Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A half-troll hiding his insecurities behind his mask. A human who has finally found a home.

Silas


When I turned eighteen, I left the place I'd called home for five years and ventured out into the world. It didn't take me long to realize the world outside was an effed up place that would never accept me.

I returned to The Sanctuary with a heavy heart and a hatred for humans, only to find one of their kind in the one place they weren't supposed to be. What was a human doing in The Sanctuary and how did I get rid of him when just the sight of him makes my belly flip?

Touya

When Headmaster Morrigan found me, I'd been convinced I was losing my mind. I'd been seeing things that had no logical explanation—unless you believed in magic. After he brought me to The Sanctuary, I had no choice but to believe.

I decide to stick around as the headmaster's assistant, but not all residents of The Sanctuary were happy to have a human among them, especially the adorable, chubby troll who seemed to always be happy—except when he looked at me.

Conviction is an MM monster x human romance featuring a half-troll with a gentle heart, a human who is doing his best to accept his new reality, and an strangers-to-friends-to-lovers romance that'll make you feel warm and fuzzy.

While part of the Innocent Monsters series, Conviction can be read as a complete standalone.

Note: Release date may be earlier than the one mentioned here.

203 pages, ebook

First published October 31, 2023

74 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Stella Rainbow

55 books274 followers
Stella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.

Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.

She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
144 (44%)
4 stars
111 (33%)
3 stars
64 (19%)
2 stars
7 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion.
1,442 reviews53 followers
November 7, 2023
sweet

This was a sugary sweet book. Both MCs were hurt in the past and found their way to each other. Mates. They were super nice to each other and tender. I love how they both got the other tho break out of their shells. I loved the meddling side characters also. The writing was good. Smexy was ok. Not steamy though. I do want to know more about the others in the sanctuary.
Profile Image for Brey (lil Sebastian).
577 reviews7 followers
dnf
January 23, 2024
DNF @ 10%. I don’t know if this author is for me. I have started about four of their books, but only completed one. I think I just have to be in the mood for super sweet books.
Profile Image for TJ.
240 reviews
February 2, 2025
Silas was an adorable half-troll, and I had a troll-sized crush on him. - Touya


The Basics

Overall:
1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: Yes
HEA: Yes
MC Sex w/o Other MC(s): No
Spice: 0.75/5
Angst/Stress: 1/5
Fluff: 3/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Touya shook his head, a small smile on his lips, and in that moment, I knew for sure. Touya was nothing like the humans I’d known all my life. - Silas


Intimate Moments Include:


I wondered if he had a hand in bringing Touya to me, but shook the thought off. Nox wasn’t Fate. - Silas


Main Character Information:
Silas: “Darling”, 19, Half Troll (Human Mom, Troll Dad), guarded, sweet/submissive, black hair, black eyes
Touya: Human, ~28, Psychic, Headmaster’s Assistant, brown hair and brown eyes

”Nobody’s perfect,” he replied, and I relented. “Sure, that’s true. I guess I should say you’re perfect for me. If yuou want to change for you, because you think it’ll make you happier, then I’m all for it, and I’ll support you in any way I can. But if you think you need to change for anyone else, or for me, you’re wrong.” - Touya


Notable Tropes/Tags/Themes/etc.:
Troll x Human Romance
Paranormal/Supernatural
Fated Mates
Virgin MC
Found Family

Silas was killing me. With every shy smile, every duck of his head, and every pink blush, he was slowly destroying me, and the worst part was I knew he was completely clueless to the effect he had on me. - Touya


My Opinions on:
So I love the idea behind the sanctuary. I have read Khush’s story already so I got a glimpse of some things that happen later. Silas over here trying to stay mad at Touya and it lasts about 4 seconds LOL. His anger is just a defense because Silas is an absolute marshmallow. Touya has his own problems too, but he still feels the draw to Silas even though he’s human. I haven’t read Nox’s story, but I feel I need to go check it out after I’m done! Spice is very low which is fine but some things felt like they dragged on a little too long. Still love it though! I haven’t read a SR book that I have not enjoyed.

Favorite Part: When Touya finally gets Silas to take down his mask. <3 You could tell Touya was so proud of him. Silas has been so beaten up over his looks like he has, like, no confidence at all. Touya is fixing that slowly.

Favorite Side Character(s): Khush, LOL. I read his first, so it was funny to read about him being so free spirited and funny when Silas was going through it with the idea of having a mate, especially human, since Khush’s book he was also a little bit of a nervous nancy with no good people-ing skills.

Hardest/Most Difficult Part: N/A

Thoughts On World Building: N/A

Since we’d started dating, I’d realized Silas was starving. Not for food, no. He had enough of that here. No, Silas was starving for love. For care and attention. For touch. - Touya


Milestone Moments:

Touya loved me. He loved me. My mate freaking loved me. - Silas


Side Characters:
Nox:
Harlan:
Zaphyr:
Khush:
Keoni:
Haruto:
Jacinta:
Draven:


Then I glanced over at Touya, at the way the sunlight made his hair gleam in a hundred shades of reds and golden, and I realized there was something even more gorgeous than the paradise in front of us. - Silas

881 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2023
4.5/5 Stella Rainbow is my go-to for sweet, low-angst, supernatural love stories, and this didn’t disappoint. This time, we also get an introduction to an awesome new location. The Sanctuary is a magical refuge for supes who don’t fit anywhere else, where they can find care, companionship, and a place to belong.

Touya and Silas are such fun to read, from Silas’s knee-jerk bad reaction to his realisation that Touya is different to discovering that Touya is his mate. Despite being badly treated in the human world, Touya is positive, thoughtful, and willing to give all the supes a chance. He and Silas take the time to get to know one another, and I love how body-positive and patience Touya is, giving Silas the chance to get used to the idea that yes, Touya really likes everything about him. I appreciated the countering of the stereotypes that the bigger, bulkier guy would naturally be the bossy top. The natural, fluid exploration between the two of them was refreshing.

I like all the side characters at the Sanctuary and hope that we may get spin-offs with a few of them in the future. I’m also very much looking forward to getting Alaric and then Eben’s stories!

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for nic✨.
334 reviews17 followers
October 20, 2023
Another masterpiece to be added into the innocent monster series.

Tonya and Silas were the sweetest couple I have ever read about, from their first interaction to the way they recognized their feelings for each other and then both of them falling in love was just such a immersive experience that I want to reread the whole book and I just finished it!!

Stella Rainbow is always able to create the most memorable and beautiful stories with such depth that you truly feel like you’re inside the book with these characters. I also love how developed the side characters always are in her books, you never meet someone half developed like some books. Everyone has a backstory that is explained gracefully without giving too much away incase they are stars of later books but these side characters I just couldn’t get enough of!!!


I might be delusional but I want Keoni and Zephyr to be mates so BAD. I am so excited to read the next book and hopefully there’s a Sanctuary spin off in the works as I would love to see more from our friends.

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Monica .
230 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2023
This is a short read but Stella has done it once again. Getting to know Silas the half human half troll that has such a kind heart even though he has a rough childhood with his grand parents. He left his home fir an adventure in the real world and ended up with a hate for humans. Then you have Touya that even though he has a fear of anything supernatural because he’s alway thought they were just in his head. Then he meets a super supernatural and takes him up on his offer to live in safety. Having the 2 meet up upon Silas return was instant gate for Silas about Touya and instant fear for Touya. You can always count on meddling friends to get the ball rolling when it comes to love and over time the hate and fear starts going away. There were times when I felt like they should’ve taken out a piece of paper and wrote “ do you like me, yes or no?” Both of them being afraid of what the other would say. So sit back and enjoy the adventure of these 2.

I only gave it 4 stars because I wish it had been a bit longer. Towards the end it seemed a bit rushed.

Lady M
Profile Image for Teagan.
147 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2023
*** I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review ***

Overall, cute story.

I did like it, it was cute, it was sweet, but there was one thing that just stuck in the back of my mind and wouldn’t leave me alone.

The age difference.

It’s mentioned that Silas is 19 years old. Then it’s said that Touya was 17 when his parents passed and spent about a decade wandering from hospital to hospital after that. That puts him at about 27. While Touya‘s age might be a bit off, this seems like a reasonable guess. That’s a big age difference considering Silas is so young. I just didn’t really like how that was never brought up or talked about.

Ignoring this, it’s a cute short read that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for NightOwlz.
55 reviews
October 21, 2023
This story was everything I hoped it would be! There are so many sweet and heartfelt moments throughout this book as Touya and Silas deal with their past and their relationship develops. This story felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

There are more side characters in this book than in previous Innocent Monsters stories too! I was fascinated by each new character/creature introduced and many of the interactions had me laughing out loud! If you enjoyed any of the previous books in the series, or you’re looking for a cozy low-angst monster romance, I can’t recommend this one enough! I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for ....
2,068 reviews15 followers
dnf
October 29, 2023
DNF @34% ... very sweet, but gah. I strongly suspect this author is very young, based on the way all of her adult characters (and the plot in general) feel like teenagers in love 🤣 That can definitely be fun and fluffy when I'm in the mood, but right now I'm not... and this one really isn't what I want out of a monster romance 😕

It's definitely a pet peeve when the "other" in a romance - i.e. the monster - just feels like any old human instead of a true sense of otherness, but maybe that's just me. Still, I might be done with this series (and maybe this author) based on that preference. We'll see!
Profile Image for Liz.
177 reviews
December 11, 2023
In a teenage romance style. No anguish, drama, violence, action. Apart from the mention of child abuse by grandparents, which was not detailed, just thrown into the wind.

It was a quick and easy read. In fact, all of the author's books that I have read so far have been easy to read. Without many synonyms, exaggerations and use of different words.

This feels like an introduction to a new series set to take place in Sanctuary. Well, I hope it is, because I'm already excited and looking forward to seeing each character there get their happily ever after. And I hope it maintains the same lighter style of themes. A light read, just a sweet romance to soothe the soul, like this one.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,012 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2023
Super cute!

Silas and Touya were adorable! I loved how sweet they were with each other once they got past their initial meeting (not so much a bad first impression than a gut reaction on Silas’ part which was understandable but still unfair). Once these two got together though they were the cutest couple. Sweet and gentle and understanding of each other. Plus we got to meet all kinds of cool new characters who also live in the Sanctuary. I’m hoping we see more from all the new characters we’ve met and I’m looking forward to Alaric’s book!
Profile Image for Any Length.
2,179 reviews7 followers
December 1, 2023
I think the book might be more suited to people of a more romantic nature than I have.
The characters in this book all had a childlike feel to them. A bit like it was written for the teenage market. It felt like the two MCs, because they were both fairly young and inexperienced, were taking things super slow. Even to get to first kisses took a long time.
I felt a bit bored during the book but that is probably because I would normally go for faster moving books and put it aside and came back to it a few days later to finish it. But more because I had promised someone I would read it.
65 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2023
Sweet story.

Overall a good book. On page 148 in my kindle Jacinta was changed to a male and that drove me a bit nuts. The relationship was too drawn out in some places and rushed through in others. There was no follow up to how they became mates. We were told Touay world get an extended life span but since full on sex didn't happen until the epilogue it was completely ignored. Sweet characters but not exactly happy with the flow of the book.
1,491 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. This was such a wonderful story. I am completely in love with this entire world that the author has built. These two were so sweet together. Both of them have been through so much and yet they took a chance on each other. This story stands by itself but I recommend the entire series to make it even better. I can’t wait to read the next book.
1,049 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2023
Stella Rainbow's Conviction, rating; 3/5

I usually enjoy Stella's books but this one fell a bit flat for me. Their were so many background characters that things got muddled, and the pacing of the story felt off to me. I just couldn't get into this story as much as I was hoping I would.

Even though this wasn't my favorite book, it could be yours!
9 reviews
October 26, 2023
Perfect for each other!

Touya is a human who can see the paranormal worlds truths. Silas is a human/troll hybrid who was abused by his family. These two lost souls find each other in the Sanctuary. I don't see a single monster here... Except human ones! From the first word, it's easy to root for Silas. So happy he finds Touya.
25 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2023
This was such a sweet slow romance. I loved how they both helped each other with insecurities and fears they both had. I love how amazing Touya was with Silas. Silas was treated so horribly by people who should have loved him, it broke my heart hearing everything he was put through. I loved how they took it at their own pace even with them being fated mates. It was such an amazing story!
Profile Image for Amanda Murch.
448 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2023
I want a troll

Omg I want a troll like Silas after reading this book 🥰 I love all of Stella’s books but this book has now gone to my number 1 spot. Silas was such a lovely brilliant character and a troll (my first book with a troll) and Touya was his perfect match. Loved everything about this book xx
1,073 reviews
January 31, 2024
💜💜💜💜💜

This is a paranormal romance, part of the “Innocent Monsters” series but doesn’t really have to be read in order. Silas was one of the monsters that attacked while he was under the influence of some shady people and a sickness. Nox wants to bring the monsters mates to them to bring them happiness and joy! This was such a sweet monster story, well worth the read!
💜💜💜💜💜
Profile Image for Megan.
490 reviews
April 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
🌶🌶 peppers - few scenes

Sweet, cozy romance. No to low angst. Completely focuses on the romance, no conflict. Enemies for like four pages before they become friends and eventually lovers. Silas is so shy, and Touya was really good with taking it slow and sweet.

For me, this one was the most boring of the series. It was still cute, but I liked that the other had some conflict.
Profile Image for Jenny.
347 reviews
October 26, 2023
Excellent love story!
Silas is afraid of humans and Touya is afraid of supes. When they meet in a supernatural sanctuary it takes them a while to see what their friends already have, they're falling in love. This is a beautiful romance with great side characters. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Liz Prosser.
308 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2024
great story

Loved it! The half troll is a total teddy bear once him and his human mate start getting to know each other and so innocent in many ways. The human who can see what paranormal beings really are is also a sweetheart they make a great couple eventually.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
255 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2025
This was super cute. I really liked the whole concept of a pocket dimension that acts as a sanctuary for supernaturals. Silas was such a sweetie and Touya was just the person to help him build his confidence.
Profile Image for Wayne Blood.
479 reviews
October 29, 2023
Back to sweet, adorable characters and storytelling. I really liked the two MC. I hope we get to spend more time in the Sanctuary Pocket Dimension.
Profile Image for Kaye.
741 reviews3 followers
December 20, 2024
Nice story would have given it an extra star if there had been some kind of comeuppance/retribution against Silas's family.
Profile Image for Margaret Gallacher.
14 reviews
January 28, 2024
great book

I love the characters and their personalities and stories. You are a great writer and I have read all of your books
Profile Image for Kate.
2,584 reviews6 followers
January 11, 2026
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed this book. I thought it was another good addition to the Innocent Monsters Series, and I’m glad that these Innocent Monsters get their own chance at finding their fated mates. I thought that Silas and Touya were cute together but I wouldn’t complain if there was more steam during the next book since this was very slow-burn, but considering neither of them have dated it makes complete sense that they took their time getting to know each other before bonding.

I must say that their first meeting didn’t go great but it’s understandable why Silas was a d*ck towards Touya to begin with since he hasn’t had the best of luck with humans and now there’s a human living at the Sanctuary, which is meant to be a safe place for Supernaturals. It really wasn’t fair that he took his anger on humans out on Touya just because he’s human. Touya was convinced that he was losing his mind, as he was seeing things that weren’t possibly real but he finds out how wrong he was when he meets Headmaster Morrigan who he tells him that magic is actually real and that he’s been seeing the supernatural side of people.

I enjoyed learning about the different supernaturals that live at the Sanctuary, a lot of them that haven’t been introduced during this universe so far so that was cool. I’m hoping that during the last book of the series that all the Innocent Monsters and their mates end up forming their own kind of found family. Even if they only catch up every now and then. As they’ve all been alone for so long, so it would be cool for them to have family that understands that, as well as being treated horribly because of what they are. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it’s released. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.