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The Bargaining Series #1
Blood and Bargains
After being widowed, Billie thinks she understands loneliness. She’s an outsider in her late husband’s small mountain town, looked upon by the locals with wariness and pity—with the exception of her best friend, Emma. It’s Emma who has kept her tethered to the world since her loss, forcing her to find the motivation to keep living.
As the anniversary of her husband’s death approaches, Emma vanishes without a trace, casting Billie adrift.
In her search for answers, she finds herself alone in a terrifying faeries are real, and they are wreaking havoc on the mountain valley. Worse still, she manages to offend a surly fae herbalist, landing herself in a bitter complete three tasks for him or face a worse punishment at the hands of his kin.
Caught between fear and desperation, Billie has only one to wade deeper into the world of the fae to find her missing friend, risking everything in the process.
As the anniversary of her husband’s death approaches, Emma vanishes without a trace, casting Billie adrift.
In her search for answers, she finds herself alone in a terrifying faeries are real, and they are wreaking havoc on the mountain valley. Worse still, she manages to offend a surly fae herbalist, landing herself in a bitter complete three tasks for him or face a worse punishment at the hands of his kin.
Caught between fear and desperation, Billie has only one to wade deeper into the world of the fae to find her missing friend, risking everything in the process.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2021
38 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 17, 2022
TW: depression; grief (late husband); brief mention of suicide (non-main character); non-graphic allusions to sexual assault, mention of trauma-based food restriction. *I will be receiving an ARC of the second book in this series (which is coming out soon!) I read this book from Kindle Unlimited in anticipation of the second book's release. The following is my honest review.*
Blood and Bargains was everything we love about fae fantasy romances, but somehow it stood out among this genre as fresh and new. The writing, the twists, an exceptionally likable MC, and an incredibly well-paced plot all made for an incredible 5-star read.
Blood and Bargains is about a young woman named Billie who is in the midst of a depression, stuck in the thick of grieving her late husband. But after an odd night out, her best friend vanishes, and Billie has to unravel the mysteries surrounding her friend's disappearance by delving into the world of the Fae. With bargains, magical relics, and a whole lot of humor, Billie discovers much about her world, and her will to live and love again in the process.
Characters!
Billie: Billie is a recent college-grad whose husband, Ethan, has recently died in a car accident. Struggling to cope with the trauma, this story picks up with Billie hiding away, avoiding people and physical touch, struggling to eat, and essentially living out of her late-husband’s sweatpants. Our MC is a short-haired queen, as she lobbed all of her hair off due to matting and difficulty caring for it during her depression.
There are simply not enough words to describe how real and likable Billie is. She’s witty and honest and responds to situations in the way real people nowadays would. For instance, when making a bargain with a fae, she was careful to be thorough:
She’s not afraid to admit when she’s scared or contemplating the cowardly path. She’s honest about her limitations, and she defies the tropes of the headstrong MC, who dives head-first into danger out of pure selflessness or stubbornness. To be clear she does dive into danger, but she manages to do it in a believable way, where her choices feel right for her as a character. I simply adore her, and she is the most likable and realistic MC I’ve read in a very long time.
Callum: Where do I even start with Callum? Callum is a gruff fae healer. I loved that Callum wasn't the typical alpha-male possessive swaggering potential love interest that we've seen so often in this genre. Just like Billie was hurting and healing, so too was Callum. He was calm and patient and very slow to anger. He was intuitive and kind and gentle. Clearly written for the female gaze ;)
I loved their chemistry, their banter, and the way their friendship developed and helped them both come out of their shells from past trauma.
Emma: Emma is absent from much of the book; however, she manages to endear herself to the reader in the few pages she’s present. She’s the encouraging friend that Billie needs to help her heal:
Plot:
This is really where the book shines. Every time I thought I knew where the book was going to go, I was surprised. Twists and turns along the way kept me guessing, had me gasping out loud in dramatic moments, all the way up until the final plot twist. This was me after that final plot twist:
Pacing
The pacing was excellent. From the very first chapter I was sucked in and I sped through the rest of it. There was never a dull moment where I felt lost or like the story had stalled. It was non-stop moving forward and I was non-stop tuned in.
Romance:
This is a true slowwwwww burn and wow the tension burned so good lol. There are definitely some steamy scenes. They were very well done in my opinion (no cringeworthy descriptions of velvet or sheathing and thank the lord there was no male growling)! Spiciness level would be like a 2.5/5 in my opinion.
Writing:
I loved the writing. It was 3rd person limited omniscient, so we got to see the world through Billie’s eyes and Billie's personality just oozed off the page.
There were very few editing errors and interestingly enough, I actually learned new vocabulary lolol. No offense to any book in this genre but I rarely am learning new words *that aren't made up* when reading a fae fantasy romance.
Representation:
The diversity representation was not great, but not terrible. The three biggest characters were all white (I believe (full disclosure I tend to gloss over physical descriptions when I read)). If I'm mistaken please correct me in the comments! However, there was racial diversity and some LGBTQ+ representation with side characters.
Also, the mental health representation was really excellent. Billie’s grief is portrayed realistically and it’s not romanticized or glamorized. Her depression is not treated as some moral failing. It’s all very real and I think that is part of what makes Billie such a great MC.
In conclusion, if you have a Kindle Unlimited and aren't sure what your next read will be...you should make it this one. It would be a great pallet cleanser after a long high fantasy book or a great book to help get you out of a book hangover.
Book 2 in the series, Deceit and Devotion, will be coming out soon too! I am anxiously awaiting it and cannot wait to read it!
Blood and Bargains was everything we love about fae fantasy romances, but somehow it stood out among this genre as fresh and new. The writing, the twists, an exceptionally likable MC, and an incredibly well-paced plot all made for an incredible 5-star read.
Blood and Bargains is about a young woman named Billie who is in the midst of a depression, stuck in the thick of grieving her late husband. But after an odd night out, her best friend vanishes, and Billie has to unravel the mysteries surrounding her friend's disappearance by delving into the world of the Fae. With bargains, magical relics, and a whole lot of humor, Billie discovers much about her world, and her will to live and love again in the process.
Characters!
Billie: Billie is a recent college-grad whose husband, Ethan, has recently died in a car accident. Struggling to cope with the trauma, this story picks up with Billie hiding away, avoiding people and physical touch, struggling to eat, and essentially living out of her late-husband’s sweatpants. Our MC is a short-haired queen, as she lobbed all of her hair off due to matting and difficulty caring for it during her depression.
There are simply not enough words to describe how real and likable Billie is. She’s witty and honest and responds to situations in the way real people nowadays would. For instance, when making a bargain with a fae, she was careful to be thorough:
"A simple boon," [the fairy] said, shrugging. "A repayment of my choice, to be called in at such time that I choose." Billie balked. "Do you seriously think I'm going to let you roll up on me in ten years and take my first-born or something?" Billie grated. [The fairy’s] nose crinkled in disgust. "For what purpose would I want a squalling human child?" she asked. "I don't know!" Billie snapped. "It's just a recurring theme!"
She’s not afraid to admit when she’s scared or contemplating the cowardly path. She’s honest about her limitations, and she defies the tropes of the headstrong MC, who dives head-first into danger out of pure selflessness or stubbornness. To be clear she does dive into danger, but she manages to do it in a believable way, where her choices feel right for her as a character. I simply adore her, and she is the most likable and realistic MC I’ve read in a very long time.
Callum: Where do I even start with Callum? Callum is a gruff fae healer. I loved that Callum wasn't the typical alpha-male possessive swaggering potential love interest that we've seen so often in this genre. Just like Billie was hurting and healing, so too was Callum. He was calm and patient and very slow to anger. He was intuitive and kind and gentle. Clearly written for the female gaze ;)
I loved their chemistry, their banter, and the way their friendship developed and helped them both come out of their shells from past trauma.
Emma: Emma is absent from much of the book; however, she manages to endear herself to the reader in the few pages she’s present. She’s the encouraging friend that Billie needs to help her heal:
"It's just a dry run," she said softly, squeezing Billie's hand. "I know you don't want to go, but it's been almost a year, Billie. You have to be part of the world again eventually. This is just… practice. You don't have to be charming or give out your number or do anything else you don't want to. You just have to show up. It won't ever get easier if you don't try just a little."
Plot:
This is really where the book shines. Every time I thought I knew where the book was going to go, I was surprised. Twists and turns along the way kept me guessing, had me gasping out loud in dramatic moments, all the way up until the final plot twist. This was me after that final plot twist:
Pacing
The pacing was excellent. From the very first chapter I was sucked in and I sped through the rest of it. There was never a dull moment where I felt lost or like the story had stalled. It was non-stop moving forward and I was non-stop tuned in.
Romance:
This is a true slowwwwww burn and wow the tension burned so good lol. There are definitely some steamy scenes. They were very well done in my opinion (no cringeworthy descriptions of velvet or sheathing and thank the lord there was no male growling)! Spiciness level would be like a 2.5/5 in my opinion.
The cold air made all her hair stand on end, and she shivered, dreading the cold water. Callum's eyes roamed over her—briefly, very briefly, but she felt the gaze like a brand over her bare skin. She thought she saw his throat bob as he looked away sharply.
Writing:
I loved the writing. It was 3rd person limited omniscient, so we got to see the world through Billie’s eyes and Billie's personality just oozed off the page.
Billie followed the cobblestones deeper into woods, like every idiot in a fairy tale who was ever cooked in a witch's cauldron.
There were very few editing errors and interestingly enough, I actually learned new vocabulary lolol. No offense to any book in this genre but I rarely am learning new words *that aren't made up* when reading a fae fantasy romance.
Representation:
The diversity representation was not great, but not terrible. The three biggest characters were all white (I believe (full disclosure I tend to gloss over physical descriptions when I read)). If I'm mistaken please correct me in the comments! However, there was racial diversity and some LGBTQ+ representation with side characters.
Also, the mental health representation was really excellent. Billie’s grief is portrayed realistically and it’s not romanticized or glamorized. Her depression is not treated as some moral failing. It’s all very real and I think that is part of what makes Billie such a great MC.
In conclusion, if you have a Kindle Unlimited and aren't sure what your next read will be...you should make it this one. It would be a great pallet cleanser after a long high fantasy book or a great book to help get you out of a book hangover.
Book 2 in the series, Deceit and Devotion, will be coming out soon too! I am anxiously awaiting it and cannot wait to read it!
February 7, 2022
If you’re as hesitant about kindle unlimited books as I am (but still read them anyways), this book will 100% be a pleasant surprise. I have always loved fae stories (specifically the Cruel Prince series by Holly Black), and this was another great iteration of those storylines. One of my biggest pros to this KU book is that it didn’t fall into so many YA novel traps and stereotypes, mostly because the characters are aged up plenty - post-college and settled in a small middle of nowhere town. I think having such dark storylines as non-consent or reluctance (like humans being deceived, or fairy fruit) and then having the characters all be 17 was just a crazy thing to try and get past. Overall - great afternoon read and I’m excited for the release of the sequel!! Also, get ready for an awesome twist ending!!!
November 24, 2021
This book tells the story of Billie, a woman who loses her husband Ethan, becomes intensely depressed and isolates herself at home. Her best friend, Emma, is always by her side, but what if one day her best friend disappears? Enveloped in magical chaos with fairies and unknown beings, will she be able to find her friend or will she die trying?
I found this book to be quite interesting and quick to read. At first I thought it would be a more complex book to understand, but I was surprised by the ease with which the events are explained and the suspense she manages in them.
Let's start with the characters. Billie is a person that I certainly managed to empathize with. Through the words, you could perceive the grief, pain and anguish she felt. Both in words and in her actions. I found the attitude people had towards her sad. I feel there was a lack of empathy and considering her situation, there had to be.
The ending, wow that cliffhanger. During the last few chapters I had a slight suspicion about the plotwist but my mind refused to believe it. Maybe it felt a bit rushed, but that's merely personal taste. I would have liked to have seen better development in the friendships and relationships created with the other characters, as there was a lot of potential. I need a second book, because that ending left me wanting to know more of the story. It was certainly an enjoyable book to read and to pass the time.
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found this book to be quite interesting and quick to read. At first I thought it would be a more complex book to understand, but I was surprised by the ease with which the events are explained and the suspense she manages in them.
Let's start with the characters. Billie is a person that I certainly managed to empathize with. Through the words, you could perceive the grief, pain and anguish she felt. Both in words and in her actions. I found the attitude people had towards her sad. I feel there was a lack of empathy and considering her situation, there had to be.
The ending, wow that cliffhanger. During the last few chapters I had a slight suspicion about the plotwist but my mind refused to believe it. Maybe it felt a bit rushed, but that's merely personal taste. I would have liked to have seen better development in the friendships and relationships created with the other characters, as there was a lot of potential. I need a second book, because that ending left me wanting to know more of the story. It was certainly an enjoyable book to read and to pass the time.
I received a free copy of this book through Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2022
I absolutely loved everything about this: the mystery aspect of the story, the slow burn romance between the two MCs, and the way faeries are done.
The female MC, Billie was well written and I became invested in her story quickly. It might be strange to say but I liked the way grief and depression are depicted in this. It's realistic and it draws you into Billie's story. I loved the banter between the two MCs and the romance was very well done. It's definitely not insta love.
This is a story with substance to it, rather than just filler with sex scenes thrown in to make it interesting. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read the second book. I can't wait to see what happens.
The female MC, Billie was well written and I became invested in her story quickly. It might be strange to say but I liked the way grief and depression are depicted in this. It's realistic and it draws you into Billie's story. I loved the banter between the two MCs and the romance was very well done. It's definitely not insta love.
This is a story with substance to it, rather than just filler with sex scenes thrown in to make it interesting. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read the second book. I can't wait to see what happens.
March 30, 2024
HOW IS THIS BOOK BOTH GOING TO MAKE ME CRY AT WORK AND ALSO MAKE ME WANT TO LABEL IT COZY?! This book includes murder, a person getting their lower limbs eaten by fae, dancing until your feet bleed, and yet I still want to cozy up with this book! I love Billie and how headstrong she is. I also love that she doesn’t put up with crap. Yell at a cop? Why not? This book covers depression in a way that I really related to. The settings were magical and wonderful and the book seemed to fly by. I highly recommend this book.
February 22, 2025
That was a fiiiiight to finish 😅
April 15, 2022
This was so good! I really enjoyed the fact the characters are in the later 20s instead of late teens. The book goes through grief and trouble family life. The ending was great and I cannot wait to read the next one!
April 16, 2024
I just finished this book and it has left me completely hooked and wanting more. It was so good that I immediately started on the next book in the series! The ending was simply mind-blowing, and it left me with my jaw on the floor! I highly recommend ensuring you have book two ready because the cliffhanger is simply too good to wait for.
One of the many things that make this book so great is its excellent pace. As a fantasy novel, it has a lot of world-building, and the author does a fantastic job of introducing information at a steady pace. Although it's the first book of the series, it still manages to keep you engaged without giving away too much at once.
The romance between the two main characters, Callum and Billie, is an absolute delight. It's a proper slow burn, and when it finally gets going, it's worth the wait. Although I'd say the spiciness level is mild for me, it may be moderate for those who don't read spicy scenes often. There's only one chapter with an actual spicy scene, but it's enough to leave you wanting more. The dynamic between Callum and Billie is fantastic, as they're both grumpy, which adds to their authenticity. They help each other out, making their relationship feel more natural.
However, it's worth noting that a lot of the fae lore in this book is classic. Billie even has a scene where she searches up information on the fae online and makes a list of facts. Although it's not overly original, it's still enjoyable and entertaining.
Billie is an excellent female lead. At times, she may frustrate you because she goes against orders and recommendations, but it fits her character perfectly. She starts the book grief-stricken, and you can see it in every decision she makes. However, as the story progresses, we see more layers to her character. Her wittiness, determination, perseverance, and loyalty are just a few of the qualities that make her a great character. Without giving away too much of the plot, I can tell you that she's someone you'll want in your corner.
Callum, on the other hand, is an adorably grumpy fae. He's got a good reason to be grumpy, but he could use some love and affection. He's a fascinating character, and you can't help but fall in love with his disgruntled personality. The fact that he keeps running into Billie, making his life more difficult, adds to the allure and the overall plot of the story.
Lastly, I cannot stress enough how jaw-dropping the ending of this book is. Even now, I'm still reeling from it. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good fantasy with a side of romance , and a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more.
One of the many things that make this book so great is its excellent pace. As a fantasy novel, it has a lot of world-building, and the author does a fantastic job of introducing information at a steady pace. Although it's the first book of the series, it still manages to keep you engaged without giving away too much at once.
The romance between the two main characters, Callum and Billie, is an absolute delight. It's a proper slow burn, and when it finally gets going, it's worth the wait. Although I'd say the spiciness level is mild for me, it may be moderate for those who don't read spicy scenes often. There's only one chapter with an actual spicy scene, but it's enough to leave you wanting more. The dynamic between Callum and Billie is fantastic, as they're both grumpy, which adds to their authenticity. They help each other out, making their relationship feel more natural.
However, it's worth noting that a lot of the fae lore in this book is classic. Billie even has a scene where she searches up information on the fae online and makes a list of facts. Although it's not overly original, it's still enjoyable and entertaining.
Billie is an excellent female lead. At times, she may frustrate you because she goes against orders and recommendations, but it fits her character perfectly. She starts the book grief-stricken, and you can see it in every decision she makes. However, as the story progresses, we see more layers to her character. Her wittiness, determination, perseverance, and loyalty are just a few of the qualities that make her a great character. Without giving away too much of the plot, I can tell you that she's someone you'll want in your corner.
Callum, on the other hand, is an adorably grumpy fae. He's got a good reason to be grumpy, but he could use some love and affection. He's a fascinating character, and you can't help but fall in love with his disgruntled personality. The fact that he keeps running into Billie, making his life more difficult, adds to the allure and the overall plot of the story.
Lastly, I cannot stress enough how jaw-dropping the ending of this book is. Even now, I'm still reeling from it. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good fantasy with a side of romance , and a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more.
April 12, 2022
I am someone who is generally incapable of reading digital books. My head and eyes ache, I’m whiny, and it takes me three times as long to finish a book… but once I got into the meat of Blood and Bargains I just couldn’t stop myself. I read straight through a throbbing brain for Billie.
And Callum, of course. Mostly for Callum.
Though there were some iffy grammatical errors I had minor difficulty reading through and occasionally the lofty synonyms had me pretty tepid, I REALLY appreciated how delicately the mystery of the fae(ries) and Emma unfolded. Billie is a fantastic protagonist, especially for a story like this, and Darling kept her well-straddled between accepting the magickal world and general disbelief. I think a lot of authors tend to tip too far to one side for a believable narrator, but Billie was Just Right.
There isn’t anything new about the fae in this duology; they have pretty tropey characteristics but I wouldn’t say that’s necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy a new twist on classic creatures, but it’s also comforting to just revisit the ones I already know. (They are not recognizable characters, to be clear, just your typical broad strokes.) It especially worked with how relatively short the book is.
And Callum… yum. What a hunk. That’s all I have to say about that, because I don’t want this to be a spoiler review and everything I have to squeal about is more than I’d want someone to share with me before picking up this book.
My biggest gripe is that I have to wait to read the sequel after the absolutely fucking VICIOUS cliffhanger.
And Callum, of course. Mostly for Callum.
Though there were some iffy grammatical errors I had minor difficulty reading through and occasionally the lofty synonyms had me pretty tepid, I REALLY appreciated how delicately the mystery of the fae(ries) and Emma unfolded. Billie is a fantastic protagonist, especially for a story like this, and Darling kept her well-straddled between accepting the magickal world and general disbelief. I think a lot of authors tend to tip too far to one side for a believable narrator, but Billie was Just Right.
There isn’t anything new about the fae in this duology; they have pretty tropey characteristics but I wouldn’t say that’s necessarily a bad thing. I enjoy a new twist on classic creatures, but it’s also comforting to just revisit the ones I already know. (They are not recognizable characters, to be clear, just your typical broad strokes.) It especially worked with how relatively short the book is.
And Callum… yum. What a hunk. That’s all I have to say about that, because I don’t want this to be a spoiler review and everything I have to squeal about is more than I’d want someone to share with me before picking up this book.
My biggest gripe is that I have to wait to read the sequel after the absolutely fucking VICIOUS cliffhanger.
June 19, 2022
So, so good!
Okay, I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm either absolutely terrible at figuring things out in books before they happen, or nail them so early on that when it all finally falls together I find myself screaming, "I knew it!" This book fell into the later category and let me tell you, I cannot wait to see where things go from here. So many possibilities and I am here for it!
This story follows Billie, a recently widowed 24 year old. As if that wasn't already enough on her plate, after a night of partying her best friend, and the only person she has there for her, disappears. She'll stop at nothing to find her, including diving head first into the world of the fae she discovers while searching for Emma.
This book will suck you in and not spit you out until the very end. Billie is relatable as heck and when she sets her mind to something there is no stopping her. Callum is intriguing and I hope we learn even more about him in the next book. All the other characters are also well done and leave you wanting to know more.
The world building and story are wonderful. Every piece you're given has you ready for more and it will stick with you long after you've finished reading it. I don't want to ruin anything by giving a ton of detail but it's so worth reading! Go grab it now before the next one comes out. I'm super excited to dive into the next book and not come up until I'm done with it!
Okay, I'll let you in on a little secret. I'm either absolutely terrible at figuring things out in books before they happen, or nail them so early on that when it all finally falls together I find myself screaming, "I knew it!" This book fell into the later category and let me tell you, I cannot wait to see where things go from here. So many possibilities and I am here for it!
This story follows Billie, a recently widowed 24 year old. As if that wasn't already enough on her plate, after a night of partying her best friend, and the only person she has there for her, disappears. She'll stop at nothing to find her, including diving head first into the world of the fae she discovers while searching for Emma.
This book will suck you in and not spit you out until the very end. Billie is relatable as heck and when she sets her mind to something there is no stopping her. Callum is intriguing and I hope we learn even more about him in the next book. All the other characters are also well done and leave you wanting to know more.
The world building and story are wonderful. Every piece you're given has you ready for more and it will stick with you long after you've finished reading it. I don't want to ruin anything by giving a ton of detail but it's so worth reading! Go grab it now before the next one comes out. I'm super excited to dive into the next book and not come up until I'm done with it!
December 8, 2021
This was truly a pleasant surprise. I don't have high expectations for most little supernatural indie novels and this came right out of left field for me. This novel doesn't reinvent the wheel as far as fae-centric stories go, it's pretty comparable and expected for what you'd find for those legends. The author's writing style took me a little bit to warm up to, mostly because I think they're just a more clever writer than I am a reader and the main character is truly her own person, she's not a blank slate that I can pretend is me. She makes plenty of choices that I most certainly wouldn't and it's endearing in its own way. I was rooting for her the whole time. Our main character feels like a real person with real feelings and real grief. There is no ease or sudden magic to this character's growth and journey aside from the usual bit of serendipity that a main character needs to further a plot. This novel is very raw while still holding an aura of softness and intrigue here and there. The plot did take me by surprise for a good chunk of it. There's a couple of great twists in there. I desperately need the next novel in what I hope is a series because it ended on a note that has me ready to square up with the entire fae court.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2022
WHAAAT that was an unexpected ending. This book was fantastic. It was more of a small town, mystery-esque modern story about a series of crimes with a magic system interwoven. And I loved it. It was such a fast read too.
Billie is our relatable heroine, who’s experienced enough trauma to a point where she’s a ghost of herself trying to just survive, with the help of her best friend, Emma. One night she’s convinced by Emma to begin returning to a normal-ish life, when they go to a party in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mysterious events lead to Emma’s disappearance, and Billie is left to desperately find her dearest and only friend. When a string of similar disappearances and clues lead her to question if the fae are really just fairytales, she finds a companion and ally in one. He helps her not only begin to return to life, but give her the knowledge she needs to find Emma.
I loved the pace, the character development and the magic tie-ins to reality. I also enjoyed that they were in their mid-20s instead of teens like a lot of fantasy romances do. The author captures grief in the most real way, too, enabling you to relate and empathize with the main character. It was beautifully written. I highly recommend this to any fan of acotar, fae stories and fantasy/fantasy-romance. Thank goodness I preordered the second one. :)
Billie is our relatable heroine, who’s experienced enough trauma to a point where she’s a ghost of herself trying to just survive, with the help of her best friend, Emma. One night she’s convinced by Emma to begin returning to a normal-ish life, when they go to a party in the wrong place at the wrong time. Mysterious events lead to Emma’s disappearance, and Billie is left to desperately find her dearest and only friend. When a string of similar disappearances and clues lead her to question if the fae are really just fairytales, she finds a companion and ally in one. He helps her not only begin to return to life, but give her the knowledge she needs to find Emma.
I loved the pace, the character development and the magic tie-ins to reality. I also enjoyed that they were in their mid-20s instead of teens like a lot of fantasy romances do. The author captures grief in the most real way, too, enabling you to relate and empathize with the main character. It was beautifully written. I highly recommend this to any fan of acotar, fae stories and fantasy/fantasy-romance. Thank goodness I preordered the second one. :)
May 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I was so pleasantly surprised by this! I randomly came across the author on TikTok and thought “hey, why not, I’m in a reading slump 🤷♀️.”
I loved the vocabulary in this and the author’s descriptive style. It wasn’t overly flowery, but it was still vivid.
The main character, Billie, is extremely relatable and the author did a good job of justifying any stupid decisions Billie made as a human—because they were made in desperation to find someone she loved. The devotion and loyalty between Billie and her best friend, Emma, was my favorite aspect of the book.
This is a quick read, but it DOES end on a cliffhanger. It was a perfect ending to set up for book 2.
I feel like a few things that were sprinkled in throughout the book weren’t explained, but they may be in book 2. I also wanted to see more depth in the MMC, Callum, so I am hoping that comes in book 2 as well.
•Classic fae/fair folk (seelie/unseelie)
•Missing person
•Deals with the fae
•Friendship/loyalty
•Grief/depression/loss
1.5 🌶️
I usually put my favorite quote here, but it would be a spoiler 🥲
I was so pleasantly surprised by this! I randomly came across the author on TikTok and thought “hey, why not, I’m in a reading slump 🤷♀️.”
I loved the vocabulary in this and the author’s descriptive style. It wasn’t overly flowery, but it was still vivid.
The main character, Billie, is extremely relatable and the author did a good job of justifying any stupid decisions Billie made as a human—because they were made in desperation to find someone she loved. The devotion and loyalty between Billie and her best friend, Emma, was my favorite aspect of the book.
This is a quick read, but it DOES end on a cliffhanger. It was a perfect ending to set up for book 2.
I feel like a few things that were sprinkled in throughout the book weren’t explained, but they may be in book 2. I also wanted to see more depth in the MMC, Callum, so I am hoping that comes in book 2 as well.
•Classic fae/fair folk (seelie/unseelie)
•Missing person
•Deals with the fae
•Friendship/loyalty
•Grief/depression/loss
1.5 🌶️
I usually put my favorite quote here, but it would be a spoiler 🥲
November 23, 2021
Set across the backdrop of an east coast town, Billie, a young widow, sets out to find her best friend Emma and solve the mystery of her disappearance. In her quest to find Emma, Billie finds herself reluctantly in a bargain with a sexy fae man in a world she never knew existed in her back yard.
I couldn't put this book down! I had to know everything about the fae world and the mystery of what happened to Emma. Billie is a relateable and well written character full of flaws but loveable. The actions scenes are very gripping and well written!
My only issues with the book were that a few things were just left hanging and unresolved, and I would have liked more world building in the Fae lands, but I understand that this is the first in a series. Overall an excellent read and I look forward to reading more!
I couldn't put this book down! I had to know everything about the fae world and the mystery of what happened to Emma. Billie is a relateable and well written character full of flaws but loveable. The actions scenes are very gripping and well written!
My only issues with the book were that a few things were just left hanging and unresolved, and I would have liked more world building in the Fae lands, but I understand that this is the first in a series. Overall an excellent read and I look forward to reading more!
October 21, 2024
DNF @181
The intrigue is great.
The obsession with doors is not.(203x in 272 pages)
I did a lot of skimming through this and the tasks were not at all standing out.
After the basilisk *eye roll* I couldn’t stand the main character.
I don’t see her best friend being found at any point were trying to do a mystery but I keep going back to the tasks… we don’t know who Ian is. I feel like nothing is being answered.
I can’t keep going, I really tried…
The intrigue is great.
The obsession with doors is not.(203x in 272 pages)
I did a lot of skimming through this and the tasks were not at all standing out.
After the basilisk *eye roll* I couldn’t stand the main character.
I don’t see her best friend being found at any point were trying to do a mystery but I keep going back to the tasks… we don’t know who Ian is. I feel like nothing is being answered.
I can’t keep going, I really tried…
March 16, 2022
This book was an absolute gem of a book, and I am forever thankful that I picked it up.
I loved the way Fae were depicted in this novel. It held true to a lot of the folklore. I just thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this and am anxiously awaiting the next book.
The chemistry, the plot twists, the entire vibe of the book—it was all fantastic.
I loved the way Fae were depicted in this novel. It held true to a lot of the folklore. I just thoroughly enjoyed myself reading this and am anxiously awaiting the next book.
The chemistry, the plot twists, the entire vibe of the book—it was all fantastic.
January 28, 2022
Amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and I can not wait to read more books by this author. Definitely would recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2024
More than fairy corn
I got this book over a year ago and finally picked it up when I was in recovery from no more baby surgery. A well written plot, action, romance, a mystery, and a plot twist. It covers so many bases that I just loves it. Can't wait to start the second book.
I got this book over a year ago and finally picked it up when I was in recovery from no more baby surgery. A well written plot, action, romance, a mystery, and a plot twist. It covers so many bases that I just loves it. Can't wait to start the second book.
March 6, 2022
Well written, less errors than average for self published authors. Good storyline that builds. Can’t wait for more from this author!
March 5, 2024
This book, omg
Hollis Darling gets you hooked from the get go
This is amazing and that ending.. to die for
I loved every moment of this story
Hollis Darling gets you hooked from the get go
This is amazing and that ending.. to die for
I loved every moment of this story
December 7, 2024
What fun
I stumbled upon this book as it was purely a cover-buy. I was so pleasantly surprised that it was also a delightful story! Quickly paced, great characters.
I stumbled upon this book as it was purely a cover-buy. I was so pleasantly surprised that it was also a delightful story! Quickly paced, great characters.
October 5, 2025
While a bit slow on the outset, it rounded out into a very enjoyable read. This series felt very, very inspired by Cruel Prince and A Court of Thorns and Roses, but lacks a certain elegance that those series have. I saw the end reveal coming from a mile away, but still interested ot read more.
July 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book.
It's well written, I enjoy the writing style.
HOWEVER, I never wanna see the word "droll" ever again. It is used way too much.
The characters are good, I like the banter between characters. The clear loving friendship between her and Emma.
The story has a strong start. Loved that it kept a lot of the fae folklore.
Excited for the next book.
It's well written, I enjoy the writing style.
HOWEVER, I never wanna see the word "droll" ever again. It is used way too much.
The characters are good, I like the banter between characters. The clear loving friendship between her and Emma.
The story has a strong start. Loved that it kept a lot of the fae folklore.
Excited for the next book.
November 1, 2024
This book follows a widow named Billie as her world is suddenly introduced to the Fae. Her best friend goes missing after a bonfire, and she finds herself entangled with a healer and Fae named Callum. Through her connection with him, she tries to find what happened to her best friend, Emma. Only what she discovers about where her friend was taken and why has more to do with Billie’s past than anyone realizes. I’m curious about where the next book in this series will do, but it has not been released yet nor has a date been set yet as far as I’m aware.
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