Treasured by the Troll - Ami Wright

 

If Tolkien ever taught us anything it was trolls and sunshine don’t usually get along, but this book proves otherwise. 

A chance encounter helps our two lovers meet. On her way to a party, Omeika’s car breaks down, in the rain. With no other option but to hitchhike she makes her way along the road to be soaked by a passing luxury car, which then stops to give her a lift. It isn’t until the incredibly handsome, incredibly big and incredibly wealthy troll, Hisondine, steps out. Sparks fly, but nothing is done about them until Hisondine finds out she works at a monster escort company, and he’s determined to get to know more about that pretty little human. 

With passing homages to Pretty Woman, this is just such a sweet story. The grumpy, highly strung troll learning to let loose with his confident, fun loving woman. The scene at a rooftop restaurant is especially heart warming, he’s afraid of heights and she really wants a selfie with him. Despite his anxiety, he faces his fears, he can’t believe she would want a photo with him and he is utterly smitten. Omeika is scared to confess she wants more than an escort/client relationship, the monsters usually only partake in their services until they find their mate, what would make Hisondine any different. It is just a business arrangement after all. Does it make me want to yell “just talk to each other”? Yes, but does it make good reading? Also yes. 

It’s refreshing to see sex work painted in a positive light, Omeika enjoys her job, and isn’t hiding it from her family, even though its only temporary to help pay off her student debt. The subject of problematic clients is covered well and boundaries respected. It’s also great to see the billionaire trope being used without it being outlandish or over the top. Hisondine treats Omeika to dinner at fancy restaurants, gets her some clothes (unexpected sleepover) and of course has a private jet, but that’s really the extent of him flashing the cash. The relationship would still be solid if all the money disappeared tomorrow. They would be just fine. Very wholesome.

I also enjoyed the way the spice level built up over time, you’d think having a main character be an escort meant there would be fucking from page one, but Hisondine has to restrain, there’s this small issue of his cum being molten hot and pretty dangerous to be anywhere near a fragile human body and then there's the problem of losing control due to him recognising Omeika as his mate, and once that clicks he’s a force to be reckoned with. This is all solvable, through a mating ritual at the volcano where he hatched, but anyway, once that's done and dusted, and our couple finally get to get it on, it’s fine. Nothing too risque or toe curling but a fun time nonetheless. Personally I like a bit more from my smut but it was well written and fit in with the vibes of the couple and the story. I did enjoy it when she had to tie him up. It’s nice to see a gal in control once in a while. 

The ending (2) epilogues did seem rushed, and I don’t think it would have hurt to have them integrated into the actual story instead of just tacking them on at the end unless the word count was an issue. I definitely would have loved to see more of Omeika’s family.

 

I would absolutely bother with Treasured by the Troll. It’s tropey and a tale as old as time, but refreshingly positive in every way. If I was only after the spice I might give it a miss but its a well balanced read. 

 

If you enjoy it there's also 7 other books in the same "Monstrous Deals" world!