The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain

Tales from Karneesia #3

by Claire Trella Hill

A herbalist loses her way in the swamp, only to find herself entrapped by a faefolk lord with a plan.

Tansy finds fulfillment in scouring the swamp near her home for medicinal plants and turning them into remedies. It also gets her out of her family’s bursting-at-the-seams cottage. But when she unexpectedly loses her way, she encounters one of the swamp’s fabled denizens—a powerful faefolk lord. And he won’t let her go.

Aistin must have an heir to inherit and protect his demesne, but in his isolated swamp, he doesn’t have many choices. Now he has a plan for that…and it centers on Tansy.

In order to find her way home again, Tansy may have to bargain.

Sprinkled with elements of Beauty and the Beast and Rumplestiltskin, The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain is the third cozy fantasy romance novella in the Tales from Karneesia series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fairy Tales

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2025

About the author

Claire Trella Hill will read anything, but fantasy romance and gothic fiction are her favorites.  When Claire isn't writing, she can be found with her nose glued to her library app, assisting with the last tricky pieces of a puzzle, swilling Dr. Pepper, collecting vintage romance covers, or cuddling with her cat.

Reviews

[W.R. Gingell]

ok i did NOT expect this one to jump so effortlessly to the top of my favourites in the list of Claire-books and vie with B&DD and WaDCC, but IT DID.

(for those wondering about steam level: kisses, looks, and a closed-door scene where nothing is seen)

i need to mention that i ABHOR the trope of "kidnap her and force her to bear his child", whether the forced pregnancy and imprisonment are the "ooh, he's hot so i guess it's ok" kind or the "in irons until you agree kind" and i say that i need to mention it bc Claire ALWAYS does tropes i hate in the single, ONE WAY that both completely justifies, and makes them completely wholesome and cosy.

and she did it again here because i adore this little novella, which has the most perfectly me version of cosy that i've ever read--a TREE HOUSE? AND A GIANT CAT? YES PLEASE? with BOOKSHELVES AND BOOKS AND ART AND TEA AND A BLOKE WITH LONG HAIR SO LONG IT'S PUDDLING ON THE FLOOR AND RIDICULOUS BUT I DON'T CARE BECAUSE HE'S MY RIDICULOUS LONG-HAIRED MAN? SORRY I'M YELLING BUT I LOVED THE VIBES AND YOU NEED TO KNOW IT.

the thing that really takes the sting and grossness from the trope is that our practical and basket-wielding heroine, Tansy, never simpers about "oh i could never have a child with you but ooooh you're so handsome and i might be tempted teehee" and goes straight to the heart of the biggest problem in the scenario outside of, yanno, you cannot just steal women and refuse to let them go unless they give you a kid--"i'm sorry you want me to give birth to a child and then LEAVE IT ALONE WITH A STRANGE MAN IN THE SWAMP? no sir i will not be having a child with you and the only way i would do it is if i look after the child because you don't pump them out and then dump them"

anyway, this is a lot of flailing arms because i had the most fun with this little book and also squeed, which is something i very rarely do because who has the energy and also sometimes i just hate everything*

*everything but this book

it's delightful; read it

[Brielle D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and read it in a day. I always love Claire’s writing, and this was no different. I am a sucker for a good fae story, especially one that challenges old tropes and makes them fresh again. This was such a cozy read!

[Suzannah Rowntree]

Another delightful short and cosy fantasy romance from Claire Trella Hill! I thoroughly enjoyed the American swamp inspired fantasy worldbuilding as well as the central romance, which does a lovely job of confronting and redeeming the "stolen fae bride" trope. If you enjoyed WHEN A DRAGON COMES COURTING, this one will be right up your alley!

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

****Actual Rating 3.5 Stars****

This is probably the fastest turnaround I’ve ever had for an ARC in that I downloaded and read it in one day, lol! And it was really good and well deserving of spending an hour or so of my afternoon reading it.

For such a short book both the characters and swamp were developed and fleshed out while also being engaging. I was surprised by the Rumpelstiltskin vibes and plot point without it being a full blown retelling and Tansy is a good strong, stubborn protagonist without falling into the irritating version of the “strong female” trope.

Due to this being a novella I DID find the romance to be super fast (especially in them doing, ahem, certain things right away, like calm down, guys, seriously) and it toed the line of being unbelievable since he, ya know, KIDNAPPED HER and she just hated his guts a few pages before. BUT the author manages to make it work with some mild time jumps of them getting to know each other, so I think it works just fine for a novella while still toeing my personal line of being really super fast and is the main reason I docked a half star.

Overall I enjoyed it and it has a super pretty cover which always helps, haha. (yes, I like shiny objects and may be part crow. Shhh.)


‼️Content‼️

Language: bloody hell

Violence: a fight between two shifters (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed)

Sexual: a man tells a woman he won’t “ravish” her; kissing (not to semi detailed); an implied fade to black between an unmarried couple (not shown); a mention of conceiving a child after a first time together

Other: magic; fae; magical abilities; a fae man kidnaps a woman and wants her firstborn child


****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not rate a book five stars if your name is on the dedication page?! What a sweet little story, wonderfully nostalgic for me in particular and in a type of environment that tends to be ignored in fantasy but that was perfect for this pairing.

[Claire]

The third of my cozy fantasy novellas is nearly here! So exciting!!

Request an ARC here: https://forms.gle/cNWXTcBXsV8eb9Am9

Preorder here: https://books2read.com/theshapeshifte...
PSA: All Preorder money will be donated to Florida Panther conservation.
Reminder: this is a closed door romantic fantasy novella. I can't wait for you to read it!

[Annie Lima · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was eager to read this novella after a friend spoke highly of it, but I have to admit I was disappointed. I'd looked forward to the cat shifter character, but he only shows up twice in his cat form, and both appearances are fairly brief. The main character falls for the fae lord with very little reason or explanation. She's head-over-heels after only knowing him for three or four days, and after that time, he's somehow so deeply in love with her he's ready to sacrifice everything important to him for her sake. I also felt there were holes in the story where more description or explanation was needed. (For example, he set traps in the swamp hoping to capture a woman, but for YEARS not a single woman from the local village showed up there? And although Tansy goes there regularly, she somehow never fell into them before?)

I did appreciate that the one bedroom scene was closed-door, and that Tansy wasn't willing to give up her baby and walk away, and that Aistin wasn't going to force her into his bed. But there was no clear reason why they fell for each other so rapidly.

I also appreciated that the book had been proofread well. I didn't notice any typos or punctuation errors. However, there were many awkward sentences that, while not actually grammatically incorrect, just didn't sound right and kept the text from flowing smoothly.

Overall, while this book isn't terrible, I didn't enjoy it and wouldn't recommend it. If the issues mentioned above don't bother you, you might like the story, but I won't be reading the rest of this series.

[Shawna Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite novella of Tales from Karneesia shorts. This charming and unique tale is a Beauty and the Beast retelling teamed with Rumplestiltskin. It follows the story of Tansy, an “old maid” in a remote village who goes in search of healing herbs in the swamp and loses her way. What price will she pay to return home when she finds herself the captive “guest” of a fae?

I loved Tansy and her fiery temper- what a match for Aistin who has no clue just what he carried in through his front door.

This novella fills about 77% of the digital copy with the remainder being samples of other works, but who cares- this short is the perfect read for winding down in the evening or just a bit of peace. Grab your favorite warm beverage, curl up in your comfiest spot and fall in love with these two complete opposites who are purrfectly suited for one another.

Seriously, don’t even read the blurb- just go online and buy it now!

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of Ms Hills long short stories or short novellas (I'm never sure which to classify them as) set in the world of Karneesia. The story is completely a stand alone which a reader can enjoy equally whether or not they are already familiar with the author's other works. Probably best described as a cosy, clean, and charming fantasy romance. It incorporates the 'stolen fae bride' trope but as the main characters are both fairly smart, sensible and honourable people it never sees them being cruel, vindictive or any of the other rather unhealthy traits often seen with this trope and the relationship, though forged quickly, feels natural and strong. Highly enjoyable and I can't wait for more from this author.

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another beautifully written story by Claire Trella Hill. It’s a quick read that I finished in one afternoon. Despite its short length, it didn’t lack a thing. I loved every second of it.

I liked Tansy and her fiery yet sweet attitude. Aistin was a bit of a mystery in the beginning. I was intrigued yet slightly leery of him, but I ended up really liking him in the end. I loved the banter between them. They had me laughing (and swooning) several times.

If you’re looking for a quick and cozy closed-door romantasy, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella! Aistin is equal parts dangerous and loyal, while Tansy is confident and reasonable. The story has touches of several popular tropes including forced proximity, strangers to lovers, and dangerous but protective men. I enjoyed the nods to Rumplestilskin and liked the shapeshifter aspect. The short story is steamy, but still fade-to-black.

Rated PG-13 for some adult themes (non-graphic)
-fade-to-black romance, steamy not spicy
-mild familial emotional abuse
-forced proximity, no abuse
-some violence
-no language

I received this eARC from the author with no obligation for leaving a review. My opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Tansy! I love her personality, and I love the interactions between her and Aistin. I love how they slowly start to understand each other and fall in love, and I love that there's true reconciliation in a relationship that had such a problematic start. The author does a really good job of taking tropes that are by their very nature really unhealthy and tells a story that turns them on their head and leaves you with a couple that you can really love and cheer on.

[Matt & AmyLaura Duraski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book that I originally got as an advanced reader copy but due to a near death in the family was not able to get it read and reviewed before its release date. Apologies to the author.
It was a charming little novella and had just the right amount of romance and swoony kisses. I would certainly recommend as a short little read if you like shapeshifter/wearwolf-esque vibes with magical swamp adventures thrown into the mix!

[Renae V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Short Book

Excellent writing! I learned 2 new words! I did not find any mistakes or typos.

The story is sweet. I would like to know if Tansy continued studying medicine, and if she helped train her sister. I would like to know if some of the village people came to her for healing. I really want more of this story

[Katie King · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain is a fun and cozy quick read. It’s a good addition to Tales from Karneesia, and I loved the swamp setting.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars, average

It was good and I enjoyed it, but it was exactly what I expected from the description

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd review: I remember after I finished reading this one for the first time that the story stayed with me and kept living rent-free in my mind for a while. Apparently, it was for enough time that it begged for a reread (which I haven't done in quite some time. Then again, the fact that it's a novella may have helped its case). So here we are, and Aistin and Tansy's story was just as satisfying and sweet as the first time. ~ 5 stars!

1st review: The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain was so good!!! You can pretty much read it in one sitting, though for me it was more of a two-sitting experience thanks to work. Seriously, I love this author's way with words and how every word, detail, and scene counts for the story. Tansy and Aistin's story was beautiful, with charming descriptions, some intrigue, a sweet, closed-door romance (that first kiss was *perfect*), sprinkled humor, and a bargain in the making that has you wondering how it will all turn out. Satisfying HEA with the perfect amount of Fae magic. Recommended to all Romantasy lovers. ~ 4.75 stars rounded up to 5.

[Nospicereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars, rounded up. This is a pretty quick read and a good palette cleanser between books. The world building wasn't super complicated and pretty minimal. I liked the characters.

I liked the little snippet at the end where you get a feel for one of the authors other books. Will definetly be checking them out!