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The Lost Arts #2.5

The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks

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With a little bit of prodding, will Chamis finally be brave enough to go after the man he’s always wanted?

Chamis has pined for Bennan from afar, too shy to approach the handsome man or even respond to his blatant flirtations. When those flirtations cease, Chamis is sad but not surprised. He’s big, awkward, and totally inexperienced. What could he possibly have to offer cheerful, flirty, experienced Bennan?

When a newcomer to the castle seems to catch Bennan’s eye, Chamis assumes he’s doomed—until Perian goes out of his way to assure Chamis that those feelings he has for Bennan are reciprocated. Could Perian be right? Even if he is, Chamis has never been in a relationship before, never done anything before. Are feelings enough, or is it better not to risk his heart?

The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks is a cozy MM fantasy romance novella that takes us on a little detour from the main story to see the details of Bennan and Chamis’s hard-earned HEA. It can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as part of the series.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2025

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About the author

Ellie Ash

9 books45 followers
Ellie has had a life-long love affair with books. She graduated from university with an English Literature Bachelors and Masters—as well as an avid appreciation for MM romance thanks to all the slash fanfiction she read and wrote. Around 2021, she realized that the kind of MM romance she enjoys was now being traditionally and indie published, and she has not looked back.

From devouring ARCs to betaing and editing while writing in her spare time, Ellie was inspired by a reader and writer conference in 2024 to take the plunge and put some of her own stories out in the world. In her spare time, she reads, writes, plays D&D, and pursues other geeky interests.

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5 stars
103 (45%)
4 stars
81 (36%)
3 stars
34 (15%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Brooke.
944 reviews658 followers
August 16, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

“Chamis,” Bennan said, “don’t you know how long I’ve wanted this?”


I loved the little glimpse of Chamis and Bennan we got in The Lost Art Of Finding Where You Belong, so I’m very happy they had their own novella.
The setting and the romance is just as cozy as the rest of the series, a sweet and gentle romance between two warriors.

“What if I’m not going to be ready for a while?” Bennan shrugged like this was no big deal. “Then we wait for a while.”


The shy gentle giant and the flirty sunshine warrior. I loved how caring Bennan was with Chamis, how he always made him feel seen and comfortable.
A cute addition to this fluffy fantasy series.

“If only I’d said yes to you before.” But Bennan shook his head. “We weren’t ready before. We’re ready now.”


CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Virgin MC
- Never been kissed
- Vers MCs
- MC w/ social anxiety
- Mentions of past parental abuse
Profile Image for Xiomara.
239 reviews
February 2, 2026
Supposedly the story could’ve been read as a standalone but honestly, I think you should read the other books in the series, even though it doesn’t involve this couple. I don’t know. It was actually very confusing and I have no idea who these characters are and in addition, it’s not part of the original story, but it still has the setting of the original story and characters. It’s not a bad story, but will recommend better to read the other books before you read this one.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,978 reviews66 followers
June 22, 2026
This 'cozy romance' novelette (I think) was very sweet, and inclusive in a different way than is typical even in inclusive romances, so that was cool. I did skim maybe a quarter of the words, because I don't need the worldbuilding stuff after reading the first two novels, and I nearly always skim sex scenes these days. The emotional bits worked just fine on me. But the best part is how it ends--and now I need book 3! Good job, author!
Profile Image for Courtney Bassett.
817 reviews209 followers
August 16, 2025
I bought the paperback of this on a readers cruise and read it on the plane on the way home because I was so excited for more from this world.

Basically no angst, utterly cozy and sweet and sexy and romantic and just… *happy sigh* It’s everything I wanted from seeing Chamis and Bennan in the background in book two.

Eagerly awaiting book three! I LOVE this series!!!
Profile Image for b00ks_in_nature.
983 reviews14 followers
August 29, 2025
I adored this addition to the world of Chamis and Bennan and their HEA. This book enhances the previous stories and enriches both the world building and the character development.
Profile Image for Sandy Kay.
991 reviews92 followers
June 28, 2025
Tooth-achingly sweet romantasy goodness. A big ole “awwwww” in a novella. I loved it.

This story sits between books 2 and 3 of the Lost Arts romantasy series, but you can read it as a stand-alone. I read only book 1 (sensing the rest may go to unsafe for me places romantically), and I had no trouble following any of the story, as it focuses on two different heroes from the other books, side characters I believe are part of book 2 (they weren’t in book 1, or weren’t mentioned much, that I recall, but again, I had no sense of missing anything).

Chamis is a Warrior who's driven to protect his people...but isn’t great at actually interacting with anyone. A country boy, he’s used to only his family and wide open spaces, and life in the crowded castle has been...challenging. But he’s devoted to protecting others and determined to do his best. And if that best gets some inspiration from the beautiful Bennan, a man who flirts with everyone, including Chamis for a time, well...even though Chamis thinks he looks horrid when he blushes, he can’t help that his gaze drifts to the man time and again and again.

Chamis knew Bennan’s flirtations and invitations weren’t serious. So when they trickled off, he was not surprised. Sad. But not surprised.

Imagine the blush when one of Bennan’s continual flirt-buddies lets Chamis know that actually, for Chamis, Bennan’s flirting was serious and meant a whole lot more...!

So begins a lovely tale in which a shy yet powerful Warrior takes deep breaths and takes a chance on his fellow-Warrior crush possibly actually maybe returning his feelings...

It’s adorable! Full of communication, consent, respect of boundaries, genuine attraction, getting-to-know-you (except Bennan has been Paying Attention and already knows so much about Chamis! Cute!) dates and moving naturally to more...it’s a great read when you need a break and just want to see two competent men who complement each other in the best ways fall in love.

I loved Chamis’s woodworking too, nicely woven into the tale, as promised by the title.

Not sure why not 5 stars, I guess I wanted...something more? The tension comes from Chamis’s uncertainty and Bennan’s eager-to-please-ness, but there are no obstacles to overcome. It’s gentle and pleasant. Not boring! But not standout either. Just...lovely! Oh...I know. There's a sour note when Chamis and Bennan talk about Chamis not being ready/needing time to get used to intimacy before they move on to greater intimacy, and Chamis thinks something like, Oh, I'm not ready for sex, so it isn't fair of me to expect him to not have sex with other people while he's waiting for me to be ready. WHAT THE ACUTAL F DUDE. JFC. Enough with the sex "positivity." Seriously, people CAN do without, it won't kill them. If you truly don't care about the person you're seeing sleeping w other people, that's one thing, but if you do and you're into each other and one of you needs time, that is OKAY! No freakin' pressure!

HFN with HEA sentiments. Colleagues secretly falling for each other but needing a push from outside to get together. Romantasy. Low-angst. No others, and the flirting is talked about, and boundaries are understood and personalities honored, and no one is threatened. These two are Grownups. Loved them together, safe for me. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,295 reviews124 followers
August 22, 2025
THE LOST ART OF WOODWORKING AND TAKING RISKS is a short side character novella in The Lost Arts series, featuring Chamis and Bennan, who we met in book 2. This delightful addition gives us more details about their romance and how they moved forward in both their lives and the romance.

The thing I loved about this one was that Chamis and Bennan are total opposites from the outside, which they acknowledge in the story. One is a shy introvert, and one is a flirty extrovert. NEITHER of them wanted the other to change. How wonderful is that?! There is no way I can say which character I loved the most, as they were both absolutely gorgeous on the inside.

Definitely less steam in this book, which completely fitted the narrative. I loved seeing their romance through their eyes, but the teasers for book 3 have about killed me. I need it NOW!!! A great addition and definitely recommended by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 22, 2025
Profile Image for Em (Diversify Your Shelf).
312 reviews30 followers
June 22, 2025
*I got an arc*

~ I was initially going to say this is a temp 5 stars because I don't think the 2 star review was fair (for being not the reviewer's genre & given they didn't want to read the first two) but actually this is just so cute and sweet that it is a 4.5 or 5 star read.

CW: character with social anxiety

Poor Chamis- Perian's good intentions are more than slightly terrifying.

"The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks" takes place during "The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong" and is so cute and wholesome! After being a wee bit bullied by Perian into trying to romance Bennan, Chamis takes Bennan ribbon shopping for Chamis's sisters after Bennan mentions he 'happens' to have the day off and also 'happens' to need to pick something up in town. The two of them striving to be their best self for the other person is such a comforting (and delightfully cringe at times) thing to read.
Profile Image for Lois.
1,281 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2025
I do love a side character novella. We met both Chamis and Bennan in The Lost Art of Find Where You Belong, book 2 in the Lost Arts series and this is their story. Chamis is the painfully shy introvert, whilst Bennan is a flirty extrovert, his polar opposite, but with a little help from Perian they finally manage to get out of their own way and start a relationship. Bennan was so sweet and supportive of Chamis whose blushes could probably have powered the whole castle. I really enjoyed their interactions and when the finally did get together they were both sweet and steamy.

This book starts about halfway through book 2 and finishes somewhere in book 3 (there's no spoilers and whilst the blurb says it can be read as a standalone, I don't recommend it), but now I'm desperate to know what has happened to Perian and Brannal!
Profile Image for E..
2,083 reviews22 followers
July 6, 2025
“The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks” by Ellie Ash is a novella in the ‘Lost Arts’ series that takes place at the same time as the events in the second book in the series, “The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong”. With a little help (firm nudge) from Perian, Chamis and Bennan move out of their comfort zones and start exploring possibilities.

This adult male gay romance is a lovely exploration of two secondary characters from the series, and provides a glimpse of the additional talents that are possible in these hardworking men who are tasked with defense. I had fun seeing Perian from a slightly different perspective, and I enjoyed watching the romance blossom since I definitely identified with being socially awkward and finding a person to be truly comfortable with.

A copy of this title was provided for review
151 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
This novella is part of the Lost Art Series, and takes place between book 2 &3. Chamis and Bennan are two warriors that have always been smitten with each other, but the amount of miscommunication and their distinctive personality’s made it more difficult but with the help of Perian, the loud and flirty Bennan and the quiet Chamis finally find their way to each other. I’m so glad these two got their own story it was fun reading about the relationship from Chamiss pov and how they came together. I love how they both found compromises to everything and didn’t try to change each other. And as a quiet person always second guessing themselves reading about a big warrior like Chamis feeling that way too it was a cathartic. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the third book in the series.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,802 reviews63 followers
August 19, 2025
Shy, inexperienced Chamis has wanted Bennan but lacks the nerve to talk to him. When Bennan stops flirting with him, he feels as if he lost his chance. When Perian gives him a little push, Chamis decides to take a risk. He is still afraid that his inexperience will not be enough.

What an amazing story this one turned out to be. Chamis had never been in a relationship and had no experience with anything. Bennan had wanted Chamis but was afraid he had made him uncomfortable. He turned out to be perfect for this gentle giant. The two men talked and worked out their own comfort zone. It was fantastic to see. We caught of glimpse in book two of Chamis and Bennan and now we get to see the whole story. It is a marvelous addition to this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,241 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2025
I really liked books one and two, but I have to say this one, the Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks is hands down my favorite. It's a sweet, cozy novella that slots between book two and the not yet released book three. Not a standalone, but it also only gives a tease of book three.
Chamis is introverted, and wonders that despite his size is he really Warrior material. A good, innocent soul, absolutely adorable. Bennan is his opposite, confident and flirty. Chamis pines for the man, but thinks there's no way Bennan could be interested. Perian steps in, pushing the two together. Thank goodness.
There's a little steam, but I found this book to be such an innocent read. The MCs were side characters in book two and I'm so happy to read their HFN tale. I also loved seeing another side of Perian.
I received an advanced copy of this story, and this is my review.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,072 reviews9 followers
August 25, 2025
Gahhhh I love this series so much!!!

I’m going to be honest, I may have read this a while ago (on an arc) and waited to a little bit to read again and then review because I was worried I was obsessed with the series and not being reasonable when I wanted to give it all the stars. Well, I read it a second time and nope, I am still 100% obsessed with this series. When I read book 2, I may have become extremely excited when I realised we were getting a book just for Chamis and Bennan. They are so adorable! The pining is just *chef’s kiss* - not overwhelming to the point it’s depressing but also enough that you want to squee out loud when they finally get on the same page. I absolutely adore this series and every new book brings me so much joy. So maybe I’m not objective and maybe I’m obsessed but I swear it’s for good reason and you will probably be the same once you start!
908 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2025
ribbons & beads, wood carvings, nightmares, crickets, lesser demons, horse smell, wooden dildo, absent squeaks

Thank you, Ellie Ash for this novella. I'm happy to see how Bennan and Chamis got together. I'm especially glad for the red-headed large cinnamon bun, Chamis. He's a loner, shy, big-hearted, and surprisingly, a warrior. He crushes on gregarious and fellow warrior Bennan from afar. Bennan stopped flirting with Chamis, because he thought he was making Chamis uncomfortable. Chamis didn't think he had a chance with Bennan, his polar opposite. For the readers following this series, 'The Lost Arts', you'll see Perian noticing the two lovelorn warriors in Book 2.

This short, sweet, and warm-hearted book is truly entertaining. It's enjoyable and satisfying. I recommend it.
Profile Image for DJ McCready.
553 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2025
This is the first book by this author I had read and while it was recommended that one read the second book in the series prior to this one that fits between the second and third, it stood on its own without having read the second.

In some ways this is historical in terms of our perception of what might be normal - Castle, Warriors, assignments to far parts of the realm to keep watch against enemies. While I prefer realism in historical settings, I found compensating benefits in this book. The insight into the fears and shyness of the main character and how his hobby made up for that as did the attention from the other main character.
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,521 reviews37 followers
September 8, 2025
Opposites attract… and Bennan and Chamis prove it! 🔥This was such a beautiful story about two people who are total opposites, yet are irresistibly drawn to each other like moths to a flame. Bennan feels he’s put too much pressure on Chamis, and things start to spiral out of control as they both struggle with the fear that they aren’t “the one” for each other or good enough. Meanwhile, Chamis wonders if he should take the lead and show Bennan how he truly feels. With a little push from a friend, time flies by as you get lost in this sweet, heartwarming read. A sweet, swoony read you won’t want to put down! 💖📖

853 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2025
4.5 stars!
A lovely addition/interlude for this interesting series. It works very well as a standalone, though I was happy to see Perian in matchmaking mode.
Chamis and Bennan are both warriors; Chamis has been harbouring a crush on Bennan, but is too shy to act on it, (he also has a touch of social anxiety). Bennan is a more outgoing, never-met-a-stranger type, but he too has been pining for Chamis. After a nudge from Perian, they work their way from a first date to a relationship as chronicled in this short, sweet story. Loved it!
Profile Image for Mir Jak.
557 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2025
Cute little novella that explains what happened between Chamis & Bennan. Getting a birds eye view of what makes Chamis tick was perfect - he's just adorable !! And Bennan certainly has the golden retriever energy :) Very enjoyable story about connections whether it's between lovers, friends and found family...has that "warm-hug" energy...with some added spice ;) I would recommend reading in order....not so much about "learning the characters" but more about the world building and understanding what's what.
Profile Image for isthisakink.
1,377 reviews26 followers
October 17, 2025
4.5/5. Okay, so the prequel isn’t on GR, but I do want to say that Molun and Arvus are #1. They are my favs and I love them the most. Bennan and Chamis are now tied. The novellas were fantastic, and I feel like more of the author’s voice and style were front and center in their format. The writing style was clean and the storylines were concise and tidy. I loved them for those two reasons especially. And this novella in particular was such a delight, because the way Bennan loved Chamis was truly soft and special, and Chamis loved Bennan in the purest, most beautiful way. So fucking good. 🥺🤌
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,505 reviews20 followers
August 19, 2025
The Lost Art of Woodworking and Taking Risks is a novella part of the The Lost Arts series. It fits between books 2 and 3. It can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed as part of the series. This is the story of Chamis and Bennan who we first see in The Lost Art Of Finding Where You Belong. This was a sweet quick read. I loved getting to know Chamis and Bennan better. I loved seeing their relationship grow. I would definitely recommend this book and series. received a free review copy
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
2,210 reviews20 followers
August 21, 2025
A sweet, low angst extra addition to a favourite fantasy series for me this year. Chamis is adorable, and the way Bennan supports him is very touching. There is not much plot, concentrating more on their communication and slowly growing romantic relationship, but what there is gives some enjoyable insight into Perian and their world.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Akilah O.
72 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2025
Chamis and Bennan Deserved their moment, and I'm so happy we get to see it unfold after betting a glimpse though Perrian in book 2. The vibe was so cozy, and I loved how caring and attentive Bennan was with Chamis. Social anxiety can be hard to understand, especially if you don't suffer from it or are very extroverted, and I love how carefully and thoroughly it was portrayed. There was no angst, which only added to the romantic cozy vibe. Overall this was a great read, now bring on book 3!!!
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
3,055 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2025
Sweet, cozy, low angst

Chamis is a shy warrior while Bennan is a more outgoing warrior.
Both have secretly pining for one another, unaware and mistakenly believing they don't stand a chance.
A handsome new stranger stirs up Chamis and his fears that he'll never get the chance to speak of his feelings for Bennan.
Thankfully their friend Perian is up for the taks of matchmaking and gently guides them towards each other for their well deserved HEA.
Profile Image for MyDoRyS.
1,194 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.

Cute story, but felt a bit weird to have it in between the main story. I also felt it was unnecessarily long. Still cute and much better than Book 2 of the original series, which was a total let-down.

On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Profile Image for Susan Bee.
459 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2025
Cute love story

Chamis is a sweet warrior who is pretty shy and not super social. Bennan is total opposite. This is their story and how they wind up together.

It's sweet. It is a novella so there isn't a major storyline in it. I gave it 3.5 stars because its just nice. That's not a bad thing. It's a happy sweet story. If that's what yiu are looking for its right here. It was well written and has two likable characters.
Profile Image for Slipperyvowels.
877 reviews
September 26, 2025
First time reading this author

For a first read this was good. I enjoyed how the story was written. I knew it wasn't modern days because of the terminologies used and how they were explained. I enjoyed the story as well and the characters. I know this is just a side story to the main books but this one was good nonetheless. I can just imagine how the main stories were written without having read them. This is a definite recommend.
Profile Image for CloudyDark.
346 reviews11 followers
June 21, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I'm not quite sure how I feel about this one. It was just okay. I didn’t really enjoy it—perhaps because I’m not a big fan of the fantasy genre and wasn’t interested in reading the entire series.

It’s a very light-hearted read. It’s best to read it after Books 1 and 2 to better understand the characters.
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,074 reviews110 followers
July 5, 2025
This was a nice novella about two side characters in this series. I think, this is one book, which does not have to be read in order - although it may be more fun if it is read after the first two.

I loved how their relationship developed and how they complement each other.

for a novella it had also a lot of development and was not rushed - therefore 4 stars
Profile Image for Jvles.
384 reviews
August 5, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a sweet, quick story about two of the side characters from the main series. I liked their differences and how well they made their relationship work. It was not overly dramatic - more of a cozy, cute read. I liked the relationship development despite the short length of this novella. Also, beware of the cliffhanger!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews