloaked figures come after him several times and puts Thea, Gio and others who are around him in danger. Thea doesn't want to stone walk with him after he did it with her without any warning because they were in danger and it set off a panic attack in her.
While they are searching one particular spot, one of the cloaked people find them and put them in danger once again. This guy also wants the amulet but for his own reasons and I understood why but he's still a bad guy. But the amulet finds its way to someone else that actually needs it and Mace is just fine with that as long as the cloaked magicians don't get their hands on it or him.
The secondary characters were great and we get to meet some other shifters that I would really like to get to know better. The ending was so sweet, I really loved that. I haven't read the first book but you can bet that I will be now.
Thea is working out of an office these days instead of doing field work because something bad happened to her and she can't go back to the dig sites yet. So when Mace asks her to help him find a magical amulet, she's not sure but she decides to help him.
Mace is a gargoyle shifter and he and his people are very secretive. But there's magical cloaked figures after him and his people. He knows some secrets about his people that these cloaked people want and they want to capture him to get them so they dart him with tranquilizers to try and capture him. But Thea and his friend Gio are thankfully there a couple of the times that the darts are able to get him and they take care of him. Mace can usually get away really fast because he can stone walk. Which means he can walk through stone, rock, pavement, concrete and he can get to other places really fast by doing this. While it wasn't explained really well what happens when he stone walks, I got the gist of it.
The magical cloaked figures come after him several times and puts Thea, Gio and others who are around him in danger. Thea doesn't want to stone walk with him after he did it with her without any warning because they were in danger and it set off a panic attack in her.
While they are searching one particular spot, one of the cloaked people find them and put them in danger once again. This guy also wants the amulet but for his own reasons and I understood why but he's still a bad guy. But the amulet finds its way to someone else that actually needs it and Mace is just fine with that as long as the cloaked magicians don't get their hands on it or him.
The secondary characters were great and we get to meet some other shifters that I would really like to get to know better. The ending was so sweet, I really loved that. I haven't read the first book but you can bet that I will be now.
February 6, 2024
4.5 stars.
I knocked this down a half star because at the very very end the heroine lies about enjoying gifts. It is so unnecessary for her to hide her likes and dislikes and made me question their relationship.
Until then, this was really fun and I loved them! I really enjoyed that she is in her 40s and he looks like he's in his 40s. He's actually 70 something I believe.
Safe.
I knocked this down a half star because at the very very end the heroine lies about enjoying gifts. It is so unnecessary for her to hide her likes and dislikes and made me question their relationship.
Until then, this was really fun and I loved them! I really enjoyed that she is in her 40s and he looks like he's in his 40s. He's actually 70 something I believe.
Safe.
January 27, 2022
Love and Ancient Mysteries
This is a sweet and light-hearted paranormal shifter romance and adventure. An archaeologists and gargoyle shifter embark on a quest to find an old magical Viking artifact. I thoroughly enjoyed this ebook, it's a perfect mix of romance and mystery. Highly recommended to all lovers of paranormal romance.
This is a sweet and light-hearted paranormal shifter romance and adventure. An archaeologists and gargoyle shifter embark on a quest to find an old magical Viking artifact. I thoroughly enjoyed this ebook, it's a perfect mix of romance and mystery. Highly recommended to all lovers of paranormal romance.
May 21, 2025
Thea and Mace and Gio
That might be my only issue with it the story.
The other two got him into this ‘mess’ and they didn’t help out. Yeah Jess is 6 months pregnant so I wouldn’t expect her to be charging into battle and such, but no brain storming sessions? No checking in to ask how it’s going and giving a piece of information or got them to look to a question differently so they got to the answer they needed? We don’t even see her mate outside of a mention from Thea that he didn’t smile at her and thought she offended him somehow.
So that is one of the reasons that his old human friend is dragged into this and injured along with two locals. They were not injured, just dragged into the madness near the end.
They all helped in the story, Gio most of all since he was there almost from the get go, but the two locals I kinda think were half plants to get the reader interested in reading her Westerly Cove books. But here is the thing. Would I have known that there were part of that series when this book came out? Heck, had that series even began? So maybe that point wasn’t as valid as I first thought.
As for Gio it’s very clear the third book is his. That was a surprising twist that actually caught me off guard.
I think one of my questions from the first book was kinda answered here. I just don’t know where in the timeline of her books this falls. Before or after Ash’s story.
Now for this book.
Thea is ok. I like the dress style that she was given at the start of the book. And I liked her well enough through out the story but I didn’t feel overly fond of her until she became possessive of her matting gift. Maybe it was because she was dealing with her baggage on top of being attacked out of nowhere. She came around bit by bit as the story progressed, but you didn’t see her carefree until she was given the gift and it meaning something for her.
Even though Mace didn’t ask his family to help and took this task on because it was his job to protect his family and their home, I think they should have helped him. I was happy that to see him try the gargoyle making spell again but I should have known it wouldn’t have workout like should have.
Gio actually took up a lot of mental space. I was so worried about him and when I was expecting to have more time with him he leaves.
Oh, almost forgot Tor and his dad. They are the late comers to this story. We did met Tor earlier, but he doesn’t get dragged into all of this, without being told what all this was, until near the end of the story. I am happy to report that the author had yet to write his story, so he is still unmated in this story.
And that is about it. I tried to find out where in the timeline of her books this fell so I would know if it was before or after Commander Ash, but I wasn’t able to. Maybe that question gets answered in the last book.
Later.
That might be my only issue with it the story.
The other two got him into this ‘mess’ and they didn’t help out. Yeah Jess is 6 months pregnant so I wouldn’t expect her to be charging into battle and such, but no brain storming sessions? No checking in to ask how it’s going and giving a piece of information or got them to look to a question differently so they got to the answer they needed? We don’t even see her mate outside of a mention from Thea that he didn’t smile at her and thought she offended him somehow.
So that is one of the reasons that his old human friend is dragged into this and injured along with two locals. They were not injured, just dragged into the madness near the end.
They all helped in the story, Gio most of all since he was there almost from the get go, but the two locals I kinda think were half plants to get the reader interested in reading her Westerly Cove books. But here is the thing. Would I have known that there were part of that series when this book came out? Heck, had that series even began? So maybe that point wasn’t as valid as I first thought.
As for Gio it’s very clear the third book is his. That was a surprising twist that actually caught me off guard.
I think one of my questions from the first book was kinda answered here. I just don’t know where in the timeline of her books this falls. Before or after Ash’s story.
Now for this book.
Thea is ok. I like the dress style that she was given at the start of the book. And I liked her well enough through out the story but I didn’t feel overly fond of her until she became possessive of her matting gift. Maybe it was because she was dealing with her baggage on top of being attacked out of nowhere. She came around bit by bit as the story progressed, but you didn’t see her carefree until she was given the gift and it meaning something for her.
Even though Mace didn’t ask his family to help and took this task on because it was his job to protect his family and their home, I think they should have helped him. I was happy that to see him try the gargoyle making spell again but I should have known it wouldn’t have workout like should have.
Gio actually took up a lot of mental space. I was so worried about him and when I was expecting to have more time with him he leaves.
Oh, almost forgot Tor and his dad. They are the late comers to this story. We did met Tor earlier, but he doesn’t get dragged into all of this, without being told what all this was, until near the end of the story. I am happy to report that the author had yet to write his story, so he is still unmated in this story.
And that is about it. I tried to find out where in the timeline of her books this fell so I would know if it was before or after Commander Ash, but I wasn’t able to. Maybe that question gets answered in the last book.
Later.
January 3, 2022
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
Stonewing Guardian is the second title in the Stone Shifters series, which is a spin-off of the Bodyguard Shifters. Mace and Thea’s story is a nerve-wracking, intense tale from start to end and I loved every moment back in this world once again.
Mace is certain he knows how to find the amulet his people have desperately been searching for, but he’s going to need some major help from one scholarly expert and she is dealing with some major issues of her own right now. Thea loves the discovery of the past, but during a recent excavation, she was involved in a cave-in which has led to an intense fear of enclosed places… which makes going on digs very difficult. She’s hidden it so far, but when Mace comes to her with such an enticing project she’s tempted… oh, so tempted.
Stonewing Guardian is action-packed, with the added bonus of some unexpected twists in the overall storyline. And I love when that happens. Because some of those twists involve characters from the first story in the series, Stoneskin Dragon, I’m going to suggest strongly that the Stone Shifters series be read in order for all of those background bits of information to make sense in the current story being read.
I hesitate to get into any more details for that would be entering the spoiler zone in my opinion. I can state that the developing romance between Mace and Thea is endearing and sizzling, the return of some favorite characters with those added twists makes me want the next story right now, and the introduction of intriguing characters has me hoping for more stories where they take the spotlight. Vague, yes, but you should discover the book clutching, tense knuckles, don’t interrupt me reading for yourself first hand. I haven’t seen when the next title is releasing but I’m really hoping for soon for there are things I need answers to… and you will as well. If you love a good Shifter Romance full of questions, quests, mysteries, and mates then this story and series should be on your need-to-read list.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Stonewing Guardian is the second title in the Stone Shifters series, which is a spin-off of the Bodyguard Shifters. Mace and Thea’s story is a nerve-wracking, intense tale from start to end and I loved every moment back in this world once again.
Mace is certain he knows how to find the amulet his people have desperately been searching for, but he’s going to need some major help from one scholarly expert and she is dealing with some major issues of her own right now. Thea loves the discovery of the past, but during a recent excavation, she was involved in a cave-in which has led to an intense fear of enclosed places… which makes going on digs very difficult. She’s hidden it so far, but when Mace comes to her with such an enticing project she’s tempted… oh, so tempted.
Stonewing Guardian is action-packed, with the added bonus of some unexpected twists in the overall storyline. And I love when that happens. Because some of those twists involve characters from the first story in the series, Stoneskin Dragon, I’m going to suggest strongly that the Stone Shifters series be read in order for all of those background bits of information to make sense in the current story being read.
I hesitate to get into any more details for that would be entering the spoiler zone in my opinion. I can state that the developing romance between Mace and Thea is endearing and sizzling, the return of some favorite characters with those added twists makes me want the next story right now, and the introduction of intriguing characters has me hoping for more stories where they take the spotlight. Vague, yes, but you should discover the book clutching, tense knuckles, don’t interrupt me reading for yourself first hand. I haven’t seen when the next title is releasing but I’m really hoping for soon for there are things I need answers to… and you will as well. If you love a good Shifter Romance full of questions, quests, mysteries, and mates then this story and series should be on your need-to-read list.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 8, 2023
Good series
Mace is getting desperate in his search for the medallion. So he travels to Toronto to visit Dr. Thea Lanning, an archeologist and Professor for help at the University of Toronto.
Thea was a field archeologist until two years ago when on a site, she got trapped due to a mudslide. She felt helpless and didn't know if help was coming for her. Since then, she's been suffering from PTSD and refuses to ride elevators or be in enclosed spaces. She also stopped going on digs, choosing to be back in a classroom.
While having dinner with Mace and giving him new locations search for the medallion, the Mage in Robes tries to attack him. After he gets shot with a dart, he immediately grabs Thea and stonewalls to Gio's villa in Italy. Gio immediately sees his friend unconscious and ushers them inside. Meanwhile, he fills Thea in on what little he can until Mace wakes up.
When Mace wakes up, Thea refuses to travel via stonewalling again. So Mace and Gio go back to Toronto to get her passport and luggage only to be attacked. But this time, the Mages hit Gio instead. Back at the villa, Mace performs the same ritual he did for Reive on Gio. But it's not with the same result, Gio becomes a Gargoyle lion.
Mace travels with Gio back to the estate while Thea flies on a plane. Gio becomes their constant guardian while they fight off more attacks. They kidnap the head mage and with the help of a polar bear shifter, they find the ancient site where the Vikings came centuries ago.
Only when Thea finds the medallion, Gio eats it to protect his friends. Now the mage warns them that his people won't leave Gio alone because he has it.
When Gio finally shifts back to his human side, he's a young man again, just like Mace. But he knows that he's on his own, he refuses to endanger his friends.
Can't wait for the next book.
Mace is getting desperate in his search for the medallion. So he travels to Toronto to visit Dr. Thea Lanning, an archeologist and Professor for help at the University of Toronto.
Thea was a field archeologist until two years ago when on a site, she got trapped due to a mudslide. She felt helpless and didn't know if help was coming for her. Since then, she's been suffering from PTSD and refuses to ride elevators or be in enclosed spaces. She also stopped going on digs, choosing to be back in a classroom.
While having dinner with Mace and giving him new locations search for the medallion, the Mage in Robes tries to attack him. After he gets shot with a dart, he immediately grabs Thea and stonewalls to Gio's villa in Italy. Gio immediately sees his friend unconscious and ushers them inside. Meanwhile, he fills Thea in on what little he can until Mace wakes up.
When Mace wakes up, Thea refuses to travel via stonewalling again. So Mace and Gio go back to Toronto to get her passport and luggage only to be attacked. But this time, the Mages hit Gio instead. Back at the villa, Mace performs the same ritual he did for Reive on Gio. But it's not with the same result, Gio becomes a Gargoyle lion.
Mace travels with Gio back to the estate while Thea flies on a plane. Gio becomes their constant guardian while they fight off more attacks. They kidnap the head mage and with the help of a polar bear shifter, they find the ancient site where the Vikings came centuries ago.
Only when Thea finds the medallion, Gio eats it to protect his friends. Now the mage warns them that his people won't leave Gio alone because he has it.
When Gio finally shifts back to his human side, he's a young man again, just like Mace. But he knows that he's on his own, he refuses to endanger his friends.
Can't wait for the next book.
August 17, 2021
Mutual Understanding!!!
Thea Lanning an archeologist who abandoned her career after a terrible accident and shut herself away from the world. Until one day a handsome stranger walked into her office and asked her for help in locating a magical amulet. She never expected her life to change so drastically.
Mace Mackay, a gargoyle shifter whom we've met in the previous book, STONESKIN DRAGON . Time was running out for him and the rest of his people. Their only hope was a Viking amulet and he needed the help of the beautiful, smart and brave archeologist. Her help wasn't the only thing that he wanted, she felt like his mate and together they were going to safe his kind.
The mutual attraction that was building between Mace and Thea was done beautifully. I loved how they opened up to each other and how their quest led them on a new discovery they didn't know they were looking for.
It was great to catch up with Jess and find out what she was up to along with her mate. The connection between her and Thea was beautiful.
Together with some of Mace's friends they were able to stop the enemy. But they also made a connection with one of the evildoers (I can't to find more about him). Looking to more about Gio as well.
Thea and Mace finally got their HEA and she found her HOME.
STONEWING GUARDIAN is the second installment in Zoe Chant's STONE SHIFTERS series. It was fast-paced, fun and adventurous. Zoe Chant did a magnificent job! 5++++
****I received a free copy from the author, without any obligation to review.****
Thea Lanning an archeologist who abandoned her career after a terrible accident and shut herself away from the world. Until one day a handsome stranger walked into her office and asked her for help in locating a magical amulet. She never expected her life to change so drastically.
Mace Mackay, a gargoyle shifter whom we've met in the previous book, STONESKIN DRAGON . Time was running out for him and the rest of his people. Their only hope was a Viking amulet and he needed the help of the beautiful, smart and brave archeologist. Her help wasn't the only thing that he wanted, she felt like his mate and together they were going to safe his kind.
The mutual attraction that was building between Mace and Thea was done beautifully. I loved how they opened up to each other and how their quest led them on a new discovery they didn't know they were looking for.
It was great to catch up with Jess and find out what she was up to along with her mate. The connection between her and Thea was beautiful.
Together with some of Mace's friends they were able to stop the enemy. But they also made a connection with one of the evildoers (I can't to find more about him). Looking to more about Gio as well.
Thea and Mace finally got their HEA and she found her HOME.
STONEWING GUARDIAN is the second installment in Zoe Chant's STONE SHIFTERS series. It was fast-paced, fun and adventurous. Zoe Chant did a magnificent job! 5++++
****I received a free copy from the author, without any obligation to review.****
November 15, 2021
Thea and Mace's Cavernous Tryst! 4.2***** Spoiler Alert!
Thea L, an archeologist, who survived a cave-in and was still experiencing PTSD, when she met Mace, her stonewinged gargoyle mate, during his search for the Viking's heart medallion. Having to overcome her stonewalking fears, Javic's magical spells and poisonous darts, she and Mace looked for a cure for the newly turned Gio into a stone lion. Tor and his polar bear shifting father, sailed them to a magically protected rock, where they discovered the heart that Gio swallow during the battle. This action made him a gargoyle like Mace with the ability to shift. Even though he is now trackable by the Black Robe cultist, he is unable to enter Mace's StoneGarden for refuge. Thea and Mace as they explore her magical connection, will have a HEA, finally, as they search to undo Gio's predicament.
Great characters and interesting plot/storyline, which promises the continuance of the Gargoyl lineage with Jess pregnant and Mace finding a new mate, extinction maybe in the rearview mirror for them all. The theme of trusting and working with ones enemy was applicable at the climatic end. A Must-Read!
11/14/21- 11/14/21 HiMama9th. COVID-19
Thea L, an archeologist, who survived a cave-in and was still experiencing PTSD, when she met Mace, her stonewinged gargoyle mate, during his search for the Viking's heart medallion. Having to overcome her stonewalking fears, Javic's magical spells and poisonous darts, she and Mace looked for a cure for the newly turned Gio into a stone lion. Tor and his polar bear shifting father, sailed them to a magically protected rock, where they discovered the heart that Gio swallow during the battle. This action made him a gargoyle like Mace with the ability to shift. Even though he is now trackable by the Black Robe cultist, he is unable to enter Mace's StoneGarden for refuge. Thea and Mace as they explore her magical connection, will have a HEA, finally, as they search to undo Gio's predicament.
Great characters and interesting plot/storyline, which promises the continuance of the Gargoyl lineage with Jess pregnant and Mace finding a new mate, extinction maybe in the rearview mirror for them all. The theme of trusting and working with ones enemy was applicable at the climatic end. A Must-Read!
11/14/21- 11/14/21 HiMama9th. COVID-19
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2021
I love Mace & Thea together. She's a 40-something Professor, who finds herself doing classwork after a terrifying site-accident. She's struggling with claustrophobia when Mace enters her office. He's looking for information about potential Viking landing sites, in his quest to find a lost amulet.
There's definitely an immediate attraction between the two, so Thea agrees to dinner, to help Mace with his search locations. Even though she stresses it's a million-to-one long shot of actually pinpointing locations he's looking for.
Needless to say, things go to hell in a handbasket when the cultists track Mace down to the restaurant. Thea finds herself Stonewalking, and she completely freaks. She actually handles all the supernatural crap thrown her way with remarkable resolve.
Gio joins Mace in retrieving Thea's stuff, when he's struck by a dart meant for Mace. Things don't go so well, and Mace is forced to save his friend ... which has interesting consequences. So, Thea & Mace are on the run, trying to stay ahead of the cultists while they try to find the amulet.
There's also a surprise reveal of some of residents in Mace's community. I really hope they get their own spin-off :)
The ending was interesting, and took a turn I really didn't see coming. I'm hopefully Gio's book is next.
There's definitely an immediate attraction between the two, so Thea agrees to dinner, to help Mace with his search locations. Even though she stresses it's a million-to-one long shot of actually pinpointing locations he's looking for.
Needless to say, things go to hell in a handbasket when the cultists track Mace down to the restaurant. Thea finds herself Stonewalking, and she completely freaks. She actually handles all the supernatural crap thrown her way with remarkable resolve.
Gio joins Mace in retrieving Thea's stuff, when he's struck by a dart meant for Mace. Things don't go so well, and Mace is forced to save his friend ... which has interesting consequences. So, Thea & Mace are on the run, trying to stay ahead of the cultists while they try to find the amulet.
There's also a surprise reveal of some of residents in Mace's community. I really hope they get their own spin-off :)
The ending was interesting, and took a turn I really didn't see coming. I'm hopefully Gio's book is next.
September 2, 2021
Stonewing Guardian #2 09;01/2021
Mace needs to find a very old gargoyle relics that’s thought to have magical powers to make gargoyles. So he needs the advice of archaeologist so that’s how he finds Thea. She a expert on Viking runes and Mace thinks that they are linked. But soon trouble come after him and he has to take her stone walking that’s where he sinks into the ground and can move through it quickly. When they come out she is having a panic attack and they are in Italy at his friends. But Mace has been hit with a dart with some kind of drug to slow him down. But soon come out of it but they don’t feel safe at Geo’s so the are going to try to get to Mace’s home of stone garden but Thea will not let Mace take her stone walking again. So Thea is staying at Geo’s while Mace and Geo go to her place to get her stuff but again trouble happens. So enjoy this very good book and see what trouble comes after them and if to works out for them !!
Mace needs to find a very old gargoyle relics that’s thought to have magical powers to make gargoyles. So he needs the advice of archaeologist so that’s how he finds Thea. She a expert on Viking runes and Mace thinks that they are linked. But soon trouble come after him and he has to take her stone walking that’s where he sinks into the ground and can move through it quickly. When they come out she is having a panic attack and they are in Italy at his friends. But Mace has been hit with a dart with some kind of drug to slow him down. But soon come out of it but they don’t feel safe at Geo’s so the are going to try to get to Mace’s home of stone garden but Thea will not let Mace take her stone walking again. So Thea is staying at Geo’s while Mace and Geo go to her place to get her stuff but again trouble happens. So enjoy this very good book and see what trouble comes after them and if to works out for them !!
March 5, 2025
This book follows Mace as he tries to find a lost Norse stone that may be the key to making new gargoyles. He goes to an archaeologist named Thea for help. Thea has some PTSD from being trapped on a previous dig and has been staying out of the field since. So when they have to stonewalk suddenly (before she knows anything about anything) to get away from the cult, she reasonably freaks out. The cult from the previous book seem to be trying to capture Mace using darts, one of which ends up in his friend Gio who nearly dies. To save him, Mace turns him into a lion gargoyle shifter but doesn't do it quite right. They need the stone to give Gio his mind and body back. The story goes on and has made me curious about the main cult guy who definitely is more than he seems and doesn't want to be doing what he's doing. I liked how Mace handled her panic attacks and the general vibe of the story. I also love that most of it is set in Canada!! I look forward to Gio's book.
August 21, 2021
Thea is an archaeologist who has shut herself away from working in the field. Then Mace walks into her office with a tale that really tempts her to help. In making that decision, she is thrust into a world of magic and shifters. Mace is trusting Thea with his people's deepest secret. Will she trust him with her heart
I really enjoy Zoe Chant's books and this one was no exception. This book is second in what is shaping up to be a fabulous series. It was a great read with lots of action, suspense, and romance. It's fairly well-written with wonderful characters and I loved Thea and Mace's story. However, there were some grammatical errors and consistency issues that detracted from the story for me. Still, I'm eager for the next book in this series and highly recommend both book and series.
I really enjoy Zoe Chant's books and this one was no exception. This book is second in what is shaping up to be a fabulous series. It was a great read with lots of action, suspense, and romance. It's fairly well-written with wonderful characters and I loved Thea and Mace's story. However, there were some grammatical errors and consistency issues that detracted from the story for me. Still, I'm eager for the next book in this series and highly recommend both book and series.
August 23, 2021
Another great story by Zoe Chant!
This series starts after Bodyguard Shifters #6 and then these 2 follow in order. I am really enjoying this series. Thea is an archaeology professor in Toronto when this good-looking guy shows up asking about Viking landing spots in northeastern Canada. Mace is trying to find an ancient Norse artifact that he believes will help keep his people safe. Things start happening when Mace takes Thea out to dinner.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some steamy suggestions but no details. The characters are vivid and engaging. I am totally looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series. Read these in the order that I said at the beginning, and enjoy!
This series starts after Bodyguard Shifters #6 and then these 2 follow in order. I am really enjoying this series. Thea is an archaeology professor in Toronto when this good-looking guy shows up asking about Viking landing spots in northeastern Canada. Mace is trying to find an ancient Norse artifact that he believes will help keep his people safe. Things start happening when Mace takes Thea out to dinner.
The pace is breakneck and the tone is hopeful with an action and character oriented storyline that has some steamy suggestions but no details. The characters are vivid and engaging. I am totally looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series. Read these in the order that I said at the beginning, and enjoy!
May 13, 2023
Mace MacKay thinks locating a lost mystical artifact will help save the few remaining gargoyles in the world. Respected archeologist Dr. Thea Lanning’s name has popped up as an expert and Mace visits Thea for assistance on narrowing the artifact’s location. Rather than a dry exchange, Thea and Mace settle into a verbal exchange and comfortable flirt.
Over dinner, Mace and Thea are attacked by magicians either trying to kidnap his gargoyle or find the same information. Mace is poisoned but stonewalks Thea and himself to safety behind the shield of his friend Gio’s home. Mace and Gio go on a quick job when they’re attacked by the same magicians; Mace is faced with a tough choice and not enough information.
Rating: 4.25stars
Over dinner, Mace and Thea are attacked by magicians either trying to kidnap his gargoyle or find the same information. Mace is poisoned but stonewalks Thea and himself to safety behind the shield of his friend Gio’s home. Mace and Gio go on a quick job when they’re attacked by the same magicians; Mace is faced with a tough choice and not enough information.
Rating: 4.25stars
October 20, 2021
another amazing story by ZOE CHANT G.O.A.T author
Mace is a older Gargoyle, constantly dealing with attacks from an evil cult who wish to use him for nefarious purposes, he us looking for an archeologist who can help him find an ancient Viking artifact, a stone heart of a Viking gargoyle warrior. Hungryin’s heart. She is a closterphobic desk ridden archeologists who get forced into the middle of magic mayhem cults and stone monsters, and magic wielding occultism. Can she overcome her fears and trust him to protect her? Can they find love and save each other? Travel to Canada , Roma & Newfoundland all without leaving the comfort of a cozy spot!
Mace is a older Gargoyle, constantly dealing with attacks from an evil cult who wish to use him for nefarious purposes, he us looking for an archeologist who can help him find an ancient Viking artifact, a stone heart of a Viking gargoyle warrior. Hungryin’s heart. She is a closterphobic desk ridden archeologists who get forced into the middle of magic mayhem cults and stone monsters, and magic wielding occultism. Can she overcome her fears and trust him to protect her? Can they find love and save each other? Travel to Canada , Roma & Newfoundland all without leaving the comfort of a cozy spot!
December 9, 2021
It was a sweet romantic story
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s about a gargoyle (shifter) looking for a special stone. He enlists the help of a archeologist who has claustrophobia due to being buried during a dig. These two help each other grow and provide support in a family way. I think there must be another book in the works because we were left without know much about what happened to the gargoyle’s best friend Gio. The conflict and climax of the story was pretty interesting but I wish the author could have given us more details about the old magic and island. Read On!
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s about a gargoyle (shifter) looking for a special stone. He enlists the help of a archeologist who has claustrophobia due to being buried during a dig. These two help each other grow and provide support in a family way. I think there must be another book in the works because we were left without know much about what happened to the gargoyle’s best friend Gio. The conflict and climax of the story was pretty interesting but I wish the author could have given us more details about the old magic and island. Read On!
August 16, 2021
Mace and Thea had such an amazing chemistry. Their story 'rocked'! Literally. Gargoyle magic is different from other shifters. One thing is, they don't immediately recognize their mates. They gotta fall in love the old fashion way. But once they do, it hits 'hard'. The book has mystery, action and romance. The two will find a HEA, eventually. However, we are left with a few loose ends. Which is a definite sign of more to come. I hope we learn more about the residents from town also. It's a 'Zoe' book, so of course I loved it. I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
September 13, 2021
wanted more of the couple
Loved premise of the series and enjoyed the first book in series. Will not spoil it for readers.
Frankly felt like the couple would be like a pair of adults that are surface level together.
Also felt like there were many unanswered questions.
How did the find him when he went to visit her if the magician can not get on island?
She is forty, can or does she want children since technically she probably Still can have them?
The logic of the lion not staying made no sense.
Loved premise of the series and enjoyed the first book in series. Will not spoil it for readers.
Frankly felt like the couple would be like a pair of adults that are surface level together.
Also felt like there were many unanswered questions.
How did the find him when he went to visit her if the magician can not get on island?
She is forty, can or does she want children since technically she probably Still can have them?
The logic of the lion not staying made no sense.
September 21, 2021
Great mystery, wonderful love story
Love mysteries and love stories? Better yet, both together?
Then Stonewing Guardian is for you.
The story moved along with no "boring" sections to require a page flip. Your interest will remain piqued throughout the book. The characters are fun, lively, and all together believable.
Definitely five star worthy.
I did not read book one in the series, (although I will now) and that fact had no impact on the flow of the story.
Brava, Miss Zoe
Love mysteries and love stories? Better yet, both together?
Then Stonewing Guardian is for you.
The story moved along with no "boring" sections to require a page flip. Your interest will remain piqued throughout the book. The characters are fun, lively, and all together believable.
Definitely five star worthy.
I did not read book one in the series, (although I will now) and that fact had no impact on the flow of the story.
Brava, Miss Zoe
November 8, 2024
Another highly enjoyable instalment in the Bodyguard Shifters spinoff series, and another great nuanced depiction of mental health rep (in this case, the archaeologist FMC Thea is claustrophobic after being trapped in a collapsed dig site) from Ms Esker.
As always, I really enjoyed the banter and interactions between Ms Esker's characters, and I was delighted to see Tor (who I know is the MMC in the first book of the Westerly Cove spinoff spinoff) introduced. I'm going to be very sad when I finally get to the end of that series and all the stories in this world have been told.
As always, I really enjoyed the banter and interactions between Ms Esker's characters, and I was delighted to see Tor (who I know is the MMC in the first book of the Westerly Cove spinoff spinoff) introduced. I'm going to be very sad when I finally get to the end of that series and all the stories in this world have been told.
August 28, 2021
Best book I’ve read in a while!
I absolutely loved this book! I was so enthralled by the storyline that I couldn’t put it down. I did get a few new bruises while I was reading and walking at the same time into things. The characters are amazing, the storyline was very enchanting and kept you enthralled! Best thing, no smut, you’ll never notice it missing! I can’t wait to read more stories from this series! Enjoy!
I absolutely loved this book! I was so enthralled by the storyline that I couldn’t put it down. I did get a few new bruises while I was reading and walking at the same time into things. The characters are amazing, the storyline was very enchanting and kept you enthralled! Best thing, no smut, you’ll never notice it missing! I can’t wait to read more stories from this series! Enjoy!
September 10, 2021
Such an enjoyable book
I liked Thea and her quirkiness. She fit well with Mace. Gio as the lion was a fun play on gargoyles. Tripping over him as he guarded Theo's door was fun. Everyone needs a huge guard stone lion to protect them! The evil magicals need to go. They run everything and that's wrong like who has to pay for all that destruction they create. I liked it very much and can't wait to read what happens to Gio!
I liked Thea and her quirkiness. She fit well with Mace. Gio as the lion was a fun play on gargoyles. Tripping over him as he guarded Theo's door was fun. Everyone needs a huge guard stone lion to protect them! The evil magicals need to go. They run everything and that's wrong like who has to pay for all that destruction they create. I liked it very much and can't wait to read what happens to Gio!
September 26, 2021
Loved it!!
Oh wow second book even better. But what will become of Gio and that Phoenix Javic. Whatever happens I hope Gio pulls through he is too good a person to be running for his life forever. Mace now has his mate Thea , and with these two thing will work out for their friend Gio , hopefully before the cultist finds him..loved it will there be a story line for Gio..or Javic for that matter..really would like to know..big fan as always Winzie19🤗💞.
Oh wow second book even better. But what will become of Gio and that Phoenix Javic. Whatever happens I hope Gio pulls through he is too good a person to be running for his life forever. Mace now has his mate Thea , and with these two thing will work out for their friend Gio , hopefully before the cultist finds him..loved it will there be a story line for Gio..or Javic for that matter..really would like to know..big fan as always Winzie19🤗💞.
January 18, 2022
Book 3 when?
Stonewing Guardian Stone Shifters Book 2
By Zoe Chant
Kindle unlimited purchase
Mace and Thea's story. Thea is an archaeologist with a secret. Mace is a gargoyle and unlike most shifters, gargoyles do not recognize their mates right off. They have to get to know them first. A chance to fall in love with them.
Looking forward to reading book 3 when it comes out!
Stoneskin Dragon
Stonewing Guardian
Stoneheart Lion
Stonewing Guardian Stone Shifters Book 2
By Zoe Chant
Kindle unlimited purchase
Mace and Thea's story. Thea is an archaeologist with a secret. Mace is a gargoyle and unlike most shifters, gargoyles do not recognize their mates right off. They have to get to know them first. A chance to fall in love with them.
Looking forward to reading book 3 when it comes out!
Stoneskin Dragon
Stonewing Guardian
Stoneheart Lion
June 27, 2022
Those assholes that keep on attacking them really screwed up this x. I don't quite understand why they keep pulling this constantly but they need sum major payback and one might just get his ass handed 2 him but 4 how long? Its different that they can't b like normal and their creature can tell them if they find their mate or not instead of having 2 do a hard x. But I was surprised about Geo. I don't like how it just stopped about Geo and left me with a few questions.
August 19, 2021
Another original shifter legend
This series is delightfully original. It carries the hallmark romance of the writers collective, with an ingeniously constructed world weaving Viking and archeological lore, with magical shifter gargoyles. Yep, gargoyles. Set in the beauty of Newfoundland. Toss in a couple of polar bear shifters and you have a great summer relaxing read.
This series is delightfully original. It carries the hallmark romance of the writers collective, with an ingeniously constructed world weaving Viking and archeological lore, with magical shifter gargoyles. Yep, gargoyles. Set in the beauty of Newfoundland. Toss in a couple of polar bear shifters and you have a great summer relaxing read.
August 25, 2021
Another great read
I must admit that the idea of gargoyles didn’t appeal to me at all. I much prefer the thought of cuddly furry shifter bears and lions etc, but I was wrong, I am loving these stone books. Can’t wait for Gios story, and I have a little feeling that Javic might turn out to be a good guy in the end???
I must admit that the idea of gargoyles didn’t appeal to me at all. I much prefer the thought of cuddly furry shifter bears and lions etc, but I was wrong, I am loving these stone books. Can’t wait for Gios story, and I have a little feeling that Javic might turn out to be a good guy in the end???
September 2, 2021
Delightful
Gargoyles that are shifters a magician who is linked somehow to a phoenix. A stonewalling lion who started out human and Thea the Gargoyles's mate stir these ingredients and you have an absorbing story with an original plot. Pure enjoyment and bet of all not to come. Loved it
Gargoyles that are shifters a magician who is linked somehow to a phoenix. A stonewalling lion who started out human and Thea the Gargoyles's mate stir these ingredients and you have an absorbing story with an original plot. Pure enjoyment and bet of all not to come. Loved it
October 23, 2021
A Quest, danger, and romance, perfectly blended.
Mack needs an Archeologist.
Thea thinks the man is good looking but crazy.Then things really go crazy when a black robed man attaçks, and Mace drags her threw the ground.
There's enough action to keep you reading long past bed time.
Mack needs an Archeologist.
Thea thinks the man is good looking but crazy.Then things really go crazy when a black robed man attaçks, and Mace drags her threw the ground.
There's enough action to keep you reading long past bed time.
November 13, 2022
Enjoyable story with likeable characters.
Plays out well.
I hope we get more about Javic the baddie, and I really want Gio to get helped.
Thea annoyed me at times with her attitude about what had happened. I expected it to be some major catastrophic horror, not what it turned out to be.
Read through kindle unlimited.
Plays out well.
I hope we get more about Javic the baddie, and I really want Gio to get helped.
Thea annoyed me at times with her attitude about what had happened. I expected it to be some major catastrophic horror, not what it turned out to be.
Read through kindle unlimited.
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