Highland Gargoyles #1
Lisa Carlisle
Self-pub, Jan 2016
Kindle ed, 155 pages, paperback also
Genre(s) urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Source Author’s newsletter
Other books in this series: #2 KOS: Lachlan, #3 KOS: Bryce, #4 Seth, #5 KOS: Calum
Synopsis:
Gargoyles, tree witches, and wolf shifters have divided the Isle of Stone after a great battle twenty-five years ago. When Kayla, a tree witch, hears about the unconventional rock concerts in the gargoyle’s territory, she sneaks from her coven and into their territory to see for herself. Night after night, she returns to see one in particular shift into human form and play guitar at these unconventional shows.
For several nights, Mason has kept watch for the pixie-like female. He plans to seduce her, thinking she’s a visitor from another island. When he discovers she’s one of the tree witches, he retreats, attempting to keep his distance. The temptation is strong but forbidden.
Kayla and Mason attempt to meet in secret, but other elements on the isle command their attention. A magical cloak created by the three clans on the island is thinning, leading to repercussions for all the clans. Kayla and Mason are caught in the middle of it, and their actions may change the fate for all.
This novella was originally released as part of the Highland Shifters paranormal romance boxed set.
18+ due to adult content.
About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent heroines. She’s honored to be a multi-published author writing in different genres since she’s wanted to be a writer since the sixth grade. For much of her professional career, she’s written non-fiction — but she’s discovered writing romance is the most fun. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and All Romance Ebooks.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She backpacked alone through Europe and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married to a fantastic man, and they have two kids, a cat, and many fish.
My Disclaimer:
I was provided a free copy of this book from the author’s newsletter. I am voluntarily providing an honest review in which all opinions are fully my own. I am not being compensated in any way.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✭✭✭✭
This was a fun read and I’m betting the rest of them are as well. The whole concept is such that it could either be really bloody or really fun. Since this one was fun, that’s what I’m thinking the rest will be. The setting is an island. The magic system seems a bit all encompassing with the three races. The characters develop well, but you really only have these two main ones and some peripherals that come and go.
Kayla was born and raised on the island these magical races call home. There are magical boundaries to keep them apart, but these aren’t too hard to get around for a bored witch. On stage, these huge stone gargoyles come to life for a rock concert and play long into the night. Not ugly little Disney gargoyles, but tall, ripped, gorgeous guys and Mason has caught her eye – five nights in a row. He’s noticed her as well. So what’s a smart, ancient, magical creature do when presented with another magical creature that it’s dangerous to be near? He gets out of there fast, right?
Ha, ha. Yeah. No, not Mason. She petite and pretty and he’s curious. To Kayla, once she gets past how great looking Mason is, the best thing about him is that he’s been off the island and can tell her about what’s out there in the wide world. Do they sit and chit chat all night? Yeah, right. No, they don’t. They do kiss, a little. At first, it’s just a little. Then, of course, they get carried away. This is a paranormal romance here, folks. Should I mention that it’s steamy hot? Yeah, I should.
But they have a serious situation to resolve here, too. Their magical shield over the island is deteriorating and the outside world will find them. The other magical race on the island needs the help of these two races, gargoyles and witches, just to survive. They must get the barriers between races down and help each other. Can these two fight the Witches Council and their friends to bring peace back to their home? Well, pick up the book and find out who loses some friends and who gets turned into a toad!
a thoughtful reveal 