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Lovers and Chains
In Averis, blood contracts carry deadly weight. One demands her magic. Another turns love into a lethal gamble. She must touch him, but if she loves him, it will kill her.
Years of grief have numbed Cara Montclair’s heart, and the estate she inherits feels too large, too silent, and too full of memories she does not want to face. When unseen hands brush her skin in the dark, she tells herself it is loneliness playing tricks on her.
Until she discovers the house is a doorway into a ruthless fae realm where magic answers to ancient law.
Thael is a half-fae incubus who denies his heart and his nature to protect others. Now he needs the power stirring inside Cara to stop a rising threat in the kingdoms of Averis.
To survive, Cara must guard her heart in a realm where desire is a weapon.
Steamy romance and dangerous magic await.
Years of grief have numbed Cara Montclair’s heart, and the estate she inherits feels too large, too silent, and too full of memories she does not want to face. When unseen hands brush her skin in the dark, she tells herself it is loneliness playing tricks on her.
Until she discovers the house is a doorway into a ruthless fae realm where magic answers to ancient law.
Thael is a half-fae incubus who denies his heart and his nature to protect others. Now he needs the power stirring inside Cara to stop a rising threat in the kingdoms of Averis.
To survive, Cara must guard her heart in a realm where desire is a weapon.
Steamy romance and dangerous magic await.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
3 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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March 19, 2026Received an ARC copy.
March 15, 2026
This book was so good. It pulled me in and had me invested in this world. Our FMC inherits her great aunts house and all its secrets. She had no idea about the world her great aunt protected and the darkness that larked. It took only one touch through the veil to change everything.
The world building and friendships was so good. I need more. This was my first incubus romance and I loved every minute of it.
The world building and friendships was so good. I need more. This was my first incubus romance and I loved every minute of it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this short novel by Robin Hartwood. I especially loved her take on incubi, fae people, and fated lovers. The FMC, Cara, is alone in the world. Upon the death of her last living relative, her estranged great-aunt Mathilde, Cara inherits Mathilde's house and begins preparing the house for sale. Cara immediately begins to notice strange things happening when she is in the house... unexplained breezes, the feeling of ghostly touches, and the random aroma of something pleasant and masculine enveloping her. Cue our MMC, Thael, a half incubus, half fae outcast that is bound to Cara by a contract that goes back generations. Cara and Thael must work together to break the contract, while still protecting Cara from the antagonist who wants to use her to further his own agenda. The story touches on sexual dynamics, with sex being used as an exchange of power, and Cara has to choose if she will give it freely through pleasure or have it taken from her through pain.
I chose to rate this book as a 4/5 because I feel like it was too short for all the information packed into it. Some sections of dialogue were hard to keep track of, and I had to go back quite a few times and reread to make sure I had a clear grasp of who was speaking, or who the conversation was being directed to. I want to reiterate that I LOVED everything about this book, but I truly feel it would have been an easier read if the book were longer. I did not want this book to end, I wanted more!!! I would definitely read future books in this installment.
I chose to rate this book as a 4/5 because I feel like it was too short for all the information packed into it. Some sections of dialogue were hard to keep track of, and I had to go back quite a few times and reread to make sure I had a clear grasp of who was speaking, or who the conversation was being directed to. I want to reiterate that I LOVED everything about this book, but I truly feel it would have been an easier read if the book were longer. I did not want this book to end, I wanted more!!! I would definitely read future books in this installment.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Hartwood Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cara inherits her great aunt, Mathilde’s estate which she hasn’t visited since the falling out between her great aunt and mother. Battling the grief of the death of her mother, great aunt, father and brother, she finds herself trying to make her great aunt’s house inhabitable to sell and move forward in her life. At night, the house creaks and moans and she finds herself being comforted and touched by a mysterious man who haunts her dreams, Thael, a half fae, half incubus from another world. Together, they embark on an adventure to unravel her family’s magical history to stop a rising threat in the Kingdoms of Averis.
Overall, I enjoyed the adventure aspect of the story and the cast of characters. Layra and Syrae added an interesting dynamic to the group. I also always love a creepy, old haunted house and the absurd dynamic of Cara humanness in the fae world.
I imagine this will be further explored in books, but some of the world-building and magic systems were confusing. I wanted more. The story could have benefited from more chapters to create a better sense of place and space and explore the dynamics between the characters more, specifically between Cara and her mother and Mathilde. We don’t really know either as fully realized people.
The ending was also quite abrupt with multiple unresolved plot points which left me unsatisfied but also without a sense of urgency to continue the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cara inherits her great aunt, Mathilde’s estate which she hasn’t visited since the falling out between her great aunt and mother. Battling the grief of the death of her mother, great aunt, father and brother, she finds herself trying to make her great aunt’s house inhabitable to sell and move forward in her life. At night, the house creaks and moans and she finds herself being comforted and touched by a mysterious man who haunts her dreams, Thael, a half fae, half incubus from another world. Together, they embark on an adventure to unravel her family’s magical history to stop a rising threat in the Kingdoms of Averis.
Overall, I enjoyed the adventure aspect of the story and the cast of characters. Layra and Syrae added an interesting dynamic to the group. I also always love a creepy, old haunted house and the absurd dynamic of Cara humanness in the fae world.
I imagine this will be further explored in books, but some of the world-building and magic systems were confusing. I wanted more. The story could have benefited from more chapters to create a better sense of place and space and explore the dynamics between the characters more, specifically between Cara and her mother and Mathilde. We don’t really know either as fully realized people.
The ending was also quite abrupt with multiple unresolved plot points which left me unsatisfied but also without a sense of urgency to continue the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cara inherits the family mansion when her great-aunt dies. What she didn't realise was that there is a whole lot more to the deal than just an old house…
You get dropped into the story and the first few chapters are very confusing as you try to work out where the author is taking you. You get drip-fed pieces of the puzzle and bit by bit learn more about the magical contract that binds her and Thael. The both of them have to fight to save the lands of Averis from darkness coming from different sides. Along the way there's lust, betrayal, love and friendships.
It felt both slow- and extremely fast-paced at the same time in the beginning, and it was a bit of a struggle getting through the first chapters. I had a LOT of questions while reading and didn't get any answers till a lot further into the book. Once the stage was set though, I felt a lot more connected to the story and characters and found my reading pace sped up. I loved how Cara didn't just take everything in Averis as "the new normal". She questions the world around her and reflects on it through the eyes of someone who lived on earth for her whole life.
This is the first book in a series, so it does not answer all questions or end with a "happy ever after" (yet?), but I am very intrigued to see how the story will further unfold in next books to come!
I recieved a free ARC from the author through booksirens. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
You get dropped into the story and the first few chapters are very confusing as you try to work out where the author is taking you. You get drip-fed pieces of the puzzle and bit by bit learn more about the magical contract that binds her and Thael. The both of them have to fight to save the lands of Averis from darkness coming from different sides. Along the way there's lust, betrayal, love and friendships.
It felt both slow- and extremely fast-paced at the same time in the beginning, and it was a bit of a struggle getting through the first chapters. I had a LOT of questions while reading and didn't get any answers till a lot further into the book. Once the stage was set though, I felt a lot more connected to the story and characters and found my reading pace sped up. I loved how Cara didn't just take everything in Averis as "the new normal". She questions the world around her and reflects on it through the eyes of someone who lived on earth for her whole life.
This is the first book in a series, so it does not answer all questions or end with a "happy ever after" (yet?), but I am very intrigued to see how the story will further unfold in next books to come!
I recieved a free ARC from the author through booksirens. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Lovers and Chains is an emotionally rich and beautifully paced story that pulled me in from the very beginning. What stood out most to me was the depth of the heroine’s journey. She has endured profound loss, closing herself off from the world as a way to survive, yet beneath all that pain lies a quiet resilience that makes her incredibly compelling. Watching her slowly reopen, heal, and rediscover connection was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book.
The romance is a true slow burn—layered, patient, and full of longing. Robin Hartwood knows exactly how to build tension without rushing anything, allowing every glance, every hesitation, every moment of vulnerability to land with emotional weight. It’s the kind of slow burn that makes you savor every chapter.
The pacing is excellent: the story moves forward steadily, never dragging, and never overstaying its welcome. By the end, I found myself fully invested in the characters and eager to see where the next installment will take them.
Overall, Lovers and Chains is a heartfelt, intimate, and beautifully written romance that balances emotional depth with a compelling narrative. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.
Lovers and Chains is an emotionally rich and beautifully paced story that pulled me in from the very beginning. What stood out most to me was the depth of the heroine’s journey. She has endured profound loss, closing herself off from the world as a way to survive, yet beneath all that pain lies a quiet resilience that makes her incredibly compelling. Watching her slowly reopen, heal, and rediscover connection was one of the most rewarding aspects of the book.
The romance is a true slow burn—layered, patient, and full of longing. Robin Hartwood knows exactly how to build tension without rushing anything, allowing every glance, every hesitation, every moment of vulnerability to land with emotional weight. It’s the kind of slow burn that makes you savor every chapter.
The pacing is excellent: the story moves forward steadily, never dragging, and never overstaying its welcome. By the end, I found myself fully invested in the characters and eager to see where the next installment will take them.
Overall, Lovers and Chains is a heartfelt, intimate, and beautifully written romance that balances emotional depth with a compelling narrative. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.
March 11, 2026
Arc copy received from NetGalley.
Lonely and grief stricken Cara inherits her great aunts house, unknown to her that she is contract bound to Thael who is a half fae, half incubus from the fae world Averis. After many nights of thael travelling through the portal to Cara’s room and Cara thinking she’s getting freaky with a ghost, Cara gets teleported to the Averis. They Need to work together to break the contract and protect Cara from an evil force trying to steal Cara’s powers.
I do wish the book was longer and was a little more fleshed out as the pacing felt a little fast and it was a bit confusing to keep up with what was happening.
Overall I think the book was good, and was a very enjoyable short steamy read. And I would absolutely read future instalments to find out what happens to Cara and Thael.
Lonely and grief stricken Cara inherits her great aunts house, unknown to her that she is contract bound to Thael who is a half fae, half incubus from the fae world Averis. After many nights of thael travelling through the portal to Cara’s room and Cara thinking she’s getting freaky with a ghost, Cara gets teleported to the Averis. They Need to work together to break the contract and protect Cara from an evil force trying to steal Cara’s powers.
I do wish the book was longer and was a little more fleshed out as the pacing felt a little fast and it was a bit confusing to keep up with what was happening.
Overall I think the book was good, and was a very enjoyable short steamy read. And I would absolutely read future instalments to find out what happens to Cara and Thael.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the ALC.
I was back and forth a while trying to love it and stay motivated for me to finish it. The way to went so differently when we switched to the fae world point of view, I had to check that I was still reading the same book. And then right away I wondered if the aunt was also being visited by spicy ghosts like her and was worried. Obviously she wasn't, but it was weird until the letter was read.
Overall it just wasn't enough action for me. It felt like we were taking forever four something to happen.
I was back and forth a while trying to love it and stay motivated for me to finish it. The way to went so differently when we switched to the fae world point of view, I had to check that I was still reading the same book. And then right away I wondered if the aunt was also being visited by spicy ghosts like her and was worried. Obviously she wasn't, but it was weird until the letter was read.
Overall it just wasn't enough action for me. It felt like we were taking forever four something to happen.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So overall, the plot was nice, it had the makings of a really nice story. But for some reason, I couldn't quite appreciate the flow of the story. Like it was a little too rushed for me, there wasn't enough time to appreciate the world that was being built. While the story was really nice, I couldn't give it more than 3 stars because it didn't grab me the way I thought it would. Maybe the writing can be worked on a little more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review- this is a quick short story with a lot packed in setting up for an interesting series.
I was slightly confused in the beginning but once I got into it I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Twin brothers on the opposite sides, strange magic, meddling old family contracts and an fmc sucked into a whole new world.
If you are looking for a speedy read to beat reading sl7mps this would be a great rec for you.
I was slightly confused in the beginning but once I got into it I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next.
Twin brothers on the opposite sides, strange magic, meddling old family contracts and an fmc sucked into a whole new world.
If you are looking for a speedy read to beat reading sl7mps this would be a great rec for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved everything about this book, but it was too short! I hoped it would be longer that is my only critique. Hot romance, check. Danger, check. Dark and evil misunderstood villain, check! I really enjoyed the other characters that weren't the main characters, they had depth, emotional damage and all grew in this short but sweet story. The MMC is broody, thinking he is the saviour of the world and helps the FMC to step up to her destiny.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of Lovers and Chains thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the concept of this book, especially the spice at the beginning. I loved the main characters. The pacing of the book felt a little off in the middle, but overall it was well written. It had a very strong beginning and ending, which might be why the middle felt weaker. Despite this, I definitely recommend it!
I enjoyed the concept of this book, especially the spice at the beginning. I loved the main characters. The pacing of the book felt a little off in the middle, but overall it was well written. It had a very strong beginning and ending, which might be why the middle felt weaker. Despite this, I definitely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Honestly, I really enjoyed the story. It was really interesting. The characters didn’t seem boring. This did feel fast on the pacing in my own opinion. But, if you’re looking for something new to read, try this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was an interesting and unique short read. The combination of the haunted house aspect with the fae and incubi was different than I've read before, and I enjoyed the storytelling. I did get a bit confused by the world-building and magic, but perhaps that will be resolved better by the sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m newer to reading romantasy but I was completely wrapped up in this story by chapter 4 and I’ll be impatiently waiting on book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lovers and Chains delivers an intriguing mix of dark fantasy and romance, but it doesn’t fully live up to its potential. The premise is compelling: blood contracts, a dangerous fae realm, and a heroine whose love could literally kill her, but the pacing feels uneven, with some plot points rushing by while others linger too long. Cara’s grief and isolation are well established, though her emotional development can feel a bit repetitive, and Thael’s internal conflict is interesting but not always deeply explored. The chemistry between them has its moments, especially in the more tension-filled scenes, but it doesn’t consistently hit the emotional depth the story seems to aim for. It’s an enjoyable read with a strong concept and flashes of intensity, but it could have benefited from tighter storytelling and richer character development.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews