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Trollkin Lovers #6
Finding the Troll's Heart
Six months ago, Simka’s sister was stolen by wild orcs. When the neutral city of Morgenzan refuses to help, Simka goes on a rescue mission—but she can’t find the orc camp alone.
Corporal Jar’kel, a grouchy old troll with a broken tusk, has been sent to the frigid Blue Crags to help defend a valuable mine against the wild orcs. When he catches Simka vandalizing the mine, he makes her a deal: if she helps him find the wild orcs, he’ll help save her sister, and he can at last return home.
While Jar’kel and Simka work together to locate the camp, Jar’kel denies his growing attraction to the younger human woman. But to succeed in their mission, they must pretend to be a mated pair. Can they keep up the ruse when it feels much too real?
Corporal Jar’kel, a grouchy old troll with a broken tusk, has been sent to the frigid Blue Crags to help defend a valuable mine against the wild orcs. When he catches Simka vandalizing the mine, he makes her a deal: if she helps him find the wild orcs, he’ll help save her sister, and he can at last return home.
While Jar’kel and Simka work together to locate the camp, Jar’kel denies his growing attraction to the younger human woman. But to succeed in their mission, they must pretend to be a mated pair. Can they keep up the ruse when it feels much too real?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
19 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Lyonne Riley
32 books878 followersLyonne Riley writes super steamy monster romance, fantasy romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere with her spouse and two dogs, writing spicy fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
May 5, 2024
Simka was awesome - the stereotypical fairy tale heroine who hunts and cares for her family, and it this case, is searching for her sister. The good thing is she’s 22 instead of 17! Jar’kel was grumpiness personified and had quite the growth arc from surly selfish loner to doting mate and protector. It wasn’t quite instalove and had some rejected mates themes going on, but it was definitely a fast burn. Simka had to make some hard choices throughout the book, which I enjoyed. Life is never straightforward and people are shades of gray. Another great novel!
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: Painful sex, Voyeurism including voyeurism of sister and her mate, Public sexual acts, Killing of animals for meat and pelts (off-page), Violence, Arson, Torture (off-page), Gore (dismembered head), Life-threatening pregnancy, Birth
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: Painful sex, Voyeurism including voyeurism of sister and her mate, Public sexual acts, Killing of animals for meat and pelts (off-page), Violence, Arson, Torture (off-page), Gore (dismembered head), Life-threatening pregnancy, Birth
May 7, 2024
(This is an ARC review, thanks to Lyonne Riley as always!)
Lyonne, do you enjoy making me feel complete and utter turmoil all the time? Is this your pastime?
So after having my heart ripped out, torn to shreds, tossed in a blender, strained, salted, and put into a jar to ferment after reading Programmed for Love, I was preparing myself for this book. Tissues on deck.
This book follows Simka, a human girl. Basically, a few months ago, her sister got kidnapped by a group of Crazy Ol' Orcs. (Living my dream, to be honest) But Simka wants to make some change. Her city refuses to help, and she takes matters into her own hands. She heads uphill to try and find the orc camp but fails. HOWEVEERRRRR whole she's there she finds this mine and starts vandalizing the fuck out of it because she's angry. Fair response.
In comes our male love interest, Corporal Jar'kel. He's a grumpy older Trollkin with a broken tusk and a sour attitude. He's been guarding the mine to try and defend it from the orcs. He sees Simka and they make an agreement: if she helps him find the orcs, he will help to find her sister. BUT!!!!!! to succeed in this mission (and to make sure nobody bats an eye) they have to present as a mated pair. Fake mated pair, obviously.
I can't give spoilers, but girl. This book had me on the edge of my hypothetical seat. Lyonne Riley is such a breath of fresh air. There's been an influx of a sort of fast-fashion culture with books recently, where authors are just popping out books as fast as they can, with the quality decreasing to show for it. This has been an issue, especially in the monster/PNR romance community. Riley's worldbuilding and writing are genuinely so good, and her stories always have plots that keep you entertained.
I'm so grateful to be on her permanent ARC team! I fell in love with her writing the first time I read one of her works. Jar'kel and Simka are the cutest and I'm so excited for the rest of the world to see them, too. =D
Lyonne, do you enjoy making me feel complete and utter turmoil all the time? Is this your pastime?
So after having my heart ripped out, torn to shreds, tossed in a blender, strained, salted, and put into a jar to ferment after reading Programmed for Love, I was preparing myself for this book. Tissues on deck.
This book follows Simka, a human girl. Basically, a few months ago, her sister got kidnapped by a group of Crazy Ol' Orcs. (Living my dream, to be honest) But Simka wants to make some change. Her city refuses to help, and she takes matters into her own hands. She heads uphill to try and find the orc camp but fails. HOWEVEERRRRR whole she's there she finds this mine and starts vandalizing the fuck out of it because she's angry. Fair response.
In comes our male love interest, Corporal Jar'kel. He's a grumpy older Trollkin with a broken tusk and a sour attitude. He's been guarding the mine to try and defend it from the orcs. He sees Simka and they make an agreement: if she helps him find the orcs, he will help to find her sister. BUT!!!!!! to succeed in this mission (and to make sure nobody bats an eye) they have to present as a mated pair. Fake mated pair, obviously.
I can't give spoilers, but girl. This book had me on the edge of my hypothetical seat. Lyonne Riley is such a breath of fresh air. There's been an influx of a sort of fast-fashion culture with books recently, where authors are just popping out books as fast as they can, with the quality decreasing to show for it. This has been an issue, especially in the monster/PNR romance community. Riley's worldbuilding and writing are genuinely so good, and her stories always have plots that keep you entertained.
I'm so grateful to be on her permanent ARC team! I fell in love with her writing the first time I read one of her works. Jar'kel and Simka are the cutest and I'm so excited for the rest of the world to see them, too. =D
May 9, 2024
I love Simka and Jar’kel- they are both grumpy and using each other to accomplish their individual goals. Jar’kel will help Simka find her sister if Simka helps him locate the base of wild orcs who have been attacking miners.
Simka is independent and strong-willed, but not so stubborn that she doesn’t listen to reason. Jar’kel is an older troll and very jaded, with little hope that he will find any joy in this life, but his respect for Simka wins him over. Slowly but surely, he begins to recognize the signs of a mate bond and tries to push Simka away, knowing that his age would only leave her alone in the end.
The age-gap was fantastically done and with the grumpy personality on both sides, I was a goner. The spice, as always, was fantastic and beautifully done here. It wasn’t rushed or drawn out, it felt organic and natural to the story progression and relationship *chef’s kiss*
Simka is independent and strong-willed, but not so stubborn that she doesn’t listen to reason. Jar’kel is an older troll and very jaded, with little hope that he will find any joy in this life, but his respect for Simka wins him over. Slowly but surely, he begins to recognize the signs of a mate bond and tries to push Simka away, knowing that his age would only leave her alone in the end.
The age-gap was fantastically done and with the grumpy personality on both sides, I was a goner. The spice, as always, was fantastic and beautifully done here. It wasn’t rushed or drawn out, it felt organic and natural to the story progression and relationship *chef’s kiss*
May 26, 2024
I can’t keep starting my reviews with “Lyonne Riley” does it again, can I? Because well, it’s absolutely T R U E. Just like that, another perfect romance out of the mind of Ms Riley.
I always feel connected to her characters but I really felt something with Simka. I don’t know why but I totally wanted to meet her and be her best friend because I just know we’d hit it off. I love her independence and endurance. Her love for her sister and dad. Her will never fading for wanting to find her sister and reunite her family again. She’s such a great character.
Even with this being a shorter story (still a several hour read) I really loved her world building here. So descriptive I feel like I have seen these places.
Jar’kel 😍 he reminds me so much of my husband it’s not even funny. He’s not a trollkin, but their personalities are legit the same. Grumpy, sassy, protective, a hard exterior but the softest softie on the inside. He’s one of those that’s hard to find but once you get him- he’s yours.
I loved them together, I loved their connection (maybe Lyonne stalked me and wrote this about us?) but I absolutely loved their ending.
If you love spicy monster romances- go get this book. (And take a look at all of Lyonne’s work!) she got me started in this world and I’ll never leave now 🤍🥵
I always feel connected to her characters but I really felt something with Simka. I don’t know why but I totally wanted to meet her and be her best friend because I just know we’d hit it off. I love her independence and endurance. Her love for her sister and dad. Her will never fading for wanting to find her sister and reunite her family again. She’s such a great character.
Even with this being a shorter story (still a several hour read) I really loved her world building here. So descriptive I feel like I have seen these places.
Jar’kel 😍 he reminds me so much of my husband it’s not even funny. He’s not a trollkin, but their personalities are legit the same. Grumpy, sassy, protective, a hard exterior but the softest softie on the inside. He’s one of those that’s hard to find but once you get him- he’s yours.
I loved them together, I loved their connection (maybe Lyonne stalked me and wrote this about us?) but I absolutely loved their ending.
If you love spicy monster romances- go get this book. (And take a look at all of Lyonne’s work!) she got me started in this world and I’ll never leave now 🤍🥵
May 14, 2024
I’m a fucking troll. An old, crotchety troll with one broken tusk and a mean streak a mile wide. She would never see me the way I see her.
This was one of the best in the whole Trollkin Series! Simka and Jar'kel are perfect for each other.
Simka is fighting to get assistance to go hunt for the wild orcs who came through her village and stole her sister. Jar'kel wants to get out of the cold and get his job handled, so it makes sense to team up with the girl who says she knows where the wild orcs have gone. But things don't go as planned, and they end up in a fake dating situation! Only things aren't fake for long.
I ate up all the angst in this book; it wasn't too much, but it was just the right sprinkling of it. I really loved how stubborn Jar'kel was. I wanted him to stop fighting his desires and be with Simka, but his fears were really understandable. He's a grumpy old Troll, and he felt like Simka was too young to want to tie herself to him. The pain and angst they go through dancing around their want for each other... When they finally get together, it's...amazing.
Simka seems tough and independent, but at the same time, she can be vulnerable with him. They are both such strong, independent people, but they lean on each other, and it's really precious.
Simka is such a good sister; she is willing to give everything to get her sister back. I was worried because, for a second there, I thought their relationship wouldn't recover. Simka did so much to find her! But I felt the end was good and I was just so happy that everyone was happy in the end
So, the world lore in this series is one of my favorite bits. I am also interested in knowing what is happening, and we get a lot of info here! More magic, and I'm excited to see what will happen with the Tollkin and the humans.
This was one of the best in the whole Trollkin Series! Simka and Jar'kel are perfect for each other.
Simka is fighting to get assistance to go hunt for the wild orcs who came through her village and stole her sister. Jar'kel wants to get out of the cold and get his job handled, so it makes sense to team up with the girl who says she knows where the wild orcs have gone. But things don't go as planned, and they end up in a fake dating situation! Only things aren't fake for long.
I ate up all the angst in this book; it wasn't too much, but it was just the right sprinkling of it. I really loved how stubborn Jar'kel was. I wanted him to stop fighting his desires and be with Simka, but his fears were really understandable. He's a grumpy old Troll, and he felt like Simka was too young to want to tie herself to him. The pain and angst they go through dancing around their want for each other... When they finally get together, it's...amazing.
Simka seems tough and independent, but at the same time, she can be vulnerable with him. They are both such strong, independent people, but they lean on each other, and it's really precious.
Simka is such a good sister; she is willing to give everything to get her sister back. I was worried because, for a second there, I thought their relationship wouldn't recover. Simka did so much to find her! But I felt the end was good and I was just so happy that everyone was happy in the end
So, the world lore in this series is one of my favorite bits. I am also interested in knowing what is happening, and we get a lot of info here! More magic, and I'm excited to see what will happen with the Tollkin and the humans.
May 18, 2024
I really enjoyed Simka and Jar'kel's story. Simka is on a mission to find her sister and Jar'kel, on a mission of his own, just might be able to help her. Maybe. Both are so grumpy and Simka is such a little fireball, I love her! Age gap and rejected mates done well! There's such good tension and push and pull that you won't want to put this down. The push is just enough so you don't want to throw your kindle but enough that the pull has such a good payoff. This story played out beautifully (like all Lyonne stories) and the pacing was perfect. Jar'kel's adoration and appreciation for his strong human is so sweet. I really loved this couple.
May 6, 2024
Oh gosh, I just love everything Lyonne Riley writes! Here are some of the goodies to expect in this one:
💙 Grumpy MMC
💙 Feisty FMC
💙 Age Gap
💙 Size Difference
💙 Fake dating / fake mates
What I loved about the book:
1. I absolutely adore age gap romances and this one was no exception!
2. I haven’t had a chance to read book 5 in the series yet, but this book furthered the magic system at play in book 4 giving it a lot more details on its background, and I loved it!
Riley is very good at linking stories and furthering them at a pace that makes sense but isn’t overwhelming to those new to her work or reading out of order. Every time I pick up one of her Trollkin Lovers books I definitely feel like we’re peeling back more of the onion in the overall universe that’s building to something monumental.
3. Like the other books of Riley’s that I’ve read, this story had a strong FMC and a loveable MMC. I loved reading of Simka’s commands mixed with her vulnerability, as well Jar’kel’s changing thoughts on Simka from a naïve kid to a capable woman as he got to know her.
4. I liked seeing the FMC take charge a lot during intimate times. Not that I felt there was one at any time, but this definitely should have eradicated any thoughts by readers of a power imbalance between the two in their age gap relationship.
I also enjoyed the painful virgin sex being represented, especially for such a strong FMC. We typically read very little about the aftercare outside of being “cleaned up” and the FMC being “a little sore”, but this book really drove home the need to wait it out a bit and I loved that.
5. I liked that we got so many (seemingly) important new characters, as well as a smaller side character relationship in this one between Gorren and Vavi. Double the romance = double the fun!
Final Thoughts:
I think I’ve finally decided I’m a troll girl over an orc girl, but in the Lyonne Riley world, why choose?
If you haven’t started on the Trollkin Lovers series, this is your reminder to start!
Thank you to Lyonne Riley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
💙 Grumpy MMC
💙 Feisty FMC
💙 Age Gap
💙 Size Difference
💙 Fake dating / fake mates
What I loved about the book:
1. I absolutely adore age gap romances and this one was no exception!
2. I haven’t had a chance to read book 5 in the series yet, but this book furthered the magic system at play in book 4 giving it a lot more details on its background, and I loved it!
Riley is very good at linking stories and furthering them at a pace that makes sense but isn’t overwhelming to those new to her work or reading out of order. Every time I pick up one of her Trollkin Lovers books I definitely feel like we’re peeling back more of the onion in the overall universe that’s building to something monumental.
3. Like the other books of Riley’s that I’ve read, this story had a strong FMC and a loveable MMC. I loved reading of Simka’s commands mixed with her vulnerability, as well Jar’kel’s changing thoughts on Simka from a naïve kid to a capable woman as he got to know her.
4. I liked seeing the FMC take charge a lot during intimate times. Not that I felt there was one at any time, but this definitely should have eradicated any thoughts by readers of a power imbalance between the two in their age gap relationship.
I also enjoyed the painful virgin sex being represented, especially for such a strong FMC. We typically read very little about the aftercare outside of being “cleaned up” and the FMC being “a little sore”, but this book really drove home the need to wait it out a bit and I loved that.
5. I liked that we got so many (seemingly) important new characters, as well as a smaller side character relationship in this one between Gorren and Vavi. Double the romance = double the fun!
Final Thoughts:
I think I’ve finally decided I’m a troll girl over an orc girl, but in the Lyonne Riley world, why choose?
If you haven’t started on the Trollkin Lovers series, this is your reminder to start!
Thank you to Lyonne Riley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
May 19, 2024
4.5 stars
"Simka is everything, the culmination of my whole long life, of every hardship and struggle, and even the small victories. She's my missing piece, my other half. I can sense her heart, fiery and free, inside mine as she sews up all my damaged edges, knitting them neatly back together."
Another great story from this wonderful world! It's amazing how Lyonne connects all of these characters and stories. Each time we get a little more of a glimpse into the lore of this world and it makes me feral for the next book! Loved getting back to the magic that we were introduced to in one of the earlier books and got to know more about the wild orcs! And of course a quick peek at who I think was Graz...👀 Hope he shows up more in future books!
The little bit of tension and slow burn was great. And of course the spice was delicious! The only issue I had as far as spice goes was 1. Simka seeing her sister together with a male (like full on sees everything) and 2. Simka and Jar'kel doing it in her childhood home with her father hearing everything. Those two parts made me feel a little grossed out.
Simka has become a new favorite FMC. She's strong, resilient, and her humor had me cracking up. But she knew when she needed help and was able to step back and put her trust in Jar'kel if it would help her find her sister. And I immediately fell in love in with Jar'kel the moment he said "I'm too old for this sh**." 🤣 I felt so bad for him - thinking that he didn't deserve happiness. Once I learned his reasons for rejecting the mate bond I was heartbroken. 😭
Can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
"Simka is everything, the culmination of my whole long life, of every hardship and struggle, and even the small victories. She's my missing piece, my other half. I can sense her heart, fiery and free, inside mine as she sews up all my damaged edges, knitting them neatly back together."
Another great story from this wonderful world! It's amazing how Lyonne connects all of these characters and stories. Each time we get a little more of a glimpse into the lore of this world and it makes me feral for the next book! Loved getting back to the magic that we were introduced to in one of the earlier books and got to know more about the wild orcs! And of course a quick peek at who I think was Graz...👀 Hope he shows up more in future books!
The little bit of tension and slow burn was great. And of course the spice was delicious! The only issue I had as far as spice goes was 1. Simka seeing her sister together with a male (like full on sees everything) and 2. Simka and Jar'kel doing it in her childhood home with her father hearing everything. Those two parts made me feel a little grossed out.
Simka has become a new favorite FMC. She's strong, resilient, and her humor had me cracking up. But she knew when she needed help and was able to step back and put her trust in Jar'kel if it would help her find her sister. And I immediately fell in love in with Jar'kel the moment he said "I'm too old for this sh**." 🤣 I felt so bad for him - thinking that he didn't deserve happiness. Once I learned his reasons for rejecting the mate bond I was heartbroken. 😭
Can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
May 6, 2024
I was provided an advance copy of this book for review consideration. Special thanks to Lyonne Riley for this ARC.
I haven't met a Lyonne Riley book I didn't love so I was excited to get my hands on this one.
Fake dating and trolls and size differences. Just sign me up already!
We have Simka (22), a human looking to rescue her sister who was abducted by the wild orcs that raided her village.
We also have Corporal Jar'kel (certainly not 22), a grumpy old troll with a broken tusk and basically no f*cks left to give. He seeks the orc encampment so he can finally leave his post at the city guard and return home to the desert where it's warm.
Since they both wish to find the orcs, Jar'kel proposes to join forces with Simka. Along the way, they are thrust into a position where they have to pretend to be a mated pair.
I just love the tropes in this book. He's quite a bit older, though we're never given his exact age, so we have an implied sizeable age gap. He's a big old grump, so that's a bit of grumpy/sunshine and a bit of size difference. Plus there's the big blue troll thing going on, for those of you who are unapologetic monster f*ckers. 🙋♀️
There's a bit of hurt, for sure, but don't worry, because there is also comfort to soothe the sting. And a bit of grovelling, for those of you who enjoy that.
As usual, LR paints a vivid picture of a land filled with both humans and monsters alike. The relationship between the MCs is developed gradually and in a way that is satisfying and believable.
If a romance with a troll sounds like it could interest you, I definitely recommend you giving this one a try. Lyonne Riley doesn't miss!
What you get:
Bonfire orgies
A cranky troll who's too old for this shit
A giant blue weenie
Reluctant fated mates
Virgin FMC
Uncomfortably watching your sister get railed
An absolutely badass and capable FMC
Br33ding
Size difference
Watch out for:
Abduction
Gore
Pregnancy complications
Rejected mate angst
I haven't met a Lyonne Riley book I didn't love so I was excited to get my hands on this one.
Fake dating and trolls and size differences. Just sign me up already!
We have Simka (22), a human looking to rescue her sister who was abducted by the wild orcs that raided her village.
We also have Corporal Jar'kel (certainly not 22), a grumpy old troll with a broken tusk and basically no f*cks left to give. He seeks the orc encampment so he can finally leave his post at the city guard and return home to the desert where it's warm.
Since they both wish to find the orcs, Jar'kel proposes to join forces with Simka. Along the way, they are thrust into a position where they have to pretend to be a mated pair.
I just love the tropes in this book. He's quite a bit older, though we're never given his exact age, so we have an implied sizeable age gap. He's a big old grump, so that's a bit of grumpy/sunshine and a bit of size difference. Plus there's the big blue troll thing going on, for those of you who are unapologetic monster f*ckers. 🙋♀️
There's a bit of hurt, for sure, but don't worry, because there is also comfort to soothe the sting. And a bit of grovelling, for those of you who enjoy that.
As usual, LR paints a vivid picture of a land filled with both humans and monsters alike. The relationship between the MCs is developed gradually and in a way that is satisfying and believable.
If a romance with a troll sounds like it could interest you, I definitely recommend you giving this one a try. Lyonne Riley doesn't miss!
What you get:
Bonfire orgies
A cranky troll who's too old for this shit
A giant blue weenie
Reluctant fated mates
Virgin FMC
Uncomfortably watching your sister get railed
An absolutely badass and capable FMC
Br33ding
Size difference
Watch out for:
Abduction
Gore
Pregnancy complications
Rejected mate angst
May 27, 2024
" She looks fierce, competent and confident. She's someone who can take care of herself and doesn't require coddling, and I find myself admiring it. "
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0⭐️
Romance lvl: 4.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.0🌶️
Smut frequency: 2.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
💙 Troll x Human
💙 Age Gap
💙 Fake "dating"
💙 She's a badass woman
💙 He's an old grouch
💙 Hurt/Confort
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
I can't stress enough how much of a FAN I am of this series. Every time I think I have a favorite book, the next one comes out and I'm head over heels all over again. ❤️🔥😮💨
Nota Bene: The Trollkin Lovers series is an interconnected book series and you can read it in any order, but the experience of this one is very much increased if you have the clues from all the other ones ✨
Simka tho, she's my girl. I love her type, she's my type and I want to be her 😂
She's Miss Independent 2.0 with the most badass attitude while still being relatable enough ✨
The "I'm too old for that shit" attitude of Jar'kel is ME.🤣🤣🤣 Man's tired of all the bullshit and just wants to go home where it's sunny and nobody's bothering him 🤣
Jokes aside, their happy ending? By the end of that book, I needed it as much as them! 😭💕
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
💙 size difference
💙 virgin fmc
💙 orc orgy/exhibitionism
💙 mating bond frenzy
💙 breeding kink
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.0⭐️
Romance lvl: 4.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.0🌶️
Smut frequency: 2.5⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
💙 Troll x Human
💙 Age Gap
💙 Fake "dating"
💙 She's a badass woman
💙 He's an old grouch
💙 Hurt/Confort
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
I can't stress enough how much of a FAN I am of this series. Every time I think I have a favorite book, the next one comes out and I'm head over heels all over again. ❤️🔥😮💨
Nota Bene: The Trollkin Lovers series is an interconnected book series and you can read it in any order, but the experience of this one is very much increased if you have the clues from all the other ones ✨
Simka tho, she's my girl. I love her type, she's my type and I want to be her 😂
She's Miss Independent 2.0 with the most badass attitude while still being relatable enough ✨
The "I'm too old for that shit" attitude of Jar'kel is ME.🤣🤣🤣 Man's tired of all the bullshit and just wants to go home where it's sunny and nobody's bothering him 🤣
Jokes aside, their happy ending? By the end of that book, I needed it as much as them! 😭💕
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
💙 size difference
💙 virgin fmc
💙 orc orgy/exhibitionism
💙 mating bond frenzy
💙 breeding kink
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
May 17, 2024
⭐️ overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 plot intensity: 📚📚📚
🔥 burn: 🔥🔥🔥
💋 spice: 💋💋💋
🍬 sweetness: 🍬🍬🍬
🩵 the feels: 🩵🩵🩵
🤣 humour: 🤣🤣
🩸 gore/violence: 🩸🩸
🍆 peen uniqueness: 🍆🍆
👤 POV: 1st Person — Dual POV
━━ † ━━
I’m always blown away by how Lyonne Riley manages to captivate my imagination and my heart with her wonderful characters, exciting world building and scorching hot SPICE and ‘Finding the Troll’s Heart’ is absolutely no exception!
This is the sixth book in the ‘Trollkin Lovers’ series (which can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed by reading the previous novels) and another fantastic addition—this time following the story of grumpy, one-tusked troll Jar’kel & his feisty, fierce human, Simka as they juggle a stubborn mule, a daring rescue attempt, and inevitably, their growing attraction to each other as their relationship blooms from fake dating to bonded/fated mates.
There’s excitement, witty charm, a little bit of angst, heated lust, heartwarming love and an acceptance of not being afraid to take risks in life to achieve happiness because your fears only hold your true self and ability to love back. Then add in some breeding kink (resulting in a whelp or two for good measure) that Lyonne writes SO well and you’ve got yourself an absolutely perfect recipe for a fantastic read to thoroughly indulge and devour. 5/5 stars!!
━━ † ━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
📚 plot intensity: 📚📚📚
🔥 burn: 🔥🔥🔥
💋 spice: 💋💋💋
🍬 sweetness: 🍬🍬🍬
🩵 the feels: 🩵🩵🩵
🤣 humour: 🤣🤣
🩸 gore/violence: 🩸🩸
🍆 peen uniqueness: 🍆🍆
👤 POV: 1st Person — Dual POV
━━ † ━━
I’m always blown away by how Lyonne Riley manages to captivate my imagination and my heart with her wonderful characters, exciting world building and scorching hot SPICE and ‘Finding the Troll’s Heart’ is absolutely no exception!
This is the sixth book in the ‘Trollkin Lovers’ series (which can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed by reading the previous novels) and another fantastic addition—this time following the story of grumpy, one-tusked troll Jar’kel & his feisty, fierce human, Simka as they juggle a stubborn mule, a daring rescue attempt, and inevitably, their growing attraction to each other as their relationship blooms from fake dating to bonded/fated mates.
There’s excitement, witty charm, a little bit of angst, heated lust, heartwarming love and an acceptance of not being afraid to take risks in life to achieve happiness because your fears only hold your true self and ability to love back. Then add in some breeding kink (resulting in a whelp or two for good measure) that Lyonne writes SO well and you’ve got yourself an absolutely perfect recipe for a fantastic read to thoroughly indulge and devour. 5/5 stars!!
━━ † ━━
❗️I received this ARC via sign up and every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations❗️
May 22, 2024
✨️Arc review✨️
Finding the Trolls Heart
By Lyonne Riley
Trollkin Lovers Book 7
❄️Enemies to lovers
❄️Fake dating
❄️Size difference
❄️Rejected mates
❄️Age gap
❄️Grumpy x Grumpy
❄️Br33ding
❄️Pregnancy
Simka underestimated for her size, but she's determined to find her sister who was kidnapped by the wild orcs. One day, she begrudgingly asks Jar'kel for help.
Jar'kel, troll with one tusk, tired and just wants to go back home, but part of him wants to help the fiery Simka on her journey. Will them faking their relationship help them find her sister and get him back home ?
Another fantastic book by Lyonne, everything she writes is amazing! The spice was so hot, but I really loved how they were both grumpy but still managed to bring the soft side out in one another.
Thank you, Lyonne, for letting me be a part of your team!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶🌶🌶
Available May 24th!!
Finding the Trolls Heart
By Lyonne Riley
Trollkin Lovers Book 7
❄️Enemies to lovers
❄️Fake dating
❄️Size difference
❄️Rejected mates
❄️Age gap
❄️Grumpy x Grumpy
❄️Br33ding
❄️Pregnancy
Simka underestimated for her size, but she's determined to find her sister who was kidnapped by the wild orcs. One day, she begrudgingly asks Jar'kel for help.
Jar'kel, troll with one tusk, tired and just wants to go back home, but part of him wants to help the fiery Simka on her journey. Will them faking their relationship help them find her sister and get him back home ?
Another fantastic book by Lyonne, everything she writes is amazing! The spice was so hot, but I really loved how they were both grumpy but still managed to bring the soft side out in one another.
Thank you, Lyonne, for letting me be a part of your team!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️
🌶🌶🌶
Available May 24th!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
The grumpy x grumpy story I didn't know I needed. I loved that both Simka and Jar'kel are tactical thinkers in the way that they approach crisis situations. Despite the age gap, they're well matched. The way that their relationship developed felt organic and well paced. I thought it was a nice touch that they adressed Jar'kels fear of leaving behind a young child and his mate in the same way that his parents, who had him later in life passed away when he was young. I appreciated that it wasn't sweeped under the rug or done away with a "We're mates," so all our individual insecurities and fears are now instantly gone!
•••
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
•••
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
May 16, 2024
This book was my favourite of the trollkin so far!
Simka is the embodiment of small people with big personalities, shes strong and independant, but theres a vulnerability underneath. She fights for what she feels is just and wont let anybody get in her way. Enter Jar'kel the big grumpy troll who is pretty much fed up with everything.
The spice as always was fantasticly done, the size difference, age gap with a fake mating situation added that extra umph.
Simka is the embodiment of small people with big personalities, shes strong and independant, but theres a vulnerability underneath. She fights for what she feels is just and wont let anybody get in her way. Enter Jar'kel the big grumpy troll who is pretty much fed up with everything.
The spice as always was fantasticly done, the size difference, age gap with a fake mating situation added that extra umph.
May 16, 2024
Another great story from Lyonne Riley. She always writes the swooniest stories and I love the spice she writes too. Breedy and horny. I'm loving how the world is developing and I just can't wait for more. Also this one was a little longer than previous books and I was so happy to have more time with these characters.
May 30, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Simka was not quiet, and I have my doubts she ever will be. No, not my mountain woman. She will tell the entire world when I pleasure her, and I relish the thought."
👀Tropes: Dual POV, monster romance with low enemies to lovers, fake relationship, fated mates, age gap, grumpy/grumpy, size difference, first time
☠️CW: war between races, violence (not MC's), murder (not MC's)
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook ARC
✨Initial Reaction: I haven't read the others in the series, but I absolutely will be doing so now! I love love love everything else that Lyonne has written, with my favorite being My Minotaur Husband.
✨Final Reaction: Simka and Jar'kel are written with their own individual reasons for how they interact with the world, making them the perfect grumpy/grumpy couple. The slow burn spicy scenes are built up with the pining and the want throughout the fake relationship and when it hits, it hits so good. Even though Simka is a virgin, the first scene is written really well. I have one issue with the ending,
💖Quotes:
😤"She chewed out the unlucky fellow who works the front desk with impressive vigor. Even though she looks like a harmless little cub in her fluffy fur hood, she carries an intimidating presence."
🫴"I want him to touch me, even now, and it’s terrifying. I’ve never craved hands on me like this, and there’s nothing else more awful."
😱“Should I try again?” I ask hopefully. He groans. “I don’t want them to think I’ve been beating you.” and "I think of how I wanted to touch him. To see him. To kiss him. Then I throw back my head and let out a moan."
🍴“I’m going to devour you, Simka,” he says in a low, rumbling voice. “I’m going to make you scream in so many ways, for many long years. But right now I’m going to eat you until all you can say is my name.”
💗"I found the best woman there is."
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Simka was not quiet, and I have my doubts she ever will be. No, not my mountain woman. She will tell the entire world when I pleasure her, and I relish the thought."
👀Tropes: Dual POV, monster romance with low enemies to lovers, fake relationship, fated mates, age gap, grumpy/grumpy, size difference, first time
☠️CW: war between races, violence (not MC's), murder (not MC's)
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook ARC
✨Initial Reaction: I haven't read the others in the series, but I absolutely will be doing so now! I love love love everything else that Lyonne has written, with my favorite being My Minotaur Husband.
✨Final Reaction: Simka and Jar'kel are written with their own individual reasons for how they interact with the world, making them the perfect grumpy/grumpy couple. The slow burn spicy scenes are built up with the pining and the want throughout the fake relationship and when it hits, it hits so good. Even though Simka is a virgin, the first scene is written really well. I have one issue with the ending,
💖Quotes:
😤"She chewed out the unlucky fellow who works the front desk with impressive vigor. Even though she looks like a harmless little cub in her fluffy fur hood, she carries an intimidating presence."
🫴"I want him to touch me, even now, and it’s terrifying. I’ve never craved hands on me like this, and there’s nothing else more awful."
😱“Should I try again?” I ask hopefully. He groans. “I don’t want them to think I’ve been beating you.” and "I think of how I wanted to touch him. To see him. To kiss him. Then I throw back my head and let out a moan."
🍴“I’m going to devour you, Simka,” he says in a low, rumbling voice. “I’m going to make you scream in so many ways, for many long years. But right now I’m going to eat you until all you can say is my name.”
💗"I found the best woman there is."
May 7, 2024
Another amazing book in the Trollkin Lovers series!! and of course characters to love and get attatched to
❤Simka & Jar'kel❤
22 yr old Simka is set on finding her sister who was stolen by the wild orcs and no one will help until.. grumpy ol' Corporal Jar'kel comes along who wants to find the wild orcs who are raiding the mine..coming to a mutually benificial deal he agrees to help find the wild orcs and her sister..and it seems it was fate for them to find eachother.
This book contains so many delicious things!
grumpy/sunshine, age gap, fated mates, size difference, full of emotion, great character developement
all in all, I ADORED this addition to the series and I can't wait to see what story comes next!!
*Thank you Lyonne Riley for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC!
❤Simka & Jar'kel❤
22 yr old Simka is set on finding her sister who was stolen by the wild orcs and no one will help until.. grumpy ol' Corporal Jar'kel comes along who wants to find the wild orcs who are raiding the mine..coming to a mutually benificial deal he agrees to help find the wild orcs and her sister..and it seems it was fate for them to find eachother.
This book contains so many delicious things!
grumpy/sunshine, age gap, fated mates, size difference, full of emotion, great character developement
all in all, I ADORED this addition to the series and I can't wait to see what story comes next!!
*Thank you Lyonne Riley for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC!
May 6, 2024
I love going back to the Trollkin Lovers universe.
Simka's been wanting to find her sister who got kidnapped by the wild orcs and when she asked for help, no one cares about rescuing her sister. Enter Corporal Jar’kel, who caught Simka vandalizing the mine so they enter a truce of helping one another to achieve their own goals.
I always love a badass FMC and Simka is that. She's so determined, brave and persistent in her pursuits in finding her sister. She complemented Jar'kel so well. Our MMC is a grump, and rightfully so considering his past and his struggles in life.
I did wished they communicate throughout the book (sharing their history/past, etc.), but I understand both sides as to why they are what they are.
I love seeing snippets of Agkar and Zirelle (book 3)!
Simka's been wanting to find her sister who got kidnapped by the wild orcs and when she asked for help, no one cares about rescuing her sister. Enter Corporal Jar’kel, who caught Simka vandalizing the mine so they enter a truce of helping one another to achieve their own goals.
I always love a badass FMC and Simka is that. She's so determined, brave and persistent in her pursuits in finding her sister. She complemented Jar'kel so well. Our MMC is a grump, and rightfully so considering his past and his struggles in life.
I did wished they communicate throughout the book (sharing their history/past, etc.), but I understand both sides as to why they are what they are.
I love seeing snippets of Agkar and Zirelle (book 3)!
May 5, 2024
This is such a fun read. I liked the characters I liked the story. I feel like it was a perfect world to jump into and wish I had read past books, but plan on reading more into the series. I like how bossy the lead character is because her troll mate was really getting to me that he was unwilling to be with her because of possiblefuture events. I just think that this series is actually very fun and would recommend to anyone looking for a Sweet story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
Are Jar’kel and Simka my new favorite?? They might be my new favorite. I loved this book so much! Lyonne always gets me to care about her characters so quickly.
I love how strong willed Simka is! She cares about her family, and she’s willing to do whatever she needs to do to help them. And Jar’kel is grumpy, but he’s actually the sweetest (and spiciest 👀) protector!
I fly through every Lyonne Riley book I read. This series is so good, and I can’t wait to read more!
Read this if you like:
🩵Age Gap
🩵Rejected Mates
🩵Grumpy MMC
🩵Strong FMC
🩵Fake Dating
Thank you so much, Lyonne, for sending me an arc for an honest review. 💕
I love how strong willed Simka is! She cares about her family, and she’s willing to do whatever she needs to do to help them. And Jar’kel is grumpy, but he’s actually the sweetest (and spiciest 👀) protector!
I fly through every Lyonne Riley book I read. This series is so good, and I can’t wait to read more!
Read this if you like:
🩵Age Gap
🩵Rejected Mates
🩵Grumpy MMC
🩵Strong FMC
🩵Fake Dating
Thank you so much, Lyonne, for sending me an arc for an honest review. 💕
May 31, 2024
This book was an emotional roller coaster from start to finish! The grumpy x grumpy dynamic mixed with the mutual pining? And fake dating?? Perfection. I have never enjoyed age gap romances, but Lyonne performed this trope exceptionally well, as always. I’m ecstatic and intrigued to see the world-building continuing to develop in this sixth installment after the mysterious discoveries in the previous book. I will never tire of this series and I’m constantly waiting for more!
May 24, 2024
This is my new favorite in the Trollkin Lovers series! I loved Simka and Jar’kel so much! I’m also a sucker for fated mates rejecting or resisting their bond before coming together. The angst feeds something in my soul and I can’t get enough! I really enjoyed the lore surrounding magic and learning more about the world and as a sucker for an animal companion I loved Fio.
May 23, 2024
Simka & Jar’kel were just ugh. 😩
Fast burn, difficult choices, and two people using each other for a common goal? A little gray moral moment? Sign me up.
Lyonne is seriously one of my favs lately. I adore her writing and the characters she brings to life.
Fast burn, difficult choices, and two people using each other for a common goal? A little gray moral moment? Sign me up.
Lyonne is seriously one of my favs lately. I adore her writing and the characters she brings to life.
May 24, 2024
Finding The Trolls Heart 🧌ARC Review🧌
Happy Release Day!!
Simka and Jar’kel ~ Book 6
I felt for Jar’kel, understanding where his fear came from and respecting that he did not want to put his potential new family on any path that could lead to pain. However, Simka was there to show him that life is for living in the now!
I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the Trollkin Love series!
4⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC! ☺️
Happy Release Day!!
Simka and Jar’kel ~ Book 6
I felt for Jar’kel, understanding where his fear came from and respecting that he did not want to put his potential new family on any path that could lead to pain. However, Simka was there to show him that life is for living in the now!
I’ll definitely be picking up the rest of the Trollkin Love series!
4⭐️
Thank you to the author for the ARC! ☺️
May 23, 2024
💘Simka and Jar’kel💘
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)
I really enjoyed this book in the Trolkin Lovers Series. I’m a sucker for fake dating and age gap too. I
loved seeing the push and pull in their relationship. The spice in this book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵! I could not get enough of them. This book was a great read and I can’t wait to see other stories that come along in this series 🥰🫶🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(4.5)
I really enjoyed this book in the Trolkin Lovers Series. I’m a sucker for fake dating and age gap too. I
loved seeing the push and pull in their relationship. The spice in this book was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵! I could not get enough of them. This book was a great read and I can’t wait to see other stories that come along in this series 🥰🫶🏻
June 11, 2024
Lyonne KILLS it every single time! Idk how she always creates the most loveable characters ever. Simka & Jar’kel might be one of my favourite couples from this series (I say this every time).
The chemistry between these two, the angst, the denial was SO GOOD. Also I really feel like as we go along we’re learning more about this universe which is super exciting. I need to be back in this universe asap.
The chemistry between these two, the angst, the denial was SO GOOD. Also I really feel like as we go along we’re learning more about this universe which is super exciting. I need to be back in this universe asap.
April 13, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Spice: 3/5
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. This one checked so many boxes for me. We’ve got opposites attract, age gap romance, found family vibes, dangerous missions, and fake mating that gets a little too real. All wrapped in the beautifully fleshed-out world Lyonne Riley continues to build on—this series is truly thriving.
Simka is an absolute firecracker. She’s independent, headstrong, and refuses to be sidelined—even when she’s out of her element, in the freezing Blue Crags, chasing down orcs and looking for her sister. She’s a perfect match for Jar’kel, our older, grouchy, emotionally-guarded troll with a broken tusk and a hidden soft side. I loved their dynamic: she’s all push and passion, he’s all caution and repressed desire. She sees something in him that he can’t quite accept in himself yet.
That said… I do wish we got more from Jar’kel emotionally. He’s older and scared of the age gap (and maybe even of losing again?), but it felt like there was so much more under the surface that we only brushed against. We got hints—his ex, his hesitations, the way he holds himself back—but not enough time to really dig into it. We got hits as to his complex with the broken tusk, but just missing that extra umpf to it! Their relationship had all the ingredients of a perfect pairing, but the recipe felt a little undercooked. Just a bit more narrative meat and it would’ve been a full 5/5, no notes.
The spice? Great. Their chemistry is undeniable and there’s just enough kinky undertone to keep things interesting. But again… I wouldn’t have minded more exploration. There were hints at their dynamic—power play, caretaking, breeding kink, even the butt stuff for both of them—but it felt like the lite version. Like I wanted the full buffet, and I got a snack plate instead.
And let’s talk world-building. We’re getting more and more context with each book, and I am so here for it. This installment expands the map in exciting ways; new zones, factions, and tensions... It’s clearly giving us more information from the previous stories while at the same time laying the groundwork for future stories. I’m especially hyped to read the one about Simka’s sister and the orc she’s been taken by 👀
TL;DR A near-perfect installment. Simka is one of my favorite FMCs in the series, and Jar’kel has massive potential as a MMC. Their story is cozy, hot, and emotionally layered—but I just wish we got a little more depth, especially from Jar’kel’s side. Still, highly recommend if you’re into age gaps, fake mates, opposites attract, and MMCs who want to rail you and nurture your dreams in equal measure.
🔥 Spice: 3/5
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. This one checked so many boxes for me. We’ve got opposites attract, age gap romance, found family vibes, dangerous missions, and fake mating that gets a little too real. All wrapped in the beautifully fleshed-out world Lyonne Riley continues to build on—this series is truly thriving.
Simka is an absolute firecracker. She’s independent, headstrong, and refuses to be sidelined—even when she’s out of her element, in the freezing Blue Crags, chasing down orcs and looking for her sister. She’s a perfect match for Jar’kel, our older, grouchy, emotionally-guarded troll with a broken tusk and a hidden soft side. I loved their dynamic: she’s all push and passion, he’s all caution and repressed desire. She sees something in him that he can’t quite accept in himself yet.
That said… I do wish we got more from Jar’kel emotionally. He’s older and scared of the age gap (and maybe even of losing again?), but it felt like there was so much more under the surface that we only brushed against. We got hints—his ex, his hesitations, the way he holds himself back—but not enough time to really dig into it. We got hits as to his complex with the broken tusk, but just missing that extra umpf to it! Their relationship had all the ingredients of a perfect pairing, but the recipe felt a little undercooked. Just a bit more narrative meat and it would’ve been a full 5/5, no notes.
The spice? Great. Their chemistry is undeniable and there’s just enough kinky undertone to keep things interesting. But again… I wouldn’t have minded more exploration. There were hints at their dynamic—power play, caretaking, breeding kink, even the butt stuff for both of them—but it felt like the lite version. Like I wanted the full buffet, and I got a snack plate instead.
And let’s talk world-building. We’re getting more and more context with each book, and I am so here for it. This installment expands the map in exciting ways; new zones, factions, and tensions... It’s clearly giving us more information from the previous stories while at the same time laying the groundwork for future stories. I’m especially hyped to read the one about Simka’s sister and the orc she’s been taken by 👀
TL;DR A near-perfect installment. Simka is one of my favorite FMCs in the series, and Jar’kel has massive potential as a MMC. Their story is cozy, hot, and emotionally layered—but I just wish we got a little more depth, especially from Jar’kel’s side. Still, highly recommend if you’re into age gaps, fake mates, opposites attract, and MMCs who want to rail you and nurture your dreams in equal measure.
May 16, 2024
📖 - 218 pages
3.5 chili peppers 🌶️ on the spice scale.
Genre: monster romance
POV: Single
Ending: HEA
Book 6 of 7: Trollkin Lovers
I loved this book! Jar’kel and Simka are an adorable grumpy/feisty pair who come together trying to stop orc raids from attacking the city for their own devices and come together along the way to realize that they were fighting for the wrong reasons and soon discover they were fated mates all along. This was such a sexy and fun read, I loved every character in this book, every single one, even Fio the mule.
Grumpy/sunshine is my favorite trope and while Simka is less sunshine and more determined and firey they really work well together. Jar'kels edges soften as he comes to terms with the fact that he shouldn't hide from life just because he's getting older and Simka loves him despite his flaws. This whole series is so good, I love Lyonne Rileys world she's created, pretty much any book she hands me in this world is an insta-buy at this point. All the books can be read as standalones, and all are this wonderful mix of sweet and super steamy. Happy Reading!
Tropes & Content warnings -
Age gap
Fake dating
Virgin FMC
Painful sex
Bonded mates
Violence
Arson
Torture (off-page)
Gore (dismembered head)
Life-threatening pregnancy
Breeding
Pregnancy
Lactation play
Birth
This is a steamy, heartfelt, M/F monster romance (60k words) about a stubborn, virgin FMC and an older, grumpy, and jaded MMC. While it incorporates characters from previous stories, it can be read as a standalone. It features an age gap, fake dating, a virgin sexual encounter, and a guaranteed HEA.
My Spice Rating - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
1 🌶️- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 🌶️🌶️ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
3.5 chili peppers 🌶️ on the spice scale.
Genre: monster romance
POV: Single
Ending: HEA
Book 6 of 7: Trollkin Lovers
I loved this book! Jar’kel and Simka are an adorable grumpy/feisty pair who come together trying to stop orc raids from attacking the city for their own devices and come together along the way to realize that they were fighting for the wrong reasons and soon discover they were fated mates all along. This was such a sexy and fun read, I loved every character in this book, every single one, even Fio the mule.
Grumpy/sunshine is my favorite trope and while Simka is less sunshine and more determined and firey they really work well together. Jar'kels edges soften as he comes to terms with the fact that he shouldn't hide from life just because he's getting older and Simka loves him despite his flaws. This whole series is so good, I love Lyonne Rileys world she's created, pretty much any book she hands me in this world is an insta-buy at this point. All the books can be read as standalones, and all are this wonderful mix of sweet and super steamy. Happy Reading!
Tropes & Content warnings -
Age gap
Fake dating
Virgin FMC
Painful sex
Bonded mates
Violence
Arson
Torture (off-page)
Gore (dismembered head)
Life-threatening pregnancy
Breeding
Pregnancy
Lactation play
Birth
This is a steamy, heartfelt, M/F monster romance (60k words) about a stubborn, virgin FMC and an older, grumpy, and jaded MMC. While it incorporates characters from previous stories, it can be read as a standalone. It features an age gap, fake dating, a virgin sexual encounter, and a guaranteed HEA.
My Spice Rating - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
1 🌶️- May include hands, more kissing, "fade to black" scenes. No open door spice.
2 🌶️🌶️ - Spice happens, but it isn't often. May include open door scenes but they're infrequent or rare.
3 🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Spice happens more often and it is more detailed, Spice is part of the plot, or the book is 50/50 spice to plot.
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - More spice than plot, may contain kinky themes.
5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Absolute smut. Very little plot, sex heavy. The spicy scenes are very explicit, may contain triggering or dangerous themes, Dark romances and erotica.
Thank you to the author for my copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. You can find more of my reviews on all social platforms under the username ThisCryptidReads.
June 16, 2024
Finding the Troll’s Heart is book six of the Trollkin Lovers series and can be read as a stand-alone. This is the second book in the series that I have read and it was fantastic! Tropes include: MF, human & troll, fake mates, fated mates, rejected mates, grumpy sunshine MMC, feisty FMC, v!rg!n FMC, age gap, size difference, breed!ng k!ink, v0yeur!sm. Triggers: v!0lence, ars0n, t0rture (off page), l!fe threatening pregnancy, lactation play, birth, k!ll!ing of animals for meat & pelts (off page). Please read on to find out why I’m giving this book FIVE STARS and FOUR SPICE!
When I read, I am interested in the point of view (POV), the plot, and the spice. I prefer dual POV, I don’t want a predictable or bland plot, and I like my books HOT!
This story is told from first-person dual POV by the female main character (Simka) and the male main character (Jar’Kel). Simka is incredibly strong-willed and determined. I love her spirit! Jar’Kel is grumpy and absolutely set in his ways and I loved watching (reading) Simka bring his character to life.
I didn’t find the plot to be predictable and I’m not going to do a deep dive into a plot summary because I feel like that blurb addresses that well. Simka is determined to find her sister who had been take from their home by an orc clan during a village raid. After crossing paths with Jar’Kel, who happened to see her committing a crime, she made a deal with him to elicit help in her search. Jar’Kel just wanted to finish his sting with the city guard. He was tired of freezing his tusks off and wanted to return to his him in the desert. Taking Simka up on her deal seemed like the quickest way to find the orc clan that he had been instructed to locate and eliminate. These two are in for quite the unexpected adventure.
The spice! The spice was on point with plot, meaning this wasn’t a tale with more spice than plot (which I’m okay with from time to time). Considering the FMC is a v!rg!n, the pacing was appropriate and nothing was forced, which I appreciate. The spice was also very well-written and HOT!!
When I read, I am interested in the point of view (POV), the plot, and the spice. I prefer dual POV, I don’t want a predictable or bland plot, and I like my books HOT!
This story is told from first-person dual POV by the female main character (Simka) and the male main character (Jar’Kel). Simka is incredibly strong-willed and determined. I love her spirit! Jar’Kel is grumpy and absolutely set in his ways and I loved watching (reading) Simka bring his character to life.
I didn’t find the plot to be predictable and I’m not going to do a deep dive into a plot summary because I feel like that blurb addresses that well. Simka is determined to find her sister who had been take from their home by an orc clan during a village raid. After crossing paths with Jar’Kel, who happened to see her committing a crime, she made a deal with him to elicit help in her search. Jar’Kel just wanted to finish his sting with the city guard. He was tired of freezing his tusks off and wanted to return to his him in the desert. Taking Simka up on her deal seemed like the quickest way to find the orc clan that he had been instructed to locate and eliminate. These two are in for quite the unexpected adventure.
The spice! The spice was on point with plot, meaning this wasn’t a tale with more spice than plot (which I’m okay with from time to time). Considering the FMC is a v!rg!n, the pacing was appropriate and nothing was forced, which I appreciate. The spice was also very well-written and HOT!!
May 12, 2024
Book number six in the Trollkin Lovers series by Lyonne Riley, we once again have a man who needs to pull his head from his arse and figure out how to listen. I love this series, truly, and Ms. Riley is an amazing writer. However, I have to say that I do get a bit frustrated with guys who are doing stupid stuff "for her own good". Yes, it is a theme for a reason, but come on.
That being said, a lot of people are dumb in real life, so I am pretty sure the trope holds true.
Per the description, the story follows the adventures of a young girl who's sister is kidnapped by wild orcs, and her teaming up with an aging city guard/troll with a busted tusk to locate her sister and find the hideout of wild orcs, hi-jinks ensue, and sex, sex also ensues. We have the classic comedy of errors regarding emotions and the mating bond, but with more peen.
Regardless, the world building continues on the back of previous books, so while this can be read as a standalone, it is better if you have read the previous ones. The character development is great, and continues throughout the story. I do think that the mate bond could have been explained a bit better, but once again, it follows along better if you read the entire series. Storytelling was, as always excellent, with good descriptions, and a well done narrative, and a solid story-line. No major plot holes, and a cute ass/mule. The Spice was well done, though medium burn, as it didn't start for awhile, and before that there were many looks of longing and uses of imagination. So four out of five peppers. Be aware there is a side difference, but apparently not as much as in some previous books, where the whole thing wouldn't fit.
All in all, the entire series is enjoyable, and you should definitely read it. Don't forget, if you like it that Ms. Riley sells swag boxes on her website so you can buy a paper copy and get stickers, art cards, ect.
That being said, a lot of people are dumb in real life, so I am pretty sure the trope holds true.
Per the description, the story follows the adventures of a young girl who's sister is kidnapped by wild orcs, and her teaming up with an aging city guard/troll with a busted tusk to locate her sister and find the hideout of wild orcs, hi-jinks ensue, and sex, sex also ensues. We have the classic comedy of errors regarding emotions and the mating bond, but with more peen.
Regardless, the world building continues on the back of previous books, so while this can be read as a standalone, it is better if you have read the previous ones. The character development is great, and continues throughout the story. I do think that the mate bond could have been explained a bit better, but once again, it follows along better if you read the entire series. Storytelling was, as always excellent, with good descriptions, and a well done narrative, and a solid story-line. No major plot holes, and a cute ass/mule. The Spice was well done, though medium burn, as it didn't start for awhile, and before that there were many looks of longing and uses of imagination. So four out of five peppers. Be aware there is a side difference, but apparently not as much as in some previous books, where the whole thing wouldn't fit.
All in all, the entire series is enjoyable, and you should definitely read it. Don't forget, if you like it that Ms. Riley sells swag boxes on her website so you can buy a paper copy and get stickers, art cards, ect.
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