Huh. Well, Heartsong was one of the first real monster romance books I've read, and while I found the concept intriguing, it didn’t completely win me over. There were moments I enjoyed, but the pacing and connection between the characters didn’t always land for me. Thank you, NetGalley!

What a cute, fun romp! A great intro for paranormal and monster romance.

I haven't read something from Wendel before, but had heard a lot of good things. When I saw this being promoted, I knew it was going to be something right up my alley and I'm so glad I nabbed an ARC copy! For a kind of first go into paranormal, this was very well done. The plot was well balanced with the relationship developing, and what a relationship it was. It was almost refreshing to need to have their bond and relationship actually grow and go through rougher spaces of time and into that awkward "how do I live with another person" stage. So many times the acceptance is, if not immediate, very damn near. Without a real time limit to anything awful happening, it was enjoyable to watch them grow together and as individuals.

As a fellow chronic pain sufferer and hyper-independent person, Anna really spoke to me on a deep level. I related a little too heavily to head-strong attitude of "forget it I'll do it myself". Her growth out of, self-inflicted drama and all, and on the path to accepting more felt much too close to home and I was rooting for her the whole time. Overall she was written with a lot of love and humor and many trains of thought that had me snickering.

I do love me my broody, possessive men as well but Frey took it to an extreme, even for a gargoyle. This was another character growth moment that I was hoping for as the story and their relationship progressed. There was a note that Frey was meant to be less golden retriever and more akita and welp. Mission accomplished there! Even with the house husband routine, he did come off more black cat (not Cappy, the void has no brain cells I'm afraid) or akita for sure. His steps into the modern world while suffering his past was heartbreaking, but his growth was still very present.

Overall this was a fantastic read and I am very well and thoroughly hooked on this series. I enjoyed Wendel's writing, the humor, and how relationships and long passed events were tied in and handled. Character voices were easy to pinpoint with switching 3rd person POVs, and it all felt alive and a little tense at times. Would absolutely recommend this as an intro to paranormal or monster romance reads, and I'm excited to dive into this world even more!

If you were ever a fan of the Disney Gargoyles show, this is for you! So much fun. It has all the great monster romance moments. It has great characters, banter, story and a good amount of spice. Can’t wait to see where this series goes. There are so many possibilities.

I really enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised, as this was my first time reading anything by this author. It’s the perfect example of "romantasy," a genre that blends romance and fantasy. The world-building is expertly woven into the story, offering just enough detail to be magical without overwhelming readers who aren't typically into high fantasy.

The main characters were a joy to read about. Anna is a feisty heroine, and Frey is a truly swoon-worthy love interest. My only critique is that the mystery subplot felt a bit disjointed from the main romance. It seemed to interrupt the flow rather than enhance it. I also feel like the mystery was supposed to be a slow burn, but I found that uninteresting rather than suspenseful. I also feel like the explanation of Anna's migraines was kind of a let down, compared to the options that were available in a fantasy setting!

Overall, I highly recommend this as a fun, romantic read with just the right amount of fantasy to keep things interesting.

A charming and unique paranormal romance that offers a fresh take on the classic monster-and-maiden trope.

Frey is a powerful gargoyle warrior, protective and imposing, but he is also sweet and kind. His primary motivation is to care for and protect Anna—his mate. Despite his warrior nature, he shows great compassion, especially in how he responds to Anna's chronic migraines. He must learn to adapt to a new world after a millennia of being stone.

Anna is highly independent and resilient. Because of her past, she is initially skeptical and cautious, especially when it comes to the mate bond. Her journey of learning to trust Frey and allowing herself to be cared for was a central and moving part of her character arc, requiring her to overcome a lifetime of emotional self-reliance and the scars left by a neglectful past.

The story is sweet and heartwarming with a touch of suspense, though I wished for more exploration of the wider world and the conflict hinted at with the fae queen. Overall, it's a delightful read with well-developed characters and a genuinely touching romance.

As someone who cannot make it through a fantasy book no matter how hard I try, this book was too much spicy and fantasy over romance for me. They lost me at Fae Mystery. And a curse. I wanted the romance between a human and a Gargoyle. I prefer a romance with fantasy or supernatural (monster) elements not a monster or a romatasy.

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC and the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, when it comes to monster romance books it is more likely that there is more smut than plot. However, with this book it was the opposite. I enjoyed that they built a relationship before becoming physical with one another. While both characters were stubborn in their own ways, they both had growth in that area when it came to compromising for each other . The plot had great unexpected outcomes and overall was a lovely read.
This is why I am rating it 4.5 stars. Thank you again to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I'm no stranger to monster romances, but this was my first gargoyle/grotesque romance. It gave me old Disney Gargoyles vibes and I really enjoyed that.
It took a while for me to get into the story because of the back and forth pacing. It would be slow, briefly pick up, and slow down again.
I found myself getting frustrated with Anna but understood that her mindset and actions were caused by her past trauma. It was a relief, though, when she finally started working on herself/her mindset and accepted the building relationship between her and Frey.
I felt like the stuff with the professor was rushed and we weren't given enough information, but I'm sure there's more to come with that in the rest of the series.
Overall, I enjoyed this story and I'm interested to see how this series progresses.

This book was a fun adventure as well as a story that continued to hold my interest. With characters that were enticing, a story with a dynamic plot, and ending on a satisfying note that also made me want to see what happens next. I enjoyed this adventure and loved the wit, banter, and even how some of the mundane was turned fantastical at times.

Heartsong is a monster romance book following Anna, a woman working at a newly opened gargoyle (ahem, grotesque) museum. One night while working, an armed robbery occurs and in the chaos, one of the stone statues comes to life. Our story continues from there!

I really liked this one! It’s got a bit of everything! A fun storyline, a realistic couple, good smut, researched well written writing, what more can a gal ask for?

I’m looking forward to reading more of S.E. Wendel’s books!!

**Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.**

San Francisco, say less. Absolutely adorable! I loved these two main characters, they are so different from each other and it is lovely to see them grow together. Really great action, cannot wait to see where the story goes next. Loved Carys and Gavren in the modern world! And who doesn’t love a black cat animal sidekick! Great modern day monster romance!

This book definitely goes out to all the monster romance readers! I enjoyed that it was an urban fantasy setting, it's fun when the characters are in the modern world. There are definitely multiple spice scenes, so keep that in mind if you are not a fan. But the characters were well developed, and their conflicts and emotions were well written. I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick, fun read with a satisfying romantic plot.

ARC Review
Heartsong by S.E. Wendel
Publication date: February 10, 2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, Netgalley and S.E. Wendel for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“I love you, my Anna. Not just as a heartsong but Anna. I am grateful every day that it’s your touch that woke me, that it’s to you I’m bound—ritual or no.”

When I was scrolling through Netgalley, this book caught my eye. The synopsis seemed interesting, and the cover is so pretty! I have never read a gargoyle monster romance before, but this didn’t disappoint. This is my first S.E. Wendel book, and I look forward to reading the rest of War of the Underhill series!

What I loved about this book was how S.E. Wendel took the time to research the Welsh history and language to incorporate it into the book. I love the glossary at the end as well.

As for our FMC and MMC: I loved Anna and Frey in this book. Anna is a strong and independent FMC. I think the chronic illness representation was explained so well in this book. She went through so much, not having an understanding mother, and having to do things on her own. She found that her job at the museum was her escape, until tragedy happened… but it all worked out in the end. 🥰

As for Frey, he is such a sweetie!! I have never read a book about gargoyle’s before, but this was so well portrayed. Frey would do anything for Anna. I loved how he took care of Anna and made her feel comfortable. I also loved the growth in this book. Anna and Frey both came to life with one another, which made me so happy. I can’t forget about Anna’s cat, Captain! I found it so stinking cute how he warmed up to Frey right away 🐈‍⬛ I loved reading their story ❤️

I can’t wait for June and Alaric’s story next! 💗

Read if you like:
Fated mates
Forced proximity
Grumpy x grumpy
Size difference
Medieval meets modern
Gargoyle MMC/human FMC
Chronic pain representation

#Heartsong #Netgalley

This was fine, I just wish I enjoyed it more than I did. The writing style was adequate, not great but not bad. The main character was a little bland and I wasn’t a big fan of the intensity of the mating bond due to a lack of chemistry. It all seemed to very rinse and repeat, the characters going through the same motions or similar motions throughout the book instead of progressing. A fine read, just not my favorite.

I loved how both the main characters are grumpy, isolated, and jaded but they find love anyways. The world building was done amazingly. I felt like the side characters helped with the story and kept it interesting.

This is easily the most imaginative paranormal romance I’ve devoured recently: Anna, a museum curator in San Francisco, unwittingly frees Frey—a gargoyle warrior turned stone statue—and suddenly finds herself claimed as his fated mate. The culture clash between medieval gargoyle martial code and modern city life is endlessly entertaining and emotionally compelling. Frey’s awakening and slow humanization are handled with realism: he’s protective but vulnerable, regal yet puzzled by things like Wi‑Fi. Anna’s caution is palpable, but the tenderness between them is intense—each fragile trust milestone made me root harder. I also loved the underlying found‑family vibe: other cursed guardians, the quirky museum staff, and a mentor witch who adds levity and lore. The world-building blends folklore, curses, and monster‑romance staples with grounded settings—so San Francisco’s Castro district suddenly feels magical. There’s also strong emotional depth: Anna’s history of migraines, financial struggle, and emotional caution are sensitively depicted. It’s a love story that roars.

Favorite tropes:
Monster romance
Fated mates
Fish‑out‑of‑water modern vs medieval
Hurt/comfort
Moony, broody winged hero
Found family

Independent by necessity Anna lands a job at a museum displaying a strange collection of “grotesques,” gargoyle statutes, and accidentally awakens one with her touch when thieves break into the museums to steal the statutes. Frey has been stuck in stone sleep for centuries after his kind were cursed by the Fae until his Heartsong, fated mate, wakes him up, takes him in, and teaches in the many wonders of voice command technology.

The comparisons to the ‘90’s cartoon Gargoyles are unavoidable, but let’s be honest, that’s half the reason most readers will pick it up. And it certainly scratches that very specific itch.

The story takes place in modern time yet contains a captivating wealth of Welsh and Celtic history and lore. Frey quickly adapts to life in the modern world, but can’t completely drop his protective, warrior mentality. Anna is pretty accepting of a statue brought to life but cannot comprehend the idea of being his fated mate. This sets up a lot of fantastic tension, conflict, and, ultimately, compromise. I appreciated the slow burn that allowed Frey and Anna to get to know each other before their relationship progressed physically. But, as the reader, I did feel trapped in that apartment just like Frey for long periods of the book.

The mystery of who tried to steal the statutes is the central conflict of the story. There are a few possible suspects, but the reveal wasn’t very surprising. I’m still not entirely sure how the Fae, druids, and guardians all fit together. I look forward to finding out more in future installments.

Overall, this was a fun monster romance. Frey was darling, and Anna was very relatable with her chronic illness and health insurance struggles.

Thanks to S. E. Wendel, Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC, which allowed me to read the book and voluntarily provide an unbiased review.

A spicy monster romance full of magic set in the modern world. Fiercely independent Anna accidentally wakes up Frey, a winged creature who was turned to stone centuries ago. Turns out she was able to break the stone sleep, albeit temporarily, because they’re destined to be together. I enjoyed seeing them find ways to meet in the middle of their values. Anna doesn’t want to rely on Frey while he wants to cocoon her in a safe place.

This book was so darling and sweet, Frey was a golden retriever to his core. I am not sure if I have lost my edge but I really have not seen these 4th quarter plot twists coming. I am so happy I fell in love with the cover of this book and gave it a try! I will for sure keep my eyes peeled for any sequels!!!!

I absolutely adored Frey and Anna's story. Heartsong has a great blend of plot and character development. I hope there is more in the series because I love this world so far!