HOW IS THIS SO GOOD? If I liked Killian and Mailin in the first book, I absolutely love them now! Their whole story? So good. Their relationship? Immaculate. I ADORE THEM.

For this to be a prequel novella, this was so good. I’m leaning more toward a 3.75 stars but I’m rounding up to 4, because most of my complaints are kind of wiped out by the whole novella length aspect of this prequel. First of all, this is a fantasy romance. The world building was really nice and drew me in immediately. I loved that even though it’s a prequel novella, I never felt like I was getting globs of world building info lobbed at my head. It flowed very smooth! The different kingdoms were unique and interesting. The prison island??? Why is that not a thing in more fantasy novels? I thought that was a really cool concept. Moving onto the characters: I really enjoyed how Scar/Killian was a softer H. I’ve read a lot of dark/psycho/alphahole romance lately and it was a nice break to have an H that was silently strong. My mans just wanted to protect and live with his lady. He was so determined and willing to battle anyone it took to save his girl. Love. Mailin was so enjoyable as an h. I loved that while she was willing to do the hard things herself, she also recognized that she was a small lady on a freaking prison island and might need Killian’s assistance. Not TSTL thank god. She was a tad naive, but she’s a Lady™️ of the realm, so I wasn’t mad about it. I am so intrigued by Declan! What was up with that children’s fable, my guy?? It just released and it’s next in my TBR. Also: MATES. I’m such a sucker for the mates trope. It’s like catnip for me. Just chefs kiss. I had very few complaints if any, but I did feel like it was a tad bit insta-lovey. However, it is a novella, so I wasn’t exactly expecting a slow burn. I don’t mind a good insta love as long as it makes a fair bit of sense, and I felt like this did under the circumstances. I mean, you survive a shipwreck and a prison island with someone, there’s a bond there. Some things felt like they wrapped up a little too easily, but again: novella. Overall, I really enjoyed this one! Hollee’s prose is so nice and flows really well without being forced! This was a really good beginning to a new series. Would recommend. :) TW: discussions/threats of SA (not by H), attempted SA (not by H), talk of torture

3.75 stars rounded to 4 stars. For only a 230 page fantasy romance, it was really good and enjoyable! I loved the stranded on an island trope, when I read that in the synopsis, I was hooked! I love Mailin as a character, she has such fight in her and its great seeing a strong female character in general. Loved the magic system and would have loved to know more about it along with more interaction between Killian and the high mage. Will definitely read the next book in the series!