Who knew that a simple trip to the hardware store could change your fate forever… The newly confirmed existence of magical creatures hadn’t really affected Nico. He had more on his mind, like his transition and his job guarding bonsai. That was until his chance meeting with Brant, a veteran who dreams of opening a bakery truck. The mismatched duo strike up an unexpected friendship when they discover an abandoned baby gargoyle, Gustopher. The men set off on a tumultuous adventure to protect their charge and reunite with its rightful owner. It’s tricky to care for a rare animal, even among magickind. What do gargoyles eat, anyway? Not to mention how do they deal with skin that turns to stone or flying off after every distraction. Enter Remi, an eccentric vampire obsessed with cheese, who seems to know more than he’s willing to say about Gus’s kind. Can Nico and Brant brave the gangsters, vampires, NHL champions, and the trials of foster parenthood to find where Gus belongs? Will they be able to give Gus up if they do? Guarding Gus is a cozy, urban fantasy of unlikely friendships, magical creatures, and how acceptance can make your world brighter and stronger. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, Cursed Cocktails , and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Kat5 out of 5 stars I listened to the audiobook version of GUARDING GUS and it was absolutely a delight! I fell in love with Nico and Brandt right away and loved their story of discovering little Gus the gargoyle in a car seat and deciding to take him in. This story was so cozy and delightful, with wonderful accepting found family themes and excellent world building. I loved all the characters, especially Remy the vampire, and narrator Andre Santana added so much to the story by wonderfully performing the voices. There is nothing better than an amazing story performed by a wonderful narrator, and this was the whole package. This had some wonderful surprises, and I am excited that there is a sequel! 5/5 stars. M. Lowe5 out of 5 stars This is a warm hug of a story! It's nice to read a cosy, knowing that world-ending stakes aren't driving the narrative and the characters most often like each other. Ms Nagel has crafted a beautiful tale with a diverse array of characters, a wonderful chosen family vibe and some gorgeous magic. I appreciated the level of acceptance between the men and the absolute lack of toxic machismo. I enjoyed the style of writing too. Crisp with great pacing and vivid but not overdone descriptions, creating a reading experience that quickly immersed me fully in the world. There was a real surprise at the end and hints dropped by one of the main characters that mean I NEED to read the next in the series right now!! ***there is no romance/spice in this 166 page book. There is LGBTIQA+ rep and lots of positive masculinity. The author rates it as suitable for 13+ readers*** Julia Wellham My only complaint about this book is that it was not long enough . I loved this story so much from the intro where characters from the story left reviews of the book to the dedication honoring healthy men and positive masculinity to the story itself. Brant, Nico, and baby Gus become such a wonderful family who have my whole heart. From the moment I received a description of this book, I was completely hooked. Part of me worried the cozy vibes might turn out to be cheesy, but that was certainly not the case. This story was well written and thoroughly enjoyable - both heartwarming and funny with enough suspense to keep you engaged in the plot. If you're looking for an overt queer romance this might not be the book to satisfy that desire. However, it does have overt trans representation.  4.5/5 stars I was born in a lightning storm, the heavens themselves opened up that fateful Friday the 13th -- no, too dramatic.It was a brisk September day -- no, too boring.I didn't ask for the curse of the redhead, but it was given to me regardless -- no, save that line for a future character.Look. I'm a writer who can't write a biography, okay? There, I admitted it. I like pumpkin pie, paper crafts, bicycling, tomfoolery, shenanigans, and all things corny.I've loved literature for what feels like eons. I think in sentences. My happiest place is either couch, or couch, or writing. I feel like less of a writer and more of a vessel.My first novel, Stockings Required, was born in 2013. I thought I was done with novel writing. But as it turns out, 10 years later, I am releasing Book 1 of a cozy adventure trilogy.If I go bicycling past you, shout my name and I'll ring my bell.