Hard to Handle' by Christine Warren is book 5 in the Gargoyles series and wow it feels as fresh as if I was picking up and reading book 1. In this book, it is the story of Michael Drummond and Ash.

In this book, we are introduced to the first female Guardian/ gargoyle-- This book departs from tradition, because in previous books there were the male guardians to the female human Wardens but in this book, we have a female gargoyle which is totally awesome. Ash looks and acts like her Gargoyle brothers , she knows her what her sacred duty is but how can she proceed without a male Warden to guide her? Ahh that is where Michael Drummond aka Drum comes in.
Drum is part of an Irish family and they have certain talents or abilities. These abilities have come in pretty useful to him and his family, including his sister. Drum owns a bar , comes off at first as kind of a jerk but that is surface glance. He is very protective of his family and a bit unsure where he fits in because he doesn’t think he has any of their talents when he does, his hasn’t come thru yet. Oh he will grow on you and his interaction with this female Gargoyle is unique—Ash is fierce and independent –there is a chemistry, a heat between them. He doesn’t know what to make of her but he is interested in her. She has come to save the world and is ready for battle while Drum is trying to figure out what is going on.
There is a bit more action in this book than in previous books, in my opinion. There is also a lot more sexual tension and humor between the MC. The action and romance is great and while some spots did run slow, overall it was a good read. I loved Drum’s sister and I hope she gets her own book soon. Overall, this was a solid Gargoyles read and I look forward to the next in the series.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****

I have not read the other books in this series but after reading this one I will go back an read them. This book is well written and can be read as a standalone.

**ARC received from the author for an honest review**

When The Darkness' threat looms closer than ever before how will The Light find a new way to stop them? For the first time in Guardian history, Ash has awoken as the first of her kind, a female Guardian in the midst of a war between good and evil. Michael Drummond has always been around gifted women, sisters with innate abilities who tend to save the day. But when his sister's premonitions lead him to Ash's claws...he's got to open up to a whole new world he never new existed.

The past books in the series has featured all sassy female Wardens and male Guardians whose attitudes reflect their stony nature. This book was so refreshing that Warren decided to go with a female Guardian! Drum was his own style..not quite sassy but sarcastic and stubborn. The banter between the stone faced Ash and Drum was so entertaining to read. I loved Warren's take on Drum's female family members and their "abilities". They were just enough of old Irish tales that it held a sense of superstition behind them.

We got to see a glimpse into each of the previous Guardians lives and even Wynn and Kylie joined in he adventure when The Darkness's operations moved to the eastern world. Warren always writes the perfect amount of action and suspense as to how the Wardens and Guardians can save the day. In theory we'll have two more novels and two more Guardians to discover!!!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
Five books into the series (no, I still haven’t read book one) and Warren is still keeping it fresh as the Guardians and their Wardens continue to fight the Order and the nocturnis. I must say that I loved the introduction of a female Guardian, the first and only of her kind… so far, there are still two more gargoyle warriors to be found after all. Ash is as much of a force to be reckoned with as her brothers. That she was matched with a man who not only possessed the natural talent of clairvoyance, but who also comes from a long line of magic users, with all four sisters and his mother possessing gifts as well, bodes well for their pairing. Or it would, were Drum not so adamant about not getting involved so that he can keep his sister, Maeve, safe.

I love a strong female lead in a romance, especially when there is a lot of action that requires her to kick butt. So when I saw that the author was introducing a female Guardian, I had to have Hard to Handle. Not only did Ash meet my expectations, she exceeded them. Despite a less than positive first encounter, Ash learns quickly how to deal with Drum, knowing when to push him and when to walk away. She admires his loyalty and protectiveness for his family even as it drives her insane because he’s blind to the big picture. My heart broke for her and rejoiced at the same time when Ash promised herself that she would enjoy every moment she could with Drum and commit each of them to memory so that she would have them when she returned to stone – because she was convinced that as a female, the reward of the Guardians’ earned mortality with their mates would not apply to her. So often we see a character push the other away in an effort to guard their heart from what they see as inevitable heartbreak, and while Ash tried to keep hers protected, she chose to enjoy her time with Drum for as long as she could. Yes, there was some doubt on both sides as to how the other felt, but it wasn’t drawn out or overly angsty, probably because there was demon butt to kick and evil to vanquish.

One of the other reasons I liked that this Guardian was female and her Warden was male is that I feel like it suggests that the future of the Guild will be in better hands. Obviously, as a romance reader, I expect that the end of the series will see good triumphing over evil. But as this has happened before, the Guild will need to be rebuilt so that future Wardens can be trained. By introducing a male Warden to the all-female mix, it says to me that the new order of the Guild will include wardens of both sexes, not just men as it has in the past. Not only does Drum’s upbringing in a female-dominated family make him more receptive to women of power (literal powers), but he was willing to set aside his masculine pride in order to learn from the women and follow them into battle when they were better suited to it than he was. For me, this says good things about the future because the Guild looks as though it will be reestablished by women and men who respect women as being as powerful in battle and in wielding their magic as their male-only predecessors were. I know that there’s a strong possibility that the series won’t continue far enough to see that occur, but Hard to Handle has left me hopeful not only for the immediate future of our warriors of the Light, but also for the future of the Guild and battles that future Guardians may face. Also, getting to catch up with some of the couples from previous novels and seeing some of their baddies brought low made for an awesome bonus. As it is, I’m already looking forward to Hard Breaker to see what the Guardians and Wardens will face next.

Somehow I missed the 4th book in the series but Hard to Handle was easily read without it.

I enjoyed the appearance of the first female gargoyle and the setting in Ireland. The overall plot of the series took a bit of a step forward but in some ways it felt like a lot of the same ground was covered again without a ton of new information being brought forward. As much as I wanted to like these characters, I just never felt as though I connected with Ash or Drum. He spent way too much time angry, grinding his teeth, whining and whimpering it seemed which is not very Warden-like, then he just flipped a switch and was suddenly in love with Ash and trying to be assertive. I was glad to see a little of Wynn and Knox but I would have loved to have seen the first 2 couples a bit more.

All in all this one was just ok to me

Fascinating, complex and detailed. An alternate world awaits when you step into the stories of Christine Warren. Family, passion, drama and excitement all coalesce into one steamy sexy story.

Unfortunately the book was not for me, no review was publicly posted on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads or Twitter etc, so no ratings were affected in relation to it.

this was another enjoyable installment in the series. there's always a risk with this type of series of later books feeling like a rehash of the earlier books with new names or the series plot becoming stagnate at the halfway point waiting for the big finish. the author avoided both these issues quite successfully. this installment mixed things up by not just by moving from a north american setting to Europe by switching up the gender of the guardian & warden in this book (also signalling that things and times are a changing in many ways this time around in the never ending war btwn light & dark) but also by returning the beginning in a way with neither knowing just what has been going on to this point of the series for the about the 1st half of the book. the action keeps things hopping and reveals enough interesting and new tidbits to keep the series plot moving along at a nice pace. am curious as to how things will go with finding the 2 remaining sleeping guardians and their wardens as well as seeing just how light will overcome the darkness before it becomes too late.

ARC was provided via NetGalley for honest review.~

As the 5th book of the Gargoyles Series. I find this good. Good in terms of the continuity of the story so far. We are given a chance to look at how the other characters for the previous books are faring. So far, everything and everyone of them are doing their best to destroy the Darkness.

This book in particular? I find it so-so. The level of excitement I feel whenever i read one of Ms. Warren'd book was not there. The way Ash was created was something but there was a missing link or a missing emotion as I read the book. The love story between Drum and her was pretty good. However, let's just say that i got used to the way she wrote "Others."

I miss the lines. I miss how her characters came to life by the lines they say to each other and to the people around them. Yes, this is a complete different story and plot, but the narration of both of the main characters left me wishing for more.I feel as though more should be said between Ash and Drum.

The fight scenes? Wow those were intense! I liked it. The details were good that I do not want to imagine what their opponent looked like. I feel as though I will have nightmares for the next few days if i do.

DNF. Didn't hold my attention Couldn't make myself read any more

I love this author. I have read every one of her books and they never disappoint. This book is no exception. I loved it! Great addition to a great series!

3.5 Stars!

I read a gargoyle story years ago on fan fiction and really liked it so I was very curious about this book. Being a female gargoyle, Ash was a great character. I had no issues with her as this role even though you might associate a gargoyle as male. Also I think the author did a good job of making her attractive. Gargoyle's in general are not pretty. This was definitely a unique story and while I had no issues with Ash as a gargoyle, I didn't like Drum at first. He came off as a bit of a coward to me in the beginning. He wanted to get rid of Ash as soon as he met her and wasn't going to help her if it wasn't for his sister nagging him into it. I just like a stronger male in my stories. Overall, a great read and I really want to try one of the other books with the male gargoyles. This can be read as a standalone. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Hard to Handle by Christine Warren
Gargoyles #5

The Drummond family is filled with “gifts” so one night, when Michael Drummond goes to pick his sister up and she is running as if the bats of hell are on her heels, he doesn’t question why but picks up his heels and follows her. Lightning flashes, the earth trembles and his world changes in that instant. Why? A female gargoyle comes to life and battles evil before his eyes. Not being a pushover and rather curmudgeonly he eventually does what is “right” with a push and prod from his sister then from his internal good-meter. He eventually realizes his purpose, as does female gargoyle Ash, and the story is on. With trips to the countryside, visions, magic, visits from other gargoyles and their warden-mates, a kidnapping and near sacrifice, unfolding of information that will eventually lead to the tying up of the series and a HEA but not an end to the series the story was busy indeed. I liked the book and found it an easy read. I would like to find out how the series will end. I believe that with seven gargoyles mentioned there are probably two more books expected in the series. That said, since there must always be seven gargoyles to be available to fight evil there is potential for future gargoyle books or a future gargoyle series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.

3.5 Stars

What a great book! Christine Warren has such an amazing voice for Paranormal...and she puts it to good use in this book. I don't like spoilers so I'll just say how much I enjoyed the wonderful characters and the interesting storyline. I recommend reading this book...and the entire series. Great job Ms. Warren!

I received an uncorrected/proof copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are honest and my very own.

This started off well, but sorry, I couldn't get my head around a female lead of 6ft 5 inches tall., who towered over the male lead, and who supposedly went unnoticed in modern-day Dublin. Had it not been so OTT, I'd have enjoyed this, as I did with the authors The Others series.

**I received this free through Netgalley from the publisher for an honest review.**
I am will start by saying that I am a 90's girl, meaning I am a sucker for beauty and the beast tales, and Hard to Handle is another wonderful story that can be labeled under that category. I will sincerely try not to fan-girl too much throughout this review, but no promises. On top of being a B&tB type story it is written by a master story teller, Christine Warren.
If you have not picked up her other books yet and you call yourself a reader, shame on you. I'm kidding, but seriously her books are feel good romantic bliss! You can always count on Warren's books to leave a smile on your face and each can be read as a stand alone.
The leading man in this also happens to be an Irish pub proprietor and he knows what women want.... well he at least has insights to women thanks to having four sisters! He may know women, but he gets the surprise of a lifetime when a strong warrior women from another dimension pops into his life. Suddenly, Michael has more than he bargained for. But now that he has it, is he really willing to let it go?
Though this is the latest installment in a continuing series, I think there is enough background to jump right in. With the "beast" being a female it brings a whole new perspective to the tale as old as time.
Don't want to give too many spoilers, but Michael and Ash are two you do not want to miss. They're interactions and their fierce chemistry make for one hot book and this on is going on my must buy right away list!!!
4 stars.

Here we are at the fifth book of the Gargoyles series and Ms. Warren throws us for a loop: a female Guardian! Ash is confused because she really shouldn’t exist: there are only male Guardians. Things must really be dire and her feelings are born out when she runs into Drum, who has gifts he refuses to believe are more than parlor tricks. Together, the two, along with Drum’s family, must figure out what is going on as the Darkness is trying to unleash another demon in the heart of Ireland. I have to say, having a female Guardian both surprised and delighted me! Ash is a great character, and after a slow start, I really enjoyed the interaction between her and Drum. They are both so independent that at first they really didn’t get along and clashed at every opportunity. However, it didn’t take long for the tension to become more. I especially enjoyed the character of Maeve, who almost overshadowed the two main characters because she was so much fun. And, not to be out done, most of the characters from the other books showed up to help. After the initial slowness, this book was wonderful. In fact, it is probably my favorite of the series so far. This book is a fine addition to the series and I am looking forward to other books in the series. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-copy of the book. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.

I enjoyed the latest installment of Christine Warren's Gargoyle series. Drum has no clue about Wardens or Guardians. Imagine his suprise when he is abruptly thrown into their world. Ash is an anomaly. She is the only female gargoyle and isn't supposed to exist and it leads her to doubt that she will ever have a mate who sets her free. Curious if Ash being the only female will be significant later or if she is just the first.

Hard to Handle by Christine Warren is the 5th book in her Gargoyles series. This is the first book I am reading in this series, and it did read very well as a standalone, as Warren does give us information on the some of the other characters from the previous books. In the first 4 books, the hero is a male gargoyle , who is a restored from stone, when the threat of demons and hell become real. They are considered Guardians to protect humans from the darkness. For each Gargoyle, there is a Warden, who helps them.

In Dublin, Ireland, Michael Drum (Drum)mond is pulled away from the pub he runs, becuase his sister, Maeve, has a vision of extreme danger from monsters. On the way home, the earth quakes and it is not an earthquake. What they perceive is a monster with wings, is actually a Guardian being summoned to life, as a terrible darkness is about to endanger all their lives. Ash, our heroine in this story, is the first female Guardian, and she enlists the aid of both Maeve and Michael to find the warden who requires her help. Wheras, Maeve, who has the sight and sees visions of the future, is more than ready to help Ash; but Drum wants nothing to do with monsters, demons and wants to head back to his pub. But then they are attacked, and Ash is able to save them. Ash is able to take a form of human female, when not being the Gargoyle. In a short time, she will discover that Drum, who treats her rudely, is in fact the Warden she has been looking for. I thought that early on, Drum was easy to dislike, and even though he is being pulled into something he knows nothing about, I did feel he went overboard in his distaste for Ash, or her quest.

What follows is a very exciting action packed adventure, where Ash and Drum must try to find and kill the demons, and along the way they both begin to have feelings for each other. When the danger escalates, Maeve will find information on the other Guardians/Wardens, and some will come from America to Ireland to help with the war. I loved meeting two of the previous heroes, and it was fun to watch them learn about each other. The last third of the book was intense, with lots of action and dangerous situations, which had you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Hard to Handle has a nice ending, but the war has just begun. Drum and Ash’s romance heats up with a happy conclusion. The Demons are still around, and all the Guardians and Wardens will find themselves together at some point in future books. Excellent suspenseful adventure, written very well by Christine Warren. One day I need to go back and read the earlier books.

As a long time fan of this authors Others series it was a no brainier for me to read this her new Gargoyle series and what fun it has been so far. With this the fifth instalment though she takes a whole new departure and introduces the very first female Guardian! Yep there have always been seven male Guardians to rise up alongside their human Wardens and battle the evil Demons but this time surely someone has made a mistake? Well Ash looks and acts like her Gargoyle brothers and she too knows her sacred duty but how can she proceed without a Warden to guide her?
Well allow me to introduce Drum. He is part of an Irish family who have what I can only describe as 'talents'. Powers, abilities if you will that his family have found pretty useful. Yet when Drum and his young sister Maeve get caught up with Ash it's clear she is going to need more than just human help , she will need to find her Warden and luckily Drum has the ability to somehow find things so perhaps a person won't be too difficult? It's going to have to be quick though as the Order of Eternal Darkness have just decided to step up their game!
I really liked the idea of a warrior woman stepping up and upping the ante. Yet I just found the first half of this slightly less frantically paced than usual. It took me a while to realise what was wrong and then after a situation occurs that necessitates other Guardians and Wardens getting involved I knew what had niggled away at me. You see Ash whilst brave and driven isn't as snarky or funny as previous heroines. So when they appear and it's all lets get cheeky, wind each other up and generally be humourous whilst trying to save the world the lighter touch just worked.
So much more happening in the second half which definitely worked for me. Drum and Ash are clearly going to be a good team but he did kind of spring things on her. One minute she's a stone creature who can become flesh and the next she's being kissed by an inebriated Drum with no idea why he wants to kiss her! A slight spoiler in that their physical relationship takes off quickly with the innocent Ash suddenly giving barrel racing cowgirls a run for their money and I was kind of tempted to shout yeehaw !
I did enjoy the story and I'm left wondering if any of Drews siblings will feature again. Maeve was certainly interesting but the rest of Drews family with the possible exception of his mum didn't seem to be as vivid which given their 'talents' seemed a shame. Luckily though with two Guardians and their mates popping in it turned out to be a book that entertained me and Ash finally got to see that love could conquer all
These are my voluntary thoughts on an advance reader copy and is my honest opinion