Heartsong: A Gargoyle Monster Romance by S.E. WendelMy Rating: ✩✩✩✩✩
So...this book was long. And not much actually happens for most of the story. And then it all resolves in like 4 chapters with huge information/action tsunami. That said, it was an enjoyable read so here are the good and not so good bits.
The good:
The not as good:
For fans of "monster romances" this is still a fun read. The premise is pretty fun and even though this is not a perfect book, I look forward to more in the series (if there should be some.)
Published on 10 February 2026 by Avon and Harper Voyage
So...this book was long. And not much actually happens for most of the story. And then it all resolves in like 4 chapters with huge information/action tsunami. That said, it was an enjoyable read so here are the good and not so good bits.
The good:
- This is a slow burn of the highest order. Frey is patient and Anna is sufficiently skeptical. This felt pretty true to how one might actually face such a discovery as fated-mates with ancient cursed gargoyles. Like, maybe have a few questions.
- The fated-mates plays out as he falls first. If you like MMCs that spend all their time in worship/service of their love interests, this will hit for you.
- Pretty solid research. The author's deep dive into history and folklore creates a premise that requires little suspension of disbelief (for a book about modern humans mating with ancient stone-cursed-warriors).
- Good chronic illness representation. Migraines suck and there is no magical cure. Mating Frey doesn't hand wave away the illness.
The not as good:
- For all the research and pages of story, the characters don't really develop. He is a hard-headed, inflexible protector who is not very concerned with her agency. She is an overlooked secret sunshine who cares about people but never manages to exist outside work and her new beau.
- The plot is slow then wraps up in a giant whirlwind of action and exposition. In addition to a rush of plot and characters, it feels little hand-holdy. The author left us all the clues, trust the readers to not need each detail reiterated and explained.
For fans of "monster romances" this is still a fun read. The premise is pretty fun and even though this is not a perfect book, I look forward to more in the series (if there should be some.)
Published on 10 February 2026 by Avon and Harper Voyage
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