Hollow Court

The Lochlann Deception, Book 1

By: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Narrated by: Olivia King, Adam Gold

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

She needed an escape. He needed her.

Galina has been looking for a way out. So when she has the chance to get out of her kingdom and away from the man who wants to own her, she has no choice but to see it through.

Even if it means collecting on a life debt from the worst decision she’s ever made.

Davin’s mistakes are catching up to him. A lifetime as the royal screwup of the Lochlannian line has landed his people in danger. So when Galina shows up at his door in need of a betrothal, it might just solve all of his problems.

Even if it means playing house with a woman who hates him.

But their ruse is dangerous. Between spies, court politics, and an uprising that wants to destroy them both, they’ll have to decide if their lie is worth fighting for.

If they are worth fighting for.

©2023 Whiskey and Willow Publishing (P)2023 Whiskey and Willow Publishing

Love this world! And Adam Gold….

Love me some Elbin magic! This is one of my absolute favorites worlds and I love , love, love the family and all their dynamics. I’ve read everything written by these two geniuses and listened to every audiobook as well, and have loved them all. I could fall asleep listening to Adam Gold every night in any accent and die happy. I actually thought his ability to change his voice for each character in this book was even batter than the last. My only complaints would be that we have the same voices reading different characters in the same world. It took me a minute to get over his voice as anything other than Evander. And I loved Olivia as Rowan and even Charlie. Though that also took a minute going from one character to the other in the same voice, but in this book, it seemed super strange to me that her accents were completely different between narration and dialog. It took me some time to adjust to that, but I never could figure out why the accents were different. And I struggled to hear her voice as Galena without thinking it was Rowan.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book on audible! Looking forward to the next one!!

Extraordinary!

This story stands alone extremely well. However, the ties back to previous series gives it richness & depth.

More Lochlann Magic!

Hollow Court is pure Lochlann magic! I loved The Lochlann Treaty* and the Lochlann Fueds* series, so I was thrilled to visit Lochlann again! It was a surprise  to discover that Davin's heartsore memories from Socair surround Lady Galina! This is their story.

As always, Elle and Robin's writing casts a spell! I was immediately drawn in and completely engrossed. Growing pains, jealousy, misunderstandings,  political intrigue, and danger unfold alongside heart and humor and love. 
They never disappoint!

New to Lochlann? Welcome! The Lochlann Treaty* and Lochlann Fueds* are completed series which occur prior to Hollow Court. Olivia King and Adam Gold superbly bring them all to life as audiobooks!

I recommend this book to anyone that loves a second chance love story!

I loved this book!
Read it and now I’ve listened to the audiobook and I can’t wait for the second book!

The two authors are so good at making the characters come to life and making you feel like you know them. It is an enemies to lovers second chance love and it ended on a major cliff hanger.
I have read the Lochlann Teaty and Lochlann Feuds series and I highly recommend reading them before this book.

Perfect Narration to a Perfect Book

Love vs Loyalty

The narration in this book is absolute perfection. The book itself is filled with familial drama, complex politics, and a second chance romance full of swoon-worthy moments. Loved returning to Lochlann and following Davin’s and Galina’s beginning story.

Excellent 😍

Davin is one of my favorite Lochlann characters and I’m so happy to hear his story after getting an into to him in the Lochlann Feuds series. Davin & Galina's banter back and forth makes you want to keep listening. Also, I could listen to Olivia King & Adam Gold read books all day! 10/10 recommend.

🔥

Sultry, captivating and immensely engaging. This author duo has it down. I just finished Lochlann Feud series, and was longing for more. This did the trick! The performance from the narrator's was outstanding (as always). Can't wait for the next book to come out.

Second Chance Love, More Lochlann

Re-read on audio: Olivia King and Adam Gold are definitely on my list of favorite narrators by now. She does such a good job of digging into the emotion of the characters and he definitely does the Davin-swagger justice. I loved this second chance love story the first time through but it was a great experience on audio as well.

Original Review: I have read every one of this duo’s books so I’m definitely a super fan but I just love the stories that they craft. The Lochlann Feuds is my favorite series of theirs so I was excited to get Davin’s story and be back in this world. This book did not disappoint! It was everything that I wanted for Davin and Galina. Tension and swoon as they fight to be honest with each other about what they really want, a new mysterious evil in Lochlann and horribly wicked villains in Socair then oh man, what an ending! I’ll just be here waiting for the conclusion in the next book because I want a happy ending for these two.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the authors and these are my honest thoughts.

Romantic Content: Fade to black/closed door

Chokehold

Y’all don’t understand the absolute chokehold that these authors and these narrators have on me. The story and writing is always phenomenal! The fact that my inner monologue doesn’t sound like Olivia King is quite disappointing to be honest. And if my husband doesn’t sound like Adam Gold then I don’t want him😍🫠

ElBin's Best Yet?

What a story! 💙
Second Chance Romance. Fake Dating/Engagement. Political Intrigue/Court politics.
We get to see a lot more of some characters from Lochlann Feuds, like Gwen and Gallagher. I loved getting to know them more! 🤩 I think I even have a thing for Gal 😏
This was a little darker of a story than I expected, since Davin is so fun and jokey in Feuds. It kind of has Tarnished Crown vibes for me. But in all fairness the authors did warn me 😆 It's still a fantastic story with a fantastic cliffhanger 😂😂 In true ElBin fashion. I expect nothing less. And no worries, there are still fun and funny parts too.
* This does not have any spoilers for the other Lochlann series

💕 RCRS: 4 (fade to black)

🎧 Audio: Olivia King is my absolute favorite narrator!! she always does such a FANTASTIC job! Her accents are 👌🏻 perfect. She puts in so much heart into her narration. It's always a pleasure to hear her. 🥰

🗨 Some Quotes
"I hate this for you,” she said quietly. “You, of all people, deserve love. Not some passing compatibility.”
“Yes, well, I doubt that was ever really in the cards for me.” I deliberately ignored the sinking feeling in my chest.
Maybe that was true, but giving up the possibility of something more still tasted strangely like grief.

"Don’t worry, Lady Galina. I promise not to seduce you,” he assured me in a voice that was most certainly designed to do just that.
“How very comforting,” I said, my tone brisker than I felt. “In turn, I promise not to let you.”

"I have what is either a very good or a very stupid plan,” I announced.
Galina narrowed her eyes, but Gallagher only sighed.
“Oh good,” he deadpanned. “I was just thinking how we had a shortage of those.”