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The Lochlann Deception #1
Hollow Court
She needed an escape. He needed her. Galina has been looking for a way out. So when she has the chance to break free of her kingdom and the man who wants to own her, she has no choice but to see it through. Even if it means collecting on a life debt from the worst decision she’s ever made. Davin’s mistakes are catching up to him. A lifetime of being the biggest scandal in the Lochlannian royal family has finally landed his people in danger. So when Galina shows up at his door in need of a betrothal, it might just solve all of his problems. Even if it means pretending to love a woman who hates him. But their ruse quickly becomes dangerous. Between spies, court politics, and an uprising that wants to destroy them both, they’ll have to decide if their lie is worth fighting for. If they are worth fighting for.
*This enthralling new series from the Lochlann Realm takes place after The Lochlann Treaty and The Lochlann Feuds, but the series don't need to be read in order, so you can feel free to start with this one!
**Please note: This is Book One in a duology, and does leave you at the edge of a cliff! But don't worry, the series will be complete in Fall of 2023.
*This enthralling new series from the Lochlann Realm takes place after The Lochlann Treaty and The Lochlann Feuds, but the series don't need to be read in order, so you can feel free to start with this one!
**Please note: This is Book One in a duology, and does leave you at the edge of a cliff! But don't worry, the series will be complete in Fall of 2023.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
606 people are currently reading
3419 people want to read
About the author
Robin D. Mahle
39 books1,216 followersRobin D. Mahle started out as a pen name I shared with my husband for The World Apart Series, but since then, I've absconded with it to delve into the wonderful world of fairy tale retellings and fantasy romances with my partner in crime, Elle Madison.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
March 22, 2023
I've read this book 2.5 times already, and every time I get to the end I am still left gasping, desperate for the next book.
The authors are queens of making you crave more and more pages to binge.
If you've read the other Lochlann books, you'll know what you're getting yourself into, and you'll love every second.
The authors are queens of making you crave more and more pages to binge.
If you've read the other Lochlann books, you'll know what you're getting yourself into, and you'll love every second.
February 17, 2024
*sigh* so perfect
April 3, 2023
Galina's future involves an arranged marriage to a man who sees her as his property. When she gets a chance to break free she jumps at it.
Davin is surprised when Galina shows up at his door the night before his departure from Socair. She wants him to take her with him to Lochlann - as his betrothed.
It's wonderful to be back in the world that Mahle and Madison have created! This is the first book in a new series and you don't have to have read the earlier books before jumping in to this one, but if you have you'll meet some familiar characters. This series focuses on Davin, Rowan's cousin, who we mostly know as a ladies man and someone who often shirks his royal duties. It's nice to see his other sides as well, and I love seeing some well known characters!
Davin and Galina have a complicated past. We get flashbacks about their relationship's progress. It continues to be complicated when they reach Lochlann. They circle around each other and are not always honest. On top of that they're both in danger from rebels who want to start a war with Socair.
I love both the characters and the world. The authors manages to humanise their characters, and it feels like I'm living beside them. I just want to continue reading, but at the same time I don't want the book to end and be forced to leave them (at least for now). The ending, of course, has a cruel cliffhanger as well! Gah!!
* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
Davin is surprised when Galina shows up at his door the night before his departure from Socair. She wants him to take her with him to Lochlann - as his betrothed.
It's wonderful to be back in the world that Mahle and Madison have created! This is the first book in a new series and you don't have to have read the earlier books before jumping in to this one, but if you have you'll meet some familiar characters. This series focuses on Davin, Rowan's cousin, who we mostly know as a ladies man and someone who often shirks his royal duties. It's nice to see his other sides as well, and I love seeing some well known characters!
Davin and Galina have a complicated past. We get flashbacks about their relationship's progress. It continues to be complicated when they reach Lochlann. They circle around each other and are not always honest. On top of that they're both in danger from rebels who want to start a war with Socair.
I love both the characters and the world. The authors manages to humanise their characters, and it feels like I'm living beside them. I just want to continue reading, but at the same time I don't want the book to end and be forced to leave them (at least for now). The ending, of course, has a cruel cliffhanger as well! Gah!!
* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
March 29, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC early release copy of this book for an honest review.
So honestly I both loved and hated this book. Hated in a good way. This story swept me away and I stayed up ridiculously late so I could finish it and blissfully ignored my mountain of work.
I loved seeing familiar characters from a new perspective and the introduction of new/old characters. I also loved the setting and the sense of connection and family you feel from some of the characters.
I also really like how different Galina is from previous female protagonists, demonstrating strength and personality that contrasts with say Rowan. I would love a scene with those two!
I feel like this new series has a lot of room for character growth and I can't wait to see what that will look like.
Please beware of the cliffhanger! I'm still unhappily sitting with it a week after finishing the book! Can't wait for more. Happy reading!
So honestly I both loved and hated this book. Hated in a good way. This story swept me away and I stayed up ridiculously late so I could finish it and blissfully ignored my mountain of work.
I loved seeing familiar characters from a new perspective and the introduction of new/old characters. I also loved the setting and the sense of connection and family you feel from some of the characters.
I also really like how different Galina is from previous female protagonists, demonstrating strength and personality that contrasts with say Rowan. I would love a scene with those two!
I feel like this new series has a lot of room for character growth and I can't wait to see what that will look like.
Please beware of the cliffhanger! I'm still unhappily sitting with it a week after finishing the book! Can't wait for more. Happy reading!
August 18, 2024
Reread 08/2024 review- 2.75～2.99 stars??
Original 08/2023 review- 2.25 stars.
*SCREAMS*
I NEED book 2!!
Beware, there's a hell of a cliffhanger, that's all I have to say. Other than I didn't like Galena for most of the book, and I wanted to throttle both of the main characters for most of it. 😑😤
Original 08/2023 review- 2.25 stars.
*SCREAMS*
I NEED book 2!!
Beware, there's a hell of a cliffhanger, that's all I have to say. Other than I didn't like Galena for most of the book, and I wanted to throttle both of the main characters for most of it. 😑😤
January 6, 2025
I definitely loved how Galina gives us a different sort of main character - she isn't loud, sassy nor does she like fighting. Her strength is in her calm demeanor and precise world-play. She can't kill you with a knife, but she will resolve any fight with her words. She has the political knowledge and knows how to play a court.
Her relationship with Davin is a complicated one and I'm glad it wasn't rushed out. It did get a bit repetitive at times with the "she lied, but so did he"; "she left, but he didn't make a move either" sort of talk, but I'm glad it was all explained and talked out in the end.
While this seems like a light romantasy read (which it is), it's also got some of the greatest writing when it comes to inner monologues and the way the characters talk about their emotions and troubles.
If you haven't already, I suggest you dive into this world because these authors know how to glue you to the page 🥰
Her relationship with Davin is a complicated one and I'm glad it wasn't rushed out. It did get a bit repetitive at times with the "she lied, but so did he"; "she left, but he didn't make a move either" sort of talk, but I'm glad it was all explained and talked out in the end.
While this seems like a light romantasy read (which it is), it's also got some of the greatest writing when it comes to inner monologues and the way the characters talk about their emotions and troubles.
If you haven't already, I suggest you dive into this world because these authors know how to glue you to the page 🥰
September 27, 2023
Wow, it’s safe to say I don’t agree with the good reviews here. I found the book flat, like a decarbonated coke. It makes sense now, knowing this is round 4 in a pretty wrung out rag of different couples in the same world.
Read if you only like romance. Don’t read if you actually like to have some plot.
Read if you only like romance. Don’t read if you actually like to have some plot.
April 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
August 16, 2024
Maybe my new favorite of all the Lochlann books? This really worked for me.
June 4, 2023
If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, by now, you know that I adore these authors and their books. I read their first co-written book Winter’s Captive in 2019, and it’s honestly amazing to see how far they’ve come since then and how much this Lochlann world has expanded.
Hollow Court is the first book in a new duology set in the same kingdoms but focuses on Davin and Galina, who were minor characters in the previous series, The Lochlann Feuds. You can jump in to this book without having read any of the others, but I highly recommend all of them because they’re fantastic.
Like I said, I’ve loved all of these books and series, and somehow, they continue to amaze me. Mahle and Madison easily suck me into the stories and keep me there without trouble. Their writing flows so well and is just easy to read. The characters and plot are so well developed. I swear, every single release, I think, “This is my new favorite.” And this book was no exception.
I really enjoyed Davin in the last series but wished there had been more of him, so I was super excited to hear he was getting his own story. Now, I love him even more. It was really great getting his perspective and seeing the man behind the easy-going façade. And Galina is just as wonderful. Growing up, she was taught to be obedient and quiet, but she wants so much more than that sort of life. When the opportunity arises to escape her dreaded future in an arranged marriage, she doesn’t hesitate to take it. She’s prim and proper, but she’s also brave and has her own type of ferocity.
Mahle and Madison, as always, did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. I really connected to them, which made their stories that much more emotional. It was also fun seeing some characters from past books and more of this world. I really enjoy his cousins Galagher and Gwyn, and I hope we get more of their stories in the next book. Or if they get their own series too, I wouldn’t be mad (hint, hint). This book was exciting and intense, even without being overly action-packed.
There’s also a slow burn romance happening. Davin and Galina have a past together, but both are in denial of their feelings. It’s clear they both still care about each other though, and I can’t wait to see where that goes.
Just a heads up, this book does end in a cliffhanger. However, the next one is releasing this year. I believe I saw that it’s releasing in September, but don’t hold me to that. I’m very excited to see what happens next! In the meantime, I’m jumping into an ARC of the next book in their Twisted Pages series. 🙂
Hollow Court is the first book in a new duology set in the same kingdoms but focuses on Davin and Galina, who were minor characters in the previous series, The Lochlann Feuds. You can jump in to this book without having read any of the others, but I highly recommend all of them because they’re fantastic.
Like I said, I’ve loved all of these books and series, and somehow, they continue to amaze me. Mahle and Madison easily suck me into the stories and keep me there without trouble. Their writing flows so well and is just easy to read. The characters and plot are so well developed. I swear, every single release, I think, “This is my new favorite.” And this book was no exception.
I really enjoyed Davin in the last series but wished there had been more of him, so I was super excited to hear he was getting his own story. Now, I love him even more. It was really great getting his perspective and seeing the man behind the easy-going façade. And Galina is just as wonderful. Growing up, she was taught to be obedient and quiet, but she wants so much more than that sort of life. When the opportunity arises to escape her dreaded future in an arranged marriage, she doesn’t hesitate to take it. She’s prim and proper, but she’s also brave and has her own type of ferocity.
Mahle and Madison, as always, did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. I really connected to them, which made their stories that much more emotional. It was also fun seeing some characters from past books and more of this world. I really enjoy his cousins Galagher and Gwyn, and I hope we get more of their stories in the next book. Or if they get their own series too, I wouldn’t be mad (hint, hint). This book was exciting and intense, even without being overly action-packed.
There’s also a slow burn romance happening. Davin and Galina have a past together, but both are in denial of their feelings. It’s clear they both still care about each other though, and I can’t wait to see where that goes.
Just a heads up, this book does end in a cliffhanger. However, the next one is releasing this year. I believe I saw that it’s releasing in September, but don’t hold me to that. I’m very excited to see what happens next! In the meantime, I’m jumping into an ARC of the next book in their Twisted Pages series. 🙂
September 4, 2023
What a story! 💙
Second Chance Romance. Fake Dating/Engagement. Political Intrigue/Court politics.
We get to see a lot more of some characters from Lochlann Feuds, like Gwen and Gallagher. I loved getting to know them more! 🤩 I think I even have a thing for Gal 😏
This was a little darker of a story than I expected, since Davin is so fun and jokey in Feuds. It kind of has Tarnished Crown vibes for me. But in all fairness the authors did warn me 😆 It's still a fantastic story with a fantastic cliffhanger 😂😂 In true ElBin fashion. I expect nothing less. And no worries, there are still fun and funny parts too.
* This does not have any spoilers for the other Lochlann series
💕 RCRS: 4 (fade to black)
🗨 Some Quotes
"I hate this for you,” she said quietly. “You, of all people, deserve love. Not some passing compatibility.”
“Yes, well, I doubt that was ever really in the cards for me.” I deliberately ignored the sinking feeling in my chest.
Maybe that was true, but giving up the possibility of something more still tasted strangely like grief.
"Don’t worry, Lady Galina. I promise not to seduce you,” he assured me in a voice that was most certainly designed to do just that.
“How very comforting,” I said, my tone brisker than I felt. “In turn, I promise not to let you.”
"I have what is either a very good or a very stupid plan,” I announced.
Galina narrowed her eyes, but Gallagher only sighed.
“Oh good,” he deadpanned. “I was just thinking how we had a shortage of those.”
Second Chance Romance. Fake Dating/Engagement. Political Intrigue/Court politics.
We get to see a lot more of some characters from Lochlann Feuds, like Gwen and Gallagher. I loved getting to know them more! 🤩 I think I even have a thing for Gal 😏
This was a little darker of a story than I expected, since Davin is so fun and jokey in Feuds. It kind of has Tarnished Crown vibes for me. But in all fairness the authors did warn me 😆 It's still a fantastic story with a fantastic cliffhanger 😂😂 In true ElBin fashion. I expect nothing less. And no worries, there are still fun and funny parts too.
* This does not have any spoilers for the other Lochlann series
💕 RCRS: 4 (fade to black)
🗨 Some Quotes
"I hate this for you,” she said quietly. “You, of all people, deserve love. Not some passing compatibility.”
“Yes, well, I doubt that was ever really in the cards for me.” I deliberately ignored the sinking feeling in my chest.
Maybe that was true, but giving up the possibility of something more still tasted strangely like grief.
"Don’t worry, Lady Galina. I promise not to seduce you,” he assured me in a voice that was most certainly designed to do just that.
“How very comforting,” I said, my tone brisker than I felt. “In turn, I promise not to let you.”
"I have what is either a very good or a very stupid plan,” I announced.
Galina narrowed her eyes, but Gallagher only sighed.
“Oh good,” he deadpanned. “I was just thinking how we had a shortage of those.”
July 3, 2023
I love the author's other series about the three sisters, so I'm disappointed this fell flat for me.
It wasn't bad, and the writing was good, but it just felt quite bland. I also thought the ending was absurd, which was the final nail in the coffin, really! I wish Galina was a bit tougher. I get her upbringing is responsible, but she did annoy me in the end.
It wasn't bad, and the writing was good, but it just felt quite bland. I also thought the ending was absurd, which was the final nail in the coffin, really! I wish Galina was a bit tougher. I get her upbringing is responsible, but she did annoy me in the end.
December 7, 2023
3.25 / don't get me wrong...I LOVE Davin and the cousin/family dynamic (it's my favorite thing about the Lochlann world), but this books pacing was SLOW. Felt a bit redundant and like nothing really happened - there wasn't enough action and plot movement to keep me intrigued. I have higher hopes for book 2.
December 19, 2024
Where Mac had died saving a good family from a house fire, I would die in the noble pursuit of bedding beautiful courtiers. So we were both heroes, in our own way.
Galina has been looking for a way out. So when she has the chance to break free of her kingdom and the man who wants to own her, she has no choice but to see it through. Even if it means collecting on a life debt from the worst decision she’s ever made.
Davin’s mistakes are catching up to him. A lifetime of being the biggest scandal in the Lochlannian royal family has finally landed his people in danger. So when Galina shows up at his door in need of a betrothal, it might just solve all of his problems. Even if it means pretending to love a woman who hates him.
But their ruse quickly becomes dangerous. Between spies, court politics, and an uprising that wants to destroy them both, they’ll have to decide if their lie is worth fighting for. If they are worth fighting for.
“Lina, love,” I said quietly. “Delicate would not be the first word I used to describe you. Or the second.”
Despite my hesitation to start this book (because yes, I still judge books by their covers...and this looks like every other cheaply written faerie court story ever #sorrynotsorry) I'm so glad that I did. I think I'm more surprised that it took three days rather than my usual two.
Let me be clear: this is the first book I'm reading by this author. Despite another series connecting to this one, it can be read on its own. However, the flashbacks make me wish this story was built first on their initial relationship and then forwarded to present day...maybe initially starting as a parallel to the other series and then moving into this one??? I don't know but I just couldn't help but feel like it was not as smooth or as deep as it could have been. And maybe it does! Maybe I should have read the other series first! I don't know!
I think Lina is likely the one hurt the most by the flashbacks because there was a whole arc that we weren't a part of...we only get fed it in pieces to make sense of present day events. That said, Mahle does a good job ensuring we understand that Lina and Davin have history and that she ran out on him before talking with him. Typical, honestly. Communication people. But I digress.
But it was still, eternally, better than the alternative. I wondered if I would ever get the opportunity to stop living my life by that dubious standard.
Lina is now betrothed to a controlling and abusive fiancé, her spirit breaking little by little. Desperate to save herself from Alexei, Lina engages herself to the very man who broke her heart the first time and whisks away to Lochlann. (Nothing I wouldn't do, honestly.) She waffles constantly between her guilt over breaking her duty to her clan and hope that she may find a better future even without her friends and family.
Because for all that we both claimed to be pretending, nothing about this moment felt like a lie.
Davin understands his time with Lina is limited. He tries to guard his heart while trying to unroot the conspiracy and threat against his family...something bigger than any of them imagined when they find 30 sworn soldiers are traitors...and nothing can get them to talk. The Viper just may be the new boogeyman.
“Perfect,” I murmured the word against her skin. “And mine.” “What?” she choked out. “The first two words I would use to describe you.”
Just as things are starting to look up...Davin and Lina finally have their fight, thoughts are had, festivals are enjoyed, people are enjoyed...and then THINGS HAPPEN. Bah. Guess I'm onto Fragile Oath to see what happens next. I really wish duologies wouldn't freaking do this. If I'd know ahead of time I would have skipped it lol.
Recommended for romantasy lovers though not cliffhanger lovers.
November 24, 2023
Absolutely loved this! I loved this continuatiomnof the Lochlann series with Davin's story! He was a favorite from the Feuds series with his relationship with Rowan, and he did not disappoint in this one!
I love the intrigue and politics and intricate details with spies and traitors and rebellions. I am very excited to see what comes next and to get more information on what exactly is going on in his kingdom. Davin was sweeter and more intense than I was expecting from the glimpses of him we got with Rowan. We got to see some of his personality and hints of who he was with his relationships with his cousins, but seeing him interact with Galina and giving us those flashbacks of their time together before, rounded out his character even more fully and made him even more lovable.
Galina is an interesting character, and I really do like her a lot! There are times that she annoys me, mainly with her anger toward Davin when she would be the one who ran and didn't let him explain anything. But I really like seeing her strength and intelligence come out. Her background is sad and strict, and I am curious to see how the first few chapters of book two go after that ending because that was brutal!
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I love the intrigue and politics and intricate details with spies and traitors and rebellions. I am very excited to see what comes next and to get more information on what exactly is going on in his kingdom. Davin was sweeter and more intense than I was expecting from the glimpses of him we got with Rowan. We got to see some of his personality and hints of who he was with his relationships with his cousins, but seeing him interact with Galina and giving us those flashbacks of their time together before, rounded out his character even more fully and made him even more lovable.
Galina is an interesting character, and I really do like her a lot! There are times that she annoys me, mainly with her anger toward Davin when she would be the one who ran and didn't let him explain anything. But I really like seeing her strength and intelligence come out. Her background is sad and strict, and I am curious to see how the first few chapters of book two go after that ending because that was brutal!
Rating: 4.5⭐️
December 2, 2023
This was okay. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn’t sick and stressing about my upcoming exam. I found the romance between Galina and Davin to be the most interesting part of the story, but not a fan of the lack of communication between them. A lot of their issues could have been resolved if they talked to each other. Anyway, don’t think I’ll continue the series though.
April 25, 2024
All the misunderstandings and the drama could have been prevented had the characters communicated properly. The plot was predictable. The FMC lacks backbone. There's not much worldbuilding. It ends with a cliffhanger but I'm not really looking forward to see what happens in the next book though.
November 26, 2023
amazing book
I seriously read this book in a day. The author is amazing, the characters you can’t help but love or hate. And the mystery but love story all in one.
I seriously read this book in a day. The author is amazing, the characters you can’t help but love or hate. And the mystery but love story all in one.
March 10, 2024
The whole plot could’ve been a conversation dear god, i will never get these 11 days back. I almost gauged my eyes out
July 22, 2024
3.75⭐️
September 3, 2024
4.5 I really enjoyed this story and I’m excited to read book 2!
September 16, 2024
I Hope you die a slow painful torturous death alexei!!! 😁😁😁
April 12, 2023
You can find this review of Hollow Court on my blog, Heart's Content!
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I read the blurb for Hollow Court, I absolutely didn’t connect who the story was about. In my defence, Evander and Rowan were really strong characters and it’s hard to rival them for scene space in the book. However! When I started reading Hollow Court I recognised Davin from just how his perspective sounded. In my head, I went “Wait, this is Davin. This is Davin Davin!”
With regards to Galina, I remember the role she played in The Lochlann Feuds, but sadly I don’t remember anything else about her.
There’s two things I’ve come to love about Mahle and Madison’s work. One, that every character they write sounds unique to themselves and two, their plots are always strong.
My biggest advice is to not go into this story expecting to find a Rowan and an Evander. I love the authors for not trying to do the same thing again and changing up the trope. Rowan and Evander were a proper enemies to lovers trope. But Davin and Galina are more like… friends to enemies to lovers. Of sorts. There’s also a borderline miscommunication trope and some mild mutual pining.
The usual humour and sense of family is present and seeing Lochlann’s way of life and characters from Lochlann was lovely. I suppose this book will have a greater impact had I read the series from the beginning (The Lochlann Treaty), but even just having read the The Lochlann Feuds series, my heart slid into the storytelling easily. That being said, the series in the Lochlann Realm are all written to be read as standalones, so you won’t be lost within each series while reading. But personally, I would recommend reading them in order, it makes the experience much more dearer.
The pace is fairly even, which sometimes makes it feel a little slow. It’s quite possible that it’s because of that that I took a few breaks. But after about 50%, the book really sped up for me and I finished the second half of the book in practically one sitting. It also helps that the second half gives a lot more background on the MCs—and given that this is majorly a character driven story—that added a lot of strength to the story.
The book is easy to read because the authors really know what they’re doing. They build events, situations and secondary characters perfectly and wrap that around the MCs, to support and bolster them. This in turn gives a clear vision of the plot, which is as strong and intriguing as the previous series I’d read from Mahle and Madison.
The book is dual POV and while I don’t always prefer that, I both trust and am curious about Madison and Mahle’s plans for the book. While Davin’s perspective delves into who he really is, I personally enjoyed Galina’s mind. For the simple reason that the authors had her experience and contemplate on very specific subjects that I thought was very important to the script and important that they address and resolve. Big points for that.
Definitely recommend. But please check trigger warnings!! Five stars. Happy reading!
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
When I read the blurb for Hollow Court, I absolutely didn’t connect who the story was about. In my defence, Evander and Rowan were really strong characters and it’s hard to rival them for scene space in the book. However! When I started reading Hollow Court I recognised Davin from just how his perspective sounded. In my head, I went “Wait, this is Davin. This is Davin Davin!”
With regards to Galina, I remember the role she played in The Lochlann Feuds, but sadly I don’t remember anything else about her.
There’s two things I’ve come to love about Mahle and Madison’s work. One, that every character they write sounds unique to themselves and two, their plots are always strong.
My biggest advice is to not go into this story expecting to find a Rowan and an Evander. I love the authors for not trying to do the same thing again and changing up the trope. Rowan and Evander were a proper enemies to lovers trope. But Davin and Galina are more like… friends to enemies to lovers. Of sorts. There’s also a borderline miscommunication trope and some mild mutual pining.
The usual humour and sense of family is present and seeing Lochlann’s way of life and characters from Lochlann was lovely. I suppose this book will have a greater impact had I read the series from the beginning (The Lochlann Treaty), but even just having read the The Lochlann Feuds series, my heart slid into the storytelling easily. That being said, the series in the Lochlann Realm are all written to be read as standalones, so you won’t be lost within each series while reading. But personally, I would recommend reading them in order, it makes the experience much more dearer.
The pace is fairly even, which sometimes makes it feel a little slow. It’s quite possible that it’s because of that that I took a few breaks. But after about 50%, the book really sped up for me and I finished the second half of the book in practically one sitting. It also helps that the second half gives a lot more background on the MCs—and given that this is majorly a character driven story—that added a lot of strength to the story.
The book is easy to read because the authors really know what they’re doing. They build events, situations and secondary characters perfectly and wrap that around the MCs, to support and bolster them. This in turn gives a clear vision of the plot, which is as strong and intriguing as the previous series I’d read from Mahle and Madison.
The book is dual POV and while I don’t always prefer that, I both trust and am curious about Madison and Mahle’s plans for the book. While Davin’s perspective delves into who he really is, I personally enjoyed Galina’s mind. For the simple reason that the authors had her experience and contemplate on very specific subjects that I thought was very important to the script and important that they address and resolve. Big points for that.
Definitely recommend. But please check trigger warnings!! Five stars. Happy reading!
January 23, 2024
A page into this book and I was giggling, I LOVE Davin so much from previous books and I’m so happy to have been able to start his story too!
I was instantly hooked, if you’ve read the Lochlann Feuds you’ve seen Galina before. I was verrry intrigued to get to know her more.
I loved her. I will never stop loving her. SHES ADORABLE.
my only tiny problem was there are flashbacks and it was a bit hard to tell -for the first few chapters- whether something was happening in the present or the past. This is fixed very fast tho. Moving on:
The chemistry between these two, the whole setup had me gasping and squealing in delight. This book is an excellent start to the series and I am crying screaming throwing up in anticipation of the next one.
I feel so much for these characters, and I’m DYING FOR THE NEXT ONE. I know I already said that. I had to say it again.
LOVE.
THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES TO ELLE AND ROBIN FOR THE ARC!!!
I was instantly hooked, if you’ve read the Lochlann Feuds you’ve seen Galina before. I was verrry intrigued to get to know her more.
I loved her. I will never stop loving her. SHES ADORABLE.
my only tiny problem was there are flashbacks and it was a bit hard to tell -for the first few chapters- whether something was happening in the present or the past. This is fixed very fast tho. Moving on:
The chemistry between these two, the whole setup had me gasping and squealing in delight. This book is an excellent start to the series and I am crying screaming throwing up in anticipation of the next one.
I feel so much for these characters, and I’m DYING FOR THE NEXT ONE. I know I already said that. I had to say it again.
LOVE.
THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES TO ELLE AND ROBIN FOR THE ARC!!!
March 28, 2023
I would like the record to state - I am not okay. I'm so mad at how this ended.
It's not secret that I'm a big fan of Elle & Robin, and all they create together. So it's no surprise that this was everything I had expected and more. I spent many nights up to until the early hours of the morning devouring this book.
It's impossible not to love Davin. He's so confident in himself, and such a brilliant sense of humor. The way Galina and Davin bounce off each other just makes this book so worth the read.
I would highly recommend reading the Lochlann Treaty & Lochlann Feuds series before this one, as there may be slight spoilers, but so so so worth the read!
Thank you to Elle and Robin for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This is my honest review.
It's not secret that I'm a big fan of Elle & Robin, and all they create together. So it's no surprise that this was everything I had expected and more. I spent many nights up to until the early hours of the morning devouring this book.
It's impossible not to love Davin. He's so confident in himself, and such a brilliant sense of humor. The way Galina and Davin bounce off each other just makes this book so worth the read.
I would highly recommend reading the Lochlann Treaty & Lochlann Feuds series before this one, as there may be slight spoilers, but so so so worth the read!
Thank you to Elle and Robin for allowing me to read this as an ARC. This is my honest review.
April 10, 2023
omg
I absolutely love their work. It always pulls me in. I am so excited for the next book in the series. this book was incredible.
Merged review:
Absolutely loved this story. I couldn’t get enough. They write incredible stories that have you hooked from the very beginning. It has you just wanting more.
I absolutely love their work. It always pulls me in. I am so excited for the next book in the series. this book was incredible.
Merged review:
Absolutely loved this story. I couldn’t get enough. They write incredible stories that have you hooked from the very beginning. It has you just wanting more.
April 12, 2023
This was a great read! I liked the story, and the characters. It was fun seeing characters from past books as well. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 11, 2023
You’ll love this if you like
-cliff hangers
-the miscommunication trope
-sexual tension with zero pay off
-cliff hangers
-the miscommunication trope
-sexual tension with zero pay off
July 9, 2025
2.5 Stars.
The vibes:
- Book 1 in duology
- dual timeline
- Connected to the Lochlann Feuds
- closed door
My thoughts:
Honestly nothing really happened this entire book until the very last few chapters. I hung in there because I have loved this duo authors’ Lochlann Feuds series. I recognize they love a sloooooow burn, so I was fully on board with waiting for it on this duology. But when there’s no payout for an entire book- I was just frustrated with the journey.
I didn’t find Galina or Davin particularly likable. Galina had zero personality, and Davin’s entire persona was literally how many women he has slept with. It is mentioned countless times how many women he has had in his bed. He had so much potential in his character and personality, but I feel like there was SO much emphasis on his sexual habits that I wanted to see more to him than just that.
Something interesting is that this is a fantasy duology but there’s only one small mention of anything “fantasy” related. This felt more like a historical romance or some thing similar rather than a fantasy.
The world building moments or background context was lacking for me. I read the Lochlann Feuds right before I dove into this book, so I should have had all the backstory needed. (Although this duology is said to be standalone). I was still so lost on context and what past was involved between the characters. There’s chapters from the past but those confused me even more most of the time because they weren’t presented in a chronological way or a way that made sense to me. It would mention conversations that we didn’t see yet. And then that conversation would be shown later. I get that this is an artistic choice in writing, but it just felt needlessly confusing for me.
Note- closed door
The vibes:
- Book 1 in duology
- dual timeline
- Connected to the Lochlann Feuds
- closed door
My thoughts:
Honestly nothing really happened this entire book until the very last few chapters. I hung in there because I have loved this duo authors’ Lochlann Feuds series. I recognize they love a sloooooow burn, so I was fully on board with waiting for it on this duology. But when there’s no payout for an entire book- I was just frustrated with the journey.
I didn’t find Galina or Davin particularly likable. Galina had zero personality, and Davin’s entire persona was literally how many women he has slept with. It is mentioned countless times how many women he has had in his bed. He had so much potential in his character and personality, but I feel like there was SO much emphasis on his sexual habits that I wanted to see more to him than just that.
Something interesting is that this is a fantasy duology but there’s only one small mention of anything “fantasy” related. This felt more like a historical romance or some thing similar rather than a fantasy.
The world building moments or background context was lacking for me. I read the Lochlann Feuds right before I dove into this book, so I should have had all the backstory needed. (Although this duology is said to be standalone). I was still so lost on context and what past was involved between the characters. There’s chapters from the past but those confused me even more most of the time because they weren’t presented in a chronological way or a way that made sense to me. It would mention conversations that we didn’t see yet. And then that conversation would be shown later. I get that this is an artistic choice in writing, but it just felt needlessly confusing for me.
Note- closed door
August 1, 2023
4.5 ✨ROUNDED TF UP. Wow. Okay, so I’m a die hard fan of Mahle and Madison and the badass women that they write, so when I tell you I was caught very off guard by Galina’s character. Obviously Davin is incredible and I love him, so I knew that going into this but I honestly wasn’t a Galina fan at the start. Childishly reacting to speaking to a girl who hooked up with Davin and then doing a hard cut off after you felt things for him? Like come ON. Often in fantasy books where the heroine isn’t immediately likable, it feels like the author(s) work overtime in the first half of the book to get you to like them by shoving all of their redeeming qualities down your throat. But honestly, that’s where the mastery of Mahle and Madison come in. I didn’t find myself rooting for Galina until like page 300. And when I thought like “shit well why didn’t I like her” I realized that all the reasons she made me so mad earlier on made me love her development even more. I honestly felt like Gwyn the entire time I was reading this.
Also, the DUAL POV AND TIME JUMPS? YES. We love a second chance romance. THE ENDING! Okay so this is where I bumped it down to a 4.5 from a 5. This is only book 1 and it was clear Alexei was going to come for her at one point in time but I almost wish there would have been more of a scene with Alexei’s arrival and allowed Davin to finally connect the dots between why Lina wanted (and honestly needed) to leave. While the break in the story makes sense, my selfish, Davin loving heart doesn’t want him to be left on such an unknown.
Also, the DUAL POV AND TIME JUMPS? YES. We love a second chance romance. THE ENDING! Okay so this is where I bumped it down to a 4.5 from a 5. This is only book 1 and it was clear Alexei was going to come for her at one point in time but I almost wish there would have been more of a scene with Alexei’s arrival and allowed Davin to finally connect the dots between why Lina wanted (and honestly needed) to leave. While the break in the story makes sense, my selfish, Davin loving heart doesn’t want him to be left on such an unknown.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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