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Lords of Otherworld #4.5
Healing Holiday
A lost soul looking for redemption. An anti-social soul collector forced to plan a party.
Malik
When my bosses decided that everyone had earned a celebration after saving the world, I somehow got roped into planning a party for the one place in Otherworld I'd been diligently avoiding. The Redemption Center housed the souls who'd committed crimes in their human life but had a chance to redeem themselves. It also housed my mate.
Connor
I wasn't a good man. In the human realm, I'd been a ruthless, bloodthirsty vampire who cared for no one. I deserved to be in the Burning Chasm, not getting a second chance in the Redemption Center. Christmas would be here soon, and my mate was determined to show me I was good enough for him, no matter how much I refused to accept it. Would I need a Christmas miracle to accept our bond or would I end up breaking both our hearts?
Healing Holiday is an MM holiday romance novella featuring a lost soul with a low self-esteem, a soul collector determined to love him, and soft moments of love and acceptance. Set in Otherworld, this novella chronologically falls after the last book in the Lords of Otherworld series. While it can be read as a standalone, characters and events from previous books are mentioned.
Malik
When my bosses decided that everyone had earned a celebration after saving the world, I somehow got roped into planning a party for the one place in Otherworld I'd been diligently avoiding. The Redemption Center housed the souls who'd committed crimes in their human life but had a chance to redeem themselves. It also housed my mate.
Connor
I wasn't a good man. In the human realm, I'd been a ruthless, bloodthirsty vampire who cared for no one. I deserved to be in the Burning Chasm, not getting a second chance in the Redemption Center. Christmas would be here soon, and my mate was determined to show me I was good enough for him, no matter how much I refused to accept it. Would I need a Christmas miracle to accept our bond or would I end up breaking both our hearts?
Healing Holiday is an MM holiday romance novella featuring a lost soul with a low self-esteem, a soul collector determined to love him, and soft moments of love and acceptance. Set in Otherworld, this novella chronologically falls after the last book in the Lords of Otherworld series. While it can be read as a standalone, characters and events from previous books are mentioned.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2023
21 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Stella Rainbow
54 books279 followersStella 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 17, 2023
so damn cute, so damn hot. i know a lot of people hate the "fated mates" bit but *michael scott voice* IIIIII LOVE IT!
November 28, 2023
The good
+ All the dates
+ Both of them trying to follow the other's pace
+ No magic 'cure' for the color of Connor's soul (not even magic dick)
+ Connor finding acceptance everywhere
+ Plenty of hurt/comfort, and lots of hugs
+ Malik not being involved at all with Connor's therapy. He did all of that himself
+ The laughter and happiness during and after sex
The neutral
o I was an alpha reader for this book. My review is probably biased
o Compared to other books by this author, this one may be a bit more angsty due to Connor's past. I think it was handled well and there was no unnecessary relationship drama added
The bad
- There were lots of side characters, and I think that those who haven't read the rest of the series would really have a harder time enjoying this as a standalone
Quotes
Connor was really sweet and his inner turmoil was both tragic and understandable. I'm glad Malik showed up to give him all the hugs he deserved. I'd definitely recommend it to those who've already read the rest of the series. Hurt/comfort is the best.
+ All the dates
+ Both of them trying to follow the other's pace
+ No magic 'cure' for the color of Connor's soul (not even magic dick)
+ Connor finding acceptance everywhere
+ Plenty of hurt/comfort, and lots of hugs
+ Malik not being involved at all with Connor's therapy. He did all of that himself
+ The laughter and happiness during and after sex
The neutral
o I was an alpha reader for this book. My review is probably biased
o Compared to other books by this author, this one may be a bit more angsty due to Connor's past. I think it was handled well and there was no unnecessary relationship drama added
The bad
- There were lots of side characters, and I think that those who haven't read the rest of the series would really have a harder time enjoying this as a standalone
Quotes
"You're still a little cum-drunk, aren't you?"
"You're the one who drank the cum."
"I'm not jealous."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
Connor was really sweet and his inner turmoil was both tragic and understandable. I'm glad Malik showed up to give him all the hugs he deserved. I'd definitely recommend it to those who've already read the rest of the series. Hurt/comfort is the best.
November 25, 2023
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book. It has all the sweetness that I’ve come to expect from one of Stella Rainbow’s stories. I thought it was another good addition to the Lords of Otherworld Series. I thought Malik and Connor were great together, even if we only got a snapshot into their relationship. This book is quite angsty but considering how they met and that Connor’s soul was cleansed by Kym’s fire so he ended up at the Redemption Centre with the other grey souls, instead of the burning chasm like the dark souls. It makes sense why it is. It’s obvious from the get go that Connor has a lot of guilt for his past actions and believes that he isn’t worthy of a mate. It’s up to Malik to show him that he’s totally worthy and that fate didn’t make a mistake with matching them. I’m really looking forward to reading more books from this universe. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
******I received an early copy of this book because I’m a member of Stella’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I really enjoyed this book. It has all the sweetness that I’ve come to expect from one of Stella Rainbow’s stories. I thought it was another good addition to the Lords of Otherworld Series. I thought Malik and Connor were great together, even if we only got a snapshot into their relationship. This book is quite angsty but considering how they met and that Connor’s soul was cleansed by Kym’s fire so he ended up at the Redemption Centre with the other grey souls, instead of the burning chasm like the dark souls. It makes sense why it is. It’s obvious from the get go that Connor has a lot of guilt for his past actions and believes that he isn’t worthy of a mate. It’s up to Malik to show him that he’s totally worthy and that fate didn’t make a mistake with matching them. I’m really looking forward to reading more books from this universe. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
******I received an early copy of this book because I’m a member of Stella’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
November 10, 2023
Bèta read and loved it
December 1, 2023
This is quick, sweet read that introduces us to another facet of the Otherworld. I feel like it’s best read after them for best context of the world and the characters (many cameos of our fave characters from those books), but it can probably be read as a stand-alone story about second chances, redemption, and love.
I enjoyed how Malik and Connor took the time to get to know one another so that it felt like their relationship had some time to bloom and grow even in this short format. The idea of purifying magic for souls is an interesting one, and this book delves into the idea of what this would mean for the soul of someone who has been so jumpstarted. With a sudden awareness of and guilt for the crimes they had previously committed without remorse, should they move on, and how.
I appreciated that Connor struggled with this issue so that it didn’t simply seem like a magic fix to the complex issue of guilt and forgiveness.
Ash and the side characters putting up with Connor and Malik dancing around one another and being a bit clueless was entertaining.
It’s nice to imagine these two taking care of more souls and doing good together.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
I enjoyed how Malik and Connor took the time to get to know one another so that it felt like their relationship had some time to bloom and grow even in this short format. The idea of purifying magic for souls is an interesting one, and this book delves into the idea of what this would mean for the soul of someone who has been so jumpstarted. With a sudden awareness of and guilt for the crimes they had previously committed without remorse, should they move on, and how.
I appreciated that Connor struggled with this issue so that it didn’t simply seem like a magic fix to the complex issue of guilt and forgiveness.
Ash and the side characters putting up with Connor and Malik dancing around one another and being a bit clueless was entertaining.
It’s nice to imagine these two taking care of more souls and doing good together.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
December 13, 2023
4/5
Malik & Connor are true opposites.
While Malik is a soul collector (good) & Connor's past is death, blood and torture (bad). When Connor is killed, his soul is taken to otherworld and placed in the Redemption Center. This is basically a rehab for people who have done evil deeds and if given the choice would they do their bad deed again. Connor struggles throughout the entire book with his past. I was sad to see Malik notice his mate but avoid him in the beginning. But I also feel like this helped their bond over time. Connor was not in the right headspace to begin to forgive himself for his deeds. He needed some time to slowly work through his head.
I'm not even shocked the entire found family immediately accepted Connor, even Wren ( need to read the other books to understand this ;D).
I usually gravitate towards Stella's books when I'm smut drunk and need some sort of easy breakaway from other books. Her books are all very sweet fated mates. Some actual mating, but not smut heavy like I go for. So if you like a little less mating, I recommend Stella's books.
Malik & Connor are true opposites.
While Malik is a soul collector (good) & Connor's past is death, blood and torture (bad). When Connor is killed, his soul is taken to otherworld and placed in the Redemption Center. This is basically a rehab for people who have done evil deeds and if given the choice would they do their bad deed again. Connor struggles throughout the entire book with his past. I was sad to see Malik notice his mate but avoid him in the beginning. But I also feel like this helped their bond over time. Connor was not in the right headspace to begin to forgive himself for his deeds. He needed some time to slowly work through his head.
I'm not even shocked the entire found family immediately accepted Connor, even Wren ( need to read the other books to understand this ;D).
I usually gravitate towards Stella's books when I'm smut drunk and need some sort of easy breakaway from other books. Her books are all very sweet fated mates. Some actual mating, but not smut heavy like I go for. So if you like a little less mating, I recommend Stella's books.
November 29, 2023
An Otherworld Story
Malik gets roped into helping set up The Redemption Center Christmas party for the residents. Then a second party at the Villa for the soul collectors. He's been avoiding the center because he's dealing with the knowledge that he has a mate there.
Connor is at the Redemption Center with the hope of getting better and recovering from being a villain. Centuries of misdeeds are enough to make him sick now that his vampire nature isn't being overly influenced by dark magics into bloodlust. Knowing that his mate is Malik, a soul collector who should want nothing to do with him isn't helping his recovery.
When they are paired to work on the parties, their romance begins. This is a very sweet and cuddly courtship. Nice cameos from beloved characters. Loved it! Happily, ever after feels fantastic to me!
Malik gets roped into helping set up The Redemption Center Christmas party for the residents. Then a second party at the Villa for the soul collectors. He's been avoiding the center because he's dealing with the knowledge that he has a mate there.
Connor is at the Redemption Center with the hope of getting better and recovering from being a villain. Centuries of misdeeds are enough to make him sick now that his vampire nature isn't being overly influenced by dark magics into bloodlust. Knowing that his mate is Malik, a soul collector who should want nothing to do with him isn't helping his recovery.
When they are paired to work on the parties, their romance begins. This is a very sweet and cuddly courtship. Nice cameos from beloved characters. Loved it! Happily, ever after feels fantastic to me!
November 27, 2023
Cute story about redemption and fated mates
Connor and Malik were very sweet together - I loved that Connor needed time to believe he could be redeemed and worthy of a fated mate and that Malik was willing to give him that. Like many of Stella’s books the story is angsty in theory but sweet in practice. There were definitely some darker moments for a holiday novel but I there was still a warmth to the romance and the idea that you can work to become a better person if you’re willing to put the work in.
Connor and Malik were very sweet together - I loved that Connor needed time to believe he could be redeemed and worthy of a fated mate and that Malik was willing to give him that. Like many of Stella’s books the story is angsty in theory but sweet in practice. There were definitely some darker moments for a holiday novel but I there was still a warmth to the romance and the idea that you can work to become a better person if you’re willing to put the work in.
November 24, 2023
I absolutely loved this story. This was such a wonderful addition to the Otherworld series. The world building is so fascinating and so interesting that I find myself reading these books over and over again. The level of emotion and the depth of the characters make this such an awesome series. These two were so sweet together and I loved how they worked together. I highly recommend this story and this entire series.
December 4, 2023
About time!
Going into this book, I was a bit cranky with Malik taking so long to acknowledge his mate. I know he had his reasons, and Connor needed time to work on his redemption, but come on! Mates are meant to be together! Connor and Malik do make a perfect for each other couple. It ended up being a entertaining read. I would definitely recommend.
Going into this book, I was a bit cranky with Malik taking so long to acknowledge his mate. I know he had his reasons, and Connor needed time to work on his redemption, but come on! Mates are meant to be together! Connor and Malik do make a perfect for each other couple. It ended up being a entertaining read. I would definitely recommend.
December 5, 2023
Gotta be honest this was just okay for me even a little boring. It was just too hard for me to get into a book that I didn't like one of the main mcs. I love redemption books but this wasn't that to me because Mc didn't decide to be a better person he was just magically changed so all better. No thank you.
November 24, 2023
Another adventure into the Otherworld. I found this book to be a story about love and forgiveness. The relationship between Milik and Connor will have you smiling. This is a happy holiday read with a nice HEA.
Lady M.
Lady M.
December 3, 2023
This was a really sweet book. I like how Connor had to figure out how to get better on his own, there was not a magical “you’re fixed”. I only wish it was longer, to see more of their relationship! I really loved how he had to forgive himself to move on, it was a great book!!
November 27, 2023
Connor had a tough time forgiving himself. He had so much to work through but his mate and those around him helped and supported him.
A sweet book about forgiveness, second chances and love.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
A sweet book about forgiveness, second chances and love.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews