Wicked Awakening is the second book in the Claimed by Gargoyles series, a scorching hot paranormal mafia romance featuring a feisty witch coming into her power and four fiercely possessive gargoyle gangsters with horns, tails, oh-so-sensitive wings, and special “equipment” guaranteed to leave their woman—and their readers—begging for more.
Sarah Piper is a witchy, Tarot-card-slinging paranormal romance and urban fantasy author. Through her signature brew of dark magic, heart-pounding suspense, and steamy romance, Sarah promises a sexy, supernatural escape into a world where the magic is real, the monsters are sinfully hot, and the witches always get their magically-ever-afters.
Readers have dubbed her work “super sexy,” “imaginative and original,” “off-the-walls good,” and “delightfully wicked in the best ways,” a quote Sarah hopes will appear on her tombstone.
Originally from New York, Sarah now makes her home in northern Colorado with her husband (though that changes frequently) (the location, not the husband), where she spends her days sleeping like a vampire and her nights writing books, casting spells, gazing at the moon, playing with her ever-expanding collection of Tarot cards, binge-watching Supernatural (Team Dean!), and obsessing over the best way to brew a cup of tea.
The following ratings are out of 5: Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️ Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔 World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏 Character development: 😠😚😁☺️🥰 Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙 Narration Type: Dual Narration
The heroine:Westlyn - she comes from a family of mages and her father and stepmother basically sold her via an arranged marriage to a demon. She was rescued by 4 gargoyles which nobody knows about and is now trying to help them remove the dark fae/demon curse that turns them into statues during the day. She found out she has fae in her blood and she is still being hidden from the demon and his mage family, while trying to find out what they really needed her for.
The Heroes:Jude, Augustine, Rook, Draegan (a.k.a. The men of shadow and stone) - They are gargoyles during the day and at night they use glamour to appear as human. They run a criminal underworld and are trying to find a way to remove their curse for themselves and all other gargoyles that are trapped in stone. Jude is the psycho, he saw Westlyn first and stalked her. Augustine is the nice guy, he is handsome and ruthless. Rook is a bit of a geek, very intelligent and he gets all the information they need through spying or hacking. Drae is the boss, he is in charge and he fights dirty to get what he wants.
The Story: Westlyn tells the guys about an incident in her past where she was bullied and abused. This lights a fire of fury under the guys and brings them closer together with Westlyn. It also leads them to find some more about why the Forsythe’s may have wanted her to marry and be bonded to their son who was possessed by a demon. The guys also continue to look for a way to break their curse.
This book was brutal in parts, very dark in parts and super steamy as well. Jude is obviously very psychotic and loves to torture, but he can also be sweet to Westlyn and obviously loves her and he can be quite dirty as well. So far, he is my favorite character, but I do love how each of the guys is so different yet they are brothers in every way that counts. So much happens in this book and everything that happens just seems to bring up more questions about what is going on. I can’t wait to find out more.
This book was told in multiple points of view via dual narration, and was narrated by Vanessa Edwin, Shane East, Aaron Shedlock, and Aiden Snow. All of them do a terrific job. Vanessa Edwin has a pleasing and youthful feminine voice and is great at portraying emotion through her voice. Shane East has a British accent and is fantastic. Aaron Shedlock has a great voice which fits Augustine well and Aiden Snow has a deep, sexy voice and is one of my favorite narrators.
The opening was heartbreaking, all the horror that West went through and the vengeance that all the gargoyles wanted for her. And of course that ending!!! Ugh next book!
Ok, I believe in taking responsibility for ones actions, so this one is on me. I have never resonated with Sarah Piper's writing, so why did I think this would be different? Your guess is as good as mine. Not only was this only the middle or early middle portion of a complete book / story, but so many actions taken by the MFC were completely illogical and some were down right cringy. (Especially the sexy times ... If I could post my face while reading these moments you'd know exactly what I was feeling and it was anything but what the author had to be going for.) Furthermore, this book contained a few of my hardline petpeeves. Things like stopping for sexy times when you just discovered a crucial piece of actionable information. Not only that, but it was awkward as F***! ... and why / how is it in any way logical that a repressed sheltered character now needs to be dicked every second or she'll die? Backstory and personality do not match her actions. Continuity people!!!
I'm giving it three stars only because there were moments of thought out mystery and discovery that I appreciated.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 I am really loving this series. The mysteries continues. Loving the mix of the developing relationships and action. Loving Drae slowly falling for West. Makes it so much sweeter
Just when I thought book one was outstanding, Book 2 comes in and blows that out of the water. In Wicked Awakening, its pretty much that. Westlyn and her gargoyles learn more about her background that even she didn't know. Especially with some of the shocking events even Jude seemed scandalized. Drae was quite the surprise in this book. I think even he didn't know what to do with himself when he was around her. One of my favorite lines from Westlyn to Drae came in Chapter 24 - “For a guy who pretends not to like me very much,” she says dreamily, “you sure have a knack for saving me," and of course this delicious line from Drae "Your eyes are MINE Ms. Avery." The last few chapters, trust me, the heat is just gonna make you need something to cool you down. I cannot wait to find out what's in store for this group! I cannot say enough about the audiobook for this story. The narrators performances elevate Sarah Piper's story to epic levels and it was already there with just her words. Vanessa Edwin, Shane East, Aaron Shedlock and Aiden Snow each bring such amazing personality to their characters and make you feel completely immersed in the story.
Sarah is amazing at pulling you into the story with all the action and spice that you will not want to put this book down once you start. She starts with pulling at your emotions and takes you on a wild ride. I can’t get enough of Westlyn and her gargoyles. I love how they will do anything to protect her and I love how she stands up for herself. There are plenty of jaw dropping moments and we do end on a cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see where this story goes and I will be impatiently wanting for the next book of the series.
Vanessa Edwin does an amazing job as Westlyn especially in the first few chapter when she retells what happened in her past, she makes you feel Westlyn’s emotions and she really tugs at your heart strings. I love Shane East roles as Jude and Drae he plays both characters brilliantly and I am completely blown away. Aaron Shedlock does a great job as Rook and portraying his vulnerability and emotions. This cast is amazing and can’t wait to hear more of these characters.
Well this was a 180 from the first book, and a turnabout that I didn't enjoy; a filler book with little action or evolution of the story - just monologues that wouldn't be caught dead in reality outside of soap operas.
This sequel wasn't quite as action-packed as the first book, but it definitely had its moments! 3.5*
We did get a big reveal about West's past, which was disturbing, but it kind of overshadowed the rest of the story in this installment. Seeing her get some of her due revenge (no spoilers!) was satisfying, though, but overall, there wasn't as much plot development as I'd hoped.
The good news? The relationships are still fantastic! West's connections with Jude, Augustine, Rook, and even Draegan (who's, as always, giving off strong "protective dad" vibes) continue to grow. I can already sense a lot more bickering with Draegan in the future books, haha!
While I was left wanting a bit more action, I'm still happy I finished the book. The series isn't at the top of my TBR pile anymore, but I'll definitely continue!
So, if you're looking for a gargoyle romance with a slow story but a lot of spice, this series is a good pick!
We're starting to get some more to the plot in this book! We at least got a glimpse into what's going on with Westlyn and it's just made me even more curious! I can't stop wondering what happened to her when she was born and in turn what she has to do with the upcoming events. Sounds a bit apocalyptic but who knows!
We FINALLY got a moment with Daddy Dray and it was so gooooood!! I can't wait for her moment with Rook!
I seriously hope that she can have a happy ending with the 4 of them in the end. They all have suffered a lot and I want them all to be happy 🥺
I saw that the audio book is out for book three so I'll be starting that soon!!
3.5 The gargoyles as love objects are interesting, and this book introduces even more! I wish the story/mystery had a bit more to it, because I do like the intrigues. I’m not a huge fan of monster love, but the daddy dom angle is quite well-written (and voiced, if you are listening). Lots of “good girll(s)” to go around. 🥵
Book 2 is another 5 star read. Hang on to your panties bc Shane East does everything physically possible to narrate them off of you. I liked everything about this book; it’s the perfect kind of counterbalance when your also reading about the neuroscience of cognition, learning, and other lighthearted topics.
Westlyn and the gargoyles are still trying the solve the mystery of her arranged marriage, and the evil otherworld happenings as a result of her refusal to marry the demon prince. Just when it looks like they're solving Westlyn's past, it just opens another door with more questions.
This book gives us more of Rook and Daddy Drae. Jude and Auggie are very much in this story, as well, but getting more of the professor and self-professed boss is very intriguing. As they work hard to protect Westlyn, the gargoyles are getting even closer to her--and she to them. They were already a band of brothers, but they've brought Westlyn into their family, and it's quite the sexy household. As she gains her confidence that was gradually taken from her by her parents, she's seeing how strong she really is. Although the mystery of who she is slowly unfolds, she knows the gargoyles will stick with her whatever the end result is. As they try to solve their curse of becoming gargoyles, they've become quite attached to Westlyn. A beautiful love story surrounded by treachery and chaos.
Shane East and Vanessa Edwin continue to enthrall and impress me with their wonderful talent. Sarah Piper is a very talented storyteller. She's the reason I'm reading more paranormal thanks to her sexy as sin Vampire Royals of New York series.
I had read the Witch’s Monsters series by this author and loved it so I knew going in I wasn’t going to be disappointed most likely.
The FMC is Westlyn, who’s a witch with no powers, supposedly, and she’s been sold into marriage by her father to pay off his debts. Luckily for West she’s saved by our 4 super possessive, protective and all the other adjectives you need gargoyles.
I really liked West. Her story was really sad but to see her growth as a character was really inspiring. I also really liked seeing her relationships build with each of our guys.
These guys are amazing. It’s a tie for me on who’s my favorite. I really thought it was Jude, because psychos are always my favorite. But Rook…😍 he’s the spymaster and resident genius with a hidden spicy side. He gave Jude a run for his money. Augustine is our flirt and his devotion to her was just swoonworthy. Then you have Draegan…the broody leader. I was on the fence about him on and off. He’s so protective of her and he had these moments but he kept himself at arm’s length constantly. When you finally got his story it was this big ah ha moment.
This series was full of plot twists and spice and funny moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good paranormal romance.
Wicked Awakening, the second book in the Claimed by Gargoyles series, was everything I ever hoped for. Tons of suspense, mystery, murder, romance, and steam. It was such an exciting roller coaster ride, starting from a very serious and emotional beginning, and bouncing back and forth between humor, action, and discovery--and don't forget the massive amount of almond joy lattes! But even throughout all of that, we still got some major connections happening between West and her Gargoyles. The place West once thought of as her prison is now becoming a home, filled with a new family who loves her for everything she is, cares for her in the ways she should have been cared for all along, and protects her with their lives. It was incredible to see how affected the guys were by West, showing new sides to themselves and some even allowing a softer part of their personality to flourish when around West, even if they had been fighting their instincts for a long while. *cough cough, Drae.*
I will say that this book definitely threw tons of new information at you. At times it felt overwhelming to discover all of the plotting, who was involved with what, and how long it had been going on, yes still know pretty much nothing about the true plans or goals. What exactly did Forsythe and his family want? Why was West so important to this plan succeeding? It was clear by now that West was no ordinary witch. Powerless, friendless, a pawn in a game that has been running a long time, but the key to everything. There were some pretty crazy yet interesting moments with West in this book that just screamed "something isn't right here". The mystery to her history and heritage along with her missing powers made it such a captivating story to follow. I was constantly being surprised at what would happen next with West and it always brought up even more questions about what was truly going on in the whole scheme of things. As of right now I'm still pretty clueless, but I'm beyond excited to see what happens in the next book!
*** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW*** Gah!! This story is just too good!! OMG!! These sexy, alpha gargoyles are winning my heart. I couldn’t stop listening. Book 2 was full of twists and turns, new revelations and lots of sweet and super steamy scenes. Daddy Drea was a surprise! From the beginning, Vanessa Edwin, Shane East, Aiden Snow and Aaron Shedlock were all captivating storytellers. They continue to incredible at bringing this story to life. Shane as Dreagon and Jude was so seductive, dominant and oh em gee!! Growly Shane, yum! Aiden Snow is a new favorite voice to me. His performance as Auggie was wonderful, he was flirty and charming. Aaron Shedlock as Rook was perfect, loved his dry sense of humor and his nerdy persona. I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this story and if the gargoyles will break their curse in time.
Wicked Awakening is the second book in the Claimed by Gargoyles series and continues Westlyn and the gargoyles story with more of the questions surrounding the mystery of this book being revealed but then adding more questions overall.
This was another fabulous book. The story was addictive and had me turning pages to find out what happened and I ended up with twice as many questions at the end even though some pieces of the puzzle had been revealed. I’m super curious as to where this series is going and I’m really excited to carry on reading the books after finishing this one. I loved the characters in this one and although Jude is still my favourite the other guys are really growing on me as well.
Overall, a fantastic, addictive read that I would recommend.
Westlyn and the gargoyles are still trying the solve the mystery of her arranged marriage, and the evil otherworld happenings as a result of her refusal to marry the demon prince. Just when it looks like they're solving Westlyn's past, it just opens another door with more questions.
This book gives us more of Rook and Daddy Drae. Jude and Auggie are very much in this story, as well, but getting more of the professor and self-professed boss is very intriguing. As they work hard to protect Westlyn, the gargoyles are getting even closer to her--and she to them. They were already a band of brothers, but they've brought Westlyn into their family, and it's quite the sexy household. As she gains her confidence that was gradually taken from her by her parents, she's seeing how strong she really is. Although the mystery of who she is slowly unfolds, she knows the gargoyles will stick with her whatever the end result is. As they try to solve their curse of becoming gargoyles, they've become quite attached to Westlyn. A beautiful love story surrounded by treachery and chaos.
Shane East and Vanessa Edwin continue to enthrall and impress me with their wonderful talent. Sarah Piper is a very talented storyteller. She's the reason I'm reading more paranormal thanks to her sexy as sin Vampire Royals of New York series.
It was a pretty slow book, there was a ton of spicey scenes but not much happening for the plot besides a few small scavenger clues. I figured something like that ending would happen. It was bound to happen, draegan warned her of it but she still wanted to go. She feels a bit naive to the danger, even though what she’s experienced growing up was horrifying, the constant manipulation, gas lighting, passive aggressive acts, extreme bullying in the form of a flashback but it had an Extreme impact on the characters. I don’t know, I feel like the book was interesting but I could easily put it down and not feel the need to read just one more chapter. I think it moved to slowly.
I mean it's fine, really fine and well written, but a bit long.
While I dislike insta-love, I also dislike just going into s*x, feeling love or the need to protect her forever and just return to being an *ss and ignoring the MC feelings (yeah, talking about Dreagan here.) And if I love Augustine and Jude, honestly in this book they were'nt that developped at all and it felt really long. It's like yeah they are boyfriends but they still haven't promised her anything or saying her anything about them when she slowly reveals herself to them. Hope the next one really advance in terms of the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
ALC review- How good is this series and Sarah Piper’s writing? So good I relistened to part 1 before I started part 2 BECAUSE the plot is endlessly mysterious and exciting, the characters complex and the events unexpected, I had to get another taste. I cannot fathom how Sarah can write and Vanessa, Shane, Aiden and Aaron narrate a story so thrilling and suspenseful yet so full of yearning, passion and absolute wickness. Shane and Aiden have ruined me forever. The love scenes are scorching hot and Westlyn’s sexual awakening at the hands of these blood thirsty, possessive growly gargoyles is the best thing ever! She’s suffered betrayal and rejection, her origins elude her and her painful past is chasing her and she’s running for her life from possibly the prince of hell himself and yet she knows her own mind and fights her own battles. I know the next book is going to be explosive and im still waiting for the gargoyle orgy lead by Daddy Drae 😁
The first book was interesting I think the characters are well written and mostly unique with developed personalities and history - but it felt like this could have been a duet or 3 book set. It started getting so boring I was struggling to come back to it. This may be a me issue but I was just struggling to enjoy this series and I can’t say I plan on finishing it even though I do love Rook and Augie
Oh my! This story is just getting better and better. It has me hooked. I absolutely love the Gargoyles and their personalities. The banter back and forth between them is fantastic. The story is extremely well written and developed. It pulls you into it and doesn’t let go. Then we end in that major cliffhanger and I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
I can't get enough of West and her sexy gargoyles! I didn't even review book 1 because I couldn't wait to start this one. Their mystery that is West and the protective devotion of her gargoyles makes this book a real page Turner for me. The steamy sex band the uniqueness of her relationships with each of her men is a pleasure to watch unfold. Can't wait to start the next book!
The first book was interesting and a good intro to the world and plot. I was hoping this book move it along more, provide a few answers, start decoding West’s importance and heritage a lot more but it was mostly just blah blah figure a book out, hunt and punish old bullies and between the sheets stuff. To say it felt tedious and annoying is an understatement.
Honestly when starting this book collection I didn't know what to expect but from the first book it enthralled me and I couldn't but it down and honestly ot the same with the second book I just couldn't stop reading the characters the plot everything I can't wait to read book 3
Was just okay compared to the first book. Much of the story line was put on hold for steamy scenes and Jude’s violent tendencies. Every few chapters was the gargoyles avenging West in one way or another.