The Hart's Rest

by Sophia Nye

She needs to protect her Inn. He needs to protect his oath. What happens when their world’s collide and love comes from the most unexpected of places?

Conan O’Conor has never been more excited about burning bridges. His king’s rivals recently finished construction on a causeway meant to act as a blockade. The mission is create a cover, infiltrate the town, destroy the bridge. Simple.
Until Conan lays eyes on the bold and beautiful Alannah.

Alannah nic Lorcan lives to protect her sister. On their own from a young age, she’s had no choice but to guard Emer as they manage their inn–The Hart’s Rest. Men are constantly after Emer, looking to take advantage of her sweet disposition. Fading into the background as she stands guard over Emer, Alannah is rarely a target of their affections. Until a handsome bard comes to stay at the inn.

When the charming Conan propositions her for just one night, Emer pushes Alannah to take advantage of the opportunity and have a little fun. What harm could come of it from one night?

A lot, as it turns out. The longer the bards stay at The Hart’s Rest, the more difficult it becomes to keep Conan at arm’s length. And the more suspicious she becomes of his true purpose in town.

As Conan grows closer to Alannah, he realizes three things. First, he’s falling fast for the brave and clever owner of The Hart’s Rest. Second, keeping his identity a secret is a lot harder when he’s involved with her. And third, if she discovers his plans to destroy the bridge that’s holding up her business, she’ll never forgive him.

Tropes you'll Secret identityfighter/warrior heroineforbidden romancecinnamon roll heroforced proximityprotector hero and heroine
Join Conan and Alannah for an action-packed escapade in medieval Ireland with flirting, fun, and fire-filled secrets.

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Warriors of the Fianna
Book 1 - Song of the Fianna
Book 2 - Prince of Fire
Book 3 - Into the Ashes
Book 4 - Princess of Elm
Book 5 - The Hart's Rest
Book 6 - Oath of Blood

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2025

About the author

Sophia has been writing down stories since she learned how to use a pencil. She loves learning almost as much as she loves writing, pursuing both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. Most of her studies involved Ireland and England, and she is excited to expand her research into Scotland. She’s been thoroughly enjoying the background reading!

After marrying her high school sweetheart, attending grad school, and moving nearly ten times in as many years, Sophia and her husband settled into a lake house in northern Indiana. They live happily in the middle of nowhere with two little boys, two atrociously rude doggos, and one ornery cat.

Reviews

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The short was romantic and steamy. I thought that you like to know that ahead of the review. The characters are all terrific. I loved reading about each one of the Fannian men. I am so happy to say that it is Connanon who tapped into my fantasies and gave me a heck of a fun story. I’m left with some wonderful memories. The story is short, but it was very entertaining. Alannah is an amazing heroine. I just loved how she remained in control before the warriors arrived and while they were there. She’s a smart sensible young woman who stood out among all those men. The best part of the story is we’re Alannah has a steamy romance with Conan. Together the two made the pages fly fast with their elicit one time sessions. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book with Conan and the gang going on a mission to take out a bridge in a nearby town. He meets Alannah, who owns an inn called Hart's Rest. Alannah was a very strong character who wore pants and had a sword at her hip. I liked her more than I liked Conan. He wrestled with his conscience, but he ultimately chose correctly. Lots of updates on past characters, especially when it came to how their families were growing - or staying the same.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 5 of a wonderful series! I have loved each of these books as they hold an unusual plot and amazing characters. It's possible to read as a standalone but I would not recommend that. Each has ties to the previous ones and in order to get the very most out of this author's creativity, I recommend the entire series.

[Alexia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. It lacked the power to captivate me, I felt like everything happened very quickly and for this reading, it was quite predictable to me.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. It lacked the power to captivate me; I felt like everything happened very quickly and was quite predictable.