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An Unwitting Bargain

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Never give your name. Never accept a gift or favor. Never eat the food of the realm.



Benny is having the best summer ever. He’s made a new friend, and now he’s getting an extended vacation at a private island. And sure, his buddy didn’t ask Benny’s permission before taking him there, but what could be so bad about exclusive sandy beaches and a free stay in a fancy villa?



Helio is having the worst time of his life. Here he’s gone to all the trouble of kidnapping a human to the fae realm, and the man doesn’t even have the decency to be afraid. Benny’s broken all the rules, and Helio has a right to keep him, but his prey doesn’t even realize he’s been captured. Is this human messing with Helio, or is it truly possible for one man to be so damned oblivious?

An Unwitting Bargain is a 15K novella featuring an oblivious himbo human and the morally gray fae he’s accidentally driving a wee bit mad. There’s a kidnapping that goes unnoticed, a magical villa with a crush, and an extremely wholesome human who just wants to make his new friend happy.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2025

48 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Grae Bryan

23 books1,151 followers
Grae Bryan has been reading romance since she was far too young to know any better. Her love for love stories spans all genres, and while her current series is of the paranormal variety, she knows she’ll be exploring other worlds further down the line.

She lives in Arizona with her husband, who graciously shares space with all the imaginary men in her head. When not writing, she can generally be found reading more than is healthy, walking her monster-dog, or cuddling her demon-cat. She loves anything and everything gothic, strange, lovely, or cozy.

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5 stars
280 (39%)
4 stars
259 (36%)
3 stars
143 (20%)
2 stars
21 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa GLP.
190 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2025
3.5✨
This was fun haha
I would love to be Benny...
and this was cute too
Profile Image for Kirstine Hansen.
1,041 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2025
Aw, it's the big, happy himbo who befriended Sascha in Wreaking Havoc! While on vacation in Florida, Benny meets a gorgeous, mysterious man at a club. The man buys him a lot of drinks. The next morning he wakes up on a luxurious tropical island, alone with the gorgeous man. Apart from the massive hangover, this is great!

Meanwhile, Helio is going mad because our good-natured friend is too clueless, er, content to realize that a big, bad Fae has captured him. He's not begging Helio to release him, no, he's happy as a pig in mud - lazing in the sun, swimming, working out, and eating great food. The only thing he's missing is some sweaty sex - Benny had always known breaking a sweat was the key to a good time.

What is Helio to do with this hot, horny, and utterly guileless man?

Benny looked around once more, feeling a little better now that his eyes had adjusted to the brightness. God, it was gorgeous. “This is your private island, right?” he guessed, proud of himself for remembering. “You were talking about it last night.”
“And you’re not…shocked?” Helio asked, looking at Benny like he was some sort of strange creature. Maybe he was, compared to someone as fancy as Helio. “Shocked to find yourself here? Perhaps…enraged? Overcome with despair?”

“I don’t sparkle,” Helio argued, his offense briefly winning over his panic. “I glimmer. Sparkling would be undignified. I’m not some sort of fictional vampire.”

Helio’s enchanted villa should have been aiding him in his dastardly pursuits. Instead, it was serving as Benny’s lapdog—giving him everything his heart desired at the drop of a hat. Benny had only to ask for something, and it would materialize. (...) And when Helio had brought it up to the villa—when he’d thrown, perhaps, a bit of a tantrum—he’d been punished for it. Helio’s bedchamber was now an icebox every night, cold in a way even extra blankets couldn’t remedy.
Profile Image for Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) .
862 reviews174 followers
January 21, 2025
Not to be a hater but nothing really happens in this one.

Beyond Benny being kinda criminally dumb. I'd understand if he literally had no idea anything paranormal could happen. But he's seen his neighbor's boyfriend with horns.

So some of his......inability to find things weird IS weird. But yes. I see why you'd not jump to the thought that your reclusive new boyfriend who lives on a private island where service is instant although there are no housekeepers could be fae.

But maybe, maybe ask yourself why you desire protein, and suddenly there's a platter full of it in his hands.

Unrelated. Today I discovered there's such a thing as morosexual.

Which sounds kind of mean. So I'm going to say Benny's a himbo and Helio's REALLY into himbos.

So I guess it's a match.
Profile Image for Hannah Reads a lot of Smut.
477 reviews
July 10, 2025
4 full stars for Benny and Helio’s fae x himbo abduction to love story ♥️♥️ Benny meets Helio at a gay bar and breaks LITERALLY every rule known to fae 😂 so Helio captures him and brings him to the fae realm, except things don’t pan out as expected. Benny is lovingggg the vacation. 💀 and Helio can’t avoid the temptation lmao.

This was such a funny story. Does a lot happen in the less than 100 pages? No. Not at all 😂 but I couldn’t put it down. I was laughing, kicking my feet and eating up this story. These two were freaking adorable. Helio is grumpy and annoyed that he can’t stay away from Benny. Meanwhile our favorite lil Himbo is clueless and it’s adorable 👏🏼👏🏼

What I liked:
MM romance ❤️❤️
Himbo x Grumpy pairing 🤌🏼
Light Romantasy vibes with Helio being fae
Helio’s house giving Benny whatever he wanted and Helio being all annoyed about it 😂
Benny being soooo trusting and innocent.
It was short and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing, there was that great balance of longing and spice. Which is no easy feat given the length 👀

What I didn’t like:
-I wanted it to be longer. I wish the other fae coming to visit was explored a bit more. But honestly that’s just me being nitpicky. This was a fantastic novella 👏🏼

FAQ:
Dual pov with plenty of pov from both heroes
No OM drama
No third act break up
HFN

TLDR;
Run to read this novella. It’s adorable, funny, and oh so charming!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Whitney.
660 reviews43 followers
January 18, 2025
Why was this so cute?!

This is how you write a himbo. A guy who is buff, achingly sweet, and as innocent and pure and oblivious to most things as golden retriever. Not someone who is so dumb they need assistance and the occasional reminder to breathe. My point is, Benny is the best himbo I have written a long time and I adored this.

The premise of this book is hilarious and while I would have appreciated something longer, I understand why it's a novella. Once Benny learns he's in the fae world there's not too many places you could take the story without it getting tedious and probably bogging itself down. But the humor is really the crown jewel of this. Especially Helio. Almost every scene with him had me dying, he is too funny. He's also adorably possessive, I'm not sure how else to describe it.

This was adorable and so fun. If you need your break from all the dark fae romances (that are low key all starting to sound the same) or something to take you out of a reading slump, I would pick this up. I mean you should read in general because it's great but definitely if you're in one of those moods. Five stars because finally, rom-coms are funny.
Profile Image for Amy.
458 reviews50 followers
January 29, 2025
This was a really fun, short read. Benny was maybe verging on the "too stupid to live" territory, but his innocent joy was just such a fun POV that I didn't really mind.

There's no real plot or depth here, this was pure candy floss for the brain.
Profile Image for book_reader_addict.
563 reviews34 followers
July 5, 2025
Aww, Benny and Hailo are just so cute❤️ Loved it so much❤️ Easy to read, a really good golden retriever character, melting the heart of a scheming fea❤️❤️
Profile Image for Mir.
1,114 reviews63 followers
September 15, 2025
I hate short stories. Usually I find they’re not enough to enjoy. Or, in this case, I find they’re so good I want so much more. I was so bummed when I started reading this and noticed my percentage marker going up quickly. I probably wouldn’t have bought it if I’d known it was a short story.

Regardless, I think this is probably the best thing this author has written in my opinion. I wish it was a full book.
Profile Image for Caity.
212 reviews6 followers
July 14, 2025
I freaking loved this little novella. Sweet sweet himbo and his grumpy possessive Fae. I wish this was a full novel because I want more of them!
Profile Image for Terri.
366 reviews61 followers
December 2, 2025
Poor Helio just trying to do Fae things and kidnap a human to his realm while Benny is being oblivious and having a great time.

3.5 stars
Profile Image for Ellie.
790 reviews77 followers
January 30, 2025
4 stars

Total obliviot lucks into the best deal ever when he accidentally makes a pact with a fae, and the fae's magic house decides to cater to his every whim, much to the fae's chagrin.

Just a fun bit of fluff.
Profile Image for ♡.
209 reviews
January 21, 2025
" you're maddening."

𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙: benny is a fucking idiot, but you know what? we love it.
" he looked at helio—really looked—and thought over all their interactions so far. he considered helio’s otherworldly good looks, his strange way of speaking, his odd behavior this morning.
and suddenly, it all clicked.
benny had it figured out.
helio was lonely. "
^ point proven. moron (said lovingly). AND THAT FIRST CHAPTER FROM HELIO'S POV? giggling, kicking my feet, twirling my hair, i swear.

𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙: nothing.

" for fuck's sake. this human was going to be the death of him."

𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚: plot? what plot? in all seriousness though, this was adorable even if benny is such a meathead and i'm like "what do you mean you're fine with being kidnapped????" a fluffy and cute read.

𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙩��𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚: honestly? i don't think we see much of an actual romance and we don't really know all that much about either of them and if they actually work together, but whatever. it's like a thirty minute to an hour read and for what we got, it was entertaining.

" i hate you."
" you do?"
"no. not even a little."

𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡: not very spicy, and it only picks up halfway through the book. there's still a few scenes, though.

𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙞 𝙗𝙪𝙮 𝙖 𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮? probably not.
2,839 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2025
Rating: 4🌈

Well, this was just adorable. Like holding a lively lovable golden retriever but in narrative form . Grae Bryan’s short fantasy story is a quick delight of a romance.

That’s totally due to the author’s engaging couple and a common theme given a fun twist.

Benny, the human golden retriever main character, is one who has appeared in this author’s other terrific series, Demon Bound. I’m so delighted that Benny gets his HEA here. Benny is a joy. Bryan has created in Benny someone who’s enthusiastic about everything new that comes his way. His brilliant positive energy jumps off the page.

So of course, he doesn’t really know what he’s getting into when he meets this gorgeous man in a bar who’s paying attention to him. Helio, someone who listens and asks questions, and lets him do his thing.

Helio is that other hilariously funny character, a frustrated Fae where nothing he’s doing is working on the happiest human he’s ever seen.

There’s not a lot of world building or layers to the backstory but it’s short and honestly, these two (plus a misbehaving villa) are fabulous together.

I loved it and would hope they pop up together in the Demon Bound series in some future roles.

Or maybe a tiny sequel. Highly recommended! Just adorable.
Profile Image for Katherine.
2,866 reviews13 followers
January 15, 2025
A piece of time

A fun little with an imperious but lonely fae and a himbo with a better sense of people than he lets on.

Benny is on vacation and meets Helio, unintentionally making a bargain with the fae. It leads to Helio kidnapping Benny but instead of being afraid or angry, Benny is stoked to be on a private island and enjoys hanging with his new rich shy friend. This frustrates Helio but also draws him in. This is an easy and fun short where the outwitting of a fae is actually just done through not outwitting at all, but instead being honest, open, and true. The connection is enjoyable and the vacation romance of it is a lot of fun, even as it is a little bit ridiculous. Benny is a bit oblivious and can come off as a bit thick, but his empathy and sense of people is strong, making him an easy character to root for. A fun little short that connects to a different series that could be interesting as well.
4,226 reviews
November 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Unwitting Bargain by Grae Bryan is a charmingly funny and unexpectedly tender fae romance that turns a classic kidnapping trope into something full of sunshine and sincerity. Benny’s blissful obliviousness and unwavering good nature are the perfect foil to Helio’s frustration and morally gray intensity, creating a dynamic that feels both hilarious and heartwarming. The story moves quickly but still feels rich, filled with magical detail and perfectly timed humor as Benny mistakes his abduction for an impromptu vacation. What makes it shine is how gently it explores the idea of kindness as its own kind of magic, showing how genuine warmth can disarm even the most cynical creature. Bryan’s wit, worldbuilding, and affection for her characters come together beautifully, making this short novella feel like a complete and satisfying escape.
Profile Image for Zoë Miranda.
606 reviews10 followers
January 11, 2025
3rd person, past tense, dual POV
Benny Carter, human
Helio, fae

This is a standalone novella connected to the author's Demon Bound series; Benny specifically was introduced in Wreaking Havoc, though I have not read it or any of her other works.

This was an adorable idea for a story, Helio 'captures' Benny but he's too oblivious to really notice or be too put out by in and in the process Helio ends up captivated by Benny. Benny is the chillest character, the perfect foil to Helio, and you can't help but laugh at Helio's internal monologue as he tries to figure out what went awry with his machinations. The fact that his Villa has taken a liking to Benny was added hilarity, gifting him all his heart's desires.

The characters are pretty superficial and lack depth but it's such a short story that you can get away with it.

I read the Prolific Works freebie version, not sure if any changes were made to the content before publishing wide.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
148 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
I think this was just so adorable 🥰

Yes not a lot happens beside just hanging out in the villa while Helio goes a little crazy trying figure out why Benny is so content with anything and everything. But like.. it’s just suppose to be a short story of a Fae wanting to torture a human and ending up with a happy, go with the flow kind of guy. It said himbo and himbo is what we got and I loved every minute of this story!

I love a possessive man and that is what Helio is. Both Helio and Benny don’t try change the other person. They love one another just as they are 😍💞

I would have loved an actual set series of fae characters and romances and maybe someday in the future because I do love that this is connected to the vampire/demon mate series!!
Profile Image for Destiny.
179 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2025
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a sweet, funny, and spicy novella featuring a lonely fae, a golden retriever of a human, and a connection I wished had a full-length novel to explore.

Helio, the fae in question, has spent decades tormenting humans and sending them back to the mortal realm—until he meets Benny. Benny is a sweet, all-smiles kind of guy who is as oblivious as baby deer.

Their dynamic had me hooked from the start: Helio is so dry and Benny’s sunshine energy clash in the best ways. The novella is packed with witty banter, swoony moments, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.

A delightfully quick read!
Profile Image for Rai.
954 reviews25 followers
September 7, 2025
This was a zero angst, clueless, loving short read.

Benny is a genuine cool and just nice lad, here we have Seth's cousin Benny who works at a bouncer for a club in maine, he know Sasha and Kai from wrecking havoc.

He is suddenly "taken and trapped" in a summer villa by a handsome man called Helios who is actually Fae.
What he doesn't know is that he is the one who ends up taken and trapped lmao literally falls in love without knowing. Benny has him wrapped around his finger.

This novella was so cute and short, loved it.
Profile Image for YonnoMaus.
670 reviews
Read
December 4, 2024
I read this as a short story as part of the Prolific Works giveaway.

3.5 stars. This was such a wonderful short story. I loved grumpy Helio and oblious Benny. And Bryan did such a great job with making me absolutely believe in this hea with such a small number of pages. I am so looking forward to reading even more of her works (starting with Roman which I've wanted to read for a long while now). And I'd love to see an expanded version of this story too!
177 reviews
January 9, 2025
SO CUTE

I love grumpy x sunshine and this had to be peak grumpy x sunshine! It was so cute! Benny was a total himbro but Helios didn't treat him as less than, which I always dislike in romances.

Definitely worth the money and I'll be going to read series that Benny was a side character in now! (I read this as a standalone so you definitely don't need to read anything beforehand to love this!)
Profile Image for Ysabella Daisy.
4 reviews
May 21, 2025
Good: I enjoyed how cute Benny is and his innocent vibes. Along with how Helio get so frustrated with him. One quote I love from the book . I wish it was longer to really enjoy the relationship between them and also have a better understanding on Helio.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,041 reviews4 followers
July 22, 2025
I love Benny more than anyone else so I was happy to see him get his happy ending. I wish this was longer because although we know Benny from previous books, we barely get to know Helio. I would have loved some backstory there, if only to explain more about his situation, which court he was a part of, how he knew Cyprian (or whoever that dude was). I'm still hopeful about Seth getting his happy ending soon too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lois.
1,100 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2024
Short, sweet, ridiculously funny summer freebee. If you've read Wreaking Havoc, you've met Benny, but it doesn't matter if you haven't. Benny is completely clueless and Helio is stumped. Together they make such a great couple. I hope there are more short 'Seacliff' spin offs, this was too much fun
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews

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