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Fated & Forbidden #1
Surrendering Saul
>Part of the Fated & Forbidden Collection. Each book stands alone. Read about Allendra and the story that starts it all in The Challenge by Kallysten via instafreebie.
If Saul Ade had known that stepping into his sister’s life would make him a player in the goddess Allendra’s unforgiving game, he would have never left the shadows. If he doesn’t accept the mate she has chosen for him by the rise of the next Blood Moon, the Sídhe will become human. Unfortunately, the woman he must make his love is a mermaid who once tried to drown his sister’s human best friend. If he’d wanted a mate at all, reckless Laurel O’Cuilinn wouldn’t be it.
Laurel’s devastated to learn that Saul would rather cede Allendra’s challenge than to be with her, but she’s too practical to sulk. Four weeks isn’t much time to make Saul cast aside his grudges, and she’ll do what she must to help the Sídhe retain their magic—even if it means turning on some of the mermaid charm her fated mate finds so repugnant.
Allendra’s not the only one who can play games. But unlike the goddess, Laurel plans to play for love—not with it.
___
Surrendering Saul is a FATED & FORBIDDEN collection story set in the HEARTH MOTEL series. It can be read on its own, though the story does contain HEARTH MOTEL series spoilers.
Other HEARTH MOTEL Stories:
-Prince in Leather
-Unwrapping Mr. Roth (holiday special)
-Knight in Leather
If Saul Ade had known that stepping into his sister’s life would make him a player in the goddess Allendra’s unforgiving game, he would have never left the shadows. If he doesn’t accept the mate she has chosen for him by the rise of the next Blood Moon, the Sídhe will become human. Unfortunately, the woman he must make his love is a mermaid who once tried to drown his sister’s human best friend. If he’d wanted a mate at all, reckless Laurel O’Cuilinn wouldn’t be it.
Laurel’s devastated to learn that Saul would rather cede Allendra’s challenge than to be with her, but she’s too practical to sulk. Four weeks isn’t much time to make Saul cast aside his grudges, and she’ll do what she must to help the Sídhe retain their magic—even if it means turning on some of the mermaid charm her fated mate finds so repugnant.
Allendra’s not the only one who can play games. But unlike the goddess, Laurel plans to play for love—not with it.
___
Surrendering Saul is a FATED & FORBIDDEN collection story set in the HEARTH MOTEL series. It can be read on its own, though the story does contain HEARTH MOTEL series spoilers.
Other HEARTH MOTEL Stories:
-Prince in Leather
-Unwrapping Mr. Roth (holiday special)
-Knight in Leather
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
29 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Holley Trent
155 books301 followersHolley Trent is a romance author who spins campy yarns set in North Carolina. She has a wicked sense of humor and regularly puts her story characters into unexpected situations.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 25, 2018
Wow -- mermaids, fae, demigods and gods? How did I ever miss this series? I jumped right into this book & immediately fell in love with Laurel. She is such a relatable character, and I was cheering her all the way through the book. I appreciate how realistic her character arc was and loved her revealing her bad ass tendencies in the end. I had a harder time with Saul, but I think that part of it was catching up with the world building (don't worry -- I'm on my way to catching up with the rest of the series!). I truly enjoyed this book!
April 17, 2021
Laurel had a lot to overcome as a heroine, given how she tried to drown Dasha in the last book. In her defense, she was bespelled by an evil queen. Still, she didn’t seem like the most stable of characters and she didn’t do much to disprove that here, given her ADD and poor short-term memory and penchant for talking out loud to herself. (Why do so many of Holley’s heroines talk out loud to themselves?!) But there was also a sweetness to her and she was so desperate to do a good job at the motel.
Saul, on the other hand, was a big ol’ sexist jerk. He was incredibly mean to Laurel and I couldn’t understand what his deal was, especially because everyone else had forgiven Laurel for her past actions and he was barely involved in that situation. There was a whole lot of misdirected anger on his part because it’s not like Laurel made the goddess Allendra intervene. It made it hard for me to root for him as a hero, even if Laurel came around. I’m not entirely sure I bought them as a couple but I definitely bought their chemistry once Saul gave in on that front. The story got lost in plot toward the end and I wish there’d been more time devoted to developing Saul and Laurel as a couple and strengthening their feelings.
Character notes: Saul is a Black Sidhé (fairy). Laurel is a white mer-fairy. This is set in North Carolina.
CW: heroine has ADD and poor short-term memory, dubious consent, heroine tried to drown someone while under a spell (past), sexism, slut-shaming, pregnant secondary character, alcohol, gender essentialist language, ableist language
Saul, on the other hand, was a big ol’ sexist jerk. He was incredibly mean to Laurel and I couldn’t understand what his deal was, especially because everyone else had forgiven Laurel for her past actions and he was barely involved in that situation. There was a whole lot of misdirected anger on his part because it’s not like Laurel made the goddess Allendra intervene. It made it hard for me to root for him as a hero, even if Laurel came around. I’m not entirely sure I bought them as a couple but I definitely bought their chemistry once Saul gave in on that front. The story got lost in plot toward the end and I wish there’d been more time devoted to developing Saul and Laurel as a couple and strengthening their feelings.
Character notes: Saul is a Black Sidhé (fairy). Laurel is a white mer-fairy. This is set in North Carolina.
CW: heroine has ADD and poor short-term memory, dubious consent, heroine tried to drown someone while under a spell (past), sexism, slut-shaming, pregnant secondary character, alcohol, gender essentialist language, ableist language
November 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this edition to the series. It is a fun series that makes me laugh a lot as well as has some steamy romances. This time we focus on Saul and Laurel. The Goddesses love to start trouble and one has decided that they are mates and have one month to seal the deal. Saul is fighting hard against it but the others feel it is something he should consider. Laurel was not a very nice character earlier in the series but has worked hard to redeem herself. It was interesting to see these two very different individuals grow to understand that they could each offer something to the other like the other mated couples.
Each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the whole series. It is one of my favorites.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
Each book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the whole series. It is one of my favorites.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
July 28, 2018
This was an interesting segue book. We seemed to be moving the over-arching plot forward. It was nice to learn more about Laurel and to see her want to grow and learn about this realm. From Ethan's book, I was prepared to dislike her for the many reasons that Saul laid out. Saul was more of a mystery than Laurel was. We learned a lot more about Saul in this book than Laurel. The two of them coming together was interesting. It definitely was more fated, but I like how Laurel said that they would learn more about each other as they went along. So, they accepted things as they were, but were willing to work to strengthen the connection.
May 22, 2017
Saul and Laurel
Saul is a Sidhe warrior and Laurel is a Sidhe/mermaid who are forced to marry as fated mates, or loose their powers forever and become human. And they are have to do it before the next blood moon. What will become of them and will they do what is asked of them? They may be fated mates but will the time constraints bring them together earlier than expected or will it push them apart? Read on my friends, it's a good book in the Fated and Forbidden Series
Saul is a Sidhe warrior and Laurel is a Sidhe/mermaid who are forced to marry as fated mates, or loose their powers forever and become human. And they are have to do it before the next blood moon. What will become of them and will they do what is asked of them? They may be fated mates but will the time constraints bring them together earlier than expected or will it push them apart? Read on my friends, it's a good book in the Fated and Forbidden Series
March 6, 2019
(Same review for 2nd & 3rd book in series). I like the Health Motel books best out of these interlinked series, what with all the fairyland drama and the Outer Banks setting. I like how these couples struggle to understand and then accept what they're dealt - with each other (fated mates) and with the whole scenario - and then how they kick ass in dealing with it.
December 4, 2020
I dragged my heels reading this one because, based on the last Hearth Motel book, I really didn't like Laurel. And yet, as soon as I got her point of view I absolutely loved her! This book was one I devoured in an evening. I loved the chemistry, the characters, and of course the world. I hope there is another Hearth Motel book soon!
May 9, 2018
Mermaids
January 3, 2019
This series is sooooo good.
Read
June 29, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Sexism
Slut shaming
Pregnancy
Alcohol consumption
Attempted drowning recounted
Sexism
Slut shaming
Pregnancy
Alcohol consumption
Attempted drowning recounted
May 29, 2022
3.5 stars
January 2, 2017
Surrendering Saul Holley Trent
Reviewed by SFF Dragon*
The Challenge? prove you're capable of love. How? Find your mate and get on with it. Easier said than done in Saul's case.
I love Holley Trent's books, I've read a lot of them and she's one of my favourite authors. I've never been disappointed and 'Surrendering Saul', book three but the fourth story and latest addition to her Hearth Motel series is another winner, although it is slightly shorter and different in tone with slightly less action than most of her books it's still fast moving with sizzle and had me hooked from the first page to the last. Featuring the bats**t crazy mermaid, Laurel from book two, 'Knight in Leather', although not nearly as crazy now, and Saul, Princess Simone's much older brother, it was both sad and happy in places, with steamy bits and some laugh out loud moments that made me look at myself and think... Oh no, I do that too, especially with recipes.
It's also the first book in the brand new multi-author Fated & Forbidden series of stand alone paranormal romances in which a Goddess, Allendra, has become tired of all the trouble, strife and in-fighting between the paranormal races that were created by her and the God Zaan to protect humanity. Something they seem to have forgotten and she's decided it's time to remind them with a challenge and a tight deadline. Apart from the series prologue 'The Challenge' and the concluding book 'Blood Moon', both by Kallysten, the books can be read in any order and although you won't find 'The Challenge' listed on vendor websites, or at least I didn't, you can download it free from the Fated & Forbidden website. There's a link to it in 'Surrendering Saul' and you really do need to read it first.
The Challenge? prove you're capable of love and aren't just a bunch of power and battle hungry war-mongers. How? Find your mate and get on with it. Easier said than done, especially in Saul's case when he finally works out, or rather is informed by his sister, that the mark he was given could only mean his mate is... yep, Lauren. But Saul has decided he doesn't like her because of what she did and would rather run for the hills than have her as his mate, leaving everyone else to pay the price, however Simone has other plans and surprise, surprise, he likes those even less..... Let the mayhem begin.
I'm not going to give spoilers. This book has action, steam, angst, is laugh out loud funny and I absolutely loved it. I really didn't want to put it down and when I got to the happily ever after end, I wanted more.... More Hearth Motel and more Fated & Forbidden. I'm totally hooked and can't wait to read the next one. Worth every single one of the 5 stars I've given it and then some.
http://fatedandforbidden.pnrseries.co...
Reviewed by SFF Dragon*
The Challenge? prove you're capable of love. How? Find your mate and get on with it. Easier said than done in Saul's case.
I love Holley Trent's books, I've read a lot of them and she's one of my favourite authors. I've never been disappointed and 'Surrendering Saul', book three but the fourth story and latest addition to her Hearth Motel series is another winner, although it is slightly shorter and different in tone with slightly less action than most of her books it's still fast moving with sizzle and had me hooked from the first page to the last. Featuring the bats**t crazy mermaid, Laurel from book two, 'Knight in Leather', although not nearly as crazy now, and Saul, Princess Simone's much older brother, it was both sad and happy in places, with steamy bits and some laugh out loud moments that made me look at myself and think... Oh no, I do that too, especially with recipes.
It's also the first book in the brand new multi-author Fated & Forbidden series of stand alone paranormal romances in which a Goddess, Allendra, has become tired of all the trouble, strife and in-fighting between the paranormal races that were created by her and the God Zaan to protect humanity. Something they seem to have forgotten and she's decided it's time to remind them with a challenge and a tight deadline. Apart from the series prologue 'The Challenge' and the concluding book 'Blood Moon', both by Kallysten, the books can be read in any order and although you won't find 'The Challenge' listed on vendor websites, or at least I didn't, you can download it free from the Fated & Forbidden website. There's a link to it in 'Surrendering Saul' and you really do need to read it first.
The Challenge? prove you're capable of love and aren't just a bunch of power and battle hungry war-mongers. How? Find your mate and get on with it. Easier said than done, especially in Saul's case when he finally works out, or rather is informed by his sister, that the mark he was given could only mean his mate is... yep, Lauren. But Saul has decided he doesn't like her because of what she did and would rather run for the hills than have her as his mate, leaving everyone else to pay the price, however Simone has other plans and surprise, surprise, he likes those even less..... Let the mayhem begin.
I'm not going to give spoilers. This book has action, steam, angst, is laugh out loud funny and I absolutely loved it. I really didn't want to put it down and when I got to the happily ever after end, I wanted more.... More Hearth Motel and more Fated & Forbidden. I'm totally hooked and can't wait to read the next one. Worth every single one of the 5 stars I've given it and then some.
http://fatedandforbidden.pnrseries.co...
October 31, 2016
Loved it! This is my favorite of the standalone Hearth Motel series books, written under an overarching series storyline and within the concurrent storyline of Fated and Forbidden.
After becoming weary of all the strife in the realms, the Creator Allendra has issued a challenge to the magical species she has created: Fae, shifters, etc. Representatives of each group must locate their fated mate and seal their bond by the next Blood Moon, a month away. If they fail, all of her creation will be stripped of their magic and become mortal. The challenge is issued to the select few in a dream, but a lasting hint is placed in the palm of their hands, a tattoo representing their mate.
Saul Ade is a Fae Prince and warrior who has moved into the Hearth Hotel to help protect his sister. When he awakens from a dream in which he is given a month to find his mate and complete the bond with her, he discovers a tattoo of a trident on his palm and wrist, and he's incensed. He is determined to defy Allendra, but when he informs his sister of the dream and challenge, she secretly comes up with her own plan. They both know who his intended mate is because she too lives at the Hearth Motel and Saul wants nothing to do with her.
Laurel O'Cuillinn fled the Fae realm and Queen Rhiannon to the safe harbor of the Hearth Motel. Between her own siren nature and the Queen's control of her, she made mistakes, but is trying to make amends and has been forgiven by those she harmed. Only Saul is unable to forgive her for trying to drown Dasha, his sister's best friend. But after Lauren is told of the challenge and Simone's plan, she agrees to attempt the impossible and win over her cold, emotionless fated mate. Because all of the realms will suffer if she fails.
After becoming weary of all the strife in the realms, the Creator Allendra has issued a challenge to the magical species she has created: Fae, shifters, etc. Representatives of each group must locate their fated mate and seal their bond by the next Blood Moon, a month away. If they fail, all of her creation will be stripped of their magic and become mortal. The challenge is issued to the select few in a dream, but a lasting hint is placed in the palm of their hands, a tattoo representing their mate.
Saul Ade is a Fae Prince and warrior who has moved into the Hearth Hotel to help protect his sister. When he awakens from a dream in which he is given a month to find his mate and complete the bond with her, he discovers a tattoo of a trident on his palm and wrist, and he's incensed. He is determined to defy Allendra, but when he informs his sister of the dream and challenge, she secretly comes up with her own plan. They both know who his intended mate is because she too lives at the Hearth Motel and Saul wants nothing to do with her.
Laurel O'Cuillinn fled the Fae realm and Queen Rhiannon to the safe harbor of the Hearth Motel. Between her own siren nature and the Queen's control of her, she made mistakes, but is trying to make amends and has been forgiven by those she harmed. Only Saul is unable to forgive her for trying to drown Dasha, his sister's best friend. But after Lauren is told of the challenge and Simone's plan, she agrees to attempt the impossible and win over her cold, emotionless fated mate. Because all of the realms will suffer if she fails.
June 7, 2021
Loved Laurel and Saul
Laurel and Saul's story is a cross over with multi author series Fated & Forbidden, where the goddess Allendra has tasked members of the paranormal races to find and bond with their mates before the next blood moon or all the races will loose their magic and become human.
Saul Ade is a fae prince and warrior of the Serengeti faction. He is currently serving as guard to his sister Simone, who is mated to Heath, son of the fae queen, who is a sociopath, and is out to enslave all of the sidhe. She has branded her son and his crew as traitors. There is a bounty on their heads.
Saul knows who his mate is. Laurel the mer-fairy who was once enthralled by the queen to seduce one on Heath's crew and give her an in to destroy them. In the process she nearly drowned his sister's best friend and Ethan's true mate, Dasha.
Laurel's O'Cuilinn thrall has been broken. Her demigod cousin Colin has helped keep her siren side under control. She had been forgiven by Ethan's mate. Simone has given her a job at the Hearth Motel. She is working hard.
When she learns of the challenge, she agrees with Saul's sister and mother's plan to force Saul into their mating. Laurel's sadhe side is sure he is her mate. Saul hates her. She refuses to give up or allow her mate to disrespect her.
Saul is slowly falling for his beautiful mate. A perceived betrayal may end their mating chance.
Loved Saul and Laurel's story.
Laurel and Saul's story is a cross over with multi author series Fated & Forbidden, where the goddess Allendra has tasked members of the paranormal races to find and bond with their mates before the next blood moon or all the races will loose their magic and become human.
Saul Ade is a fae prince and warrior of the Serengeti faction. He is currently serving as guard to his sister Simone, who is mated to Heath, son of the fae queen, who is a sociopath, and is out to enslave all of the sidhe. She has branded her son and his crew as traitors. There is a bounty on their heads.
Saul knows who his mate is. Laurel the mer-fairy who was once enthralled by the queen to seduce one on Heath's crew and give her an in to destroy them. In the process she nearly drowned his sister's best friend and Ethan's true mate, Dasha.
Laurel's O'Cuilinn thrall has been broken. Her demigod cousin Colin has helped keep her siren side under control. She had been forgiven by Ethan's mate. Simone has given her a job at the Hearth Motel. She is working hard.
When she learns of the challenge, she agrees with Saul's sister and mother's plan to force Saul into their mating. Laurel's sadhe side is sure he is her mate. Saul hates her. She refuses to give up or allow her mate to disrespect her.
Saul is slowly falling for his beautiful mate. A perceived betrayal may end their mating chance.
Loved Saul and Laurel's story.
November 3, 2016
Not Rising to the Challenge
Oh we met Laurel previously when she was fixated on Ethan, now her mind is a little more clearer and she is working in the human realm. Oh she still has problem remembering things on the short term but she is determined to live and work like a human and fit in.
Now Saul is a different story. He is arrogant, opinionated and unforgiving. Lets not forget he is a prince who does not use the words :thank you” or “please”
Allendra has plans for him and he is not going to like it. She has made him part of the “Challenge” and he is determined to go down fighting not to give in. Can Laurel make him change his mind.
Love reading about the previous characters from the Hearth Motel series and this book did not disappoint. Laurel is a much more likeable character now but Saul is still a pain.
I voluntarily posted an honest review for this advance readers copy.
Oh we met Laurel previously when she was fixated on Ethan, now her mind is a little more clearer and she is working in the human realm. Oh she still has problem remembering things on the short term but she is determined to live and work like a human and fit in.
Now Saul is a different story. He is arrogant, opinionated and unforgiving. Lets not forget he is a prince who does not use the words :thank you” or “please”
Allendra has plans for him and he is not going to like it. She has made him part of the “Challenge” and he is determined to go down fighting not to give in. Can Laurel make him change his mind.
Love reading about the previous characters from the Hearth Motel series and this book did not disappoint. Laurel is a much more likeable character now but Saul is still a pain.
I voluntarily posted an honest review for this advance readers copy.
December 4, 2016
This was definitely a intriguing and entertaining read. It was interesting to see how opposite attract and grow to understand that there truly meant for each other and also could offer something to each other like the other mated couples. My heart literally broke for Laurel she wasn't a likable characters in the earlier series but she tried and worked really hard to redeem herself. Saul was nothing but a big ole arrogant, opinionated, and unforgiving jerk to Laurel I really had a love hate relationship with him but he did change my mind in the end. Bless Laurel with her forgiving heart and addled brain even though she had a major case of ADD but she love Saul enough to look past his rough exterior and was willing to do anything to make him happy. Overall a enjoyable read. I voluntarily read and review this ARC I haven't been compensated in any way.
November 27, 2016
Trent created a terrific stand alone story in the middle of two series. That is talent. I started the story not sure what to expect but I was taken in by how real the characters felt to me.
I connected and wanted them to succeed.
The heat between Saul and Laurel is so intense and hot. She's a great submissive and he dominates her in such a gentle but intense way.
There are some great scenes that are unexpected and I even laughed at some of their dialogue.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I have found a favorite.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance
I connected and wanted them to succeed.
The heat between Saul and Laurel is so intense and hot. She's a great submissive and he dominates her in such a gentle but intense way.
There are some great scenes that are unexpected and I even laughed at some of their dialogue.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I have found a favorite.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance
November 8, 2016
Wow this is 1 of those books that catches you at the start and wont let go until the end. Awesome characters and story line. This almost has the feel of damned if I do and damned if I don't type of turmoil for Saul considering what decisions he is faced with.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.This is book 3 from Hearth Motel which is part of the Fated & Forbidden Collection.
I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book.This is book 3 from Hearth Motel which is part of the Fated & Forbidden Collection.
November 5, 2016
Saul and Laura
Oh how I loved this story could not put it down. Omg Saul had me heated for a time but he made up for it. Laurel bless her addled brain but she is sweet, caring and definitely have super ADD, she loves her Saul and will do anything to make him happy. Come check out this series. So far so good.
Oh how I loved this story could not put it down. Omg Saul had me heated for a time but he made up for it. Laurel bless her addled brain but she is sweet, caring and definitely have super ADD, she loves her Saul and will do anything to make him happy. Come check out this series. So far so good.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews