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The Bargaining Series
Duty and Desire
Faerie knight Yvaine has long been entangled in a web of love and longing. Raised in the court’s creche after the loss of her parents, Yvaine’s sole comfort has always been the elusive affections of her queen. Upon her return from an unhappy sojourn among humanity, Yvaine is offered a retrieve an ancient fae prisoner held by a coven of witches and at long last claim her queen’s heart.
Maggie the witch leads a mundane life, estranged from her coven thanks to her pitiful magical prowess. She travels from one Renaissance Fair to the next without a care in the world—that is, until Yvaine abducts her from the fairground, intending to use her as leverage to compel her coven to release their prisoner.
As their journey unfolds, unforeseen events disrupt Yvaine’s plans, forcing the unlikely pair to rely on each other. The lines between captor and captive begin to blur, until Yvaine finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about love and devotion.
Maggie the witch leads a mundane life, estranged from her coven thanks to her pitiful magical prowess. She travels from one Renaissance Fair to the next without a care in the world—that is, until Yvaine abducts her from the fairground, intending to use her as leverage to compel her coven to release their prisoner.
As their journey unfolds, unforeseen events disrupt Yvaine’s plans, forcing the unlikely pair to rely on each other. The lines between captor and captive begin to blur, until Yvaine finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about love and devotion.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2024
61 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 7, 2025
Maggie was a fiesty character and I loved her jabs and sassiness. Yvaine was so clueless to the fact she was being used, but I can’t necessarily blame her. It was a bit predictable, but nonetheless I liked the storyline. Both MCs definitely annoyed me at times and acted pretty childish in regards to the things they were doing (which affected SO many others) and they were both so stubborn I wanted to smack some sense into them.
Henry was by far my favorite character, and he was so cute and so sweet I loved any time I got to read about him. The book timeline is only a few months which I always seem to struggle with because it feels like things move TOO fast. There were a few parts where I felt like what was happening was pointless and really just a filler to make the book longer, but what can I say, I LOOOOVE a “touch her and you die” type of book.
Overall it’s a classic enemies to lovers/opposites attract trope. It was enjoyable and kept me on my toes enough to keep me engaged.
Henry was by far my favorite character, and he was so cute and so sweet I loved any time I got to read about him. The book timeline is only a few months which I always seem to struggle with because it feels like things move TOO fast. There were a few parts where I felt like what was happening was pointless and really just a filler to make the book longer, but what can I say, I LOOOOVE a “touch her and you die” type of book.
Overall it’s a classic enemies to lovers/opposites attract trope. It was enjoyable and kept me on my toes enough to keep me engaged.
November 7, 2025
3.75 ⭐
RTC
RTC
August 6, 2024
This is the sapphic romance I’ve been searching for. So many sapphic books don’t feel believable, the women feel sanitized & just besties instead of compelling romantic leads. Darling’s character do not fall victim to this plight, this book was a sexy, thrilling delight to read and I am so eager for the next book in the series. Rushing to read the rest of her books so I can stay immersed in her rich portrayal of an urban fantasy world with alluring fae and sassy witches.
I HIGHLY recommend🩷🧚🏻♀️🧙🏻
I HIGHLY recommend🩷🧚🏻♀️🧙🏻
October 5, 2025
Overall 3✨️✨️
Was this a predictable plot? yes, did i eat it up because it was sapphic- absolutely 🫶
This story entails fae Knight Yvaine whose duty is to Queen Esme. Yvaine is tasked with bringing one of the Green Witches- Maggie to their territory as a deal. However, things unravel that life for Yvaine isn't so black and white & maybe the Witches aren't bad. And, that maybe her feelings lay elsewhere.
✅️ Angst
✅️Sapphic Knight X Witches - absolutely ✔️
✅️ Rivals to lovers.
✅️spice
✅️Magic
Was this a predictable plot? yes, did i eat it up because it was sapphic- absolutely 🫶
This story entails fae Knight Yvaine whose duty is to Queen Esme. Yvaine is tasked with bringing one of the Green Witches- Maggie to their territory as a deal. However, things unravel that life for Yvaine isn't so black and white & maybe the Witches aren't bad. And, that maybe her feelings lay elsewhere.
✅️ Angst
✅️Sapphic Knight X Witches - absolutely ✔️
✅️ Rivals to lovers.
✅️spice
✅️Magic
July 30, 2024
That LAST LINE…the way I literally closed my eyes for a solid thirty seconds before turning the page, PRAYING it wasn’t actually over. You know how to write a cliff hanger that’s for sure.
Holy freaking cow! I was sent this ARC recommendation in a group chat in a part of and on a whim I applied. It sounded good and who doesn’t love a sapphic romance with one of the FMCs as a knight? Yum.
This book is absolutely fantastic! The characters are so well developed and so well written. The story sucked me in right away. I quite literally started it at 11pm and it is now 6:30 am and I am finished. I couldn’t stop! Each twist and turn just sucked me further into the story.
Yvaine, big, strong, beautiful, Yvaine. My heart weeps for her. She’s got such a sense of loyalty to her Queen. I had my doubts about the Queen but seeing her treatment spelled out really hurt my heart. There was several times I teared up because of how she was just cast aside by everyone around her. I don’t like spoilers in reviews but I’ll just say I’m glad she finally had someone in her corner. No matter how late it was. The last few chapters made me feel like pulling my hair out and then jumping for joy!
And Maggie! I love a sharp wit in a woman. It’s hot as hell and this girl had it in spades! She has such a huge heart. Kind and selfless she’s exactly what Yvaine deserves. And frankly what she needs. Someone to protect that will protect her as well. I love these two together so much!!!!
I can’t wait for the next book because I have questions about her that I need answered. Like, who is her dad? What were those vines? Will she and her mom ever see eye to eye? Can I get another shower scene? 🤤
On a very serious note though. This was such an amazing read. I felt so in tune with the characters and I didn’t want it to end. Even little Henry stole a piece of my heart. (I secretly just want them to keep him.)
Holy freaking cow! I was sent this ARC recommendation in a group chat in a part of and on a whim I applied. It sounded good and who doesn’t love a sapphic romance with one of the FMCs as a knight? Yum.
This book is absolutely fantastic! The characters are so well developed and so well written. The story sucked me in right away. I quite literally started it at 11pm and it is now 6:30 am and I am finished. I couldn’t stop! Each twist and turn just sucked me further into the story.
Yvaine, big, strong, beautiful, Yvaine. My heart weeps for her. She’s got such a sense of loyalty to her Queen. I had my doubts about the Queen but seeing her treatment spelled out really hurt my heart. There was several times I teared up because of how she was just cast aside by everyone around her. I don’t like spoilers in reviews but I’ll just say I’m glad she finally had someone in her corner. No matter how late it was. The last few chapters made me feel like pulling my hair out and then jumping for joy!
And Maggie! I love a sharp wit in a woman. It’s hot as hell and this girl had it in spades! She has such a huge heart. Kind and selfless she’s exactly what Yvaine deserves. And frankly what she needs. Someone to protect that will protect her as well. I love these two together so much!!!!
I can’t wait for the next book because I have questions about her that I need answered. Like, who is her dad? What were those vines? Will she and her mom ever see eye to eye? Can I get another shower scene? 🤤
On a very serious note though. This was such an amazing read. I felt so in tune with the characters and I didn’t want it to end. Even little Henry stole a piece of my heart. (I secretly just want them to keep him.)
August 14, 2024
I could not put this book down (and wouldn't have if real life hadn't interrupted!)! I was deeply invested in these characters and their journey. The writing of this book puts you so close with them and so personally, that you’re on that journey with them, feeling every emotion. Every heartbreak and triumph, you feel it. I was rooting for Maggie, Yvaine, and Henry the whole way. They become very personal and dear as you get to know them.
The world-building in this book is also top-notch. There is just enough mystery as to how everything came to be the way it is, that now I want to know more. The way the world was set up and how the magical lives alongside the ordinary was a fun twist on the trope and I thought there were some very neat ideas in the whole thing.
The love story, obviously, is very central to the book. I thought that it was well-paced and that enemies-to-lovers back-and-forth really kept the tension going. Also the interplay between Maggie and Yvaine was really fun with their very different personalities and coming from very different worlds. Once the spice starts… well let’s just say I like my spicy and this hit that just right.
In conclusion, and to put it as bluntly as possible, this book is really freaking good and you should definitely check it out. I am ready for more and I can’t wait to see where things go from here and dive back into this world again in the future. Highly recommend!
The world-building in this book is also top-notch. There is just enough mystery as to how everything came to be the way it is, that now I want to know more. The way the world was set up and how the magical lives alongside the ordinary was a fun twist on the trope and I thought there were some very neat ideas in the whole thing.
The love story, obviously, is very central to the book. I thought that it was well-paced and that enemies-to-lovers back-and-forth really kept the tension going. Also the interplay between Maggie and Yvaine was really fun with their very different personalities and coming from very different worlds. Once the spice starts… well let’s just say I like my spicy and this hit that just right.
In conclusion, and to put it as bluntly as possible, this book is really freaking good and you should definitely check it out. I am ready for more and I can’t wait to see where things go from here and dive back into this world again in the future. Highly recommend!
August 13, 2024
The dedication of the book this describes it best:
✨“For everyone who has ever longed to be thrown over the shoulder of a brawny lady knight”✨
It is as spicy (🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5) and as romantic (💛💛💛💛💛/5) as it sounds.
In all honestly it was the first sapphic romance i read that didn´t feel clinical and stiff to me. It was more of a fun cat and mouse play with instand attraction and banter. The power dynamic felt evenly distributed between the leeds.
World and Story 🏰
Other than that the fantasy was believable and the story catching. When the romance had a low point the action was picking up and kept me hooked and wondering how the problems would be resolved in the end.
Characters and Conections 🕸️
Also loved the other Characters aside form Maggie and Yvaine. Henry has my heart. The antagonistic forces have a depth i sometimes miss from romantasy reads (I find it more pressend in fantasy books).
Some of my favourite quotes:
“I will break him if he even thinks to touch what is mine again.” (We love a who did this to you scene! Ahhhh!)
“`Allow me,´ Yvaine said in her voice like smoke and satin, kneeling before her. She tugged a lacy handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at Maggie´s staind hem.” (Yess please!)
✨In conclusions: Definitely hooked and waiting for the second book in this series!🌱✨
✨“For everyone who has ever longed to be thrown over the shoulder of a brawny lady knight”✨
It is as spicy (🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5) and as romantic (💛💛💛💛💛/5) as it sounds.
In all honestly it was the first sapphic romance i read that didn´t feel clinical and stiff to me. It was more of a fun cat and mouse play with instand attraction and banter. The power dynamic felt evenly distributed between the leeds.
World and Story 🏰
Other than that the fantasy was believable and the story catching. When the romance had a low point the action was picking up and kept me hooked and wondering how the problems would be resolved in the end.
Characters and Conections 🕸️
Also loved the other Characters aside form Maggie and Yvaine. Henry has my heart. The antagonistic forces have a depth i sometimes miss from romantasy reads (I find it more pressend in fantasy books).
Some of my favourite quotes:
“I will break him if he even thinks to touch what is mine again.” (We love a who did this to you scene! Ahhhh!)
“`Allow me,´ Yvaine said in her voice like smoke and satin, kneeling before her. She tugged a lacy handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at Maggie´s staind hem.” (Yess please!)
✨In conclusions: Definitely hooked and waiting for the second book in this series!🌱✨
August 11, 2024
A magical, thrilling dream of a love story ✨
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Duty & Desire follows Yvaine, a fae knight on a mission for her queen's affection, and Maggie, the runt of the Green witch coven. When Maggie gets kidnapped by Yvaine on her quest, the two unlikely companions embark on a journey full of twists, danger...and a growing attraction.
I had a great time reading this book. Plain and simple. The writing was great, the plot was never obvious and constantly exhilarating, and the romance...oh the romance. Both MCs are absolute dream women - a beautiful strong knight with a big heart, and a beautiful soft and curvy witch with a big mouth. Their dynamic is entertaining, refreshing and just plain hot.
This book is set in the same universe as Darling's Bargaining trilogy, but can absolutely be read without its context! The world is a super interesting mix of modern world and medieval-esque magical Fae courts, with all the deception, intrigue and plot that goes with them. Through it all, Darling offers a compelling and truthful look at loyalty, family and love - all wrapped in a spicy, thrilling ride.
I can't say too much without spoiling what happens next - I just urge you to read it!
This book is especially great for lovers of: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, being swung over knight's shoulders, renaissance faires, original settings & sapphic spicy romance.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Duty & Desire follows Yvaine, a fae knight on a mission for her queen's affection, and Maggie, the runt of the Green witch coven. When Maggie gets kidnapped by Yvaine on her quest, the two unlikely companions embark on a journey full of twists, danger...and a growing attraction.
I had a great time reading this book. Plain and simple. The writing was great, the plot was never obvious and constantly exhilarating, and the romance...oh the romance. Both MCs are absolute dream women - a beautiful strong knight with a big heart, and a beautiful soft and curvy witch with a big mouth. Their dynamic is entertaining, refreshing and just plain hot.
This book is set in the same universe as Darling's Bargaining trilogy, but can absolutely be read without its context! The world is a super interesting mix of modern world and medieval-esque magical Fae courts, with all the deception, intrigue and plot that goes with them. Through it all, Darling offers a compelling and truthful look at loyalty, family and love - all wrapped in a spicy, thrilling ride.
I can't say too much without spoiling what happens next - I just urge you to read it!
This book is especially great for lovers of: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, being swung over knight's shoulders, renaissance faires, original settings & sapphic spicy romance.
August 15, 2024
(4.5 stars)
I’ve read two other books by this author and after reading a third, I can safely say I’m in love with the world the author created. If you haven’t already, check out Blood and Bargains and its sequel Deceit and Devotion.
Duty and Desire is a sapphic romance between a witch named Maggie and a faerie knight named Yvaine. Without giving anything but the premise away, I’ll just say that Yvaine kidnaps Maggie. Hilarity and romance ensue.
One of the things I loved about this book was how well the characters were written. The author has a way of writing that makes readers become quickly invested in the fates of the characters. For example, Henry was adorable. He didn’t have to be on the page for long before readers care about him.
For all the romance readers, this book is full of fun tropes. It’s an enemies to lovers story with forced proximity and a grumpy sunshine dynamic (those are right up my alley) Although I would say I’m not a huge romance reader, I’ve really enjoyed reading all of Darling’s books. The love stories she writes aren’t insta love, they’re slowly developed throughout the story.
The only complaint I have is that I wish the book was a bit longer, only because I wanted to explore the world a bit more. I’m glad that the author mentioned that these characters will be back. The author also said there will eventually be a crossover between the characters from Duty and Desire and the Blood and Bargain series. I’m looking forward to reading any books set in this world.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well written fantasy sapphic romance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC for review.
I’ve read two other books by this author and after reading a third, I can safely say I’m in love with the world the author created. If you haven’t already, check out Blood and Bargains and its sequel Deceit and Devotion.
Duty and Desire is a sapphic romance between a witch named Maggie and a faerie knight named Yvaine. Without giving anything but the premise away, I’ll just say that Yvaine kidnaps Maggie. Hilarity and romance ensue.
One of the things I loved about this book was how well the characters were written. The author has a way of writing that makes readers become quickly invested in the fates of the characters. For example, Henry was adorable. He didn’t have to be on the page for long before readers care about him.
For all the romance readers, this book is full of fun tropes. It’s an enemies to lovers story with forced proximity and a grumpy sunshine dynamic (those are right up my alley) Although I would say I’m not a huge romance reader, I’ve really enjoyed reading all of Darling’s books. The love stories she writes aren’t insta love, they’re slowly developed throughout the story.
The only complaint I have is that I wish the book was a bit longer, only because I wanted to explore the world a bit more. I’m glad that the author mentioned that these characters will be back. The author also said there will eventually be a crossover between the characters from Duty and Desire and the Blood and Bargain series. I’m looking forward to reading any books set in this world.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well written fantasy sapphic romance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC for review.
August 12, 2024
Hollis Darling’s Duty and Desire is a wonderful and woeful weaving of faeish fantasy and modernity in a great story centered around a kidnapper and their kidnappee.
Don’t take my super reductive review as the end all be all of the story- there is so much plot packed in. From Renaissance Faires to knights in gleaming armor to thrall-ancestors through the ages… I could write a ten minute review and still not cover everything. Please read!
Some cool things I liked about the story was how it showed disgust for a groomer and didn’t have the immortal love interest (the one we’re all rooting for at any rate) eons older than their counterpart.
I highly recommend the series - Maggie is adorable and relatable while Yvaine is a great example of how someone can do bad things for what they’re taught are good reasons.
Will be back for the other two in the series once I wrap up my sapphic books only challenge♥️
Don’t take my super reductive review as the end all be all of the story- there is so much plot packed in. From Renaissance Faires to knights in gleaming armor to thrall-ancestors through the ages… I could write a ten minute review and still not cover everything. Please read!
Some cool things I liked about the story was how it showed disgust for a groomer and didn’t have the immortal love interest (the one we’re all rooting for at any rate) eons older than their counterpart.
I highly recommend the series - Maggie is adorable and relatable while Yvaine is a great example of how someone can do bad things for what they’re taught are good reasons.
Will be back for the other two in the series once I wrap up my sapphic books only challenge♥️
September 28, 2024
This book felt like an extension of what reading Holly Black for the first time in high school was like, except I’m an adult now and I now know I like girls too. I enjoy the enemies to lovers trope in the form of witches versus fae, so to speak, which I feel added to the tension between Maggie and Yvaine.
As romantic leads, I liked that Maggie and Yvaine seem like lovers who are conscious of each other’s desires and needs. Yvaine’s experience is, unfortunately, out of manipulation, but it is fascinating watching her crumple to the genuine kindness and love from Maggie. Both of them are rejects in their respective worlds, they find acceptance in each other. And Maggie, the human, saves Yvaine in more ways than one.
This story of sapphic romance was an enjoyable read that had me kicking my feet at night.
As romantic leads, I liked that Maggie and Yvaine seem like lovers who are conscious of each other’s desires and needs. Yvaine’s experience is, unfortunately, out of manipulation, but it is fascinating watching her crumple to the genuine kindness and love from Maggie. Both of them are rejects in their respective worlds, they find acceptance in each other. And Maggie, the human, saves Yvaine in more ways than one.
This story of sapphic romance was an enjoyable read that had me kicking my feet at night.
August 11, 2024
I had a blast with this one! Darling continues to be one of my favorite independent authors and authors period. I am particularly picky with urban fantasy, yet this author has gotten me sucked in yet again (after also reading Blood and Bargains). This sapphic romance gave me everything I want in a novel and more - banter, fae, sarcastic witches, knights, and so much more.
I particularly loved the character development - Yvaine was loyal to a fault, but so badass and strong. Maggie was also super clever and kind, perfect for our girl, Yvaine. I loved getting to know them and seeing their bond unfold.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, as THAT IS HOW YOU DO A CLIFFHANGER. haha
I particularly loved the character development - Yvaine was loyal to a fault, but so badass and strong. Maggie was also super clever and kind, perfect for our girl, Yvaine. I loved getting to know them and seeing their bond unfold.
I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book, as THAT IS HOW YOU DO A CLIFFHANGER. haha
May 6, 2025
I was skeptical when picking up this book because the author’s note mentioned needing to read her other books to fully understand the world but I decided to dive head first and just see what happened. I will say I was surprised by how much I liked this book. Witches, and Fae knight and a love story with a little bit of a cliffhanger ending? Yes, sign me up. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book.
June 22, 2025
Really lovable and believable cast of characters, with good development throughout the story. Fairly simple family tree for a fantasy book, which was appreciated. Lots of deduction for such a slow moving plot, with almost no explanation until 75% through the book. Thanks for all the saphic enemies to lovers sex though.
December 7, 2024
so good!!
Loved this lesbian Fae and Witch, enemies to lovers, badass women falling in love! Great charisma, personalities, chemistry, and banter! I liked the world building, and felt everything moved along in exciting ways.
Loved this lesbian Fae and Witch, enemies to lovers, badass women falling in love! Great charisma, personalities, chemistry, and banter! I liked the world building, and felt everything moved along in exciting ways.
October 30, 2024
I could NOT put this down! It was so good!!!! 100/10!!
November 23, 2024
LOVED! Zero complaints. Read this book. Just DO IT!🖤🖤🖤🖤
February 16, 2025
ty to this book for reminding me WHY i love sapphic stories 🏳️🌈
March 19, 2025
OH MY GOD
this is seriously one of the best books i’ve ever read and I shall die on this hill. I am so incredibly obsessed
this is seriously one of the best books i’ve ever read and I shall die on this hill. I am so incredibly obsessed
March 19, 2025
Fun read!
July 5, 2025
Loved
In a world of paranormal where faeries and witches live among the humans. Finding your worth in love and a happily ever after.
In a world of paranormal where faeries and witches live among the humans. Finding your worth in love and a happily ever after.
November 13, 2025
4.5 stars
November 25, 2025
I adored this book. I loved the characters and the setting. I loved Henry and how they all became a family. It was so well written and the world building was so good. I also loved the smut
August 19, 2024
There is a lot going on in this book. We get enemies to lovers, a lady knight, Renaissance festival shenanigans, witches, multiple realms, complicated family dynamics, and so much more. I loved the idea of a lady knight who had previously done everything for queen, figuring out the truths of their relationship and which path she must choose. I struggled a bit with our FMCs relationship development, though. They go from very much enemies (one kidnaps the other) to in love fairly quickly. I would have liked to see a little bit more of the growth because it felt like one character pulled a bit more of the weight than the other. For those wondering, there is spice. 🌶️
Thanks to Hollis and StoryOrigins for an eARC of this book for an honest review!
Thanks to Hollis and StoryOrigins for an eARC of this book for an honest review!
January 28, 2025
W O W. Bro, this story was pure magic. The chemistry, the ANGST, the tension and constant cusp of war! I devoured this book and would absolutely love for more.
10/10 would read again.
•I’ve not read the connected series and don’t know if I will ever, not bc the author isn’t great bc Jesus this book was so fucking good, but bc it seems more hetero leaning and I just don’t give a shit about anything not primarily sapphic lmfao
10/10 would read again.
•I’ve not read the connected series and don’t know if I will ever, not bc the author isn’t great bc Jesus this book was so fucking good, but bc it seems more hetero leaning and I just don’t give a shit about anything not primarily sapphic lmfao
August 24, 2024
I truly enjoyed the world building in this book. It's a wonderful Sapphic enemies to lovers woth found family. Every page made me want more.
November 21, 2025
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book, it isn’t my usual style read, but I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is lovely, and the characters are crafted so brilliantly. Really great.
July 29, 2025
An elf knight captures a witch with little to no power to hold for ransom against her coven, but they end up falling in love. I suspect there's going to be more to this series, given how this one ended. I would probably read it. 2.5 stars.
March 28, 2025
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers, with spice, angst filled, & found family fantasy novel it doesn’t get much than this!
Overall, a nice fun read. Book 1 wraps up well enough, there’s more being written. Definitely will read book 2! There’s a non-sapphic series in the same world, which I did not and have no plans to read, but I don’t feel like it detracted anything from this book.
Overall, a nice fun read. Book 1 wraps up well enough, there’s more being written. Definitely will read book 2! There’s a non-sapphic series in the same world, which I did not and have no plans to read, but I don’t feel like it detracted anything from this book.
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