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Adjusting Focus
A trip to Norway with her girlfriends was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip for Cathy. After being made redundant and dumped by her power-hungry ex, it turns into a much-needed escape before piecing what remains of her life back together. The picturesque country is an ideal launch pad for her new career as a photographer too. But what she captures on her camera, she couldn’t have imagined in her wildest dreams.
Ærlen has one mission in protecting the forgotten valley that is home to his community of trolls, huldra and other magical creatures- the Hidden Folk. He is loyal and ambitious, with his sights set on becoming the next chief of his village. Yet something vital is missing; to become Jarl, he needs a mate, and prospects are rare. When female voices are heard in the valley and his team is sent to scout out the threat, he is captivated by a beautiful brown-haired stranger with a camera.
He has to get the photo she took or risk his already endangered people being discovered. But, as the Stone Trolls wake, his camera retrieval operation becomes a rescue mission, one that puts his own life at stake.
Sparks soon fly between the unlikely pair and as the rescue helicopters circle above, the threat of being discovered draws ever closer. Decisions must be made.
Ærlen knows he does not want to live without Cathy, but can she give up everything and everyone she has ever known for a life in secret…with a troll?
Ærlen has one mission in protecting the forgotten valley that is home to his community of trolls, huldra and other magical creatures- the Hidden Folk. He is loyal and ambitious, with his sights set on becoming the next chief of his village. Yet something vital is missing; to become Jarl, he needs a mate, and prospects are rare. When female voices are heard in the valley and his team is sent to scout out the threat, he is captivated by a beautiful brown-haired stranger with a camera.
He has to get the photo she took or risk his already endangered people being discovered. But, as the Stone Trolls wake, his camera retrieval operation becomes a rescue mission, one that puts his own life at stake.
Sparks soon fly between the unlikely pair and as the rescue helicopters circle above, the threat of being discovered draws ever closer. Decisions must be made.
Ærlen knows he does not want to live without Cathy, but can she give up everything and everyone she has ever known for a life in secret…with a troll?
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
44 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 21, 2024
Cathy and her friends are on holiday in Norway. Freshly dumped by her now ex-boyfriend, Cathy is also set out to start her new career as a photographer. None of the girls thought they would need to be rescued from certain death by a bunch of mystical creatures. And hot ones at that.
“Adjusting Focus” takes you on a beautiful journey following Cathy and Ærlen. There's action, a mate bond, swoon, magic and 🌶️. All wrapped up in under 200 pages!! Cathy and Ærlen's story is perfect for cozy season. Reading about snowy adventures in Norway while being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. What could be better?? Not much!! Ærlen is really sweet, asking for consent every step of the way, trying not to pressure Cathy into a decision, that's hers to make, even if it's hard on him. I really loved the book and can't wait for more stories from the Hidden Folk 🥰
“Adjusting Focus” takes you on a beautiful journey following Cathy and Ærlen. There's action, a mate bond, swoon, magic and 🌶️. All wrapped up in under 200 pages!! Cathy and Ærlen's story is perfect for cozy season. Reading about snowy adventures in Norway while being wrapped up in a cozy blanket. What could be better?? Not much!! Ærlen is really sweet, asking for consent every step of the way, trying not to pressure Cathy into a decision, that's hers to make, even if it's hard on him. I really loved the book and can't wait for more stories from the Hidden Folk 🥰
August 4, 2025
What a joy! This story is low angst, high spice and peak cozy. And it is a novella (which I adore) that manages to fit a LOT of fun and story into 120 pages. Also, getting to disappear from the corporate world for a life in the snowy mountains? Literal goals.
Cathy is a human who is on vacation in Norway and trying to figure out her life after both her job and relationship ended harshly.
Ærlen is a troll who is part of the hidden world in Norway, trying to protect his people from human destruction.
They meet when he & his patrol are watching her & her friends, who are too close to where they shouldn't be and are at risk because of Stone Trolls moving about. And there is a little matter of her having a picture of him. Which is bad for the whole hidden people he is trying to protect. There is an avalanche, his people rescue hers. He and she end up separated from the group. And things escalate. Spice-wise. And feelings-wise. And drama-wise. It is so good!
Cathy is delightful and powerful and captivating. She is trying to figure out what to do (relateable) and she is trying to start over with a new career in photography.
Ærlen is wonderful and sweet and strong. He is trying to prove himself to his people and become the next leader but finds himself very distracted by a certain human and I love that for him.
The two of them together are gorgeous and decadent and they bring out the best and spiciest in each other.
I really like Ella's writing and the world she has created. It is the kind of magical perfetion that my brain loves & dreams about. And it is easy to keep track of people. I like not feeling confused when reading.
Cathy is a human who is on vacation in Norway and trying to figure out her life after both her job and relationship ended harshly.
Ærlen is a troll who is part of the hidden world in Norway, trying to protect his people from human destruction.
They meet when he & his patrol are watching her & her friends, who are too close to where they shouldn't be and are at risk because of Stone Trolls moving about. And there is a little matter of her having a picture of him. Which is bad for the whole hidden people he is trying to protect. There is an avalanche, his people rescue hers. He and she end up separated from the group. And things escalate. Spice-wise. And feelings-wise. And drama-wise. It is so good!
Cathy is delightful and powerful and captivating. She is trying to figure out what to do (relateable) and she is trying to start over with a new career in photography.
Ærlen is wonderful and sweet and strong. He is trying to prove himself to his people and become the next leader but finds himself very distracted by a certain human and I love that for him.
The two of them together are gorgeous and decadent and they bring out the best and spiciest in each other.
I really like Ella's writing and the world she has created. It is the kind of magical perfetion that my brain loves & dreams about. And it is easy to keep track of people. I like not feeling confused when reading.
October 24, 2024
This is a very fun short story! There is quite an intriguing plot and a ton of world building hidden behind the spice. It's a sweet tale.
December 31, 2024
I devoured this book in one reading and cannot wait to read book 2. Get me to Norway to meet these very handsome trolls with a passion for human kind…
October 10, 2024
*received a free advanced copy from the author, all opinions are my own*
A hot Norwegian troll finds a tourist human woman minding her own business, whisks her away to a cave for some seriously fun activities, and after showing her the time of her life, she’s more than happy to stay. Sign me up for the next trip to Norway; I’m ready to get stuck in a hidden troll village and find my very own troll mate!
Despite being a short 136-page novella, this little book manages to pack in a mix of excitement, romance, and pure troll fun, with heart-pounding escapes, a deliciously cozy cave adventure, and dreamy nights under the Norwegian stars (because honestly, who needs a blanket when you’ve got a sexy troll keeping you toasty?...and then some), mating bonds and plenty of cozy and steamy moments.
The chemistry between Cathy and Ærlen is so hot, it could melt snow on a mountaintop! Their bond is magnetic, making them the perfect mates. Ærlen is the ultimate troll boyfriend, protective, sweet, and an absolute cinnamon roll with Cathy. He’s not only a consent king but also the perfect mix of sweet and sexy. He’s packing some very fancy equipment, and let’s not forget his bilingual dirty talk, which takes things to a whole new level. Oh, and that tail… it definitely spices things up during their steamy moments!
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, engaging, and steamy read, Adjusting Focus is a must!
A hot Norwegian troll finds a tourist human woman minding her own business, whisks her away to a cave for some seriously fun activities, and after showing her the time of her life, she’s more than happy to stay. Sign me up for the next trip to Norway; I’m ready to get stuck in a hidden troll village and find my very own troll mate!
Despite being a short 136-page novella, this little book manages to pack in a mix of excitement, romance, and pure troll fun, with heart-pounding escapes, a deliciously cozy cave adventure, and dreamy nights under the Norwegian stars (because honestly, who needs a blanket when you’ve got a sexy troll keeping you toasty?...and then some), mating bonds and plenty of cozy and steamy moments.
The chemistry between Cathy and Ærlen is so hot, it could melt snow on a mountaintop! Their bond is magnetic, making them the perfect mates. Ærlen is the ultimate troll boyfriend, protective, sweet, and an absolute cinnamon roll with Cathy. He’s not only a consent king but also the perfect mix of sweet and sexy. He’s packing some very fancy equipment, and let’s not forget his bilingual dirty talk, which takes things to a whole new level. Oh, and that tail… it definitely spices things up during their steamy moments!
If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, engaging, and steamy read, Adjusting Focus is a must!
December 6, 2024
Brb, booking my flight to Norway!
Cathy and her girl friends had a girls’ trip in Norway. As a wild life photographer, she took bunch of photos to launch her career however, she took a photo of a mysterious figure. Ærlen needed to destroy the evidence that Cathy took to protect himself and his people. Unfortunately, his people need to save the girls from being smashed by the stone trolls.
The writing style’s direct to the point. I love the whole concept, and I even adored the whole language barrier between the main characters. I wished both characters are more fleshed out, though. They did end up in bed quickly in my liking, but it’s fine since it was very insta-attraction which made sense because it’s fated mates.
I was fun and a quick read, wished it was longer so we get more content and information especially with the Hidden Folk clan because it was so interesting.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series and the Sam since she wasn’t much in the epilogue. But Lauren and Izzy’s stories are on my radar.
Cathy and her girl friends had a girls’ trip in Norway. As a wild life photographer, she took bunch of photos to launch her career however, she took a photo of a mysterious figure. Ærlen needed to destroy the evidence that Cathy took to protect himself and his people. Unfortunately, his people need to save the girls from being smashed by the stone trolls.
The writing style’s direct to the point. I love the whole concept, and I even adored the whole language barrier between the main characters. I wished both characters are more fleshed out, though. They did end up in bed quickly in my liking, but it’s fine since it was very insta-attraction which made sense because it’s fated mates.
I was fun and a quick read, wished it was longer so we get more content and information especially with the Hidden Folk clan because it was so interesting.
I am looking forward to the rest of the series and the Sam since she wasn’t much in the epilogue. But Lauren and Izzy’s stories are on my radar.
October 9, 2024
• Forced Proximity
• Photography Fun Time
• Special Pɛɛn & Tongue
• Consent King
This was such a fun and steamy read!
It's short and fast-paced, but it manages to pack in quite a lot - we had a little drama, a 'one cave' situation, a seriously steamy photoshoot, and some life changing decisions to make!
Ærlen was *chefs kiss* he's growly, protective, and yummy, but he's also an absolute sweetheart.
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to find out what happens with the others!
• Photography Fun Time
• Special Pɛɛn & Tongue
• Consent King
This was such a fun and steamy read!
It's short and fast-paced, but it manages to pack in quite a lot - we had a little drama, a 'one cave' situation, a seriously steamy photoshoot, and some life changing decisions to make!
Ærlen was *chefs kiss* he's growly, protective, and yummy, but he's also an absolute sweetheart.
I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to find out what happens with the others!
October 16, 2024
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one yet, in one hand I thought it was cute, fun and original. But in the other I'm left feeling eh. I know that insta-love's exist and there are some out there that I've really loved but this one felt a little forced in my opinion. I wish we had gotten more of the characters and them getting to know each other. The story and worldbuilding itself was a lot of fun and I'm sure the coming books will dive more into it
November 17, 2024
A sweet and cozy read with a dash of danger and spicy moments hot enough to melt snow! The MCs were loveable and had me rooting for them to get together from their meet cute. Their love story taking place against the backdrop of Norway's snowy beauty made for great atmosphere. The world building was well done, making me wish to be whisked away by a troll! The creative use of a camera by the MCs had me fanning myself. A great start to a new series that will have be coming back for more!
March 18, 2025
Delicious
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was short enough that reading it didn't feel like a "big ask" but more like light fun reading, while still having plenty of plot.
The visual descriptions were gorgeous, definitely makes me want to visit Norway.
Plenty of spice with great description and feelings, and a beautiful HEA. I'll absolutely be reading the rest of the series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was short enough that reading it didn't feel like a "big ask" but more like light fun reading, while still having plenty of plot.
The visual descriptions were gorgeous, definitely makes me want to visit Norway.
Plenty of spice with great description and feelings, and a beautiful HEA. I'll absolutely be reading the rest of the series!
August 2, 2025
I stumbled on this via KU.
Adjusting focus is Ice Planet Barbarian meets Nordic Folklore. It's cosy, low stakes and feels plausible. None of the no choice but stay, just sweet romance and great vibes. I really enjoyed how it was set in our real world with some fantasy elements - it made it so much fun to read. I will absolutely be finishing the series.
Adjusting focus is Ice Planet Barbarian meets Nordic Folklore. It's cosy, low stakes and feels plausible. None of the no choice but stay, just sweet romance and great vibes. I really enjoyed how it was set in our real world with some fantasy elements - it made it so much fun to read. I will absolutely be finishing the series.
February 26, 2025
Trolls and Romance
This is the first troll book I’ve ever read, and it was a short and fun read that fit in a surprising amount of plot. Aerlin and Cathy’s chemistry is off the charts and it is enhanced by their affection and respect for each other.
This is the first troll book I’ve ever read, and it was a short and fun read that fit in a surprising amount of plot. Aerlin and Cathy’s chemistry is off the charts and it is enhanced by their affection and respect for each other.
October 1, 2025
Loved it!
I think my favourite thing about Adjusting Focus is the bits of Norwegian culture. and language the mmc shows us. It was so interesting to read his pov. Now I wanna go see the northern lights!
I think my favourite thing about Adjusting Focus is the bits of Norwegian culture. and language the mmc shows us. It was so interesting to read his pov. Now I wanna go see the northern lights!
December 28, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
3.5/5 🔥
This was a quick, spicy, and fun read! Definitely scratched the winter novella itch. Can’t wait to read more from Ella Larson ♥️
3.5/5 🔥
This was a quick, spicy, and fun read! Definitely scratched the winter novella itch. Can’t wait to read more from Ella Larson ♥️
March 1, 2025
I loved this book and can't wait for the rest of the series!
March 3, 2025
2.75 stars
Smut, no plot.
Smut, no plot.
February 21, 2025
Quick fluffy read. Not too much in depth plot but very enjoyable.
November 18, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a cute, fun read. The two main characters were lovable but I would have liked to get to know them better. The pace was very fast and very much insta love, which is understanding regarding the length of the book. I really liked all the norwegian sentences and words throughout the book as I am currently trying to learn Norwegian. All in all a cute, cozy short story.
This was a cute, fun read. The two main characters were lovable but I would have liked to get to know them better. The pace was very fast and very much insta love, which is understanding regarding the length of the book. I really liked all the norwegian sentences and words throughout the book as I am currently trying to learn Norwegian. All in all a cute, cozy short story.
October 30, 2024
Oh my. Mention 'trolls' and I can't help but to picture the cute, long-haired characters from my childhood, or the movie where Justin Timberlake did the voice for that one blue guy.
I can assure you, however, that these trolls are NOTHING like that 😅
Set in Norway, this is the story of Cathy (human, photography lover and down on her luck) and Ærlen (future leader of his village, needs a mate, fierce protector of his kind). A girls trip gone wrong (or right, depending how you view it) leads to these two crossing paths, and the beginning of an attraction that's too difficult for them to resist.
This book was fun and super spicy, I love the worldbuilding and can't wait to learn more about the Hidden Folk and their culture in the rest of the series ❤️
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy for an honest review 😊
I can assure you, however, that these trolls are NOTHING like that 😅
Set in Norway, this is the story of Cathy (human, photography lover and down on her luck) and Ærlen (future leader of his village, needs a mate, fierce protector of his kind). A girls trip gone wrong (or right, depending how you view it) leads to these two crossing paths, and the beginning of an attraction that's too difficult for them to resist.
This book was fun and super spicy, I love the worldbuilding and can't wait to learn more about the Hidden Folk and their culture in the rest of the series ❤️
Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy for an honest review 😊
July 2, 2025
Fallen head over heels for the hidden folk
This book was an absolute Joy of discovering. I loved the setting (Norway: swoon), the characters of Cathy and Aerlen and the village. Now Aerlen is just so lovable!
I judge a book by its cover and at first I dismissed it because the cover made it feel like it was going to be poorly written.
But it sure wasn’t. The story has good pacing, makes sense and the characters’ dynamic feels right.
This is a wonderful book to cozy up in a cold winter night and dream of a very sexy troll.
This book was an absolute Joy of discovering. I loved the setting (Norway: swoon), the characters of Cathy and Aerlen and the village. Now Aerlen is just so lovable!
I judge a book by its cover and at first I dismissed it because the cover made it feel like it was going to be poorly written.
But it sure wasn’t. The story has good pacing, makes sense and the characters’ dynamic feels right.
This is a wonderful book to cozy up in a cold winter night and dream of a very sexy troll.
June 21, 2025
- fun read! story flows well
- reads and feels similarly to Ice Planet Barbarians! story is shorter and world isn't as fleshed out (so far) but is similar situationally and in terms of coziness and wholesome, green flag MMCs
- would reread!
- 🌶 is good!
- reads and feels similarly to Ice Planet Barbarians! story is shorter and world isn't as fleshed out (so far) but is similar situationally and in terms of coziness and wholesome, green flag MMCs
- would reread!
- 🌶 is good!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews