Bargains with Benefits

Fae by the Bay, Book 1

By: Jillian Witt

Narrated by: Michael Gallagher, Kasi Hollowell

When Luna bargained with an arrogant fae journalist to save her inn, the last thing she expected was to fall for him.

Half-fae Luna Pierce is getting what she's always wanted: to run the Cliff House Inn. Except, it hasn't had a visitor in months, one of the rooms is magically locked, and the owner, her estranged fae father, is threatening to sell. She has until Long Night, when fae from across the continent travel to the city of Sandrin, to change his mind.

Writing a recommendation column for the Bayside Times isn't exactly what Vincent Andiveron pictured doing with his life. His pieces, telling the fae of Sandrin where to see and be seen, are fun but frivolous. Now, the best tip of his career, an investigation that could set him on a path to serious journalism, fell into his lap–and he just met the perfect source.

When the handsome fae Luna accidentally throws a drink, at ends up being the city's taste-maker, she must decide if she can shelve her family baggage and make a bargain that could benefit them both. But this is no simple transaction. Vincent needs to turn the wild and warm Luna into a proprietor pleasing to the stodgy old fae. And Luna hasn't been to her father's house, well, ever, so getting Vincent access for his article might be tricky.

Their mutual attraction muddies the waters of their ambitions. What's worse, all this time together might make Luna realize Vincent is not as snobby as he seemed, and Vincent might realize he doesn't want to change a thing about Luna—she's enchanting just the way she is.

Bargains with Benefits is a cozy standalone romantasy with spice in the Fae by the Bay series. Every book in this interconnected series ends with an HEA. If you like fae bargains, opposites attract, and half-fae heroines finding their place to belong, you'll love this sweet and spicy story.

The Fae by the Bay series is set in the same world as Compass Points. Enjoy new characters in this favorite fantasy world, or dive in for the first time.

©2025 Jillian Witt (P)2026 Podium Audio

Thoroughly enjoyed this!

A sweet fae romance with mystery, found family and magic! I highly recommend this as a break between high intensity stressful books. It kept my interest from the beginning and the narrators were excellent.