Guarding Gus

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. This book is intended for adults, but can also be enjoyed by teenagers 13-18. The themes are positive masculinity, chosen family, friendship, and adoption.

© 2025 Promise Press (Audiobook): 9798991008211

Release date

Audiobook: 31 May 2025