Ok so this book surprised me I don't normally read books like this, but I think I just might start thank you for my introduction lol.

This is an exciting first novel in the War of the Underhill gargoyle romance series. There’s also a prequel, Stone Hearts, which may provide extra world-building context, as well as a few minor spoilers for this book.

Anna is the human FMC who’s just getting her life together and loving her new job at an eccentric art museum that houses a collection of strange gargoyle statues. Things are going well until a robbery attempt wakes 1,500 year old MMC Frey, who is overjoyed to have finally found his mate. Anna, however, needs some convincing.

This is a fun and cozy romance with spice, plus some intriguing magic and world-building. I felt the story spent too long in exposition and not quite long enough in the main conflict, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. The series is set up nicely with engaging side characters and plenty of other gargoyles waiting to be awakened.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the prequel and the next installments.

Spice: 4/5
Plot:4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This is the first book in a series. It's told in dual POV in the third person. We follow Anna and Frey. Anna just started a new job at a museum and is finally getting paid well and has insurance. She suffers from chronic headaches and it has been debilitating throughout her life. One night, thieves break in and try to steal some of the statues but as Anna places her hand on one it comes to life. Frey is an ancient being who's kind has long been forgotten. When his heartsong (his mate) finally touches him his stone sleep curse is half lifted. Over time they learn to coexist while Anna deals with old wounds and Frey is determined to win his mates heart.

This story was cute but it dragged on a bit in the middle. Even with that I still enjoyed it. Anna got on my nerves a little because she was incredibly self depricating. I understand her hang ups because of her past but she barely gave it like a 10% try for most of the book even when Frey tried his hardest to show her how much he cares. Frey was slightly aggravating at some points but that's only because he only knows like from the sixth century so his ability to understand present day responsibilities required a steep learning curve. He was so dedicated and it warmed my heart to see his love and devotion for Anna.

The plot didn't really pick up until the end so it was a lot of repeating issues throughout the middle that made it a little hard to keep going but I knew the end would be worth it.

I honestly couldn't wait to see Carys and Gavriel in the story more. There is a prequel to this book and although it's not required, it will help to better your understanding to what happened that put the curse on the gargoyles. They had my heart in the prequel and they still have my heart in this book.

Even though this book was only a three star read for me I'm still excited to see where the storyline is going to keep going in the series.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I was a massive Disney Gargoyles fan in the 90s and was SO excited to give this a try. I absolutely had Goliath vibes for the MMC,

However, once I got into it, I struggled to keep going. Each chapter essentially just bounced between the FMC’s workplace and her apartment. There was no real chemistry between the two characters at all, either. The only “connection” was the MMC’s insistence that they were mates because of however his kind “know” this.

There was nothing really pulling me into the story and the mystery that was occurring. The MMC was only focused on getting his mate and the FMC was just going to work. I imagine more was coming, I believe something with her employers. But I just couldn’t get myself to open the book up and pick up where I left off. I very rarely DNF, I almost always want to at least know what happens. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it with this one.

I think the story needs some more work to add more layers to it, but there is certainly potential. Gotta love hot Gargoyle Daddies!

Thank you for the opportunity!

4.5 stars!

I was super excited to get this book. The cover is beautiful and I am sadly someone who will judge that.

The story is such a different take on gargoyle legends which I really enjoyed. The characters were likable enough and the bond effects are a different take on “‘mates”.

Super cute book. Highly recommend and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Forced proximity
Fated mates

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.