The Gargoyle Beguiles the Beauty

A Light Funny Paranormal Romance (Nocturne Falls, Book 17)

De: Kristen Painter

Narrado por: B.J. Harrison

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.

The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.

Sydney Marlowe is making big changes to her life. She’s retired from her modelling career and sold her cosmetics company, all to live her dream of being a trad wife in a small town. She just needs to find a husband, something she’s confident won’t be a problem. Especially if she can learn to cook.

Gargoyle Adam Rockford is in Nocturne Falls temporarily. He’s agreed to help at the fountain so another gargoyle can take some time off. It’s the perfect chance to recuperate from the devastating heartache of his recent breakup. He has no interest in another relationship anytime soon, but he didn’t count on a woman moving in next door who shares a lot of his same dreams.

Too bad she’s human. Then again, his last girlfriend was a real witch…

©2025 Kristen Painter (P)2025 Kristen Painter

Great listen

I love any visit to Nocturne Falls! This is a great fun read about Adam the gargoyle and Sydney the human! I love all the books in this series! It’s great visiting with Birdie as always! I really enjoy BJ Harrison’s narration as always! Can’t wait for the next visit!

more more pls!

loved it can't wait for 18.......nocturn falls has been missed. updates on all the families would be a great addition to the series

I loved Adam and Sydney’s story!

I loved everything and disliked nothing!! As usual. The way they met, the angst and the uncertainty.. the total honesty even though it could turn out however.. I can’t wait for number 18!

Another fantastic trip to Nocturne Falls

Welcome back to Nocturne Falls where it is Halloween 365 days a year. This newest story from the town is a great addition to this wonderful series. We meet several new characters but the original town folk are also mixed in as well. Add a couple of great pets and a mystery and you get one exceptionally written and narrated book. Thanks Kristen and J.B. for another adventure.

Great new Characters

I just love the Nocturne Falls series, and I think it is because you can be yourself no matter what or who you are. I feel like I personally know all the characters (in my head) in NF, so when new characters are introduced, you need to pay attention to see what new abilities can appear in the story.

One of the new and main characters is Sydney Marlow, recently retired from modeling, sold her beauty company, and moved to NF with her dog Mackie because of the low crime rate. She is a very assertive woman, knows what she wants, and goes for it in her way. A typical city girl looking to settle down that doesn't know how to cook.

Adam Rockford is the other new and main character who is renting from Willa and Nick for 6 months to work as the Gargoyle by the fountain. He wants to get away from a hard breakup from Veronica. He is a well-mannered, humble guy that his biggest wish is to be a cook besides having a family.

As days go by, they develop a great friendship that turns into an attraction that both fight. They seem to complement each other, where he cooks for her and she dresses him up. The only obstacle is that she is a human that doesn't know about the paranormal world. But like always, Birdie shows up for the rescue and intervenes every time a problem arises. And a lot of problems happen, especially when Veronica shows up doing many witchy things, giving us a lot of action. Figuring out how things end up for both of them, you need to read the book because I don't want to write spoilers.

Cute! Fun! Especially liked the dogs!!!

Cute! Fun! Especially liked the dogs. Could easily see this as a series with the dogs and the food truck.

One of my favorites in the series!

This whole series, is so bright, breezy and easy. Always a great listen. I do enjoy the new characters in each book but I also enjoy, hearing from the cast of characters throughout the series. Nocturne Falls books are one of the best escapes from everyday life and all its realities. They always make me smile.

Love and Puppies!

Another fun return to Nocturne Falls. Sydney escapes city life to settle down in Nocturne Falls, I am forever jealous! Adam's only here for 6 months helping our old friends Willa and Nick after the arrival of their baby. Puppies and friendship with Birdie the Auntie to everyone and all the good things about the falls included.

Cute & Heart Warming!!!

I just love getting to visit Nocturne Falls again!!
Adam and Sydney's story was very cute. And I just loved that that tiny dog, perfect fit with his rescuer!
As always, the audio narration is fantastic!

Cozy, Romantic, Nocturne Fall Charm

Cozy, Romantic, and Full of Nocturne Falls Charm

The Gargoyle Beguiles the Beauty was a sweet, satisfying read with all the charm I’ve come to expect from Nocturne Falls. Sydney’s journey from glamorous entrepreneur to hopeful trad wife was heartfelt and endearing, and Adam—the gruff, kind gargoyle next door—made for a wonderful romantic lead. Their connection felt genuine and wholesome, and I loved watching it unfold.

As always, it was a joy to see familiar faces from around town. The cameos from Nocturne Falls’ favorites added that extra dose of magic that makes this series feel like coming home.

I’m giving it 4.5 stars because while the story was lovely, the ex-girlfriend plot thread was wrapped up a little too quickly for my taste. Her appearance felt almost like an afterthought, and I would’ve liked more time spent there to add depth and tension. The ending also tidied up a little too fast for me.

Still, this was a warm and magical read, perfect for fans of light paranormal romance with heart, humor, and a happily ever after you can root for.