Don't Give a Nix: A Sapphic Fae Romance

by Ali Williams, Ellie Rose

Being a Nix is bad enough, what with water pollution and the world's aversion to river demons, but when the River Arun's Goddess turns matchmaker, nothing will be the same again for the Nixes of her river.

Kit

Running a pub by a river isn't easy for a Nix, but I'm determined to have an ordinary life. So what if my hands are covered in burns from accidentally touching steel kegs? It's a small price to pay to see my best friend Marla every day. To be normal. But the river goddess Trisantona wants more from me, and I'll be damned if I comply...

Welcome to the Godstouched Universe, where the Gods interfere in the lives of mortals, magic leaks back into our world, and love conquers all. Don’t Give a Nix is a best friends to lovers sapphic fae romance, where a pub landlady river nix falls for a mechanic mortal...

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Fantasy, LGBT, Adult, Contemporary, Queer

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2025

About the author

Ali Williams' inner romance reader is never quite satisfied, which is why she oscillates between writing romance, editing romance, and studying it as part of her PhD.

She can be found at the foot of the South Downs in the UK, either nerding out over local mythologies or drinking cocktails on the beach.

She believes with all of her bifurious heart that writing romance is an act of rebellion and that academia will be so much better when studying diverse HEAs is naturally part of the curriculum.

Reviews

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of Don’t Give a Nix! As always, all opinions are my own and this review is being left voluntarily. ✨

✨ Sapphic Romantasy Novella
✨ First person, Dual POV
✨ 2/5 Spice Level
✨ Mortal x Nix
✨ Best Friends to Lovers
✨ Book 3 of The Arun Nixes Series; Godtouched Universe
✨ Rep: butch MC, diverse body types

> content warnings after review

This is the third novella in the series, and I think this may be my favorite one yet.

Technically these novellas can be read as standalones. While this one could be enjoyed by itself, I believe it is best enjoyed after reading books 1 and 2. I feel it can be appreciated more as a companion to the other books rather than alone. Plus, they’re quick read novellas, so what’s stopping you?

I really enjoyed how this book rounded out the plot in the first two books, and I have loved getting to know Trisantona throughout the series. I’ve become quite fond of her and think she is a very lovable character. Each book I’ve gotten to know her better and seen her own character growth has been great.

Compared to the previous two books, this one felt lighter in the spice with not quite as much detail and not particularly kinky. I wouldn’t say it needed “more” though. The romance between the main characters felt genuine and sweet. I definitely think they’re my favorite pairing, and I’m not usually that into best friends to lovers!

Just a really fun, easy to read, and enjoyable novella series. I look forward to reading more books set in this world, hopefully!

(beware potential spoilers below)

Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
m*rder/drowning (off page), violence, sensory overload, trauma/PTSD

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent conclusion to the River Nix’s trilogy! I loved how it all came together. I could definitely read more of this universe! If you haven’t started these books then I recommend reading them together (in order) and get the full story as one. It’s worth the read!!

[SarahinWanderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Don’t Give a Nix, the third novella in the Arun Nixes series—it’s probably my fave so far! Kit, a plus-size butch pub owner, just wants an easy, normal life, but divine interference and her own past threaten to shake things up. Her slow-burn romance with Johnny, the rugged mortal mechanic, feels authentic and sweet, with plenty of meaningful moments.
This story adds more weight with Johnny’s death and Kit’s family’s involvement, giving the plot some real stakes. I loved the strong queer representation—Kit’s body and gender expression are celebrated—and the bedroom scenes challenging gender stereotypes, making for a really fresh, respectful, and sexy dynamic.
Perfect for quick, cozy reads packed with magic, drama, and sapphic love. While it’s best enjoyed after the first two books, it works wonderfully as a standalone. Can’t wait to see where Ali Williams takes this series next!

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and I’m sad that it’s over but I cannot wait to see what Williams does next. Marla and Kit were both lovely characters and I loved their romance. It was so sweet and as usual the spice was top notch. I liked the whole plot with the ghost and Kit’s past. This was a short read but I loved it. I would gladly read this series again.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

I still hope the goddess gets her love story as well she deserves one. I always feel a little jealous of the characters Ali writes I want the hair play and the dynamics she writes. I loved this series and I can see how much Ali has grown as a writer over time I love her other books as well but these had a good story arc with lots of character development.