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Locked In Love
When the path to true love doesn't run smooth, why not turn to Cupid for a helping hand?
ASH
Love is easy for angels and demons. They meet their fated mate and live the rest of eternity in gooey-eyed happiness.
For vampires like myself, it's not so simple.
Judging by the disaster that was my last relationship, clearly I can't be trusted choosing my own man. Thankfully, the mighty Cupid himself is offering his matchmaking services.
If Fate can't find me my perfect man, maybe Cupid can.
But, when I see the tall, Scottish, water mage waiting for me outside the escape room, I think there must be a mistake. How is it that Cupid has selected this perfect male just for me?
It's time for me to get locked into a room to learn if Cupid has more luck finding my mate than I do...
This 14k novella originally appeared in the H2H Paranormal Anthology. No additional material has been added. This story is a complete standalone that ends in a HEA.
ASH
Love is easy for angels and demons. They meet their fated mate and live the rest of eternity in gooey-eyed happiness.
For vampires like myself, it's not so simple.
Judging by the disaster that was my last relationship, clearly I can't be trusted choosing my own man. Thankfully, the mighty Cupid himself is offering his matchmaking services.
If Fate can't find me my perfect man, maybe Cupid can.
But, when I see the tall, Scottish, water mage waiting for me outside the escape room, I think there must be a mistake. How is it that Cupid has selected this perfect male just for me?
It's time for me to get locked into a room to learn if Cupid has more luck finding my mate than I do...
This 14k novella originally appeared in the H2H Paranormal Anthology. No additional material has been added. This story is a complete standalone that ends in a HEA.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Lark Taylor
45 books1,527 followersLark lives with her family in southern England. An obsessive romance fan, she loves nothing more than a Happily Ever After – especially if there’s a good plot and a hefty amount of spice along the way. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found hiding from adult life in escape rooms, travel and the MCU. As a Bi woman with OCD, Lark is a fervent supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and an advocate for mental health awareness and support.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 22, 2026
A short story set in the same world as Lark’s Devil's Mark, a vampire and a water mage go on a blind date and hit it off immediately. The vampire, Ash, has a bitter ex who is harassing him. This is very short, we don’t even get to see them decide to mate. But it’s good.
July 31, 2026
This was literally the definition of short and sweet 🥰
With shorter novellas, I sometimes struggle to get attached to the characters because there just isn’t enough time to really get to know them. But that definitely wasn’t the case here. I fell in love with Ash and Lochlan almost instantly—they had me from the very beginning.
Cupid definitely did an amazing job with these two because they were absolutely perfect together! 💘
This was such a fun, heartwarming read, and I would’ve happily taken a full-length novel about them. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet…
4.25⭐️
🌶️🌶️
With shorter novellas, I sometimes struggle to get attached to the characters because there just isn’t enough time to really get to know them. But that definitely wasn’t the case here. I fell in love with Ash and Lochlan almost instantly—they had me from the very beginning.
Cupid definitely did an amazing job with these two because they were absolutely perfect together! 💘
This was such a fun, heartwarming read, and I would’ve happily taken a full-length novel about them. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye just yet…
4.25⭐️
🌶️🌶️
July 18, 2026
5 stars
Stop it right the f*ck now, that was adorable and:
1) I don't care that it's 60 pages, I want a lil physical printout I can add to my Lark Taylor collection;
2) Why is everything Lark Taylor writes so fun and amazing;
3) I could've happily read an entire book on Ash and Lochlan.
🏷️ Verrry insta-love (it's a 60-page novella, what do we expect)
🏷️ Attempted kidnapping
🏷️ Mental abuse by ex-partner
🏷️ Water mage x Vampire
Stop it right the f*ck now, that was adorable and:
1) I don't care that it's 60 pages, I want a lil physical printout I can add to my Lark Taylor collection;
2) Why is everything Lark Taylor writes so fun and amazing;
3) I could've happily read an entire book on Ash and Lochlan.
🏷️ Verrry insta-love (it's a 60-page novella, what do we expect)
🏷️ Attempted kidnapping
🏷️ Mental abuse by ex-partner
🏷️ Water mage x Vampire
July 18, 2026
I'm so happy we're finally getting more PNR from Lark. I'm beyond excited, and those two are just so adorable together. I could have happily read 300 pages about them... 🥰💕
July 22, 2026
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Ash and Lochlan
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Ash and Lochlan
August 3, 2026
This was such a cute 🥺 short novella that was fast paced and I loved it. From an awkward encounter to full blown romance definitely my cup of tea ☕.
My question is why was the first date at an escape room 😂😂 but I loved it. Ash and Lochlan had instant connection even though it was off to an awkward start due to Lochlan's internal dilemma.
I also loved how the story explored Ash's journey toward rebuilding his confidence after an unhealthy relationship. Watching him realize he deserved kindness and respect made the romance even more rewarding. He deserves the world 💖
My question is why was the first date at an escape room 😂😂 but I loved it. Ash and Lochlan had instant connection even though it was off to an awkward start due to Lochlan's internal dilemma.
I also loved how the story explored Ash's journey toward rebuilding his confidence after an unhealthy relationship. Watching him realize he deserved kindness and respect made the romance even more rewarding. He deserves the world 💖
August 3, 2026
Lark! My lips hurt from smiling like a maniac for 64 pages straight.
It was adorable! I wish we got a bit more in terms of the relationship development and we were absolutely robbed of the mating ritual. Nevertheless, it was cute af.
It was adorable! I wish we got a bit more in terms of the relationship development and we were absolutely robbed of the mating ritual. Nevertheless, it was cute af.
July 18, 2026
I want 300 more pages of these two!!!
July 16, 2026
Short and yummy! Felt like it’s part of the Damned universe which I love!
September 8, 2026
Locked In Love has a light, playful emotional foundation built around the idea that finding the right partner might be easier when someone else takes over the matchmaking. Ash is a vampire who has become disillusioned with his own ability to choose a romantic partner after his previous relationship ended disastrously. While angels and demons apparently have the luxury of meeting their fated mates and settling into effortless happiness, Ash has no such certainty in his own love life. Turning to Cupid gives him the chance to step outside his usual instincts, but when he arrives at the escape room and discovers that his assigned match is a tall Scottish water mage, he immediately questions whether Cupid could possibly have gotten it right.
The relationship between Ash and the water mage develops within the deliberately contrived circumstances of Cupid's matchmaking experiment. Ash begins from a place of skepticism, wondering why someone so seemingly perfect would have been selected specifically for him, while the escape-room setting gives the two men an unusual opportunity to interact and discover whether the attraction and compatibility are actually there. The fated-mate expectations surrounding Ash also create an underlying sense that he is searching for a relationship that feels naturally right rather than repeating the mistakes of his past. Because the story is only a 14k novella, however, the romance necessarily moves very quickly, focusing on the immediate discovery of a promising connection rather than spending substantial time developing the characters or allowing their relationship to unfold over an extended period.
Overall, Locked In Love is a short paranormal romance about matchmaking, romantic uncertainty, and the possibility of finally finding someone who feels right. The story uses its supernatural setting playfully, contrasting Ash's frustrating experiences with love against the apparently effortless romantic happiness enjoyed by other paranormal beings, while Cupid's involvement provides the mechanism for putting him in the path of his potential match. The extremely short length keeps the story focused on the charm of the premise and the quick formation of the central connection rather than a lengthy emotional arc. It is ultimately a compact romance about taking a chance on an unexpected match and discovering whether someone chosen for you can succeed where your own romantic judgment has failed.
The relationship between Ash and the water mage develops within the deliberately contrived circumstances of Cupid's matchmaking experiment. Ash begins from a place of skepticism, wondering why someone so seemingly perfect would have been selected specifically for him, while the escape-room setting gives the two men an unusual opportunity to interact and discover whether the attraction and compatibility are actually there. The fated-mate expectations surrounding Ash also create an underlying sense that he is searching for a relationship that feels naturally right rather than repeating the mistakes of his past. Because the story is only a 14k novella, however, the romance necessarily moves very quickly, focusing on the immediate discovery of a promising connection rather than spending substantial time developing the characters or allowing their relationship to unfold over an extended period.
Overall, Locked In Love is a short paranormal romance about matchmaking, romantic uncertainty, and the possibility of finally finding someone who feels right. The story uses its supernatural setting playfully, contrasting Ash's frustrating experiences with love against the apparently effortless romantic happiness enjoyed by other paranormal beings, while Cupid's involvement provides the mechanism for putting him in the path of his potential match. The extremely short length keeps the story focused on the charm of the premise and the quick formation of the central connection rather than a lengthy emotional arc. It is ultimately a compact romance about taking a chance on an unexpected match and discovering whether someone chosen for you can succeed where your own romantic judgment has failed.
July 24, 2026
Started off really strong... I was so excited.
Genuinely thought omg, the fastest five star read i've had in so long.
Unfortunately, that did not last too long.
I feel like it moved too fast, these characters are SO charming.
Oh, speaking of the characters:
Ash - a 556 year old vampire, described by Lochlan
Lochlan - 932 year old water mage, described by Ash
Their story could have and should have been longer. There was more than enough plot introduced there to have a full length novel, actually. It would have been good too.
Cupid himself set them up on a date, he runs a matchmaking service. Supernatural creatures don't get fated mates in this book. BUT once they choose a mate and do the ceremony, that is their mate for life. So, they must choose wisely.
Ash and Lochlan both find what they need in each other, they are as close to fated mates as you can get, truly.
Here's the thing -
It became so rushed that I lost connection to them as characters.
Instead of living in the moment, their story was sped up.
We were told what happened to them as a recap, only getting small glimpses into their life.
It does say a lot that this author was able to create such compelling characters in a short amount of time. Which was literally within the first chapter... I was completely charmed by Ash.
Going to try a full length novel by them next, to see if I get what I was missing from this one.
Oh, still definitely worth the read.
Only 64 pages.
Genuinely thought omg, the fastest five star read i've had in so long.
Unfortunately, that did not last too long.
I feel like it moved too fast, these characters are SO charming.
Oh, speaking of the characters:
Ash - a 556 year old vampire, described by Lochlan
" He was the most exquisite creature I’d ever laid my eyes upon. From his bright pink spiky hair to his sparkling blue eyes, to the way he couldn’t seem to hold still. He was utter perfection in a five-foot-eight package."
Lochlan - 932 year old water mage, described by Ash
"He towered over me, topping out at at least six foot three. His form was lean but rugged. Sharp cheekbones free of even a single hair sat atop the most beautiful mouth I’d ever seen in my life. His plump scarlet lips were just begging me to kiss them."
Their story could have and should have been longer. There was more than enough plot introduced there to have a full length novel, actually. It would have been good too.
Cupid himself set them up on a date, he runs a matchmaking service. Supernatural creatures don't get fated mates in this book. BUT once they choose a mate and do the ceremony, that is their mate for life. So, they must choose wisely.
Ash and Lochlan both find what they need in each other, they are as close to fated mates as you can get, truly.
Here's the thing -
It became so rushed that I lost connection to them as characters.
Instead of living in the moment, their story was sped up.
We were told what happened to them as a recap, only getting small glimpses into their life.
It does say a lot that this author was able to create such compelling characters in a short amount of time. Which was literally within the first chapter... I was completely charmed by Ash.
Going to try a full length novel by them next, to see if I get what I was missing from this one.
Oh, still definitely worth the read.
Only 64 pages.
July 17, 2026
Ash, a vampire with a terrible track record in love, turns to Cupid for help finding the mate Fate hasn’t delivered. When he meets Lochlan — a tall, Scottish water mage waiting for their escape‑room date — he’s convinced it must be a mistake. But locked in together, Ash starts to wonder if Cupid really has found the perfect match after all.
This was such a sweet novella, with Cupid stepping in to help two paranormal men realise they’re the perfect match for each other. The escape‑room setting was a fun touch — playful, low‑pressure, and the ideal way for Ash and Lochlan to get to know one another without all the usual supernatural intensity. Their connection felt warm and charming, and the Cupid‑guided matchmaking added a lovely, lighthearted vibe to the whole story. A gentle, feel‑good read that leaves you smiling. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note that this novella originally appeared in the H2H Paranormal Anthology. No additional material has been added.
This was such a sweet novella, with Cupid stepping in to help two paranormal men realise they’re the perfect match for each other. The escape‑room setting was a fun touch — playful, low‑pressure, and the ideal way for Ash and Lochlan to get to know one another without all the usual supernatural intensity. Their connection felt warm and charming, and the Cupid‑guided matchmaking added a lovely, lighthearted vibe to the whole story. A gentle, feel‑good read that leaves you smiling. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note that this novella originally appeared in the H2H Paranormal Anthology. No additional material has been added.
October 10, 2026
Super cute blind date
I picked up this book as a fan of The Reckless Damned, Damned Connections and Hopless Blessed series'. It's always fun to get any insight into these worlds, even just little snippets like this. Ash and Lachlan are super cute and I smiled a lot while reading this. It's a quick read so really nice as a palete cleanser or when you need something short to fill in time.
🩷🧛♂️🩷
Locked in Love is a super cute blind date short story that will be popular with those familiar with Lark Taylor's PNR worlds and with fans of the H2H anthologies.
🩷🧛♂️🩷
Unlucky in love duo Lachlan and Ash meet at a blind date set up by Cupid and from the moment they meet their chemistry is explosive. As they spend time together they discover even more compatibility, but just when Ash is finally the happiest he's ever been, cue the ex...
You can expect
🧛♂️ paranormal romance
🩷 mm romance
🧛♂️ vampire x mage
🩷 blind date
🧛♂️ love at first sight
I picked up this book as a fan of The Reckless Damned, Damned Connections and Hopless Blessed series'. It's always fun to get any insight into these worlds, even just little snippets like this. Ash and Lachlan are super cute and I smiled a lot while reading this. It's a quick read so really nice as a palete cleanser or when you need something short to fill in time.
🩷🧛♂️🩷
Locked in Love is a super cute blind date short story that will be popular with those familiar with Lark Taylor's PNR worlds and with fans of the H2H anthologies.
🩷🧛♂️🩷
Unlucky in love duo Lachlan and Ash meet at a blind date set up by Cupid and from the moment they meet their chemistry is explosive. As they spend time together they discover even more compatibility, but just when Ash is finally the happiest he's ever been, cue the ex...
You can expect
🧛♂️ paranormal romance
🩷 mm romance
🧛♂️ vampire x mage
🩷 blind date
🧛♂️ love at first sight
October 5, 2026
I literally count down the days when Lark Taylor releases a new book but what the hell was this?!
This felt like the beginning of an idea, in a diner, written on a napkin with a half-dried pen, and somehow sent straight to Amazon before anyone had the chance to read it back.
The spice was fine. Obviously, Lark Taylor knows how to write spice. But… WHY?! Why was everything around it like this?! The chemistry, the pacing, the dialogue, the story…
And the worst part is that I genuinely love this author. I will happily one-click her books and then spend months waiting for the next one. Which makes this even more painful because I cannot, in good conscience, give Lark Taylor a one-star rating even if it deserves it. My brain simply refuses.
So let’s just pretend this one never happened.
I’ll be over here patiently waiting for the next book and acting like I never read this one. 🫠
This felt like the beginning of an idea, in a diner, written on a napkin with a half-dried pen, and somehow sent straight to Amazon before anyone had the chance to read it back.
The spice was fine. Obviously, Lark Taylor knows how to write spice. But… WHY?! Why was everything around it like this?! The chemistry, the pacing, the dialogue, the story…
And the worst part is that I genuinely love this author. I will happily one-click her books and then spend months waiting for the next one. Which makes this even more painful because I cannot, in good conscience, give Lark Taylor a one-star rating even if it deserves it. My brain simply refuses.
So let’s just pretend this one never happened.
I’ll be over here patiently waiting for the next book and acting like I never read this one. 🫠
July 19, 2026
What an amazing paranormal novella!
If there's one thing I know, it's that Lark Taylor does such amazing things with a paranormal romance! And this definitely didn't disappoint in any way!
I loved Lochlan & Ash both together and separately as characters! This was definitely a funny, sweet, spicy read that is set in the paranormal universe Taylor is so well known and loved for, and this is no exception 😍.
This quick, fluffy read was definitely needed for me at the time and kept me invested in finishing these two sweet characters own personal love story 😘.
If there's one thing I know, it's that Lark Taylor does such amazing things with a paranormal romance! And this definitely didn't disappoint in any way!
I loved Lochlan & Ash both together and separately as characters! This was definitely a funny, sweet, spicy read that is set in the paranormal universe Taylor is so well known and loved for, and this is no exception 😍.
This quick, fluffy read was definitely needed for me at the time and kept me invested in finishing these two sweet characters own personal love story 😘.
July 30, 2026
"Locked in Love" received FOUR stars.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
July 21, 2026
Locked In Love is a fast paced paranormal short story that tells the story of Ash the Vampire and Lochlan the water mage who meet each other through a blind date arranged by Cupid. Their meet cute is at an escape room where the two quickly bond while figuring out how to escape. Filled with lots of dialogue banter, relationship development and a dramatic final showdown, this was an enjoyable quick read.
July 20, 2026
3.5/5⭐
The beginning was my favourite part, really funny and adorable. After their date, things just started to move at lightning speed (which does make sense for a short novella) and it felt like nothing was really explored deeper (the characters, romance or the plot). I feel like this would've worked a lot better as a full-length novel with all the aspects that were packed here.
The beginning was my favourite part, really funny and adorable. After their date, things just started to move at lightning speed (which does make sense for a short novella) and it felt like nothing was really explored deeper (the characters, romance or the plot). I feel like this would've worked a lot better as a full-length novel with all the aspects that were packed here.
October 15, 2026
Ash and Lochlan 🫶🏻
This was sooo cute! 🥹 I absolutely love returning to my favorite universe, and this was the perfect little story to revisit it. Short, sweet, and just what I needed! 💜
WHAT WE GET:
PNR short novella
Insta-lust / insta-love
Vampire x Water Mage
UK setting
Matchmaking
Part of the Damned Universe
This was sooo cute! 🥹 I absolutely love returning to my favorite universe, and this was the perfect little story to revisit it. Short, sweet, and just what I needed! 💜
WHAT WE GET:
PNR short novella
Insta-lust / insta-love
Vampire x Water Mage
UK setting
Matchmaking
Part of the Damned Universe
July 16, 2026
Cute and steamy short story!
This was such a cute and steamy short read! Lochlan and Ash were a perfect pair, sometimes opposites are truly what you need. If you want something light and fluffy this is great!
This was such a cute and steamy short read! Lochlan and Ash were a perfect pair, sometimes opposites are truly what you need. If you want something light and fluffy this is great!
July 16, 2026
Short and sweet and totally worth it
I love Lark Taylor's universe and this novella is a perfect vignette within that world. A cute couple who truly honor each other for who they are. A nice light read.
I love Lark Taylor's universe and this novella is a perfect vignette within that world. A cute couple who truly honor each other for who they are. A nice light read.
July 17, 2026
Absolutely wonderful!
In true Lark Taylor style this book is perfection! Cute, fun, honest, loving, and steamy! These two are absolutely perfect for each other, Cupid knows what he's doing... or maybe thats just Lark Taylor!
In true Lark Taylor style this book is perfection! Cute, fun, honest, loving, and steamy! These two are absolutely perfect for each other, Cupid knows what he's doing... or maybe thats just Lark Taylor!
July 17, 2026
really liked it
I really liked this book. 4 stars for rating, 2 for spice. It was a cute short read. I know it is a novella but I wish there was a little more, maybe some more insight into both character’s families or history.
I really liked this book. 4 stars for rating, 2 for spice. It was a cute short read. I know it is a novella but I wish there was a little more, maybe some more insight into both character’s families or history.
July 22, 2026
I wish this had been longer! I also hope that this might be connected to or part of a new series by her because this was short, sweet, and fun. Not a lot of background though to warrant all the drama, so that's why I wished it was longer.
July 24, 2026
Super cute insta-love novella featuring a vampire and a water mage. They aren't technically fated mates but they did have a lot of chemistry together and seemed to be exactly what the other one needed.
July 26, 2026
Awww. I loved this novella so much. A vampire and a water mage set on a blind date by Cupid himself. First date: an Escape Room!
And I will never look at a kilt the same way again. It's a good thing Outlander is over.
And I will never look at a kilt the same way again. It's a good thing Outlander is over.
August 23, 2026
It's a very short, cute story, but generally meh
Ash is a vampire with a shitty ex, he goes to a blind date with Lachlan, a water mage.
After a very short "he doesn't want me" they hit it off immediately.
Nothing to write home about..
Ash is a vampire with a shitty ex, he goes to a blind date with Lachlan, a water mage.
After a very short "he doesn't want me" they hit it off immediately.
Nothing to write home about..
September 26, 2026
short and sweet
I just love the way lark writes. Ash and Lochlan found the perfect match. This was a sweet short story. A nice light romance perfect for a refresh. With a Scottish mage in a kilt 🥵🌶️
I just love the way lark writes. Ash and Lochlan found the perfect match. This was a sweet short story. A nice light romance perfect for a refresh. With a Scottish mage in a kilt 🥵🌶️
July 17, 2026
A fun, short and sweet story.
July 20, 2026
Still just as adorable as it was in the anthology. I reread it to enjoy a fluff break in my hectic weekend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews