Thank you NetGalley for a chance to read The Hardest Blessing.

This book was a great (short) read. I like everything this author writes, her stories grab your attention quickly and they’re fast paced. I liked the two MC’s and the plot but I definitely felt like there could be more character development and world building (I read this in a few hours). But if you’re looking for a quick/interesting fantasy read, I would recommend this and anything else by this author.

This was a good short story. It kept my interest even though it moved a little quickly and sometimes felt as though it skipped over things that could be important. I did like the characters, I just wish I could've learned more about them. Overall good short story.

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS -
Demetrius was a human that became cursed to become a gargoyle. He must save 1,000,000 human souls to become human again. He only has 1 more soul when he meets Harper as she's being mugged. He realizes that something/someone worse is behind Harper's mugging. So he takes her under his protection where they begin to develop a romantic connection.

I really enjoyed this concept of gargoyles and them having to save souls as repentance. It was very unique and makes me want to look for more fantasy stories of gargoyles. However, I didn't realize how short this book is. It's only 7 chapters long and an epilogue. It was beautifully written but it felt like there was missing chapters. The relationship between the main characters developed unexpectedly fast within the 2 to 3 times they met which made me feel unconvinced of their connection. I wish there had been just a few more chapters so that you could see their relationship develop better.
With that being said, I did enjoy this story and I hope the author expands this world into more books. I'll definitely be reading those as well.

I would like to thank the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy in exchange for a honest review.

I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would like it. I devoured it in a hour. I had to warm up to Harper because she was annoying at first. Demetrius has my heart because he is such a sweetheart and will also hurt anyone who hurts his girl (like you will not survive).

For those who like Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments, gargoyle shifters, broody hero, cocky characters, and a huge helping of found family.

⭐️4
💧6

First of all, thank you to BookBuzz.net and Netgalley for giving me permission to read The Hardest Blessing.

I really like the concepts that are involved in the plot, which are unique and original. The title immediately drew me in, as well as the synopsis that doesn't reveal too much. As for the writing, the book is beautifully written and it's filled with really good descriptions. Another aspect that I really enjoyed are the short sentences, which allow a smooth reading and avoid confusion. As for the plot, the main characters' backstory are really good and I love how they meet and how they are instantly attracted to each other. Additionally, the ending of the book is satisfying.

Regarding the least positive aspects of this book (in my opinion), I think that the emotional connection between the characters evolved too fast. Their attraction quickly transformed into love, with very few interactions between the two. In my opinion, there were three key moments in the plot which weren't enough for this progress to happen. I see these aspects as a result of the short length of the book because it only has 6 chapters and the epilogue which don't give room for plot and character development. While I was reading, I felt as if there should be more chapters. In other words, I felt as if I was given pieces of a book.

Overall, The Hardest Blessing is a great book and everything in it is really good, however I do believe that it could be better if it was longer. If you love fantasy and are a fan of insta-love and fast-paced books, perhaps you will enjoy this book.

[This review is posted on Netgalley and Goodreads, and a similar review is also posted on Instagram. Reviews in other book shops will be added when possible]

Thank you Netgalley and BookBuzz.net for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Also thank you for putting me on the Auto-Approved list!

Demetrius is a Gargoyle who was cursed a long time ago. To free himself of the curse he would need to save 1,000,000 human souls and then live out the rest of his days as a mortal. With only one more soul to save he happens upon Harper Kent being groped and mugged by one of the villains henchmen. Harper Kent is able to take care of herself and when she encounters Demetrius for the first time at her home, she realizes she might need his protection in a long-standing war between Demetrius and Lynch, a man who obsessively worships the goddess Ceridwen. With the threat of Lynch hanging above their heads, Harper and Demetrius begin to feel a steamy connection between the two.

I did not realize how short this book would be. It's only seven chapters, and an epilogue, long. I was able to finish the book in an hour and a half and I did enjoy it. I wish it was either longer or had more depth. I wish we got more world-building. I would have liked to delve deeper into the lore of the Gargoyles and more about Demetrius' past. I would have loved more of an enemies to lovers storyline. In the synopsis it gives the impression Demetrius was going to be a little more reluctant to liking/loving Harper but instead he fell instantly in love with her based on looks. He's been alive for a VERY long time, there are many beautiful people out there, so it felt weird that Harper would be the first person he decides to toss away his "vow of celibacy". So of course I wish the romance had more tension, like a push and pull of wanting to be with her and her with him.

I love the New York setting. I'm from Brooklyn so it's always nice to read in books. Harper is a feisty character and I was intrigued by her and I wish she had more time to develop and get used to the Gargoyle world.

I wish, I wish, I wish...

I do really like the concept of the story and after reading the Crave series by Tracy Wolff I wanted to read more on Gargoyles and other mythical creatures you don't normally see in books. I am very curious about how the sequel will go as it follows Atticus instead of Demetrius and Harper. I'm guessing each sequel will be a different person and a different love interest.

Overall a good debut but with just a few tweaks and added depth, The Hardest Blessing could have been great.

3 stars

[adding on Goodreads and other book selling sites when The Hardest Blessing releases]