Stone-Cold Lover

Winged and Dangerous #1

by Mel Teshco

Heiress Loretta Shaw is notorious for her loose morals and sexual needs. Trouble is, it’s taken her one too many one-night stands to realize that no man can extinguish the sexual fire she feels toward her guardian, Cray Diamond.A long-ago curse made Cray immortal—a gargoyle, a guardian, who is impelled to protect a human chosen by the curse. He is imprisoned in stone during daylight hours but dusk returns him to flesh and bone to carry out his immortal duty.That Cray can shift between human and living gargoyle at night bothers Loretta not one bit. She’s seen him naked many times and her desire for him—in any shape or form—knows no bounds. She’s tired of his resistance. He’s her gargoyle…and she wants him in her bed.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Erotica, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2009

About the author

I’m an award winning author who loves to write scorching hot contemporary and science fiction romance—stories I love to read. I love working from home, where my office window looks out over our ‘block’ of fourteen acres with gorgeous mountain views. After enjoying a stint as a foster carer for cats, I now have seven felines to entertain me, along with two dogs and two horses. But only when I’m not distracted by my three gorgeous daughters, one of whom—a teenager *shriek*—is still living at home. As for my husband…he’s still waiting for retirement.

Reviews

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cray Diamond was cursed almost a century ago to be a gargoyle who's sole purpose when not stone was to be a guardian to one human. For the past three years he had been guardian to Loretta who he usually found when he broke free from stone, in the arms of one of her many lover's.

Loretta had watched her mother be kidnapped when she was a child and her mothers death is something she'd never gotten over. Her father didn't take it well either and left his daughter with little emotional support after her mother's death. But when Loretta's father finds out that Cray is a gargoyle and could be a guardian to his daughter, he makes an arrangement with him. He'll keep Cray's secret as long as he is his daughter's guardian and protects her.

Loretta has feelings for Cray but Cray has been cold to her the entire three years. She has no idea that he actually has feelings for her too. But he considers himself a monster. He also doesn't want her father to rescind his guardianship over Loretta since he would have to leave her and find another human to be guardian to because it's part of his curse and he has no control over it.

Loretta has finally had enough of Cray's iciness and seduces him. He can no longer hide how he feels about her and they become lovers. Later when Cray is back in his stone form she finds herself in a dangerous situation and he has to watch helplessly until he can take his human form again.

These two made such a great couple. They're both so broken and vulnerable and have so much baggage but they really fit together. This book is only 72 pages long but for such a short story I didn't feel like it lacked a full story at all. A lot of backstory for both their lives is given to us so we can see how they got to where they are now. One of my blogger friends posted this was a freebie a few months ago and it sounded good so I snagged it and I'm glad I did because it was a hot, fun, quick read.

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever seen the film, Ladyhawke from 1985? Well if you have, then I might have spoiled this book for you.
Oops, sorry about that.
The movie was better then this short story of around 60 pages. A man is cursed with immortality and turned into a transforming fantastic gargoyle who must protect one fine sexy lady.
The HEA was a bit too perfect although Cray does have to go away after the heroine's father finds them doing the nasty. There is a lot of sexy scenes in this story.
2 stars because I still liked it and now I'm going to go rent/buy the film from 1985, hey there is Matthew Broderick in it!? How weird.

[Riverina Romantics · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique spin on the paranormal world.

I thought this was a great quick read and the first story I have ever read which had the hero as a gargoyle.

Unfortunately for me I had to put this story down at around 70% due to workload and couldn't pick it up for two weeks, so I lost a bit of the connection. But it was blood warming between the sheets and Cray was a sexy hero I would be happy to see hard as stone...okay that was a really sad pun, but he was definitely a spunky gargoyle.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. A story of a spoiled princess with loose morals and a gargoyle Cray, her protector and witness to her many hot male bed partner sessions she wanted and enjoyed/needed and couldn't even remember their names.
Her life changed when she discovered that her gargoyle cared for her emotionally.
This was an interesting shifter story. Gargoyles would definately not be a paranormal suited for most men, me thinks. However, I would still recommend reading this and the following book.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but sweet tale.

This was my first novella by this author and I have to say I enjoyed myself. The writting flowed beautifully, the story was told in a dual perspective by both our leading characters which I love and was a nicely different take on the gargoyle story. The characters were well developed and likeable with their back stories provided giving us a sence of who they really were my only comment on this would be that we are told how long Cray was cursed but not when it happened exactly but I guess its not really an issue, that's just me needing all the details. This story begins in Sydney with our leading man Cray Diamond as the cursed Gargoyle who driven by an inner compulsion is forced to play the role of Guardian to whom ever needs him. Then enters our leading lady Loretta an heiress whos father places in the care of Cray for her protection. She instantly desires him from the moment they meet but certain issues keep Cray from succumbing to the unknown mutual attraction they share. Due to a very tragic past Loretta seeks the comfort and affection she needs in the arms of many men which she instantly regrets as shes in love with Cray. She really was a misunderstood person hiding a world of pain, who never felt comfortable in the life of wealth she was brought into and who was in fact kind, loving and very confident in her sexuality. And Cray was just so damn SEXY, tall, muscular, black hair and pale blue eyes he was totally drool worthy. Possessive too and passionate beyond compare their sexual encounters were HOT AS HELL!!! Absolutely pulse raising, thigh clenching, panty changing moment's to leave you feeling all hot and bothered. An entertaining little read with a lovely HEA and passion by the bucket full.

[Jara Beaubien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loretta Shaw is an heiress and loose morals and very high sexual needs. she has had many lovers but none of them can eclipse what she feels towards her guardian Cray Diamond.
In times long gone Cray was cursed and turned into a gargoyle and a guardian who was compelled to protect a human. During the day he was a stone Gargoyle and night he returned to his human form.
Loretta wants him more then she can phantom and her feelings for him grow, she does not care that he is a Gargoyle or a man she loves him and wants him.
Cray wants her too and can't understand why she wants him, but things are not as smooth as they could be when in love, will they overcome the peril that is coming.?

[Kyra Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Cold Lover a Melting Hot Surprise

A long time ago, I became a fan of a cartoon series about a gargoyle who was seriously sexy. I had forgotten about it until I came across Mel Teshco's book. She brought it all back! I will be reading the other books in this series! Really good
work!!

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Okay la premisa era un poco extraña, pero tambien pense que un poco mas alla, resulto entretenido y tiene algo mas que solo omance, si queda un poco plano todo el resto, pero lo tiene, lo que suma. Al ser tan cortito y que tenga varias escenas que hagan algunos saltos me dejaba un poco con ganas de saber mas de ambos protagonistas, pero en si lo disfrute

[L.M. Mather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can i say amazing

This book is gripping, romantic and just plain fab all in one, the story is that gripping I even cried out at one point you will know which point I mean when you read it

Congratulations to the author a fantastic read

[Phillip M Lewallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories about gargoyles

And this one was not disappointing. Hot and steamy, any woman's .or man's fantasy with a great beginning, middle, and ending. This is one story you can dream about and awake happy. A must read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is more to the shallow heiress, Loretta Shaw, who seeks to forget her past. She takes many lovers but her heart yearns for a man she can never have.

Cray Diamond is cursed. By day, he’s a monstrous Gargoyle effigy. When the sun sets, he’s flesh and is Loretta’s bodyguard, who will do anything to keep her safe. Cray is attracted to Loretta and wants her. Honor is all he has left and he will leave her untouched by his hands. There can be no future for them. He’s bound to protect and when his services are no longer needed, his curse will force him to find another. Even if he wanted to stay with her, he wouldn’t be able to do so.

Loretta has other plans. She wants Cray and is determined to make him see they belong together. Only an ex-lover of hers is just as determined to stop her. His demented actions may cost both lovers their lives.

This is a fast paced story with a tantalizing romance, suspense and non-stop action. You will fall in love with honor bound Cray, who hates the way his body transforms into the hideous Gargoyle and you’ll feel for Loretta and understand how a life changing event left her scared on the inside.

This is a fabulous book of tortured souls who need each other to heal. Highly Recommended. Don’t miss the second book of this series: Ice Cold Lover

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 4 out of 5]

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@Twinsietalk

I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I give it a 3.5 rating.

I love Paranormal and erotica and this book hits both...yeah ME!! This books is about Loretta who is in desperate need to be loved. She seems to stumble in to any willing mans bed but all the while thinking about Cray...her gargoyle protector. CRAY....CRAY....CRAY!!! He tried to hide his feelings and not admit his love/lust for Loretta. Lust is what got him in trouble and made into a gargoyle.

The book has 3 parts to it...Loretta and Cray having a finally intimate time. Loretta getting kidnapped and Loretta saving Cray. i have to say for a short novella the book was action packed and a quick read. I actually wish the story would have been longer...which is why i gave it a 3.,5 rating. I think there was alot more we could have read/learned about with the characters. I did love the story and can't wait to finish the other stories in the series.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not going to lie here... I like books with gargoyles. I like that I get to crack rock hard jokes and I like that gargoyle lovin' is so... rough. Or feral. Or dirty sounding. If that's wrong, I don't want to be right. Anywho. I liked this one. It was fast paced and the sexin' was plentiful. I approve of those things. So, you know, yay!

This book was a free Kindle download I picked up on 05/22/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone-Cold Lover is one of those books that was short, sweet and to the point. It’s the kind of book (novella, actually) that you don’t expect to get wrapped up in because you know you won’t have a lot of time invested in it. I was pleasantly surprised because for such a short read, it was packed with action and emotion. Lots of raw emotion. These two characters suffered a lot and that prior suffering came through loud and clear. Of course, by the end, I still wanted more. Since this novella is part of Mel Teshco’s Winged and Dangerous Series, maybe I’ll just have to check into the rest.

[Renee Rearden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up for free on Amazon. Cover props must be noted!

I LOVE gargoyle books, and Stone Cold Lover is no exception. The hero is gorgeous, fierce, conflicted...and shows loyalty forged by a will of iron. The heroine, on the other hand, wasn't my favorite character. Her prolific promiscuity was a turnoff for me. Yes, she had her reasons, but they just didn't seem plausible enough for me. Others may not care. By the end of the book, she sort of redeemed herself though...or maybe I just wanted our hero to have his HEA. Either way, Stone-Cold Lover is a nice read.

[Alisa Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would've been better as a full story not novella. So we can get more back ground on Cray.
I just didn't feel drawn into the story enough I thought the characters were distant. And Loretta was more than using sex to fill a void. And I got the feeling she would've humped Cray while he was in his Gargoyle form.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only thing about this was that at the end, when he asks her want she wants to drink, she chooses Scotch. And yet she later reveals she is pregnant. How does that compute? Scotch is alcohol, which you can't have if you are pregnant. Thats a bit of a 'duh' thing that everyone should know.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book about a gargoyle (Cray) in love with a human heiress (Loretta). Cray is her night time guardian, since he becomes stone during the day. He is in love with her but has promised to guard her. The book is about what happens when a gargoyle and human fall in love.

[Shannon]

Quite frankly I got bored about halfway through and quit. The story seemed to be on an up turn for about 2 pages then blew over the drama and kept going with the hero's constant reflection on what a sorry cursed creature he was.

[Dashaun Tolbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Right from the start it caught me attention. I couldn't stop reading.

Wow! Right from the start it caught me attention. I couldn't stop reading. A very captivating read. I hate boring books.

[Kylie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the gargoyle character/hero & heroine! Connected with the heroine very quickly.

[AH]

Kindle free download 5/14/12.

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

Free on Amazon 05/18/2012.

[Mary Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free from Amazon. A quick read with a supernatural element that I haven't often read - the curse of a gargoyle.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and different story

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book I did not put it down for one second, I had to finish it in the same day I started and this book just WOW'ed me

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free on Amazon. worth the quick read. interesting story I liked it. Definitely has some hot and steamy scenes.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first gargoyle book! Who though I'd ever be stringing those words together?! I quite enjoyed the point of difference in this one - set in stone during the day, gargoyle by night. Interesting...

[Marlena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first gargoyle shifter book.I like the idea and wish this was a little longer to get more into it.So maybe this author will do more like it!

[Dena · Rating 2 out of 5]

To short needs more