When Lando agrees to travel to Merafeth—the land of mist and sea—he expects adventure, not a partner. But the search for an ancient relic rumored to grant immortality leaves him unwillingly bound to Olive, a guarded resident of the island tasked with assisting him in finding the relic’s four missing pieces.
Forced into an uneasy alliance, the two clash at every turn. Yet when their first victory reveals a hidden map, they’re launched into a race across worlds. With an enemy closing in and time slipping through their fingers, they must battle ruthless forces, their own clashing wills, and the growing feelings they never planned for.
With the fate of the worlds at stake, Lando and Olive must learn to rely on someone they never wanted to trust. But as sparks ignite and walls begin to fall, the question becomes far more dangerous than who will claim the relic first.
Because some treasures promise immortality… and others demand the heart.
Willa Hollis is a fantasy romance author with a background in psychology. Willa lives in New England with her family. She is a stay at home mother to two beautifully wild children. Stay up to date on her future projects by visiting her Instagram page, @willaholliswrites.
✨ Reluctant allies to lovers ✨ Treasure hunt & adventure ✨ Grumpy x grumpier banter ✨ Found family ✨ Sea dragons
This book hooked me immediately. Lando and Olive’s dynamic is so well done, grumpy, stubborn, and constantly sparring, but you can feel the tension building slowly into something fierce and all-consuming. Their romance is perfectly paced, never rushed, and the banter is an absolute delight.
“Hope is a fickle thing — one I’ve learned is not to be trusted… Living in the now, not making plans or dreams — that was the way to survive. And survival has always been my only option.”
The pacing is super fast, and the story flows effortlessly. Even though there’s a new character focus, you can absolutely jump in here without feeling lost. The worldbuilding is fun and immersive, especially the twists with the sea dragons and the treasure hunt, it’s high-stakes, but still charming and playful in all the right moments.
“You’re not disposable… I see you, Lando, and you’re someone worth staying for.”
I really loved the characters. Olive is resilient, capable, and layered, and Lando, he falls fast, and it’s glorious to watch him come undone. The romance, the spice and the reluctant allies, it all lands so well. The found family threads add warmth and depth without slowing down the story.
“She deserves better. And stars, I want to be the one lucky enough to be worthy of her.”
Super easy to read, full of fun, high-stakes adventure, and the chemistry is absolutely sizzling.
Thank you so much to Willa Hollis for the ARC.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
Title: An expansive and grounded third installment. The Taurus Treasure is a fantastic continuation of the series. After two books of buildup, finally stepping into a literal new world for the prophecy felt earned rather than rushed. Willa Hollis manages to keep the story atmospheric and focused, even as the scale of the world gets much bigger. Why this volume stands out:
Meaningful Character Growth: Since we’re three books in, the dual POV feels more essential than ever. Seeing how both the FMC and MMC have evolved since book one—and how they’re both handling the unknowns of this new world—makes their development feel incredibly real.
The Mystery of the Unknown: The mystery here isn't just about the plot; it’s about the environment. Exploring this new world alongside the characters kept me hooked. It’s rare for a third book to still feel this full of discovery.
Steady Pacing: Even with the "new world" stakes and the weight of the prophecy, the writing stays grounded. It doesn't fall into the trap of being over-dramatic; it just feels like a natural, compelling progression of the story.
If you’ve been following the series, this is a deeply satisfying payoff. It’s smart, immersive, and moves the overarching story forward in a way that feels both fresh and consistent.
After defeating Pluto, Astralis is slowly rebuilding under Jada’s leadership. But when she has a dream of someone trying to disrupt the balance again using a powerful artifact, the group knows they must act fast. Determined to secure it before it falls into the wrong hands, Lando volunteers to go on a dangerous treasure hunt to find its scattered pieces.
His journey takes him to the land of sea and mist, where he is captured by Olive—someone who might be the key to his mission. The only problem? They can barely stand each other without trying to kill one another. As tensions rise and danger closes in, will Lando succeed in finding the relic? And will Olive become his ally… or his downfall?
Review:
“The Taurus Treasure” by Willa Hollis, the third installment in the Starborn Saga, is a fantasy romance centered around a high-stakes treasure hunt to save the world.
Lando is the ultimate grumpy, guarded man—someone who has locked his heart away and prefers solitude. But the moment he steps into Merafeth, Olive crashes into his life like a storm. Both of them are equally guarded, equally stubborn, and completely done with love. Yet, as they’re forced into this journey together, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore.
I loved how fiercely Lando protects Olive, even while denying his feelings. And Olive, afraid of being hurt again, tries to keep her distance—but Lando breaks down her walls one by one. Their banter is absolutely everything, and the way he teases her with nicknames while she slowly makes him believe he deserves love is just beautiful.
The world-building continues to shine, with Merafeth adding a fresh magical layer to the story. The stakes remain high, with danger at every turn, and the found family dynamic—especially with Olive’s family—adds so much warmth.
I didn’t find anything objectionable and honestly devoured this in three days.
Overall, a must-read for fans of 3/5 spicy fantasy romance, reluctant allies-to-lovers, witty banter, found family, and strong “touch her and die” vibes.
The Saga continues with Lando’s story. He may be my actual favorite MMC from the series. I enjoyed the characters and their romance is a well done reluctant allies to lovers. The spice was spicier in this book and their banter was delightful. Both the FMC and MMC work through their very similar insecurities during their mission and find solace in each other. I absolutely loved the introduction of some new magical beastie side-kicks.
Overall I am enjoying this series. It is perfect if you need a quick, easy to read, adventure.
This has to be my favourite book in the Starborn Saga 😍 I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I fell totally in love with Olive and Lando’s love story and how sometimes it’s the woman who saves the guy! The main plot was so well written and had me fully engaged on the edge of my seat- especially towards the end!
So is this my first 5-star rating this year? I believe it is. And I’m sorry, not sorry! ✌🏼To be honest, I’m actually surprise how I am rating this. Not because, I didn’t expect this to be good, but more of because I don’t know what to expect on this one. Lando was not a favorite of mine from the 2nd book, I am actually more looking forward to know more about Jada and Elio.
But this book - Wow! I’m glad @willaholliswrites decided to have the readers meet Lando. This book definitely showcases how he is both rough and soft at the same time. We see how his mind and body were tested, and how he can also be vulnerable at times. Then there’s Olive, the “little spitfire beauty” that doesn’t get easily intimidated. In fact, she’s more than happy to challenge our big guy.
Sometimes, it’s not always the “opposite attracts”. Sometimes, it’s the similarities - no matter how annoying they are - that draws people together and made them perfect for each other. It’s the deeper understanding that seems like, it’s only them, and no one else, will know.
And in this story, Lando and Olive took me in a journey that crosses worlds and space. From finding one treasure to another, I saw how vast the universe of this series is. While seeing how they grew on each other, I also discover new magic, learn new information about this world, and meet new characters. This is more than just a fantasy world, this story is full of adventures that is so engaging, I find myself furrowing my brows, biting my lips, and even laughing.
There will be more of this Saga, I’m sure! I mean I’m not oppose should Willa decides to actually complete all the Zodiac Signs. 😂 I’ll be watching out for all of them! 😉
Thanks again Willa Hollis for the ARC, in exchange of honest review ☺️
The saga continues with Lando’s story and he might be my favorite MMC in the series so far. This book delivers a fantastic reluctant-allies-to-lovers romance filled with witty banter, deeper emotional growth, and a noticeable step up in the spice department and I am SOOOO here for it. Both Lando and Olive are navigating very similar insecurities during their mission, and watching them find comfort and strength in each other was incredibly satisfying.
While we don’t see as much of the original main cast from the first two books, Lando more than makes up for it. He’s a total cinnamon roll hero in the best ways, completely obsessed with Olive even while trying to deny his feelings. Their adventure kicks off right where the previous book ended, sending them on a quest to recover the missing pieces of a treasure map. The journey across worlds is packed with danger, fun discoveries, and some adorable new magical beast sidekicks that I absolutely loved.
The tension really builds before the romance turns steamy around the halfway mark, and from there the story keeps raising the stakes, both romantically and plot-wise. The villain will definitely have you wanting to yell at the pages, literally YELLL at the pages or kindle in my case. Also, that epilogue left me so excited for what’s coming next! I think Willa is finally giving someone their chance for redemption and I am ready!!
Overall, this series continues to be a fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure that’s perfect when you want an easy, engaging read. Thank you to Willa Hollis for the eARC!
While technically part of The Starborn Saga series, this book feels like a bit of a shift from the first two. The focus is no longer on conquering a corrupt government, but instead, going on a treasure hunt of sorts. We are thrown into new worlds, introduced to new characters, and come to experience new magic. I loved the tie in to Willa Hollis’ debut book, If Only In My Dreams, which isn’t required to read ahead of The Taurus Treasure (but I do highly recommend it).
As I’ve come to expect from Willa Hollis, The Taurus Treasure is jampacked full of fast-paced adventure, and with short chapters it’s easy to get wrapped up in. I enjoyed the plot itself, with all the turns and obstacles Lando and Olive had to overcome, though I was left with some questions I don’t think I’ll get answers to (e.g., why did Olive have such different magic than everyone else in Merafeth, why didn’t it work on Lando, do we ever get to learn more about the sea dragons, etc)
I also spent half the book thinking how Leo and Portia needed a redemption arc so I am excited for the next book and where I think it’s heading.
Thanks to Willa Hollis for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Absolutely loved this book! It gave me all the feels. While it doesn't really have a lot of our main characters from the first 2 books, we get a new character to love, Lando. I absolutely love our boy. He is definitely a cinnamon roll in all the good ways. He meets our spunky MFC Olive. He gives her all kinds of nicknames through the book.
This book starts where our last book ended, our boy Lando goes on an adventure to find the missing pieces on the treasure map. They encounter all kinds of fun with all 4 pieces. He is obsessed with our MFC and tries to deny his feelings. Around 60% is when the spice starts happening... So hold on, this book has some nice spice... And our boy likes his spice.... He is a closet spice. We have our villain that comes through and of course you want to jump in and scream at said person. I really want to say more but I can't because it would contain spoilers.
Overall I enjoyed this book and can't wait to see the next book.... The epilogue has me happy for a book friend as this will make her so happy!
Thank you Willa again for a great book. I love getting to read these books before they go live and get a taste of all the fun adventures.
The best banter I've read! A quest where you never know what's about to happen and a hate to love relationship with all the witty comebacks you could ask for. Willa Hollis' third book in The Starborn Saga follows book two but could also be read as a standalone. With a prophesy, a quest, and a man who keeps to himself and sees everything in black and white, this book kept me engaged. Add in a smart mouthed, fiesty, yet passionate woman, and you have an adventure and story worth reading. From there first introduction to each other Lando and Olive had me laughing. You could see they were perfect for each other, and I couldn't wait for the story to show it. I found myself looking forward to their relationship developing, and boy, did it! The spice was spicy, and the emotional connection they had was beautiful. The way they got under each other's skin was hilarious and reminded me of a married couple. Not only was I invested in seeing Lando and Olive's relationship developed, but I couldn't wait to know what was going to happen next. A book about fate and how sometimes what you least expect happens. I loved every part of this book, and Im sure anyone who reads it would too!
This was an amazing story that is part of a series of interconnected standalones. I haven’t read the others yet, but fell in love with this one!
The book starts with a bang - Lando opens the story as an angry, stubborn, and completely unfiltered MMC, which immediately pulled me in.
Lando and Olive are incredible characters. They are both so similar and hard-headed yet different in their own ways.
The book is written in dual POV and first person, and was exceptionally done. Despite sharing similar traits, Lando’s and Olive’s voices were distinct. It was clear whose POV I was reading from and nothing was repetitive.
There was true anger and enemies to allies to lovers tension. It was clear they found each other’s presence excruciatingly annoying before becoming reluctant allies, and then lovers.
The banter is a solid 10/10. The wild nicknames and constant name-calling were genius. Their unfiltered thoughts and language made everything feel real and relatable.
Aaahhhh she does it again! I feel overwhelmed with joy and excitement each time i pick up my kindle to read one of her books! This whole series has so much heart and has a permanent home in mine and my shelves! I didnt think they could get better but once again each one makes me love them even more. They are adventurous. Full of magic and wonder. Spice and yearning that will make you sweat! Emotion that grips you so freaking hard ive cried multiple times throughout. The Taurus treasure was hard hitting straight to the feels! The way lando and Olive are so shut off to love or trust even being an option is gut wrenching! Pushing people away to protect your heart is a feeling I could empathize with all to well. The adventure in this one was immediate and explosive! And the tension and spice! Chefs kiss! I don't know what she puts in these short morsels but they pack a punch that I cant get enough of. Quick to read and fast to fall for!
While a few familiar names appear from the earlier novels in this series, this is a dual point of view that focuses on Lando (MMC) and Olive (FMC). It is filled with witty banter, a unique magic system and great world building.
The characters themselves are well developed and the heroine is a true warrior that can hold her own in more ways than one. The romance between the two main characters was a slow burn that progressed to burning down worlds for each other but in a way that does not feel rushed.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel and give it a solid 4/5. My main critique that kept this from being a 5/5 was, in my opinion, the over usage of expletives. I have no issue with them but I found them distracting at times and over the course of the novel, they lost their emotional impact.
4.5⭐ 3.5🌶️ - Advanced eCopy from Author for honest review
This is my favorite book in the series so far. I loved Lando and Olive. Their banter and way they played off each other made this a very fun read. I appreciate how Willa writes these books to be interconnected with a larger plot but the individual story/plot of the book is resolved so if you don't want to read the whole series you don't have to; however, I would definitely recommend reading all the books out so far.
Lando is grumpy and a bit negative but very loyal. His past has led him to be laser focus on his mission and not get sidetracked. Olive just wants to keep her head down and do what needs to be done to keep peace on her world. When these two collide, they are thrown on an adventure neither one of them was ready for.
This was unputdownable. Willa Hollis has smashed this out of the park and the Starborn Saga continues to be one of my favourite series.
The journey to find the pieces of the relic was filled with excitement and danger and I was constantly ready to find out what challenge they would face next.
I think Lando and Olive are my absolute favourite couple that have come together in this series so far, I adore them, they see each other so completely.
The banter throughout the story between Lando and Olive and also other characters was top tier. I would love to be able to live in Merafeth and I love the sea dragons. Tonnwyn is amazing.
As for that epilogue? I am so excited to see where the next installment takes us.
This was a fantastic, fun, kick your feet, SPICY adventure. This is the 3rd book in the Starborn Saga and so far it is my favorite! We get to visit an entirely new world, go on a treasure hunt for relics, and the chemistry between Lando and Olive is exactly the kind of relationship I have. The banter is top tier and the spicy scenes are chef's kiss. The book is 272 pages and while it isn't instalove, there is an instant attraction. I felt that the story had room to develop and find it is finale without being rushed and while I had a little bit of an idea how it would end, I didn't have all the pieces.
I’m so excited about this series. And especially grateful to have received my ARC. This is the 3rd book and I’m oh so thankful we got to hear Lando’s story. One of loss & grief & loneliness…feeling like you’re not worthy…then finally getting that peace that was so deserved. The world traveling & this particular adventure had me fully engrossed. Finished the book within 3 days. I know it says 3 in the series but I’m really hoping there’s a Leo spinoff sometime. I’d love a little closure for him.
I absolutely love this series and it continues to get better. I really enjoyed how the character focus was shifted to someone we only just got introduced to in the previous book and Lando has to be one of my favorite characters thus far. The connection with Olive was just so beautifully done and I couldn’t get enough of their back and forth quips just added to the story. And who doesn’t love a good ole treasure hunt then make it take place in space spanning worlds.
This is the 3rd book in The Starborn Saga. This part of the story is about Lando, Orion’s best friend and a guard of their world needs to hunt down an ancient relic on a planet where he meets Olive. Together they go on a treasure hunt and find more than just the relic. I couldn’t put this book down. The banter in this book has chef’s kiss. Oh, and there’s sea dragons! Yes heard me! And the ending….. What!!!!
in this 3rd book there is a switch in MMC and FMC, bringing new life into the series giving it a fresh start while staying in the same series this has been my favorite out of the 3 books!
while not necessary, I would recommend reading the intertwined standalone before reading this book ( > if Only in my dreams). I promise you won't regret it
Received this ARC from the author. I really enjoyed this book. I put it at a 4.5 stars! I haven't read the first two books but I found that I was able to enjoy and follow the story anyway. I'd definitely recommend this book and I'll be going back and reading the others!
This has got to be my favourite one so far. I love the treasure hunting plot. The characters are grumpy/grumpy with both of them being secretly sweet and vulnerable which I enjoyed. The chemistry between them was electric. Their banter was pretty entertaining. Lando is definitely book boyfriend material. The spice was extremely well written. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This was so freaking good. Lando… omg I love him. I have loved everything that Willa has written, but this one was definitely my favorite. The banter back and forth had me kicking my feet and giggling. The connection being built between them was so fun to see unfold and the mystery behind their quest was really interesting. I cannot wait to see what’s next!
Highly recommend!
Thank you, Willa for my gifted arc. All opinions are my own
This is better than Libra Legacy! While a few familiar names appear from the earlier novels in this series, The Taurus Treasure mainly focused on Lando's story.
The characters are layered and thoughtfully written, with a heroine who embodies true strength, capable, resilient, and formidable in every sense. The romance unfolds as a deliberate slow burn, gradually intensifying into a fierce, all consuming devotion and their bond evolves naturally, transforming into a love powerful enough to reshape worlds, yet it never feels hurried or unearned, it is written beautifully.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series so far. It’s a perfect choice when you’re looking for a fast paced, easy to read adventure that still delivers an engaging story.
4.5 stars. I think this is my favourite of the 3! I really liked Olive, and Lando despite his grumpiness. I enjoyed the treasure hunt theme here, and the hints of other characters who popped up from the last 2 books.
There is quite a lot mentioned about Ben and Piper's backstory which did make me feel I had missed a book (I havent) so maybe Willa is planning a prequel there, although we'd know how it ends
(Update - since learnt there's a novella so off to read that!) Really enjoying this series.