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Hearts of Stone #1
Hard as a Rock
Iliona's had a rough day, so the last thing she wants is a whiny ex on her doorstep throwing accusations about which of her co-workers she's screwing.
When he starts throwing punches and one of her hunky gargoyle co-workers rushes to her rescue, Iliona is more interested in what exactly he's been doing on the ledge outside her bedroom window -- and whether he's interested in more than watching...
When he starts throwing punches and one of her hunky gargoyle co-workers rushes to her rescue, Iliona is more interested in what exactly he's been doing on the ledge outside her bedroom window -- and whether he's interested in more than watching...
24 pages, ebook
First published September 10, 2011
About the author
Mina Carter
207 books2,283 followersMina Carter is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of romance in many genres. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter, a puppy who pays no attention to her whatsoever, and a bossy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 20, 2016
Hard As A Rock
is a short story that gets down and dirty quickly with our characters.
Had I picked this book up first I probably wouldn't have continued with the PPA series. I usually don't enjoy such fast-past, no plot reads, that go directly into the sex, but this was an enjoyable read. We do get a little introduction into the world, but we focus on Iliona who is a strong independent women and Cal her hunky gargoyle co-worker. The sex is sensual, hot, and heavy.
Some of the books in the PPA series are short stories like this, while others are much fuller.
*Disclaimer: I purchased this book for my own consumption. I was not given any type of copy for a review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Had I picked this book up first I probably wouldn't have continued with the PPA series. I usually don't enjoy such fast-past, no plot reads, that go directly into the sex, but this was an enjoyable read. We do get a little introduction into the world, but we focus on Iliona who is a strong independent women and Cal her hunky gargoyle co-worker. The sex is sensual, hot, and heavy.
Some of the books in the PPA series are short stories like this, while others are much fuller.
*Disclaimer: I purchased this book for my own consumption. I was not given any type of copy for a review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
April 6, 2017
2.5 Stars...
Gargoyles in romance/erotica, is becoming one of my favs in paranormal reads. I mean come on people! Muscles, wings, tails, honour and duty. Nocturnal, mysterious and strong... What's not to love? Especially the alpha ones...
This short read moves fairly quick and is very far from a gargoyle & human romance. An actual fail, to say the truth.
Iliona's lives in a time where paranormal beings are part of the normal world. An annoying visit from her Ex brings an unexpected rescuer. A gargoyle co-worker. Apparently he can shift from human to gargoyle form.
Did not happen... Which is a mayor fail in pushing my buttons.
Iliona's decides to reward our hero and things escalate speedily. Pure sex and mildly enjoyable. But basically strong half human male with human female action. No goodies... So it was average in that aspect. No plot, no character development. Steamy and very quick paced.
Not recommended for paranomal-erotic readers. You will be dissapointed.
Qualified as just a fun spur of the moment read.
March 15, 2020
3 Stars
March 11, 2014
Surprising, interesting, explosive...
Iliona is a heroine of a strong will and a knowledge of what she wants and she isn't afraid to get it. After a hard day's work, Iliona mistakenly opens a door to her ex who is looking for a fight. Even though they broke up months ago he still can't reconcile with that fact. Now he's having his usual tantrum about with whom she's sleeping with and what paranormal serves her best. Since she's working at her father's Paranormal Protection Agency she encounters a lot of paranormal species. Vampires, werewolves, gargoyles... it's all normal to her. What she didn't expect was that her ex could be so filled up with rage to actually raise his fist at her. As she saw the fist coming to her face unable to stop it, something came between them.
Cal is a gargoyle employed at PPA. He protects others for money. He is a strong man with protective instincts. A man of few words but great actions.
Gargoyles, though, gargoyles are careful with their words and actions. Mind you, if I lived in a world where treading on someone’s foot tended to pulverize said appendage, so would I. It saved on the “Is this your hand? Oh, so sorry. It’s amazing what they can do with restorative surgery these days, isn’t it?” conversations. Most gargoyles weren’t that garrulous. They picked their words with care and we were already pushing the upper conversational limit with three sentences.
He has been overseeing Iliona in his spare time and on his own accord without any payment. And without her knowledge. Outside her bedroom window. Now he was placed between Iliona and her ex taking his fist in his hand and almost choking him to death. If not for Iliona, he would most likely kill him. But he didn't. He left him in the lobby and returned to the apartment.
Iliona was grateful for the rescue and even though she was little taken aback with Cal's confession on his late actions she was more aroused than upset. Realizing she hadn't had anyone in her life for months, she let herself go and took the first step. Cal quickly responded and they engaged in a steamy, explosive but meaningful sexual encounter.
The story was well put together and quite unique in the set of characters. The heroine was a smart, strong woman who knew how to get what she wanted. The hero was all muscle, few words, overprotective instincts but also thoughtful and sensible.
The only thing that concerns me a little is the lack of a more astonished and/or violent reaction on the confession that a gargoyle was spending all his free days and nights outside her bedroom window. Practically stalking her. Watching her every move without her knowledge. That would freak me out a little regardless of how well I know the guy in question. My reason for a lower grade.
All in all, it's new, it's different, it's worth reading.
Iliona is a heroine of a strong will and a knowledge of what she wants and she isn't afraid to get it. After a hard day's work, Iliona mistakenly opens a door to her ex who is looking for a fight. Even though they broke up months ago he still can't reconcile with that fact. Now he's having his usual tantrum about with whom she's sleeping with and what paranormal serves her best. Since she's working at her father's Paranormal Protection Agency she encounters a lot of paranormal species. Vampires, werewolves, gargoyles... it's all normal to her. What she didn't expect was that her ex could be so filled up with rage to actually raise his fist at her. As she saw the fist coming to her face unable to stop it, something came between them.
Cal is a gargoyle employed at PPA. He protects others for money. He is a strong man with protective instincts. A man of few words but great actions.
Gargoyles, though, gargoyles are careful with their words and actions. Mind you, if I lived in a world where treading on someone’s foot tended to pulverize said appendage, so would I. It saved on the “Is this your hand? Oh, so sorry. It’s amazing what they can do with restorative surgery these days, isn’t it?” conversations. Most gargoyles weren’t that garrulous. They picked their words with care and we were already pushing the upper conversational limit with three sentences.
He has been overseeing Iliona in his spare time and on his own accord without any payment. And without her knowledge. Outside her bedroom window. Now he was placed between Iliona and her ex taking his fist in his hand and almost choking him to death. If not for Iliona, he would most likely kill him. But he didn't. He left him in the lobby and returned to the apartment.
Iliona was grateful for the rescue and even though she was little taken aback with Cal's confession on his late actions she was more aroused than upset. Realizing she hadn't had anyone in her life for months, she let herself go and took the first step. Cal quickly responded and they engaged in a steamy, explosive but meaningful sexual encounter.
The story was well put together and quite unique in the set of characters. The heroine was a smart, strong woman who knew how to get what she wanted. The hero was all muscle, few words, overprotective instincts but also thoughtful and sensible.
The only thing that concerns me a little is the lack of a more astonished and/or violent reaction on the confession that a gargoyle was spending all his free days and nights outside her bedroom window. Practically stalking her. Watching her every move without her knowledge. That would freak me out a little regardless of how well I know the guy in question. My reason for a lower grade.
All in all, it's new, it's different, it's worth reading.
August 15, 2014
Favorite Quotes:
Folding my arms, I leaned against the door jam and gave him my best “I don’t want to have this conversation now” look. Like seriously, I’d rather eat razor blades and gargle bleach than rehash why we’d split up.”
“Born and bred in the North Pole into the famous Claus clan, he wasn’t just one of Santa’s little helpers. Oh no. He was a main bloodline Claus, which meant when December 24th hit, he gained a couple hundred pounds, five decades and a beard like a frost-covered bush to deliver to deliver presents to undeserving, snot-nosed, spoilt little brats.”
My Review:
I don’t typically read paranormal stories as I tend to sticks to the genres of Women’s Fiction or Contemporary Romance. But I was surprised to find that I truly enjoyed this collection. I wasn’t expecting it to be so funny, spicy, or deliciously steamy. Ms. Carter provides the most creative and entertaining explanation of Santa that I have ever heard. Each story was well written with clever and biting humor sprinkled throughout. I suddenly find myself in dire need of a winter elf, werewolf, and a gargoyle or two.
Folding my arms, I leaned against the door jam and gave him my best “I don’t want to have this conversation now” look. Like seriously, I’d rather eat razor blades and gargle bleach than rehash why we’d split up.”
“Born and bred in the North Pole into the famous Claus clan, he wasn’t just one of Santa’s little helpers. Oh no. He was a main bloodline Claus, which meant when December 24th hit, he gained a couple hundred pounds, five decades and a beard like a frost-covered bush to deliver to deliver presents to undeserving, snot-nosed, spoilt little brats.”
My Review:
I don’t typically read paranormal stories as I tend to sticks to the genres of Women’s Fiction or Contemporary Romance. But I was surprised to find that I truly enjoyed this collection. I wasn’t expecting it to be so funny, spicy, or deliciously steamy. Ms. Carter provides the most creative and entertaining explanation of Santa that I have ever heard. Each story was well written with clever and biting humor sprinkled throughout. I suddenly find myself in dire need of a winter elf, werewolf, and a gargoyle or two.
July 27, 2014
This series has been sitting on my kindle for ages, waiting for some free time for me to read them. lol Finally, I get some time! A little too short but I liked it. The story itself has a great premise and it left me wanting to read more about these characters. The mark of a great author... always leave them coming back for more. And I'll definitely be reading the rest of this series.
January 23, 2014
Not so much a short story or a novella it can really only be described as a scene. But that said, I liked the author's voice, I liked the hints of the world she's built and the scene was hella hot.
June 19, 2016
Gargoyles are hot
These guys are not dumb as rocks or simple. They are hot guys the same as any other. Loved this book and how they developed the Romance.
These guys are not dumb as rocks or simple. They are hot guys the same as any other. Loved this book and how they developed the Romance.
May 29, 2017
A fun Erotic romp, with very little actual story but a lot of heat to make up for it.
June 30, 2017
Perfect
I didnt want it to end!!! I loved the way that the descriptions were detailed, it made the book! Everything was awesome!
I didnt want it to end!!! I loved the way that the descriptions were detailed, it made the book! Everything was awesome!
August 25, 2017
I like gargoyles. He didn't talk very much. Maybe the next one will be a little more conversion.
November 10, 2017
This book has so much potential. as a short read it was nice; but if the Author chooses she can turn it into an amazing novel by fleshing out the landscape, etc. hot and steamy, good short read
June 26, 2019
meh -
The description had me intrigued, and I expected more from this author instead of a 3-some in the main character's apt.
The description had me intrigued, and I expected more from this author instead of a 3-some in the main character's apt.
October 16, 2019
It was OK.... I have read better from Mina Carter.......
July 28, 2020
1.5 stars. Way too short. Doesn’t leave me wanting to read up on the rest of the series.
February 27, 2021
Short porn read before bedtime. Tomorrow I'll be searching for Gargoyle romance novels.
April 12, 2021
Muddled
For such a shorty read this plot was muddled from the very start. Quickly became uninterested in continuing and didn’t after 31%.
For such a shorty read this plot was muddled from the very start. Quickly became uninterested in continuing and didn’t after 31%.
September 10, 2014
We meet Iliona who works at a personal protection company owned by her father that employs paranormals.
Mistakenly she opens her door for the assumed pizza guy for her food but ended up with an idiot ex-boyfriend ranting and raving about her paranormal co-workers and her maybe jumping their bones... (Insecure much) In my opinion, if their attitude sucked like his I would sucker punch human and para alike.
Well until ex-idiot fits up his hand to hit Iliona, hunky Gargoyle, Cal comes to her rescue. Turns out Cal has been doing his own protection duty on her... Outside her window..watching her.
Once ex-idiot has been taken care of, no he is not dead, will her guardian just keep to watching or...?
Although this is a short book it is hot and there are more to come in this series.
Seriously, I didn't expect a Gargoyle at all!
Interesting facts... Gargoyles... Really?
Can't wait for the other adventures!
Mina Carter
Mistakenly she opens her door for the assumed pizza guy for her food but ended up with an idiot ex-boyfriend ranting and raving about her paranormal co-workers and her maybe jumping their bones... (Insecure much) In my opinion, if their attitude sucked like his I would sucker punch human and para alike.
Well until ex-idiot fits up his hand to hit Iliona, hunky Gargoyle, Cal comes to her rescue. Turns out Cal has been doing his own protection duty on her... Outside her window..watching her.
Once ex-idiot has been taken care of, no he is not dead, will her guardian just keep to watching or...?
Although this is a short book it is hot and there are more to come in this series.
Seriously, I didn't expect a Gargoyle at all!
Interesting facts... Gargoyles... Really?
Can't wait for the other adventures!
Mina Carter
January 30, 2015
Once again author, Mina Carter, delivers a very sexy, short read. It has all the luscious hard bits that we like to imagine and would love to wrap around. And it all starts with a tall, dark and brooding Gargoyle with a slight voyeuristic tendency.
With that being said I must recommend the following. For the uninitiated it's advisable to purchase the Vol.1 Paranormal Protection Agency Box Set. Especially if you like a bang for your buck. This particular read is more like one scene and doesn't really delve into the agency life. So if you don't like teasers, but you're interested in hot paranormals, consider spending an extra couple of dollars for six installments.
Go ahead, invest in some delicious entertainment ;-)
NB - 3 stars is based purely on the fact that I wanted to know more about the Agency. Other wise it's a fun way to kill half an hour.
Happy reading.
With that being said I must recommend the following. For the uninitiated it's advisable to purchase the Vol.1 Paranormal Protection Agency Box Set. Especially if you like a bang for your buck. This particular read is more like one scene and doesn't really delve into the agency life. So if you don't like teasers, but you're interested in hot paranormals, consider spending an extra couple of dollars for six installments.
Go ahead, invest in some delicious entertainment ;-)
NB - 3 stars is based purely on the fact that I wanted to know more about the Agency. Other wise it's a fun way to kill half an hour.
Happy reading.
July 11, 2016
This should be rated as a forest fire of epic heat! Wow! I don't think Ms. Carter could have turned the heat up any more than she did with this one. Short, but by no means lacking, this tale will have you so hot and bothered you will need much more than a cold shower by the time you've finished. Self-imposed protector, Cal comes to the aide of Iliona when her ex shows up on her doorstep uninvited and throwing punches. Gargoyles are protective, and Cal is no exception to this rule when it comes to Iliona. When sparks fly between the two of them, there's no stopping fate.
If you like shifters, especially hot ones, you won't want to miss out on this read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
If you like shifters, especially hot ones, you won't want to miss out on this read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2020
I am not sure if this was ever meant to be the start of a series as it was so short and not enough story except for sex. We learn very little about either Iliona or Cal and I would have liked a bit more background. Especially about Cal, a gargoyle shifter, how different and fascinating is that.
This series is a real mix up of extreme shorts and longer books. I really liked this but I think Ms Carter needs to think about expanding into more of a book like the rest of this wonderful series.
Bit cheeky asking for money for these few pages, it should be free.
Buy the volume sets for better value for money.
UPDATE
This series of two books was merged into the PARANORMAL PROTECTION AGENCY series.
This series is a real mix up of extreme shorts and longer books. I really liked this but I think Ms Carter needs to think about expanding into more of a book like the rest of this wonderful series.
Bit cheeky asking for money for these few pages, it should be free.
Buy the volume sets for better value for money.
UPDATE
This series of two books was merged into the PARANORMAL PROTECTION AGENCY series.
June 20, 2013
Hard as a Rock introduces readers to Iliona, boss lady of Mina's Paranormal Protection Agency. We also get our first (delicious) look at Cal, a gargoyle who works at PPA, when her whiny ex, Kenneth, comes to harass her. After making short work of Kenneth, Iliona discovers Cal's been keeping watch over her and he likes what he's seen. It's been awhile and Mr. Buzzy "was nearing motor burnout", so she welcomes Cal's tentative advances, which quickly progresses into a super hot, rock hard romp.
This was waaaay too short a story. But, it was a wonderful appetizer for the rest of the books in the series, which I inhaled.
This was waaaay too short a story. But, it was a wonderful appetizer for the rest of the books in the series, which I inhaled.
June 16, 2014
Hard as a Rock is for people who...
...like their paranormals a little rough around the edges. Literally, in this case.
...don't mind little to no explanation as to why a character did something.
...enjoy some hot gargoyle lovin'!
...want it quick and dirty.
This was a fast, naughty read that hinted at an interesting world without delving into much of it. Basically, this is a single scene that puts lady and gargoyle in close proximity and allows them to get naked. Enjoyable enough that I'm curious about other books in the series.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
...like their paranormals a little rough around the edges. Literally, in this case.
...don't mind little to no explanation as to why a character did something.
...enjoy some hot gargoyle lovin'!
...want it quick and dirty.
This was a fast, naughty read that hinted at an interesting world without delving into much of it. Basically, this is a single scene that puts lady and gargoyle in close proximity and allows them to get naked. Enjoyable enough that I'm curious about other books in the series.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 6, 2012
Really good short story.
Iliona's ex-boyfriend stops by her apartment to tell her what's wrong with her. He also wants to punctuate his comments this with a punch, but Cal, a gargoyle that works for her company, stops the punch and then sends Kenneth packing. Iliona learns he's been watching her and over her for awhile and so she lets them move it to the next step.
I don't know why I have this thing about gargoyles, but they're incredibly sexy to me and so of course I love this story. More gargoyles please!
Iliona's ex-boyfriend stops by her apartment to tell her what's wrong with her. He also wants to punctuate his comments this with a punch, but Cal, a gargoyle that works for her company, stops the punch and then sends Kenneth packing. Iliona learns he's been watching her and over her for awhile and so she lets them move it to the next step.
I don't know why I have this thing about gargoyles, but they're incredibly sexy to me and so of course I love this story. More gargoyles please!
January 10, 2015
I had to read the first one in this series...I read the second one yesterday Between a Rock and A Hard Place
I still have a problem with the whole gargoyle thing it's just to weird for me..but it's a pretty hot read once/if you can get past that
I still have a problem with the whole gargoyle thing it's just to weird for me..but it's a pretty hot read once/if you can get past that
Read
July 12, 2014This is basically a single scene, maybe two if you're picky. Iliona's ex yells at her, Cal shows up and makes him leave, then they fuck, the end. And the next "book" is basically just a menage sex scene.
I'm not sure I think it's fair to charge people to read something that basically amounts to a deleted scene from a larger story. I got it for free, but I can safely advise you to not spend your money on this.
I'm not sure I think it's fair to charge people to read something that basically amounts to a deleted scene from a larger story. I got it for free, but I can safely advise you to not spend your money on this.
May 30, 2015
A short enjoyable read!
A quick read that manages to get a relationship built between the main characters, and some hot action between them, without feeling as if it is a straight up sex novel.
Word to the readers, this is a graphic erotic novel, and not recommended for those readers who prefer sensual sex scenes.
Highly recommend for a fast read, although I would have liked it a bit longer!
A quick read that manages to get a relationship built between the main characters, and some hot action between them, without feeling as if it is a straight up sex novel.
Word to the readers, this is a graphic erotic novel, and not recommended for those readers who prefer sensual sex scenes.
Highly recommend for a fast read, although I would have liked it a bit longer!
June 8, 2015
i had a thing for the gargoyles since I watch a cartoon about them a few years ago, but this short one , well the hyper talking one was the girl , he onely says a few sentences and ... Bam! The interesting is that looks like he can changes- or hardened- every part of his anatomy.
I'd like to read more interaction between the characters, besides the one that happens in the bedroom- or couch- the guy only said a few fragging words !!! that was it
I'd like to read more interaction between the characters, besides the one that happens in the bedroom- or couch- the guy only said a few fragging words !!! that was it
August 26, 2016
This is a short story, finished it in less than 30 minutes. There is no character development, no plot, hardly any background information and the like. It's save the girl, bang the girl, the end. It's an okay read, especially considering how short it is.
After learning of the other books in the series, I look at this as the prologue :)
*I received this for free as a bonus content in the Roar, Growl and Kiss Boxset Collection (http://amzn.to/2bKkElz). All opinions are mine.
After learning of the other books in the series, I look at this as the prologue :)
*I received this for free as a bonus content in the Roar, Growl and Kiss Boxset Collection (http://amzn.to/2bKkElz). All opinions are mine.
January 31, 2014
Read this as part of the PPA volume one anthology.
I loved it. A well written and thought out piece. I don't like to give out spoilers and so I won't but I will say that it was a fantastic read. Dominant protective man. Strong willed woman. Explosive results.
Definitely suggest this to anyone who loves steamy romance.
Go... Buy... Read. You won't regret it.
I loved it. A well written and thought out piece. I don't like to give out spoilers and so I won't but I will say that it was a fantastic read. Dominant protective man. Strong willed woman. Explosive results.
Definitely suggest this to anyone who loves steamy romance.
Go... Buy... Read. You won't regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews