A bookstore owner’s life is upended when her car hits a man crossing the road. Little does she know, there’s more to this shirtless stranger than meets the eye– he’s a Lord of the Fae, and he has some tricks to play…
There was a willow I loved by a creek; sometimes I slept there. I was never afraid, alone in the dark. There was nothing to fear from water and trees and fairytales.
The real monsters were always people.
...
Can we forgive injustice? Do we accept the fate forced upon us? Should we fight, no matter the cost? How do we move on from great loss? What would you trade to relive one moment?
I write folklore and mythology inspired dark fantasy. Emphasis on dark. I don't shy away from serious issues and emotions: suicide, depression, mental illness, abuse, death, infertility, and assault are all in my books. These are not for pleasure or shock value, but because I want to write about authentic pain and suffering, and how we heal ourselves through the bad things that have been done to us.
My books will probably make you cry. I hope it helps more than it harms.
Lily & Thorne was such a cute, cozy, quick read, leaving you wanting more!
Lily the FMC, is a bit down on her luck with her bookstore, but somehow managed to hit Thorne with her car one evening, and his presence alone seems to draw women into the bookshop like flies to honey. While Lily does find this strange man to be extremely attractive, she doesn't fawn over him like all the other women, which he finds interesting. After a run in with her ex at a local restaurant, Lily and Thorne go back to her place, and things get heated.
Thorne mentions something to Lily that makes her question his motives, but one thing leads to another and their spicy streak continues, multiple times. Not too long after, a beautiful woman shows up at the shop, and Thorne is now gone, potentially forever, back to his fae kingdom. Lily is willing to do just about anything to try and see Thorne again....
This was such a cozy yet spicy read, I really enjoyed Lily's character, and we got just enough of a glimpse of who Thorne is to really want to know more about him. I loved that Lily owns a bookshop, because isn't that the dream for all of us readers? Also, I love the reference to Jamie from Outlander, because I love Outlander, and the show, and also thought it was a great reference to get an idea of what Thorne is supposed to look like. I would love to own a bookshop or huge personal library (working on this one). I won't give it away, but what Lily does at the end of the story, makes me want to read what happens next with these two, so I cannot wait to get to read more of their story.
Some Fave quotes: "F***! It's the only word that comes to mind when you run someone over."
"His abdominal muscles are completely symmetrical, well-defined ridges that redefine the concept of washboard. He looks like the more handsome, younger brother or Jamie from Outlander..."
"The cloud of pheromones he's putting out can probably be seen from Saturn."
"I decide he IS in a cult. It's a no-shirt-no-shoes-and-we-eat-dirt cult. That being said, he's also hot as hell,..."
"...and when he licked his finger I lost three years of my lifespan."
"His biceps and pecs look like they're made from granite, clearly visible through the fabric. A third of my brain cells promptly die on impact."
Thank you to Book Sirens, and the author for gifted copy of this book!
This is a contemporary romantasy novella that is absolutely lovely, like a daydream I didn't want to end.
Cozy Contenporary Fantasy . Fae Romance . Novella . Small-Town Romance . A little bit of rom-com . Amnesia . Bargains . Forbidden
Down on her luck, in the middle of a snow storm, Lily hits a man with her car on the way to her bookstore, named Happily Ever After.
"Welcome to Happily Ever After, purveyor of fine fantasies!" (pg 48)
With the roads being too hazardous in this small town, for any help to be sent out, she finds herself with no choice, but to care for the red-headed bare-chested golden-eyed mysterious stranger on her own. He is not only hot, oozing masculinity and mouth-watering allure, he seems to be just the thing to flip her luck... and perhaps even more.
""Comfortable. Curious, with dark corners to explore." Right. I resist the urge to ask if he is going to explore me." (pg 18)
And Thorne... he's there for a reason, and he has rules that he has to live by... would he break them... for her?
Enjoyed the little bits of humor and pinch me I think I'm dreaming vibes. Lily and "Mr. October" aka Thorne are an absolute delight. And omgoodness who wouldn't want a gorgeous shirtless otherworldly man who cleans and gives you looks or says things that make you blush and flush down to your toes? Give. Me. More.
What would she do to keep him? And would the daydream end, leaving her feeling even more bereft and emptier than before?
Lily & Thorne by Rhiannon Hargadon was a quietly satisfying read that really shines in its romance and steady pacing. The second-chance love story felt thoughtful and emotionally grounded, especially with Lily, an older, divorced FMC whose life experience added depth and realism to the narrative. I loved the inclusion of infertility representation—it was handled with care and authenticity and added meaningful emotional weight without overpowering the story. Thorne, the redheaded fae MMC with a secret identity, brought just the right mix of charm, mystery, and longing, and the slow unraveling of his truth kept me invested. While it didn’t completely sweep me away, it was a well-balanced, heartfelt romance that I genuinely enjoyed and would recommend to readers who love mature characters, gentle fantasy elements, and second-chance stories with substance. ✨📚
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨ 📖: Lily and Thorne (House of Fieri, Book 1)
Lily & Thorne is a sweet and cozy novella about a bookstore owner down on her luck and a mysterious and wickedly handsome stranger she hits with her car. Ooops. Talk about a memorable meet-cute! Except he can’t remember everything…
Tropes: 📚Bookish FMC 💞Second chance romance 🫂Forced proximity 🌨️Snowed in 💫Magic & bargains 🧝♂️Fae lore 🌶️: open door
Calling all Jamie Fraser girlies! This story is for you! The prose is playful and riotous. I loved the banter and searing chemistry between these two. But what does fate have in store for them?
This story takes place in a contemporary setting mixed with fantasy elements that are slowly revealed. I desperately need to dive into the Descendents of the Fates series and hope to see more of these characters in future stories!
Huge thanks to the author for the review copy! This is my honest and voluntary review.
This novella is a cozy contemporary romance sprinkled with fae fantasy. It's one of those stories that makes me wish I could magically shrink it down to fit in my pocket.That way, I can pull it out when needed, for girly giggles, steamy spice and secret smiles on the go.
The story begins with Lily, a thirty-something divorcee just trying to get by in the aftermath of heart wrenching tragedy and betrayal. Can I just say how refreshing it is to have a FMC who is real and messy and described with perfectly average attributes? I love her snarky inner monologue and of-course-this-new-bad-thing-is-happening-so-im-just-going-to-roll-with-it attitude. Many of us have been there. We get it. I related to her so hard.
A winter storm in a rural small town literally drops a handsome stranger in her lap after hitting him with her car (of course she does) forcing them to seek shelter in her run down bookshop/2nd floor apartment. Reeling, with a shirtless, wickedly hot red-headed man, who has no idea who he is, she takes the proverbial F%#K IT approach and decides to let him stay to recover. Hilarious banter quickly ensues as the two awkwardly struggle to get to know one another.🫦
Thorne is dreamy in that to-good-to-be-true kind of way that's wrapped in intrigue, a hint of danger and sexy sly smiles. Luckily he insists on the help-a-girl-out while I sleep on your couch bit and I'm here for it! A man that's good with plants, loves to read AND cook? Who oozes warmth and a calm confidence and those sinful bedroom eyes? Sign me up! Why is it that women seem to flock to him? What's with the strange secrets and rules? Can he convince her that she's perfect in her imperfection? Doesn't she see he only has eyes for her?
This heartwarming short story feels like a cozy bookstore ambiance romance with magic and spice, but there are some heavy themes so please check your trigger warnings. While this was a quick and easy read, the story has some somber notes around the journey of a woman trying to reconnect to herself after significant trauma and pain. Overall, this read was such a fun time! A naughty sweet treat that left me feeling warm and hopeful with a perfectly perfect ending.
“He might have had it first. But it's mine now”
Cozy Bookstore Small Town Amnesia Mate Bonds
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I went into this novella not knowing what to expect (honestly, I’m not even sure how it landed on my Kindle—probably from the author’s newsletter?), but I’m so glad I picked it up!
This character art instantly caught my eyes as I'm apparently turning into a character art girlie, and then the story pulled me right in. I’ve never read an ebook that included random art tucked into the pages, and it was such a fun surprise. Think sexy fae male in nothing but an apron ❤️🔥
Our FMC literally starts the story by hitting the MMC with her car (😂 talk about a meet-cute), and from there, things only get better. Enter one very unexpected sexy fae male, plenty of winter vibes, and a story that managed to be both cute and surprising. I did not see that ending coming!
This was a cozy, quick read that gave me exactly the vibes I didn’t know I was looking for. Now that I’ve had a taste of Hargadon’s writing, I’m even more excited to dive into Bloody Black, even though it’s a completely different story.
If you are in a reading slump or need a palate cleanser this sweet little romance story would be perfect for you. It follows Lily a bookshop owner and her strange encounter with a man who has lost his memory. In a whirlwind of events they are both breaking rules they have set for themselves and some rules that have been set for them. Lily is probably one of the most relatable characters I’ve read in a VERY long time and Thorne is the book boyfriend everyone is looking for. Following their story and where they end up all wrapped up in the sweetest book store was just what I needed!
super cozy novella, a fae lord being banished to the human realm and finding his mate, lOVE this. Love Rhiannon’s writing so so much, i almost wish this was longer, i wanted it a little more fleshed out, some of Lilys healing felt a little rushed, and the ending was a bit rushed for me. But i still really enjoyed this, who doesn’t love a red headed MMC, plus a FMC in her 30s ?! we need more of this. Love Rhiannon’s work so so much <3
i don’t hand out 5 star ratings lightly, and i’ve never given one to an ARC read before, but this little novella was so good. i think my only complaint is it wasn’t longer 😂 writing style was right up my alley and pacing was pretty much perfect. a digestible story that covers all the feels. Thorne is absolutely delectable and Lily is definitely relatable. i highly recommend this book if you want a super quick read (it’s only 95 pages) and those warm, cozy vibes.
I was given this book as an ARC but this is an honest review.
This was such a cute, short, easy read. I was left wanting more: what happened next, why was he there and how did he get back? It is really well written and I got very invested in Lily and was thoroughly on the journey with her.
The only reason it's a four star and not 5 was there were lots of hot looks, kissing and more but not much dialogue. I got to know Lily but not very much about Thorne. So when she is confessing she loves him, it's a little bit "okay but what makes it love or is it lust?" and I felt the ending was a little rushed. we have 12 chapters of them forced together and 2 chapters of him leaving and coming back.
I can't wait to read more!
I would definitely recommend this for a cute, romcom, small town romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A perfect fall/winter read! It’s cute, cozy, beautifully spicy, and with just enough stakes to keep you reading late into the night. You won’t regret reading this!
It's always hard to write a short story when you want to write more but you're limited. This was one of them. I felt the book could have been written longer, however, I did enjoy the show don't tell of Thorne. Like you know something is off about him, you just don't know whether if it's a good or bad thing.
I wish we got more character depth of Lily. We got the brief history that she is divorced due to infedlity of her ex-husband. There is obviously more but wasn't explained until towards the end of the book. And speaking of the end, omg, I wanted to cry. Out of rage or sadness I wasn't sure because HOW CAN IT JUST END LIKE THAT. Is their story done, or will it continue in the next book?! THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS I NEED TO KNOW.
Spoilers Starting here:
I received the ARC through BookSirens from the author. This review is my true and honest thoughts
Another meaningful read by Rhi and, just like Bloody Black, we hit topics that are difficult but represented so well you feel seen and heard.
This precious novella takes place in small town Tennessee when our FMC Lily accidentally hits a mysterious and very attractive half-dressed male. Snowed in, she fears the worst but soon finds that he is more help than hurt to her constant bad luck. However, he can’t remember his name and seems to be hiding something.
As Thorne, our MMC, assists Lily with her bookshop, she realizes how his presence begins to help her heal from a traumatic past. We get comfort, grief rep, green flags, and spice all packed into this 90 page read!
I enjoyed watching Lily heal. Her story made me root for her, want to punch her ex-husband’s face multiple times, and trip his new wife lol. And side note, I absolutely adore the notes below the chapter number!!
Tropes you may find in LAT are hidden identities, modern day meets magical, forced proximity, medium spice, sort but sassy bookish FMC, possessive fire haired MMC who can cook, and a sweet conclusion.
Thank you to Rhi and booksirens for this gifted arc! I can’t wait to read more from Rhi.
SPOILERS Thank you to BooksSirens & Rhiannon Hargadon for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Why is this only a novella? I need more.
What an absolutely beautiful short story. Seriously—why is this only a novella? It had everything I love in a full-length romance, just packed into a smaller package… and now I’m left wanting all the in-between moments.
It kicks off with one of my favorite tropes: the FMC crashes her car into someone. You already know this can go one of two ways—death or the man of your dreams. And lucky Lily? She gets the dream. Not just any dream, but a Jamie-from-Outlander type who smells like marshmallows and firewood. YES, PLEASE.
Lily’s a total mess—idiot ex-husband, trauma, debt—and then BAM, she hits Thorne. Mysterious, gorgeous, emotionally layered Thorne. And did I mention the FAE?! Because yes, that too. From the second they met, I was rooting for them. My heart fluttered, my chest ached, and I was completely pulled in.
This short story hits all the right notes: heartbreak, healing, chemistry, butterflies, kisses, spice, and a magical twist. And that ending?? Grrrr. It made me stop and think, “What would I do?” I love when books do that—make me question everything in the best way.
3.5 stars for now because it’s just too short. But if this were a full novel with all the depth, detail, and emotional development? I would give it a 5 star - rounding it up to a 4 star
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Montheia. I see where you ache, and I will kiss you exactly in that place. Until you forget the pain.”
“Because you fit me. What you think of as rough edges are simply the parts of you that were made for me.“
A lord of the Fae… a human woman… snowed in at a cozy bookstore…
When Lily hits a shirtless man with her car in the middle of a snowstorm, the collision sparks an unexpected relationship and connection with someone who is so much more than he seems.
I did not expect to fall in love with this novella as much as I did. But here I am, completely obsessed and officially claiming my first red-headed book boyfriend. Thorne was everything. Absolutely perfection. And Lily… I connected with her so deeply. Her self-doubt, her inner battles, the way she second guesses everything and prepares for the worst as a form of self-protection. It was all so real and relatable. She was her own biggest obstacle until Thorne slipped past her defenses and helped her see herself differently. Watching that unfold was genuinely beautiful.
This story felt like a cozy, sweet, spicy, magical snow-globe of a dream that I never wanted to end.
What a fun read! If you’re looking for a little palette cleanser before starting another series, this is the book for you! I felt as if I could truly relate to our FMC, Lily. She’s been through a lot and blames herself. Seeing her growth was refreshing. I found myself kicking my legs and squealing to becoming very frustrated with some of the things Lily was saying about herself. It made me FEEL more than some of the 600+ page books I’ve read. Thorne is a breath of fresh air himself. Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC and to Rhiannon Hargdon for the experience. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book was cute and dark simultaneously. Love really can be found in the most unexpected of places.
I’m not really sure if I love the way our characters meet. The dynamic it creates is dark and a little uncomfortable, and it took me out of the book a little bit.
For such a short book, the story really moves quickly while still making you feel like you’re reading a longer work.
Thank you very much to Rhiannon Hargadon and Book Sirens for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lily & Thorne might just have the most unforgettable meet-cute I’ve ever read. Snowstorm, a car, and a very unexpected stranger. It’s a short story, but it’s full of charm, romance, and a touch of magic. Lily’s life is a bit all over the place at the start, which makes her feel relatable, and Thorne well, he keeps things interesting.
The story touches on some heavier topics and past experiences, so it’s worth checking trigger warnings. There are also some steamy moments sprinkled in, which add just the right amount of heat without taking over the story. It never feels rushed despite being short, and the worldbuilding hints at plenty more to come in the House of Fieri series.
Overall, a fun and engaging start to a promising series. I’m excited to see where Lily and Thorne go next.
I did enjoy this because it was a quick read which makes sense for it being a Novella. I felt like there wasn't much chemistry between thr characters and I feel like there could have been moe banter or just conversation betwrrn thr 2 characters. I am hoping this is just the opening to an actual series. I did notice one Easter egg which is why I am now curious about the other series Rhiannon has and if we will see more Lily & Thorne or if they will get their own story and not just a novella because I am curious to learn more about Thorne and where hes from.
a quick and cosy fantasy romance with a sprinkle of magic!
lily and thorne were so cute together, I love how patient and caring thorne was with lily and her troubled past - it was also really refreshing to have a messy 30 y/o fmc depicted in a fantasy for once
i’m hoping this will be the start of a new fantasy series potentially? i did wish there was a bit more to explore within the fae world and hopefully this is an introduction into that
Thank you to Book Sirens & Rhiannon Hargadon for this free advance review copy, here is my voluntary review: Ahh this was a brilliant short story! I loved the premise of this tale & how the plot was so quick to action (literally within the first few sentences). I enjoyed the charisma between Lily & Thorne & the development of their connection as the story went on; so much so I was devastated when the book came to a close (please, please write the rest Rhiannon!!).
ARC Review Lily and Thorne (House of Fieri Series).
I loved Lily and Thorne. It was a nice quick read and just made me happy. I definitely need more of their story.
Lily and Thorne is my first read from Author Rhiannon Hargadon and it won't be my last. I recommend this book to anyone who loves close proximity tropes, romance, and fantasy.
This was such a fun read! I don’t often read short stories out of fear the plot may seem inconsequential, but the pacing and storyline of this felt so natural, engaging, and meaningful. I definitely was hooked from the beginning till the end!
Quick, Intriguing, and Delightfully Enchanting I enjoyed this short story more than expected. It was such a fun, fast-paced read! I loved how much mystery and passion the author packed into a compact story. The writing is beautiful and immersive, and the characters felt vivid, layered and intriguing. The romance and spice had me turning pages, wanting to know more about both Lily and Thorne. If you enjoy fae stories with a little spark, and a romantic pull, this one is worth the read. Definitely left me curious for what comes next.
This is my voluntary, honest review of an eARC. While I am not the biggest fan of novellas, this was a fun little read. I do wish it was a full length novel. I loved the internal monologue of the FMC. The setting was nice and cozy. It's written very well, with just enough detail to make it feel well rounded. This is definitely one of the best novellas I've read!
This book truly resonated with me on an emotional level. The writing is exceptionally beautiful and evocative. The author's portrayal of the FMC's struggle with child loss was particularly moving. It's a testament to their skill that such a sensitive topic was handled with such grace. I highly recommend this deeply affecting read.