Chasing Joy

by Ella Larson

When running is your life, is any prize enough to make you stop?
With her last chance at the world championships fast approaching, Sam’s anxiety is getting the better of her, so much so that she is forced to go on holiday so she can come back refreshed. But do her trainer and parents think she is going to sit on a beach and do nothing? Fat chance! A holiday to Norway to see the Northern Lights (that just so happens to have lots of cross-country skiing) is the perfect ruse!
But certain things keep getting in her way from the eerie melody that haunts her, her friends changing in ways she couldn’t imagine, their luxury cabin being smashed by an avalanche, and oh yeah… the fact that trolls and huldra are real!

Fritha has never used her song to calm a human woman before; neither has she seen someone with so much anxiety in their aura, but if she doesn’t do something, it may well spread to her troll companions. Only, it isn’t her usual song that comes out, but an ancient, primal invitation that, when consummated, binds the soul of the huldra to the listener for life. Captivated by the runner, she gives in to her desires, heart and body, ignoring the warning in the legends.
When the time comes to make a choice, will Fritha tell her lover the truth? Will Sam give up everything she has worked for her entire life and run away, or will running back to humanity mean the end of her life?

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

Reviews

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

All her life Sam has been trying to make herself memorable. Chasing after the probably last chance at winning the world championship should be her top priority. But when a beautiful huldra rescues her and her friends from certain death, Sam must admit to herself that maybe there are things more worthy chasing than a gold medal.
OMG!! Sam's and Fritha's story is so special. Full of ups and downs, life changing decisions and amazing 🌶️!
Both women fall fast and hard but while Fritha is quick to accept the growing bond between them, Sam has trouble to let go of her old dream and embrace the new path that's unfolding in front of her. I love their journey so much and can't wait for Izzy's story 🥰

[Mrs. Pendragon Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I know I said the second book was my favorite (and it still is), but Fritha, my oh my, I love her! Sorry, Urug, you've been dethroned… unless Lauren and Sam are open to sharing! 😉

This third installment in Falling for the Hidden Folk runs parallel to the events of the last two books, with the story unfolding through Sam and Fritha, a beautiful Huldra.
The romance between Sam and Fritha is electric, filled with cozy moments, emotional turmoil, and life-altering decisions. And the spice? Oh, it’s definitely spicing! Their connection is intense yet tender, and I loved seeing how their dynamic evolved, Fritha, ready to embrace their bond, and Sam, struggling to choose between the future she always envisioned and the one fate has placed before her.

Chasing Joy blends folklore, adventure, and romance, creating a story that lingers long after the final page. I can’t wait to see what’s next, bring on Izzy’s story!


thank you Ella Larson for the ARC, I enjoy your stories. all opinions are my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to visit Ella Larson's world of the Hidden Folk. I was looking forward to this third installment, as I had read the first two books in this series back to back. I really liked the character of Fritha, while I struggled with Sam. I found her hard-edged, making it hard to empathize with her.

Nevertheless, I appreciated seeing the different perspectives on how the Hidden Folk saved our humans in more ways than one.

I'm now ready to learn more about the Hidden Folk themselves, their culture, history, and ways. It looks like there will be future books in this series, and I really hope to see this world fleshed out more.

While I didn't like the romantic pair as much as I enjoyed the ones in the previous books (Cathy and Aerlen have a special place in my heart), returning to Ella Larson's magical and very loving world of the Hidden Folk was worth it.
For that, I highly recommend this series.

[ElleBearBooks]

Back to the world of Hidden Folk! I just love the concept of this story starting from the same origin. It gives you such a broad perspective on how all of the friends on their holiday reacted to the same things. We now meet Sam, a hard working athlete who values her career and progress over everything else. As a runner, she wants nothing more than to become something memorable, until she meets the huldra named Fritha who shakes up her world with her song.

It creates a bond that neither of them expect, and on their journey back to find Sam's friends, they discover that the bond between them deepens. Sam thought she couldn't see a world outside of running, and Fritha realizes she can't see herself without Sam. These two go through a hurdle of challenges, testing them until the very end to bring them together. A wonderful addition to the series!

[JabberwockyStories · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the free e-ARC, this is my honest review!
SG Rating 4.5/5; rounded up to 5 for GR.

Chasing Joy follows the same timeline of the rest of the Hidden Folk series but focuses on Sam and Fritha. Sam is struggling with her anxiety and how she has halted training to attempt to relax before going back home to hopefully win her next race. However, with her trip taking a turn, she meets Gritha, a beautiful Huldra.

Sam and Huldra are my favorite couple so far in the series! I love reading Huldra's POV and how she describes auras. They have such a beautiful love and love how hard they fall for each other!

Can't wait to see the next installment in the Hidden Folk series!

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader]

“You become like that snowflake, shattering the light and colours of your soul until I can see every part of you…and it’s the most breathtaking thing I have ever seen.”

Timeline shared simultaneously with the first two book but this one follows Sam and the huldra, Fritha.

I've been waiting for Sam's book ever since I read book 1 and this book was not what I expected.

Sam's a strong character, and I love that we got the mental health representation at the same time, FF representation. The author handled both of those really well that really made the whole story seamless.

I did love that we get to see more trolls in this book and we slowly get to meet more characters that's gonna have their own book.

[Nirav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fritha is my new favourite hidden folk! Sorry Urug!

This is a beautiful story and one I could relate to the most in this series! We need to choose what we want to win and more importantly why.

I really wished this book was longer, didn't want to leave these characters so soon!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 5 star read for me and I don't usually read Sapphic romance. But Sam said all that nasty stuff when she was leaving and didn't properly apologize