Made with love
© Victoria Gryson 2024
I stole a statue to buy a better future for myself. But when my gargoyle comes to life, can I give him up?
Brought to the end of my rope, I steal a statue from a traveling menagerie. The money I’ve been promised for it is supposed to buy me a new start in life.
It sounds simple: steal the statue, hand it to the buyer, get paid.
But when my precious statue suddenly comes to life, claiming he’s a gargoyle prince who was taken against his will from the magical kingdom in Nerifir, things change drastically. Now, we have the supernatural beings from the menagerie after us, eager to get Elex back, and the local mafia who wish to get their hands on the pricey statue, too.
Like a true piece of art, Elex is gorgeous, in either flesh or stone. But is he worth risking my life for him?
When he takes me higher than I’ve ever been, I realize it’s not just my life I’m risking with him. With Elex, my heart may be in even greater danger, as I have to find the strength to part from him forever.
I discovered this author in the Fierce Hearts anthology, and I got hooked on this world that fuels my ‘what if’ daily daydreams. I’m so happy that this story has its own place now!
Amber is really down on her luck; she just lost her job and home and has no money. So when someone from her past offers her a ‘simple’ job for 200k, she takes it (I mean… who wouldn’t?). Fly to Europe, steal a statue and deliver it to the client. What could go wrong?
Well.. the statue could be a gargoyle and alive?
Scenes and environments were well described and detailed, which was necessary as we moved around a lot. We learned with Amber about the supernatural races and the lands of Nerifir. A pleasure to read.
Right off the bat, I really liked Amber. She’s been in the worst situations, living on the street and slowly but surely working herself up to a decent job and living arrangement. I mean, it takes a strong person to do that and not give up when everything crashes around her again.
Elex, our gargoyle prince, has been a prisoner of Madame Tan’s forever, it feels like. Not giving in to her demands, he was kept in his stone form. But, then, a lucky break (or was it fate) led to his freedom and Amber.
We get to know both characters pretty well in this instalment. While Amber is more in the forefront because we’re following her more, we still have a good understanding of where Elex is coming from and his upbringing.
They have great chemistry, and while they are (of course) attracted to each other, it’s not that they don’t have a choice in the matter.
As for other characters in the book, they were fleshed out very well and felt alive. And yes, I damn well cried at a particular part! So beware, you’ll be emotionally invested 🙂
Pretty smooth sailing from start to finish 😀
I read this one in a single session, and the only thing I could say at the end was that I wish we had seen more of Elex. But the stage needed to be set, and I’m sure he will have more than enough work to do in the second instalment.
The book was well written with no (noticeable to me) errors. There is some sexual content (if that is important to you).
It has 250 pages, spread over 25 chapters and is told from Amber’s and Elex’s points of view.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and all in all, I really enjoyed this book! I read it in one sitting, and I can’t wait for the second part (that ending!). I thought the book was well written with engaging and interesting characters, and a pleasure to read!
© Victoria Gryson 2024