as an art history major with emphasis on classical/early medieval history, imagine my surprise to find such well researched history in a monster-f****r book. and not only that, but heroine with chronic pain. the mystery was good and had me interested in the plot beyond the spicy stuff. One criticism on the spicy scenes- had to reread a few times because i was not understanding the blocking. i’m a little concerned about how the claws operate if you catch my drift. but i’m new to the monster fantasy genre so maybe im splitting hairs. looking forward to the next one.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

There is a reason S.E. Wendel receives so much praise on the fantasy romance subreddits! She does monster romance right.

I read Wendel’s Halfling earlier this year and loved it, so I was glad to receive an ARC of Heartsong. I knew I’d love it just as much as Halfling from the moment I read dedication of Heartsong.

The book has a very realistic portrayal of life with chronic pain/migraines and complicated family relationships. The way both of these issues affect how the FMC behaves throughout the book is extremely relatable.

You do not need to read Stone Hearts first to understand and enjoy Heartsong. I honestly didn’t even know that Stone Hearts existed until I finished Heartsong and I am glad because I couldn’t immediately tell who was trustworthy and who was not among the side characters. I feel that if I had read Stone Hearts first, I wouldn’t have felt the strong suspense and mystery in Heartsong.

I can’t say if all of Wendel’s stories are like this since this is only the second book I’ve read by her, but it’s very refreshing to have stories that don’t rely on the FMC and MMC having children to “complete” the story or characters.

The one thing I liked a little less than Halfling is that there are not nearly enough scenes with the MMC pleasuring himself to the thought of the FMC. 😂😅🥵 I hope there is more of this in next book!

I am new to monster romance but I'm digging it! I think I've been reading too much dark romance because our hero in this book was a breath of fresh air. I get golden retriever vibes! Anna is also really likable, she's down to earth and also dealing with migraines which makes you root for her even more. I think the author did a good job of world building and setting up the universe for future books. I hope maybe that future books spend more time out of the apartment and out in the world? I get that he had to hide most of the time but it did kind of seem that we spent most of the book in a one bedroom apartment and if you're looking for an escapist read like I was, like most monster romance readers I assume are, the setting can seem kind of dull. I liked this book though, easily bingeable in a day so you don't have to think about real life!!

Heartsong is a fantastic intro to the “monster romance” genre. Although the plot isn’t all that deep outside of the developing romance between our two main characters, it works. I was pleasantly surprised by how relatable and vulnerable the FMC was with her various life struggles. I found myself tearing up while reading in a few places, because of how much I felt for Anna and understood her pain and anger and frustration. When I wasn’t crying into my kindle, I was kicking my feet and giggling. Frey has easily become one of my favorite book boyfriends from this year. This book is a really great mix of capital S spice and heartwarming character development. I couldn’t put it down!

5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 2.5/5 chili peppers 🌶️🌶️½

First, a big thank you to S.E. Wendel, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Heartsong as an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Okay, confession time: I’m a millennial who grew up obsessed with Disney’s Gargoyles, and when I saw the cover of this book, I didn’t even hesitate to request it. I’m still salty that show never got a proper ending (seriously—why were so many shows back then denied finales?!), and Heartsong felt like the emotional balm my inner child didn’t know she still needed.

Let’s talk about the story. I didn’t realize I was a monster romance girly until recently—and I definitely carried the (mistaken) belief that monster romances were all steam and no substance. Turns out, I was very wrong. Heartsong delivers both the heart-melting romance and the depth of plot I crave.

Anna and Frey gave me all the nostalgic feels. I mean...tell me this doesn’t feel like Goliath and Elisa 2.0 in the best possible way. I literally squealed multiple times while reading—actual squeals. That’s how invested I was. And Frey? Total cinnamon roll with a dangerous streak. Soft-hearted but with serious “touch her and die” energy. I was swooning.

What I especially loved is that this isn’t a one-and-done fantasy. The worldbuilding is rich and clearly designed for a series. While Heartsong wraps up Anna and Frey’s arc beautifully, the final chapter hints that the next book will follow a new couple (and I am already counting down the days). I was a little disappointed not to have the sequel ready to binge immediately, but I will definitely be diving into the prequel about Carys and Gavren in the meantime.

If you love sweet, heartfelt romances with a touch of spice, deeply emotional characters, and gargoyle protectors who are just as tender as they are fierce—do not sleep on this book. Trust me. It’s everything I didn’t know I needed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing this ARC!

I genuinely enjoyed this book, though I’m not surprised, as Hafling has long been one of my favorite cozy romance reads. S.E. Wendell has a talent for crafting sweet, soft, comforting stories that still manage to weave in a solid plot. The story had just enough high-stakes drama in the background to keep things engaging. I went into this for the vibes of an easy romance but I ended up getting invested in the mystery surrounding the museum where the FMC works.

Wendell also did a fantastic job portraying chronic illness and the isolation that can come with it. It felt very authentic, and the MMC’s support was heartwarming.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read!

Ah, this couple did not win me over, but I'm kinda sold on the universe?

Individually, I liked them both. Anna is a fiercely independent, intelligent, and <i>deeply hurt</i> person who is suddenly presented with Frey, a gargoyle (sorry, guardian?), who says he is her mate and immediately begins bossing her around.

I understand the whole "fated mates" thing, I've been around the block with fae, werewolves, other shifters, witches, warlocks, and everything else. But this just didn't feel right. <spoiler> Frey is all in from the start! He wants to connect, learn, and love with Anna! And Anna's just not there. She asks him not to mention the mate thing while she processes and he lasts what, two days? And then he brings it up again. He's not a bad guy. He's damn near perfect! But the pushiness just kind of sets the tone for the rest of the book in a way that didn't vibe with me.</spoiler>

With all that said, this was a very easy read that entertained me the entire way through. The author obviously did her research into the history and culture involved with the museum aspects and I really appreciated that.

Thank you Avon & Harper Voyager/NetGalley for this wonderful ARC!

I... really loved this book. I figured I might because who doesn't love a good ✨gargoyle✨ story, but it was way better than I was expecting. Had me wanting my Pygmalion moment REEEEEAL bad.

Frey (the LOML) is DELISH & a perfect MMC. I just loved how up for anything he was concerning Anna (who WAS annoying for a chunk of the book, but in a way that made sense given what she's going through, so I WILL allow it). They were sweet! I liked reading about their dynamic quite a lot.

The book felt well-researched as well; I really appreciated the addition of the chapter notes & Welsh dictionary at the end.

I disagree with other reviews saying the ending feels unfinished; I think the last few chapters set up future books in this universe pretty nicely (June & Alaric?? HELLO??). I'll need to go back to read Gavren & Carys' book too (I'm sure if I did the 3rd act would've probably surprised me less).

Loved it!!

I just love a good monster romance! I really enjoyed the world building in this one as well. The relationship between the characters was well paced and there personalities were enjoyable

Heartsong delivers a cozy, paranormal romance brimming with charm and intrigue. It follows Anna, a spirited Museum Assistant, who unwittingly breaks the centuries-long curse of Frey, a mythical guardian entombed in stone, during a botched attempt to steal art from the Museum.

The story eases into its rhythm and pace, but once it picks up later in the book, it seamlessly blends mystery, mythology, and slow burning romance into an addictive mix. Anna and Frey’s chemistry evolves with a simmering intensity, balancing sweetness, tension, and just the right spark of heat that makes the emotional payoff deeply satisfying.

I did enjoy the mythic undertones and the refreshingly original premise. For fans of paranormal romance craving a touch of legend and heartfelt connection, Heartsong is a cozy read that fans of monster romance will enjoy.

Heartsong by S.E. Wendel was a fun read about a woman recovering from trauma in her early life and working at an art gallery and the Gargoyle at the museum that suddenly comes alive and considers her his mate.

I don't want to give away spoilers, but the author worked childhood trauma, a magic curse, and soulmates into a romance in which the male falls first into a quick, fun read that I enjoyed immensely.

The characters were fun, although you have to throw reality out in the first chapter, but what the heck - our reality now isn't the greatest.

I hope to read more from this author and this series. It was enjoyable escapism.

This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed this low-stakes romance, giving it a 3.5 rating.

The story follows Anna, who deals with chronic migraines and Frey who has been cursed to stay in a stone sleep. Much of the book is spent with Anna trying to reconcile being mated to a gargoyle, while poor Frey navigates the modern world, lovesick and desperately doing anything to gain any affection from Anna.

While I appreciated Anna's apprehension with being mated, there were at least 60 pages too much of them sitting on couches as roommates. Some might enjoy this and call it a slow burn, but for me, very few of their actual interactions felt meaningful. It mostly fell on Frey to be patient, understanding, and aware of Anna's needs. I felt bad for him for a lot of the book and I struggled to enjoy them as a couple until the final 15-20% of the book.

Once they get together, Anna finally has a personality and I am so glad she lets it loose. She's playful and considerate, with the spicy scenes adding some much needed chemistry between these two. I liked when the plot finally picked up and there was movement in the story.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants an easy read, doesn't mind a prickly FMC, and a poetic/protective MMC. The writing style allows you to easily immerse yourself in the world with a spattering of Welsh phrases that will have you bouncing back and forth to the glossary. Even though this wasn't a 5 star read for me, I could see this being appealing to a lot of readers. I enjoyed the author's writing and am curious enough about where the story will go to pick up the next book in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Let me preface that this was my first monster romance read. I used to love the Gargoyles show on toon disney, and this book synopsis sounded similar.
This book very much felt like I was reading a fanfiction (much to my enjoyment.) It made it very easy to sit and enjoy. I liked Frey as a character, and really enjoyed his growth through his relationship with Anna. I wish Anna’s character could’ve been explored a little more outside of her chronic pain, like her relationship with her mother, or her fear of being ‘enough’. The last 75% felt a little rushed to the epilogue but I’m glad the story had some resolution. Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I most likely would pick up the sequel just to see how the characters have grown/changed in their relationships.

Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC!
These thoughts are entirely my own and this is an honest review.

As someone who grew up watching Gargoyles, when I saw this book, I literally ran! I was thrilled to see a romance, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The chemistry between these two, albeit rocky at the start, had me hooked from the beginning. I'll admit I got somewhat tired of the slice-of-life aspect, but I understood it for the sake of building everything to come.

There was seriously so much to love with this book! Whether you love mates, fey, magic, and more, oh my!

I suppose, if I had to find a complaint, I would say it was somewhat slow and felt unfinished. Some parts seemed rather rushed; I had to put the book down a few times and pick it back up to really sink back in. However, I really enjoyed the writing and the whole world-building experience. I will, for sure, pick up another book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am so excited that Heartsong has gotten a traditional publishing deal AND that I get the opportunity to provide a rating of my experience with this book. I'm already an absolute fool for a Gargoyle romance but I absolutely loved the Welsch twist on the genre. On top of the engaging world building of these stone guardians, the world they inhabited, and the powers that petrified them, we also got a romp through hundreds of years of time with our two lovers as they used their extended lifespans to locate his kin and protect them for what is to come. I am so looking forward to continuing this series and for more readers to get their hands on this tale.

ARC REVIEW

I enjoyed the last half of the book. The first half I just couldn't get past Anna's whining and evasiveness to Frey.
She was actively trying to not accept the bond and it just made me roll my eyes for so long. Like girl, you love history, you work in a museum and your favorite grotesque came alive and is yearning for YOU.

I enjoyed the plot and Frey so much. The owners were such a cute surprise too! The plot was super interesting and I will def read the next ones.

“Her truest form came with stretchy lounge pants and a cozy fleece hoodie with deep pockets” - I mean same girl, same.

This is an awesome modern meets medieval mash up of characters. Taking a gargoyle from the 6th century and throwing him into modern times was nothing but entertaining.

As for the FMC, her backstory helps to understand why she is the way she is. I love that Anna didn’t just immediately give in to the whole mate thing. I mean, finding out magic is real and a giant gargoyle is telling you that you’re his mate would make any rational person a little hesitant. Her spunk made me giggle. But I did find myself feeling a bit frustrated with her at times. Chronic pain is a topic you don’t often find in these types of stories and it was interesting to see how it played such a big role.

Next is our MMC. I might be biased but Frey is an absolute gem. His unshakable confidence and remarks had me dying. His devotion to her - “your comfort is second only to your safety” . I mean swoon . And he PURRRRRRS. I cannot get enough of this gargoyle man. And did I mention GREY SWEATPANTS. SWOON!!!! I adored his determination to not give up on her and his willingness to compromise and adapt for her (even though he still struggled with it).

All in all it was, as my dear fy nghân would say, “most excellent”.


My only complaint is that it felt … unfinished? It felt a little stagnant or repetitive in the middle. It was great to see the MC spend so much time enjoying their spicy 🌶️time but it was a lot of the same thing over and over with very little action or true progression to the storyline.

We have so much unanswered - What’s the deal with Andrew? What is going on with June and Alaric ? I definitely want to know what happens next!

Tropes:
- Paranormal / Monster romance
- Slow burn
- Fae, Magic, gargoyle
- Open door spice
- Cozy romance

Heartsong is a cozy, paranormal romance following Anna, a headstrong museum assistant, who accidentally awakens Frey—a mythical guardian cursed to a centuries-long stone sleep—during a botched art heist.

Though the plot starts off a bit slow, it quickly gains momentum, weaving together mystery, romance, and myth in a way that kept me hooked. The chemistry between Anna and Frey builds gradually, with just the right amount of spice and a satisfying payoff that made the slow burn completely worth it.

I really enjoyed the mythological elements and the unique premise. Overall, Heartsong was a fun, engaging read that I’d definitely recommend to fans of paranormal romance with a mythic twist.

If you ever watched the Disney tv show “Gargoyles”, you would love this. (It was me. I watched it.)

Anna works at a museum and in the middle of a break-in, makes one of the statues come to life. Turns out, he is a centuries old gargoyle that has been cursed and trapped in stone, until she woke him.

Now they have to work together to try to break the curse for the rest of the gargoyles/guardians. Only problem? He still turns to stone when the sun comes up.

Did I also mention they are mates?

It was cute, and spicy, and made me feel all the nostalgia from the cartoon “Gargoyles”.

Heads up: there will definitely be a book 2.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my review.