What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Unlocked
Locked in the Moment
Due to a misunderstanding, the troll that lives underneath one of the most romantic bridges in Paris inadvertently unlocks every single padlock lovers have left there over the years. L’Authoritié de Fée Folklorique are up in arms. He has no idea what all the fuss is about. The noise was driving him mad. He just wanted a bit of peace and quiet.
A spell is cast, leaving the troll in a bit of a predicament. He is charged with the seemingly impossible task of fixing the locks before the spell can be reversed and he is allowed to return to his home. There are other complications, the least of which is the insistence and persistence of a fairy who is determined to help him against the wishes of his own people.
Now the troll has a dilemma. What is more important to him? The only home he has known for two thousand years, or a fairy he has just met?
* * *
A story from Love Unlocked – a collection of seven short stories and novellas – unique LGBTQ romances inspired by the Love Lock Bridge.
A spell is cast, leaving the troll in a bit of a predicament. He is charged with the seemingly impossible task of fixing the locks before the spell can be reversed and he is allowed to return to his home. There are other complications, the least of which is the insistence and persistence of a fairy who is determined to help him against the wishes of his own people.
Now the troll has a dilemma. What is more important to him? The only home he has known for two thousand years, or a fairy he has just met?
* * *
A story from Love Unlocked – a collection of seven short stories and novellas – unique LGBTQ romances inspired by the Love Lock Bridge.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2016
2 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Sister
15 books73 followersDawn is from the North East of England. Her life is spent juggling. The juggling balls are: children, husband, work (occasionally), voluntary work, professional knitting (notice she doesn't class this as work), and writing. When she has time she actually sleeps.
The whole point of writing for Dawn is just to get it all off her chest and out of her head. If she doesn't write it down then she ends up having long conversations with the characters out loud and her husband thinks she's crazy.
I like chocolate, coffee and donuts, sometimes all at the same time.
I love evenings around a campfire singing in the company of good friends.
I like listening to the dawn chorus even if I’ve been awake all night.
I like reading stories with characters that are filled with hope even in their darkest hours.
I like happy endings.
I write LGBTQ+ Romance (with happy endings of course).
Read my blog for insights into my stories, updates on WIPs and some exclusive excerpts.
The whole point of writing for Dawn is just to get it all off her chest and out of her head. If she doesn't write it down then she ends up having long conversations with the characters out loud and her husband thinks she's crazy.
I like chocolate, coffee and donuts, sometimes all at the same time.
I love evenings around a campfire singing in the company of good friends.
I like listening to the dawn chorus even if I’ve been awake all night.
I like reading stories with characters that are filled with hope even in their darkest hours.
I like happy endings.
I write LGBTQ+ Romance (with happy endings of course).
Read my blog for insights into my stories, updates on WIPs and some exclusive excerpts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 15, 2016
Amazing story!! Read it with a bottle of wine and I bet you see fairy dust :D
February 9, 2016
This is the best story I have read in a long, long time.
This is a magical and enchanting tale - both literally and figuratively - that had me absolutely enamoured with the idea, the characters, the humorous moments that made me snort or giggle. Dawn Sister cleverly takes a classic idea - the under-bridge-dwelling troll from the Billy Goats Gruff, and transports it to modern day Paris, where he lives under love-lock bridge. But living under those clanging metal dangly things isn't much fun, and when Sol wakes up from his hibernation, to the consternation of Lucien, the fairy watching over him, he casts a spell to make them disappear.
I won't say much more than this causes great consternation in the fae world, and the two are tasked with finding and repairing unlocked loves. But what they discover along the way - while Sol maintains he troll-y grumpiness, to my amusement - is wrapped in well-written meaning and 'feels'.
It's bloody delightful. Marvellous. I can't quite recommend it enough. I shall go and recommend it more, elsewhere.
This is a magical and enchanting tale - both literally and figuratively - that had me absolutely enamoured with the idea, the characters, the humorous moments that made me snort or giggle. Dawn Sister cleverly takes a classic idea - the under-bridge-dwelling troll from the Billy Goats Gruff, and transports it to modern day Paris, where he lives under love-lock bridge. But living under those clanging metal dangly things isn't much fun, and when Sol wakes up from his hibernation, to the consternation of Lucien, the fairy watching over him, he casts a spell to make them disappear.
I won't say much more than this causes great consternation in the fae world, and the two are tasked with finding and repairing unlocked loves. But what they discover along the way - while Sol maintains he troll-y grumpiness, to my amusement - is wrapped in well-written meaning and 'feels'.
It's bloody delightful. Marvellous. I can't quite recommend it enough. I shall go and recommend it more, elsewhere.
February 14, 2016
So there I was, setting up the story for editing, thinking 'fantasy, trolls, fairies...hmph'. I've read two of Dawn Sister's stories and adored them both, but I was worried about the whole fantasy aspect, because contemporary realist fiction is my thing. Then I started reading, and I knew I was on to a winner, because there was that incident with the goats, you know. And Sol the troll, well, he's quite possibly the most loveable, real troll in the world. I was sold. Like Dawn's other stories, Locked in the Moment is down-to-earth and hilarious, yet with many tender moments that may well see you shedding a tear or two.
February 7, 2016
Magical (pun intended)!
I'm not necessarily a fan of fantasy; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. For me, this does; big time!
It's probably one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read; so much so that I immediately reread it as soon as I finished the first time!
I'm glad there's no one around to see my face, as I've been shedding a most unmanly amount of tears! Maybe it's because I can see a resemblance with my own life just now (spoilers withheld)...
Anyway, go read, everyone!
I'm not necessarily a fan of fantasy; sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. For me, this does; big time!
It's probably one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read; so much so that I immediately reread it as soon as I finished the first time!
I'm glad there's no one around to see my face, as I've been shedding a most unmanly amount of tears! Maybe it's because I can see a resemblance with my own life just now (spoilers withheld)...
Anyway, go read, everyone!
February 14, 2016
This story is magical! I don’t think I’ve ever read a troll story before but even if I had I’m quite sure this would move to the top of the list. It’s beautiful. Sol casts a spell to get rid of the locks on his bridge, but little does he know about the consequences. We get to follow Sol and Lucien as they hurry though Paris to find the people who have lost their locks. It’s a race against time where they are forced to work together and face their fears. Brilliant!
I couldn’t find a fitting picture for Sol but this guy is also quite strapping.
I couldn’t find a fitting picture for Sol but this guy is also quite strapping.
February 14, 2016
ALL THE STARS!
Wow! I always enjoy Dawn Sister's books because they're unfailingly hilarious and extremely sweet. It's like the perfect rom-com: plenty of feels and laughs and a great romance with interesting characters. I adored Eagle Man and Mr Hawk, so I was pretty excited to read this one.
Because Fairies! and Trolls! in Paris!! How cool!!!
Sol the Troll (That's his real name XD) gets so annoyed with the sound caused by the rattling locks on his bridge that he spells them all open.
Sol's in BIG trouble, but Hairy the Fairy(His real name's Lucien, but Sol the Troll likes to call him that) decides to help him, and the two of them (and a lot of others) have to run around Paris and fix the broken locks. And along the way, Sol and Lucien form a friendship that both of them want to turn into something else.
Everything about this story is great, and it's a great, fun-filled read. Totally recommend!
Wow! I always enjoy Dawn Sister's books because they're unfailingly hilarious and extremely sweet. It's like the perfect rom-com: plenty of feels and laughs and a great romance with interesting characters. I adored Eagle Man and Mr Hawk, so I was pretty excited to read this one.
Because Fairies! and Trolls! in Paris!! How cool!!!
Sol the Troll (That's his real name XD) gets so annoyed with the sound caused by the rattling locks on his bridge that he spells them all open.
Sol's in BIG trouble, but Hairy the Fairy(His real name's Lucien, but Sol the Troll likes to call him that) decides to help him, and the two of them (and a lot of others) have to run around Paris and fix the broken locks. And along the way, Sol and Lucien form a friendship that both of them want to turn into something else.
Everything about this story is great, and it's a great, fun-filled read. Totally recommend!
February 15, 2016
Oh I adored this. It's a sweet and lovely story about a troll and a fairy. Sol And Lucien are wonderful characters, I could read about them all day.
I was lucky enough to beta read this and one of my favourites of Dawn Sister's stories. More please!^^
I was lucky enough to beta read this and one of my favourites of Dawn Sister's stories. More please!^^
March 8, 2016
A troll and a fairy may not be the most obvious pairing, and they are not even easy friends, but ‘Locked in the Moment’ shows what it might be like if Fate decided to make them cooperate. In this world trolls are not exactly numerous, they sleep for centuries, and they see fairies as annoying bureaucrats found everywhere. Initially the grudging, somewhat withdrawn nature of Sol, the centuries-old troll, makes it difficult for him to work with the gregarious, happy Lucien, the fairy. But as they are forced to form a team, a few things become obvious and they begin to rethink their assumptions. I smiled as I discovered the first cracks in Sol’s mental armor, and I admired Lucien’s patience. All in all, it made for an entertaining, fun adventure.
Sol, who tells the story in first person, has been around for centuries, and he does not take kindly to humans taking over “his” bridge. He has lived under it since before Paris grew into the metropolis it is today. He is a loner, so the huge numbers of people he discovers as he awakes yet again do not make him happy. The noise created by the lovers’ locks decorating the bridge makes him angry. Nobody has listened to his complaints, so he decides to do something about the situation. Unfortunately this has consequences way beyond what he could have imagined and he is tasked with fixing the problem.
Lucien is a fairy and he has a few secrets. It was quite obvious to me that he is interested in Sol, even if the gruff troll took forever to “get the message”. Lucien does everything to help, protect, and support Sol, and his slightly lighter nature was a great balancing factor. The task of reclosing the locks Sol had opened is tough, but Lucien is not going to give up, no matter what obstacles make life difficult for him. He isn’t going to give up on Sol either…
If you like paranormal stories with a healthy dose of humor, if you believe that opposites can attract, and if you’re looking for a read full of magic, a difficult task, and two men learning that there is more to love than they ever thought, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Sol, who tells the story in first person, has been around for centuries, and he does not take kindly to humans taking over “his” bridge. He has lived under it since before Paris grew into the metropolis it is today. He is a loner, so the huge numbers of people he discovers as he awakes yet again do not make him happy. The noise created by the lovers’ locks decorating the bridge makes him angry. Nobody has listened to his complaints, so he decides to do something about the situation. Unfortunately this has consequences way beyond what he could have imagined and he is tasked with fixing the problem.
Lucien is a fairy and he has a few secrets. It was quite obvious to me that he is interested in Sol, even if the gruff troll took forever to “get the message”. Lucien does everything to help, protect, and support Sol, and his slightly lighter nature was a great balancing factor. The task of reclosing the locks Sol had opened is tough, but Lucien is not going to give up, no matter what obstacles make life difficult for him. He isn’t going to give up on Sol either…
If you like paranormal stories with a healthy dose of humor, if you believe that opposites can attract, and if you’re looking for a read full of magic, a difficult task, and two men learning that there is more to love than they ever thought, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 14, 2016
This story was a stretch for me. I’m not generally a fan of first person present tense, and it took me a while before I felt less jarred by it. I simply didn’t end up feeling a whole lot of connection with the characters or the story at first. However, I love the concept of a romance between a troll and a fairy; it’s a clever take on a few gay tropes, but both of them smash the stereotypes. The idea of being paired up to fix the troll’s mistake is fun, and the banter between them is witty and often hilarious. It did feel like it dragged a bit at points and rushed at others, and given the story’s resolution, I couldn’t figure out why some of the events were necessary. Despite that, it was still a good read. It’s probably best enjoyed by people who like fantasy and fairy tales. I liked it for the original concept, smart dialog, and sweet surprise at the end.
July 11, 2016
4.5 The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because I wanted it to be longer and go on and on. I absolutely loved this (actual) fairy tale. I would visit this world again and again. This was my first experience from this author but I will definitely be looking for more. Anyone that can pair a troll and a fairy and make me fall in love with both so easily not to mention tell such an interesting tale in so few pages, is definitely someone I want to read more from.
February 22, 2016
3.5 Stars rounded up for a sweet little romance that made me smile.
July 12, 2023
Cute little paranormal romance, that is well written with likeable characters.
November 17, 2025
Locked in the Moment by Dawn Sister offers a whimsical and heartwarming romp through Paris, starring a grumpy troll and a cheerful fairy tasked with fixing a problem of their own making. While the premise is imaginative, blending classic folklore with modern settings, the story’s pacing and character dynamics left me both charmed and frustrated in equal measure.
The concept; Sol, a centuries-old troll who lives under the famed Love Lock Bridge, is annoyed by the incessant noise of the clanging locks left by couples. In a fit of frustration, he casts a spell to remove them, only to inadvertently cause a magical mess that he must now clean up accompanied by Lucien, a patient and somewhat endearing fairy. Together, they travel through Paris to find the lock owners and set things right. Along the way, they learn to work together, challenge their assumptions about each other, and ultimately form a bond that could evolve into something more.
The pairing of Sol and Lucien is undoubtedly the highlight of the novella. Sol is a classic "grumpy" character whose prickliness feels genuine, and Lucien’s sunny disposition balances his moodiness in a way that kept their banter entertaining. I loved the slow-burn tension between the two, and the moments of humor were often laugh-out-loud funny. Dawn Sister's writing shines brightest in the witty dialogue between these two mismatched companions, particularly as they navigate their reluctant partnership. There’s also a lot of heart in the story, with Sol’s gruff exterior masking a deeper loneliness that Lucien gently begins to chip away at.
That said, the novella does have its rough patches. The pacing can be uneven, and at times the story drags a little when it focuses on the mechanics of the magical task at hand rather than the emotional growth of the characters. Additionally, some plot points felt rushed, particularly towards the end, where the resolution seemed almost too neat and convenient given the complexity of the task they had been undertaking.
In conclusion, Locked in the Moment is a solid, enjoyable read with plenty of charm. If you’re looking for a light, whimsical adventure with a bit of magical romance, it’s definitely worth picking up.
The concept; Sol, a centuries-old troll who lives under the famed Love Lock Bridge, is annoyed by the incessant noise of the clanging locks left by couples. In a fit of frustration, he casts a spell to remove them, only to inadvertently cause a magical mess that he must now clean up accompanied by Lucien, a patient and somewhat endearing fairy. Together, they travel through Paris to find the lock owners and set things right. Along the way, they learn to work together, challenge their assumptions about each other, and ultimately form a bond that could evolve into something more.
The pairing of Sol and Lucien is undoubtedly the highlight of the novella. Sol is a classic "grumpy" character whose prickliness feels genuine, and Lucien’s sunny disposition balances his moodiness in a way that kept their banter entertaining. I loved the slow-burn tension between the two, and the moments of humor were often laugh-out-loud funny. Dawn Sister's writing shines brightest in the witty dialogue between these two mismatched companions, particularly as they navigate their reluctant partnership. There’s also a lot of heart in the story, with Sol’s gruff exterior masking a deeper loneliness that Lucien gently begins to chip away at.
That said, the novella does have its rough patches. The pacing can be uneven, and at times the story drags a little when it focuses on the mechanics of the magical task at hand rather than the emotional growth of the characters. Additionally, some plot points felt rushed, particularly towards the end, where the resolution seemed almost too neat and convenient given the complexity of the task they had been undertaking.
In conclusion, Locked in the Moment is a solid, enjoyable read with plenty of charm. If you’re looking for a light, whimsical adventure with a bit of magical romance, it’s definitely worth picking up.
Want to read
July 31, 2016Part of the Love Unlocked Anthology.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews