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The Faery Reel
Faeries don’t exist, right?
That’s what Osian tells himself. So what if the stranger in the pub, the one that glows in the darkened room, has a beauty that is otherworldly. And that the man is watching him with eyes that promise trouble. So what if the music that drifts across the moor sounds like nothing he's ever heard. So what if it’s the night of the summer solstice, the night when the veil between the human world and the faery world is whisper thin.
Osian is not a believer. Not until he is kidnapped by Conall and taken to the world of the fey. In the Otherworld, Osian is offered something he’s never had: the love of another man. But this love comes at the cruelest price. For in order to stay with Conall, Osian must give up his home, his friends, and his family.
But there is a way out—if he chooses. It involves letting himself go, allowing himself to trust Conall, and finding the true meaning of his name.
Can Osian trust Conall enough to risk it all? It’s a dangerous game he plays, but the prize—love—may be worth the risk of losing it all
That’s what Osian tells himself. So what if the stranger in the pub, the one that glows in the darkened room, has a beauty that is otherworldly. And that the man is watching him with eyes that promise trouble. So what if the music that drifts across the moor sounds like nothing he's ever heard. So what if it’s the night of the summer solstice, the night when the veil between the human world and the faery world is whisper thin.
Osian is not a believer. Not until he is kidnapped by Conall and taken to the world of the fey. In the Otherworld, Osian is offered something he’s never had: the love of another man. But this love comes at the cruelest price. For in order to stay with Conall, Osian must give up his home, his friends, and his family.
But there is a way out—if he chooses. It involves letting himself go, allowing himself to trust Conall, and finding the true meaning of his name.
Can Osian trust Conall enough to risk it all? It’s a dangerous game he plays, but the prize—love—may be worth the risk of losing it all
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First published February 5, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2016
Written March 16, 2014
3.5 Stars - shameless cheeky and fun - sweet romantic
I read a fun and great 4 star review by my friend SheReadsALot (or just "S the Fairy Dust Enchantress") and I lost and failed in my own, not so resolute as I whish, don't click struggle. Again - sigh! ~ I immediately downloaded this 'The Faery Reel' book*.
Some heat, romantic love and tumbling with a blonde faery man sounded too tempting to wait until later. Or, who can resist the the fairies (faery, fay, elf...?? what's the difference?) secret word. Just soooo tempting to get the chance to peek in there a short moment.
Let the door to the fairy world opens!
~**~**~**~**~**~
This was a amusing, simple and yummy fantasy saga.
A violin-playing, pretty grumpy, but funny, Welshman and a nifty, sexy and quite charmed faery man. And the saga overcame the dull reality...of course.
Our "hero" (not that sexy, overwhelming alpha male...maybe), Osian is really a funny and nerdy lad. His hefty, and a bit stubborn, self-irony is hilarious.
~**~**~**~**~**~
Osian and his american girl-buddy Jo, is on a vacation trip to play violin and enjoy a Fiddle Festival in west Ireland. The trip was entirely Jo's idea and Osian are most negative towards the whole thing. He hates the Irish music, he is classically trained, and he is pissed off about, in a big way, everything.
....But then one evening he sees a incredible, divine, beautiful tall man with long blond hair. It kind of shines from the stranger from within. Then suddenly the man just disappeared, as if by magic. Osian had felt something, that man's gaze, something truly special.
It’s the night of the summer solstice, the night when the veil between the human world and the faery. world is whisper thin... ~ And Osian is kidnapped by the mysterius man,
A faery named Conall. Should Osian be congratulated or?
~ Chuckles! This was the right day for an unpretentious story. Giggles-fun all the time. Osian is for sure a droll and sappy character. ~
~**~**~**~**~**~
Osian is having a quite spectacular steaming hot time in this amazing faery-world but ha want to go back to Ireland and Jo, and then later to his home and his classical music studies in Wales. Conall gives him an offer, it's make or break. That is, to be Conall's forever or be free and go back to the human world. The hunt begins...
...but it was really romantic.
The Faery Reel is also a hilarious, wacky, hot, tender and a fairly quick read novella. Osian's inner voice and dialogue is worth a star in itself. I had fun from start to finish.
Now when this perky little story made me in such a good mood, am I somewhat kinder than usual today, and levels up to four stars. It is perhaps too high...well, well, but, this was laugh-inducing.
~ Wonderful cute - a story to smile with. ~
I LIKE - Yes, if it's fun and the narrative character has an ounce of self-irony
~~~~~~~~~~
*) 64 pages novella according to Amazon.
3.5 Stars - shameless cheeky and fun - sweet romantic
I read a fun and great 4 star review by my friend SheReadsALot (or just "S the Fairy Dust Enchantress") and I lost and failed in my own, not so resolute as I whish, don't click struggle. Again - sigh! ~ I immediately downloaded this 'The Faery Reel' book*.
‘It wasn't every day that someone was stolen from their world, taken to another and shagged silly, right?’
Some heat, romantic love and tumbling with a blonde faery man sounded too tempting to wait until later. Or, who can resist the the fairies (faery, fay, elf...?? what's the difference?) secret word. Just soooo tempting to get the chance to peek in there a short moment.
Let the door to the fairy world opens!
~**~**~**~**~**~
This was a amusing, simple and yummy fantasy saga.
A violin-playing, pretty grumpy, but funny, Welshman and a nifty, sexy and quite charmed faery man. And the saga overcame the dull reality...of course.
”Okay, lets get one thing straight, first and foremost. I, Osian Jones, am not pretty. I am not fair of skin, tiny and twink-like of body, submissive in nature. Let me repeat that last bit in case you missed it.
I am not submissive.
I am not pretty.
I am a pain in the arse. And I'm—despite this story taking place in Ireland—Welsh.”
Our "hero" (not that sexy, overwhelming alpha male...maybe), Osian is really a funny and nerdy lad. His hefty, and a bit stubborn, self-irony is hilarious.
~**~**~**~**~**~
Osian and his american girl-buddy Jo, is on a vacation trip to play violin and enjoy a Fiddle Festival in west Ireland. The trip was entirely Jo's idea and Osian are most negative towards the whole thing. He hates the Irish music, he is classically trained, and he is pissed off about, in a big way, everything.
....But then one evening he sees a incredible, divine, beautiful tall man with long blond hair. It kind of shines from the stranger from within. Then suddenly the man just disappeared, as if by magic. Osian had felt something, that man's gaze, something truly special.
‘Weren't they all supposed to be tiny? Tinkerbell wasn't exactly towering over Peter Pan, right? Hey, what the fuck did I know.’
It’s the night of the summer solstice, the night when the veil between the human world and the faery. world is whisper thin... ~ And Osian is kidnapped by the mysterius man,
A faery named Conall. Should Osian be congratulated or?
‘I'm ashamed to say I may have been reduced to screaming, “fuck me” over and over, but I'm not admitting to anything.
All I knew was my world was melting.’
~ Chuckles! This was the right day for an unpretentious story. Giggles-fun all the time. Osian is for sure a droll and sappy character. ~
~**~**~**~**~**~
Osian is having a quite spectacular steaming hot time in this amazing faery-world but ha want to go back to Ireland and Jo, and then later to his home and his classical music studies in Wales. Conall gives him an offer, it's make or break. That is, to be Conall's forever or be free and go back to the human world. The hunt begins...
‘Romantic...did I really want to get much more involved with a fey man who had kidnapped me? What the fuck was wrong with me? My heart was doing little flutters that had nothing to do with being pissed off.’
...but it was really romantic.
The Faery Reel is also a hilarious, wacky, hot, tender and a fairly quick read novella. Osian's inner voice and dialogue is worth a star in itself. I had fun from start to finish.
Now when this perky little story made me in such a good mood, am I somewhat kinder than usual today, and levels up to four stars. It is perhaps too high...well, well, but, this was laugh-inducing.
~ Wonderful cute - a story to smile with. ~
I LIKE - Yes, if it's fun and the narrative character has an ounce of self-irony
~~~~~~~~~~
*) 64 pages novella according to Amazon.
September 15, 2024
Another little fairy tale story about the usual “behavior” of the Sidhe in which Osian is kidnapped.
Unfortunately, I have to say that I didn't like this story. It is good, and also well written, and will certainly appeal to some readers. But I didn't like the plot and Osian as a character at all.
Osian is like an ungrateful brat who is always nagging. His friend Jo totally got on my nerves and then when he was in Conall's world, he was so aggressive and didn't let himself be impressed at all except for the sexual interactions. I don't know, I couldn't deal with his behavior at all.
I liked the deal that Conall proposes as a “solution”, but I wasn't at all convinced by the outcome and the ending was totally unsatisfying.
Unfortunately, I have to say that I didn't like this story. It is good, and also well written, and will certainly appeal to some readers. But I didn't like the plot and Osian as a character at all.
Osian is like an ungrateful brat who is always nagging. His friend Jo totally got on my nerves and then when he was in Conall's world, he was so aggressive and didn't let himself be impressed at all except for the sexual interactions. I don't know, I couldn't deal with his behavior at all.
I liked the deal that Conall proposes as a “solution”, but I wasn't at all convinced by the outcome and the ending was totally unsatisfying.
March 14, 2014
FOUR HEARTS-- (I'm doing a jig as you can tell)
Imagine you're a sarcastic, snobbish (when it comes to music), swearing Welshman in Ireland with your American friend on the summer solstice. You play the violin, you don't think you're that attractive (which you're fine with-mostly) and are prepared to have yet another lonely night pub-trawling with your fellow musician friend. And then you make eyes with the most gorgeous man you've ever seen, long blonde hair, super tall, ethereal. and you lose eye contact for just a moment...and BAM, he's gone. Disappeared in thin air.
Like the set up so far? I did too! Osain, the young snarky violinist grabbed my attention from the first words he uttered. He's scrappy, self-deprecating (without being annoying), curses like a sailor and has good taste in music. What's not to like? The story is told in 1st POV which I really like because you can get to be in the character's shoes. On the night of the summer solstice, Osian is kidnapped by the gorgeous guy who turns out to be a fae, or aes Sidhe, named Conall. Conall is a MC I love reading about and I can eat his type up for days. That smug, yet sexy, controlling without beating you over the head with a club, slick talker. He's sort of described like this:
Legolas is always hot...I know.
But I pictured him more like this elf:
Nuada from Hellboy 2 - Frigging love him! He's creepily delicious.
Conall is a sly trickster and smooth lover that delivers the D. I wish I learned more of his world but the glimpses that was given in the short story were interesting. I loved the banter between Osain and Conall especially right after being kidnapped. Osain reacted how I would have reacted. He's not a big bloke and pretty much could have been squashed like a bug at any moment but he still tried to give as good as he got.
The two main characters can't deny the attraction but Osain does not want to stay in the faery world. He's enchanted by Conall but still wants to keep living his human life. Hint: Surprise shifting. (loved!) A challenge is thrown, some minor angst is delivered, hot sex is had, snark is given. I enjoyed. I am a lover of fae romances especially the sexy kind like The Faery Reel.
The ending? It's HFN/HEA-ish, I guess. Maybe if this was a longer story where we get to learn more about the main characters, I could rate higher. That is not to say the ending wasn't a good one. It was quite the compromise. I just wanted...more. More of this world created, more time to see the ending blossom...more.
Quick fun read, not really a re-read for me. But it is definitely a memorable little bit of fun.
My first Arielle Pierce read...will not be my last.
A copy provided for an honest review.
February 6, 2014
On the night of the solstice, the veil between the world of humans and the world of the fey is thin. On this night, two men from two different worlds meet in an Irish pub. Can they find love?
Osian is a wonderful, snarky, arrogant, but loveable young musician who has never been in love before. One night while playing his violin (not ‘fiddle’, never call it a ‘fiddle’ where Osian can hear you!) in an Irish pub, Osian looks up to see the most amazing looking man he’s ever laid eyes on. Before he can blink, the man is gone.
On the night of the solstice, all manner of strange music—and magic—drifts through the air…
An encounter with the fey has Osian falling asleep in a hedge only to wake up in a place of magic and beauty. In this place, he’s offered his heart’s desire…
The price? Everything he’s ever known and loved.
Osian has to make a choice. He has one chance to win his freedom. But is freedom truly what his heart desires?
I can’t say more without giving away the ending, but I must say I really enjoyed this story. I loved Osian’s snark and his attitude. I loved Conall, who is everything a faery lover should be. The author writes with authority about the world of music that Osian inhabits, and the descriptions of the world of the fey are vivid and detailed. A really lovely read!
Osian is a wonderful, snarky, arrogant, but loveable young musician who has never been in love before. One night while playing his violin (not ‘fiddle’, never call it a ‘fiddle’ where Osian can hear you!) in an Irish pub, Osian looks up to see the most amazing looking man he’s ever laid eyes on. Before he can blink, the man is gone.
On the night of the solstice, all manner of strange music—and magic—drifts through the air…
An encounter with the fey has Osian falling asleep in a hedge only to wake up in a place of magic and beauty. In this place, he’s offered his heart’s desire…
The price? Everything he’s ever known and loved.
Osian has to make a choice. He has one chance to win his freedom. But is freedom truly what his heart desires?
I can’t say more without giving away the ending, but I must say I really enjoyed this story. I loved Osian’s snark and his attitude. I loved Conall, who is everything a faery lover should be. The author writes with authority about the world of music that Osian inhabits, and the descriptions of the world of the fey are vivid and detailed. A really lovely read!
February 14, 2014
3.5 stars
This is a smoothly written story that might appeal to fans of the supernatural. However, there isn’t a whole lot here in only 21,000 words, and therefore it seems no more than a pleasant one-time read. It does not offer anything strikingly original in regards to the fae / Sidhe world, and hardcore aficionados of the subject (and I’m not one) may feel disappointed that the story ignores traditions that they feel should be explored. I’m okay with different interpretations, but I thought I should mention as much for the traditionalists, who would be the main readership for this story.
For example, the main character Osian is all too willing to hit the booze at the faery banquet (traditionally humans must avoid eating and drinking within the faery realm or they will never be able to return home), and nothing is ever made of this. Also, Osian and his fae love interest Conall have no problems exchanging names (traditionally knowing someone’s true name gives you power over him). And the fae of this story lack the strangeness and exotic cruelty that many readers find fascinating; instead they seem like nice, reasonable people who have invited perfectly willing humans to live with them in their enchanted realm.
My only problem is a lack of real tension. Osian gets kidnapped by Conall into the faery realm, but he is too busy having great sex to feel any shock or fear. When he decides the next day that he can���t give up his own world, Conall is reasonable enough to give him a way to return home. When Osian decides he misses Conall and wants it all (his own world and Conall) with no compromises, Conall is willing to work something out with him. No real risk, emotional turmoil, or character growth. Not even a creepy or haunting vibe to the story because it’s so lighthearted.
Osian does have an amusingly sarcastic first-person narrative voice. Things I liked included the Welsh cultural stuff (including some Welsh words that were easy to guess in context and which added flavor) and Osian’s knowledgeable and opinionated thoughts about music. Those two aspects of the story were unique touches in what was otherwise a smoothly written but bland interpretation of the much-explored human-meets-fae plotline. (A free copy of the book was supplied by the author via Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an honest review.)
This is a smoothly written story that might appeal to fans of the supernatural. However, there isn’t a whole lot here in only 21,000 words, and therefore it seems no more than a pleasant one-time read. It does not offer anything strikingly original in regards to the fae / Sidhe world, and hardcore aficionados of the subject (and I’m not one) may feel disappointed that the story ignores traditions that they feel should be explored. I’m okay with different interpretations, but I thought I should mention as much for the traditionalists, who would be the main readership for this story.
For example, the main character Osian is all too willing to hit the booze at the faery banquet (traditionally humans must avoid eating and drinking within the faery realm or they will never be able to return home), and nothing is ever made of this. Also, Osian and his fae love interest Conall have no problems exchanging names (traditionally knowing someone’s true name gives you power over him). And the fae of this story lack the strangeness and exotic cruelty that many readers find fascinating; instead they seem like nice, reasonable people who have invited perfectly willing humans to live with them in their enchanted realm.
My only problem is a lack of real tension. Osian gets kidnapped by Conall into the faery realm, but he is too busy having great sex to feel any shock or fear. When he decides the next day that he can���t give up his own world, Conall is reasonable enough to give him a way to return home. When Osian decides he misses Conall and wants it all (his own world and Conall) with no compromises, Conall is willing to work something out with him. No real risk, emotional turmoil, or character growth. Not even a creepy or haunting vibe to the story because it’s so lighthearted.
Osian does have an amusingly sarcastic first-person narrative voice. Things I liked included the Welsh cultural stuff (including some Welsh words that were easy to guess in context and which added flavor) and Osian’s knowledgeable and opinionated thoughts about music. Those two aspects of the story were unique touches in what was otherwise a smoothly written but bland interpretation of the much-explored human-meets-fae plotline. (A free copy of the book was supplied by the author via Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an honest review.)
May 28, 2021
I think this is my first book about faeries...and I'm craving for more. I loved Osian and his slightly snobbish ways and snarky mouth. He was funny in his musings, I loved the LOTR references since I'm a fan of the movies and the books. It's just beautiful how he surrenders to Conall when he eventually did.
It was lovely to see Conall so helplessly giving and tender with Osian...
Yes, I could just imagine...
The Faery world could've used up more thorough descriptions, but what Arielle Pierce wrote still enabled me to imagine everything. Those steamy times between them were smokin' hot...yeah I liked those parts the most.😁
The story pulled me in even though it happened quite fast, the time frame was like a few days in the fey world, and no time at all in the human world. Though that's the beauty and magic.
I do hope she writes more about this world and expands it with other characters, the possibilities are endless.💖
It was lovely to see Conall so helplessly giving and tender with Osian...
Yes, I could just imagine...
The Faery world could've used up more thorough descriptions, but what Arielle Pierce wrote still enabled me to imagine everything. Those steamy times between them were smokin' hot...yeah I liked those parts the most.😁
The story pulled me in even though it happened quite fast, the time frame was like a few days in the fey world, and no time at all in the human world. Though that's the beauty and magic.
I do hope she writes more about this world and expands it with other characters, the possibilities are endless.💖
February 10, 2014
I'll bump this up to four stars here: why? I want more.
Arielle Pierce has penned a vivid little tale about what happens when a Welsh fiddler (sorry, violinist) meets Conall, a faery fiddler on a fine summer Solstice. Boom.
It's a Sophie's' Choice kind of situation - how does Osian choose between one kind of happiness and another?
I don't really want to divulge any of the plot. Pierce's writing is amusing and contemporary, although there are a few appalling editing errors that nearly ruin one of the major romantic moments.
My only real problem with this story overall is that it's a story. This deserves a full-novel treatment. I wanted to know more about the lives of these two interesting men, one mortal, one immortal, that leads them to each other. I really wanted to know more about Osian's family and life (although we get a pretty good sketch, just with no details). Ditto for Conall's life in his faery realm. Pierce hints at a great deal, and gives us tantalizing bits of background--but not enough. Just not enough.
If paranormal m/m romance is your thing, you'll enjoy this just as I did. But you'll leave the table hungry for more.
Arielle Pierce has penned a vivid little tale about what happens when a Welsh fiddler (sorry, violinist) meets Conall, a faery fiddler on a fine summer Solstice. Boom.
It's a Sophie's' Choice kind of situation - how does Osian choose between one kind of happiness and another?
I don't really want to divulge any of the plot. Pierce's writing is amusing and contemporary, although there are a few appalling editing errors that nearly ruin one of the major romantic moments.
My only real problem with this story overall is that it's a story. This deserves a full-novel treatment. I wanted to know more about the lives of these two interesting men, one mortal, one immortal, that leads them to each other. I really wanted to know more about Osian's family and life (although we get a pretty good sketch, just with no details). Ditto for Conall's life in his faery realm. Pierce hints at a great deal, and gives us tantalizing bits of background--but not enough. Just not enough.
If paranormal m/m romance is your thing, you'll enjoy this just as I did. But you'll leave the table hungry for more.
January 26, 2015
I enjoyed the story line with the supposed kidnapping of a young violinist into the Otherworld by a Fae and I liked the unusual decision at the end.
Arielle Pierce is a master of starting a story. With just a few sentences you know where you are and you start to like the MC. I loved Osian from the start. His bratty arrogant attitude made it easy for me to connect b/c I saw it as a facade to disguise his insecurity regarding love and emotions in general although he is anything but insecure when it comes to his art. Would have liked to know what made him that way but that's obviously a different story.
It was easy to connect with Osian, to feel his discomposure while being drawn to Conall and later the longing and the desperation he felt while being back in Wales alone. I failed to get the same connection with Conall. Maybe as a Fae he has to be mysterious in a distant kind. Would have been nice to not only know but also feel his love for Osian.
Arielle Pierce is a master of starting a story. With just a few sentences you know where you are and you start to like the MC. I loved Osian from the start. His bratty arrogant attitude made it easy for me to connect b/c I saw it as a facade to disguise his insecurity regarding love and emotions in general although he is anything but insecure when it comes to his art. Would have liked to know what made him that way but that's obviously a different story.
It was easy to connect with Osian, to feel his discomposure while being drawn to Conall and later the longing and the desperation he felt while being back in Wales alone. I failed to get the same connection with Conall. Maybe as a Fae he has to be mysterious in a distant kind. Would have been nice to not only know but also feel his love for Osian.
May 4, 2015
It is official. I am a sucker for exactly the sort of 'based in mythology paranormal romance with a twist that isn't what you think it is' stories that Arielle writes. Parts of the story felt a little quickly-paced, but I suspect that might be me selfishly wanting more of this world and these characters.
September 3, 2016
What a lovely erotic tale :)
Yes, it's a great short story, with great sex scenes and humor... I also loved the magic (can't say exactly what is or will spoil... I will just say I loved the shapeshifter).
The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is how it was developeded. A lot of info to such short tale left me sad... For a fantasy the fantasy elements were not described a lot (I wish I could know more about the fairy world). For a romance I wish there was more about the couple. And even the open end, with so many possibilities of future made me (again) want more than what I had. And all the music references were like Greek to me, and it's a pity because I wish I could love music as the main character did.
I would certainly recommend it. I know not everyone is annoying as me, wanting so long explanations and descriptions... So for many readers it can certainly be a 5 stars :)
Yes, it's a great short story, with great sex scenes and humor... I also loved the magic (can't say exactly what is or will spoil... I will just say I loved the shapeshifter).
The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is how it was developeded. A lot of info to such short tale left me sad... For a fantasy the fantasy elements were not described a lot (I wish I could know more about the fairy world). For a romance I wish there was more about the couple. And even the open end, with so many possibilities of future made me (again) want more than what I had. And all the music references were like Greek to me, and it's a pity because I wish I could love music as the main character did.
I would certainly recommend it. I know not everyone is annoying as me, wanting so long explanations and descriptions... So for many readers it can certainly be a 5 stars :)
March 20, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
Osian is a snotty violinist who looks down on fiddlers. On the night of the summer solstice, he’s dragged to a pub by his best friend, Jo, but on their way home they come across a group of Sídhe who just so happen to be waiting for Osian, who’s managed to capture the eyes and ears of Conall. Without Osian’s consent, Conall sweeps him away to the faery realm where Osian is anything but happy. Some hot sex and a good time is great but it’s not enough for Osian to want to leave home for good. Just what will Osian do to go back home but the biggest question is, does Osian actually want to go home?
When you first meet Osian, he is a big snob who believes fiddlers aren’t really musicians. In fact, he has some very big opinions on what actually qualifies as music. His snobbery was a little grating at first, especially with his constant digs at Americans, but as the story progressed, he became less snotty and more likable. His confusion and the struggle he had with what he really wanted made him more endearing. I really liked Conall, although there isn’t much depth to his character. He’s pretty much a giant but very gentle and caring with Osian. It was sweet how much Osian’s opinion mattered to him but I loved how smug and cocky he was with Osian at times. It was hilarious to see how defensive and snappy Osian would get towards Conall whenever he had a smug smile on him.
While I really enjoyed this book, I found I had a few issues with it. One of which was the Welsh language (I think it was Welsh) that Osian kept using but was never translated for the reader (cwtch & gog, for example). Besides that, for such a short story, there was a little too much smut for my tastes. I felt like whenever Osian and Conall should have talked, they ended up having sex instead. There was also the ending that I felt was a little confusing. It’s an HEA but it wasn’t too clear to me what will happen next, only the assumption of what will happen but that’s up to interpretation.
All in all, a pretty good story featuring a smart-mouthed Welsh boy and a smug (but tall!) faery. The writing is intriguing and Osian’s desperate desire to go home mixed with his lust for Conall makes for a delightfully interesting story. If you like reading about the Sídhe and some hot sex, definitely give this one a try!
Osian is a snotty violinist who looks down on fiddlers. On the night of the summer solstice, he’s dragged to a pub by his best friend, Jo, but on their way home they come across a group of Sídhe who just so happen to be waiting for Osian, who’s managed to capture the eyes and ears of Conall. Without Osian’s consent, Conall sweeps him away to the faery realm where Osian is anything but happy. Some hot sex and a good time is great but it’s not enough for Osian to want to leave home for good. Just what will Osian do to go back home but the biggest question is, does Osian actually want to go home?
When you first meet Osian, he is a big snob who believes fiddlers aren’t really musicians. In fact, he has some very big opinions on what actually qualifies as music. His snobbery was a little grating at first, especially with his constant digs at Americans, but as the story progressed, he became less snotty and more likable. His confusion and the struggle he had with what he really wanted made him more endearing. I really liked Conall, although there isn’t much depth to his character. He’s pretty much a giant but very gentle and caring with Osian. It was sweet how much Osian’s opinion mattered to him but I loved how smug and cocky he was with Osian at times. It was hilarious to see how defensive and snappy Osian would get towards Conall whenever he had a smug smile on him.
While I really enjoyed this book, I found I had a few issues with it. One of which was the Welsh language (I think it was Welsh) that Osian kept using but was never translated for the reader (cwtch & gog, for example). Besides that, for such a short story, there was a little too much smut for my tastes. I felt like whenever Osian and Conall should have talked, they ended up having sex instead. There was also the ending that I felt was a little confusing. It’s an HEA but it wasn’t too clear to me what will happen next, only the assumption of what will happen but that’s up to interpretation.
All in all, a pretty good story featuring a smart-mouthed Welsh boy and a smug (but tall!) faery. The writing is intriguing and Osian’s desperate desire to go home mixed with his lust for Conall makes for a delightfully interesting story. If you like reading about the Sídhe and some hot sex, definitely give this one a try!
February 12, 2014
The Faery Reel. Arielle Pierce
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
So, I rarely read shorts but this one is 25,000 words, and paranormal and I’ve been reading too much contemporary romance lately so wanted something different. And different I got. There's a little bit of everything in this story, some acid, snarky humour from Osian, his comments on life, music and others made me smile. He had the ability to laugh at himself too, and was one of those characters you just can't help but like. Then there's the magic of the solstice, it's summer and a time for faeries...if they exist. Add on some shape changing, and a trip to the Other world and we've a short that to me would have made a great full length novel :) Anyway, I enjoyed it, loved the way the romance between Osian and Conall developed, retreated and then picked up again. I love a HEA – OK I’m a sap, but doom and gloom don't cut it for me, I read to escape and a HEA sets me up nicely. The sex is graphic at times, but not OTT and fits the storyline. I just wanted to know more about all the characters, where they lived, why they were were they were ( OK that sounds odd but hopefully you understand what I mean) I enjoyed the way that through the development of the story Osian and Conall both had to decide what was most important to them, and if they could trust the other person. Real love needs trust and they faced big lifestyle changes whatever they did.
I loved Arielle's writing style, caustic at times, sharp and observant, fluid and easy to read. It made for a loving romance with a decent story backing it, I just wish it was more...but again lots of readers love shorts, as my friend says, she wants a story she can remember and finish when she just reads a few pages each night. Too long and she forgets what’s happened!
Stars: four .
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
So, I rarely read shorts but this one is 25,000 words, and paranormal and I’ve been reading too much contemporary romance lately so wanted something different. And different I got. There's a little bit of everything in this story, some acid, snarky humour from Osian, his comments on life, music and others made me smile. He had the ability to laugh at himself too, and was one of those characters you just can't help but like. Then there's the magic of the solstice, it's summer and a time for faeries...if they exist. Add on some shape changing, and a trip to the Other world and we've a short that to me would have made a great full length novel :) Anyway, I enjoyed it, loved the way the romance between Osian and Conall developed, retreated and then picked up again. I love a HEA – OK I’m a sap, but doom and gloom don't cut it for me, I read to escape and a HEA sets me up nicely. The sex is graphic at times, but not OTT and fits the storyline. I just wanted to know more about all the characters, where they lived, why they were were they were ( OK that sounds odd but hopefully you understand what I mean) I enjoyed the way that through the development of the story Osian and Conall both had to decide what was most important to them, and if they could trust the other person. Real love needs trust and they faced big lifestyle changes whatever they did.
I loved Arielle's writing style, caustic at times, sharp and observant, fluid and easy to read. It made for a loving romance with a decent story backing it, I just wish it was more...but again lots of readers love shorts, as my friend says, she wants a story she can remember and finish when she just reads a few pages each night. Too long and she forgets what’s happened!
Stars: four .
November 8, 2016
This story felt authentic, which makes sense when I read that Arielle has lived in Wales. I really liked the main character's voice, which was a combination of snark and dispirited hopefulness, especially when it comes to his love life. Osian encounters a member of the Sidhe (Fae) while visiting Ireland and badmouthing their folk music. While Conall might succeed at physically seducing Osian, it takes quite a bit more before he's willing to let his heart open up.
This was a novella and it ran through the story in a fairly quick and straightforward way, but the voice and the attention to detail is why I give this story four stars. Plus I like that the Fae were slightly dangerous and that there was a feeling of danger in whether or not to succumb to their charms.
This was a novella and it ran through the story in a fairly quick and straightforward way, but the voice and the attention to detail is why I give this story four stars. Plus I like that the Fae were slightly dangerous and that there was a feeling of danger in whether or not to succumb to their charms.
May 26, 2025
All opinions are entirely my own. I am in no way affiliated with the author or publisher. Remember to support your local indie bookstore and library!
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨ ᰔ ୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
"For some reason I just couldn't fathom, those eyes lingered and watched, as though he were hungry and the bloody KFC bucket had just shown up."
- [ ] Star Rating: 2 Stars
- [ ] Discovery: Browsing
- [ ] Reading Format: Digital
- [ ] Read Time: 1 Hour
Gay Faery Smut
Instalust and the "fae" are just tall men that glow.
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨ ᰔ ୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
"For some reason I just couldn't fathom, those eyes lingered and watched, as though he were hungry and the bloody KFC bucket had just shown up."
- [ ] Star Rating: 2 Stars
- [ ] Discovery: Browsing
- [ ] Reading Format: Digital
- [ ] Read Time: 1 Hour
Gay Faery Smut
Instalust and the "fae" are just tall men that glow.
February 13, 2015
I didn't particularly like the ending, not because it wasn't a 'happy' one, more because of the MC's attitude - it rubbed me the wrong way.
On the whole, the writing was engaging, the story original. It doesn't feel like there would be another story for these characters (I do hope to read Frank's story), so another 10 pages would have made a story better.
On the whole, the writing was engaging, the story original. It doesn't feel like there would be another story for these characters (I do hope to read Frank's story), so another 10 pages would have made a story better.
May 14, 2014
Review to follow.
March 20, 2014
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews