Gaming with the Gargoyle in Hallow's Cove Author Kass O'Shire
Book Review
5 out of 5 stars!
"Maybe I have horrible taste in men, but I have pretty amazing taste in friends." - Gwen
Gwen's life changes for the best when she becomes a widow. Sounds utterly horrible but after what she's had to deal with and several members of Hallow's Cove community this is bliss. Until the legal documents come rolling in with fine print clauses. . . The game store that Gwen and Gabe have dreamed of for years, and both had a hand in bringing to life, is about to be snatched away from them.
Unless Gwen has a baby. An heir to the Fairfield name to be specific. Luckily her best friend just so happens to be hot and the stepbrother to her late husband meaning Fairfield blood! This can just be a new "level" of their friendship, right? No romantic feelings involved just two friends coming together to make a baby, so they don't lose their business. What could possibly go wrong. . .
“I’ve been thinking. I wonder if Gabriel might be scaring away any potential suitors.”
“Suitors? Mother, are you preparing to sell me off for a couple of cows? And anyway, if Gabe is scaring anybody else, then they don’t belong in my life. He’s my best friend and my business partner. We are a package deal.”
Returning to Hallow's Cove is the best! These books can be read out of order, but I highly recommend reading in order. Especially because the characters from the second and third novella are heavily featured in this one. The villain from "Going Au Naturale in Hallow's Cove" semi stars in this book and has a conclusion to his tale. I've also been nerding out to DnD as of late, so this book has been perfect!
"“It’ll be great.” I say. Because in a sick, fucked up way, all of my dreams are coming true… Gwen will be my family… and we’ll have our game store… and it’s all horribly wrong." - Gabe
Gwen isn't the only one who's happy about her single status. Gabe's been in love with his best friend for years but hasn't said anything to her. The one day he built up enough courage was also the day he found out he was too late. Second chances are a thing though! I loved his shyness and loyalty. How he didn't just throw himself at Gwen before her ex was even in the ground. He cares deeply for Gwen romantically and as a dear friend. He's a giant cinnamon roll with a sense of humor. Being a gargoyle, he's forced to sleep when the sun is out. Gabe takes the opportunity before he fully solidifies to get into some crazy possess to entertain Gwen and their customers.
Gwen's character was fun! I loved the friendship and bond the two had formed. How they had one another's backs and even used a D20 at times to make decisions! Their nerdiness and being open about it was so refreshing. Listen, the nerds/gamers is where it's at! This black cat approves of both of them! Gargoyle's Horde is a shop I would gladly live in because of how the two designed it. Putting together a gaming store that they wished they had when they were teens. The small-town vibes and the unspoken rules of the shop that everyone knew about but was perfection.
This is another lighthearted novella in the series. There are some moments of heaviness, but it doesn't get crazy. Language is present in the book, moments of body dysmorphia, healing from a controlling ex, and grief of parental loss. More understanding into her ex and just how awful he was. Gwen did have a past miscarriage but there's still pain and some sadness from that loss. Anxiety of pregnancy tests and overwhelming feelings when the results are positive!
"Because while Gwen may be playing this game for a baby, one thing has become exceedingly clear to me: I’m playing for keeps." - Gabe
The dual POVs were fantastic! The spice happens pretty fast in this read since the two already had an established friendship. Not to mention Gabe and his unrequited feelings it didn't take a whole lot to convince him to go along with this crazy plan. The MF action was spicy, and I loved how Gabe switched into a "Daddy Dom" on multiple occasions. There's a really naughty DnD game the two play with costumes and everything! I laughed a lot with this one scene after the two had their first intimate moment together. I don't want to spoil anything, but Gabe is just precious and clueless. I mean the guy is a virgin. Pregnancy trope isn't really my thing, but I very much enjoyed this novella and how it came to be!
I sincerely hope to find a DnD campaign to join like Gwen and Gabe have someday! This book doesn't help my longing! We get a very HEA with the main couple and a fun epilogue. More to come for Hallow's Cove and its residence! I loved seeing the former MCs cameos and how Sydney, Hayley, and Gwen are becoming besties! Jake will always have a place in my heart along with Brooks! I definitely love this series and how we get to sample different authors and their writing styles! I need to read Kass's other series with vampires, werewolves, and more!
Enjoy the novella with very spicy scenes between a gargoyle and a human who formed a pregnancy pact and nothing more. . . Don't forget to give the author some stars! Now excuse me while I make up a DnD character and get Gabe's approval!
Hallow's Cove (4 book series) Kindle Edition
Kass O'Shire (@kassoshire) • Instagram photos and videos
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