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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing).
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can not yet manage to control her chaotic magic and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He is given up on finding love. She has always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters do not get them first.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic had a very light and cozy vibe, but it fell a bit too much. It was definitely silly and funny at times. I was honestly expecting a cozy fantasy romance, but what I got was a cozy and very spicy fantasy romance. This one definitely had more intimate scenes than I expected, and in so much detail. Barra is so sweet and kind to Elikki, he gives her everything helps her out every time she gets into trouble. I just wish there were a few of those moments from Elikki too were she shows him how much she cares. The world building also is pretty minimal, there are some interesting elements, but it does not really go deeper or come fully alive.
Personally, I do like reading the occasional cozy book, but the silly vibes of this book just did not work for me. I did not love this one, but if there had been a little more depth to the story and characters, I may have enjoyed it more. I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy books with the addition of spice will probably enjoy this one.
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can not yet manage to control her chaotic magic and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He is given up on finding love. She has always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters do not get them first.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic had a very light and cozy vibe, but it fell a bit too much. It was definitely silly and funny at times. I was honestly expecting a cozy fantasy romance, but what I got was a cozy and very spicy fantasy romance. This one definitely had more intimate scenes than I expected, and in so much detail. Barra is so sweet and kind to Elikki, he gives her everything helps her out every time she gets into trouble. I just wish there were a few of those moments from Elikki too were she shows him how much she cares. The world building also is pretty minimal, there are some interesting elements, but it does not really go deeper or come fully alive.
Personally, I do like reading the occasional cozy book, but the silly vibes of this book just did not work for me. I did not love this one, but if there had been a little more depth to the story and characters, I may have enjoyed it more. I think readers who enjoy cozy fantasy books with the addition of spice will probably enjoy this one.
Elikki and Barra are forced to go on the run after Elikki uses magic on a well-connected, but rude customer, and Barra attempts to help her.
I really liked the premise of the book and thought a cozy fantasy romance between two people on the run would be a fun read, but I found both characters frustrating and fairly annoying. I did really enjoy some of the descriptions of the inn they stayed at, but overall the focus of the plot is on the relationship between Elikki and Barra, and I wasn't very invested in them or their relationship.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.
I really liked the premise of the book and thought a cozy fantasy romance between two people on the run would be a fun read, but I found both characters frustrating and fairly annoying. I did really enjoy some of the descriptions of the inn they stayed at, but overall the focus of the plot is on the relationship between Elikki and Barra, and I wasn't very invested in them or their relationship.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5⭐️ Had a good time with this one. It’s got a bit of insta-lust which isn’t my favorite but I know some readers will enjoy the chemistry. Loved Barra and his shyness. Would have loved his sisters to have more of a role too. Elikki was strong and had a good build as a character.
4.5⭐️ narration from Evan Elliot and Sarah McEwan. I really enjoyed how they portrayed Barra and Elikki. Both characters had depth of past hurt whether it be family or a partner. Both narrators made all the emotions really shine.
Synopsis:
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.
Thank you @netgalley and @hachetteaudio for the advanced listener copy. #hachetteaudiopartner
4.5⭐️ narration from Evan Elliot and Sarah McEwan. I really enjoyed how they portrayed Barra and Elikki. Both characters had depth of past hurt whether it be family or a partner. Both narrators made all the emotions really shine.
Synopsis:
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger. As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.
Thank you @netgalley and @hachetteaudio for the advanced listener copy. #hachetteaudiopartner
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was a delight from start to finish! A cozy fantasy romance road-trip is exactly my cup of tea, so this was a damn near perfect brew. Elikki was a fierce, sexy, independent MC with just enough brittleness from her neglectful upbringing to give her a prickly side and make her a little less than perfect but no less loveable. Barra was the sweetest cinnamon roll whose own issues with rejection and bullying early in life have left him chasing hard after love and trying to settle for any scraps partners will throw at him (lordy I just wanted to wrap them both in a hug, smack them upside the back of the head, give them a cinnamon roll and some tea, and then have a long talk about how they both deserve better and need to go to whatever passes for therapy in their world). It was the perfect amount of "oh this is just a casual, temporary fling, I don't feel anything deeper for this person, don't be silly little voice in the back of my head, we're just having fun here," while we, the reader, are chuckling and rolling our eyes, waiting for the inevitable moment when they can't deny their feelings anymore (obviously it was going to happen sooner for Barra than Elikki but I did appreciate that she didn't fight it as hard as most romance MCs tend to when they're in that mode. Maybe that was due to the cozy aspect of things).
Also the antagonist was just the right amount of annoying and icky, but nothing world-shaking; just a rude dick who needed a big lesson is not being such an asshole. I don't know if he'll ever really learn since his brother doesn't seem willing to let him face real consequences but at least he won't bother Elikki and Barra anymore.
The narrators did a great job on this audiobook as well, really capturing Elikki and Barra's characters and delivering the story. It was a fun story and the spicy scenes were very well-delivered.
The world-building was fun as well. I would've liked a little more info about all the different kinds of people, but maybe that'll come up in future books (hint, hint). I did have lingering questions about how a relationship between Barra's parents worked because...he said his dad is 17 ft tall, and his mom is human. So...how???
Anyways, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it!
Also the antagonist was just the right amount of annoying and icky, but nothing world-shaking; just a rude dick who needed a big lesson is not being such an asshole. I don't know if he'll ever really learn since his brother doesn't seem willing to let him face real consequences but at least he won't bother Elikki and Barra anymore.
The narrators did a great job on this audiobook as well, really capturing Elikki and Barra's characters and delivering the story. It was a fun story and the spicy scenes were very well-delivered.
The world-building was fun as well. I would've liked a little more info about all the different kinds of people, but maybe that'll come up in future books (hint, hint). I did have lingering questions about how a relationship between Barra's parents worked because...he said his dad is 17 ft tall, and his mom is human. So...how???
Anyways, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it!
I went into this expecting a cozy fantasy romance, but what I got was a cozy and very spicy fantasy romance. This has a higher quantity of intimate scenes than I expected, but also longer and in more detail. No complaints from me, but just be aware that if you are expecting Legends and Lattes based on the cover and blurb, then adjust the expectations a bit.
I enjoyed the plot and the side characters we meet along the way; it was fun and lighthearted throughout. I did struggle with the FMC, though. I kept thinking, "if the MMC presented this behaviour, we'd all consider them highly unlikable or even unredeemable". As an example, the MMC makes it very clear on multiple occasions that he is not interested in one-night stands or easy, meaningless sex. That he is prone to connection and is looking for a life partner. But the FMC continually pushes past his boundaries for her sexual enjoyment and then runs the other way afterwards. I can't support that behaviour in real life, and I never got past it in this book either. Unfortunately, it had a large impact in my overall enjoyment of the book as a whole.
The audiobook was fantastic, and honestly, it was the reason I kept reading.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the plot and the side characters we meet along the way; it was fun and lighthearted throughout. I did struggle with the FMC, though. I kept thinking, "if the MMC presented this behaviour, we'd all consider them highly unlikable or even unredeemable". As an example, the MMC makes it very clear on multiple occasions that he is not interested in one-night stands or easy, meaningless sex. That he is prone to connection and is looking for a life partner. But the FMC continually pushes past his boundaries for her sexual enjoyment and then runs the other way afterwards. I can't support that behaviour in real life, and I never got past it in this book either. Unfortunately, it had a large impact in my overall enjoyment of the book as a whole.
The audiobook was fantastic, and honestly, it was the reason I kept reading.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for an advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a cozy fantasy romance that that was perfectly spicy! I loved watching Barra and Elikki grow as people while falling in love with each other. I might not be a half-giant but I could really relate to Barra's struggles of taking up space and feeling like he needed to always be mindful of others to make them comfortable. If you are in the mood for some romantasy without all the world building or the book being 600 pages this is the perfect book!
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5/5 stars
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Cozy fantasy
Witch FMC
Cinnamon roll MMC
Queer rep
One Bed
He falls first
Dual POV
I enjoyed the coziness of this book and the characters. There was very minimal world building but did have a magical system. Barra was an absolute sweetheart and protective love interest. I found it sweet that he was the one afraid of catching feelings from what was supposed to be a temporary fling, which he obviously does. We get a good mix of cozy and spicy with this book. It is always fun to see an FMC be charming and confident enough to go for what she wants. I also liked that Barra could tell that Elikki needed a comforting companion despite her fierce independence.
This was my first book from this author. And although I enjoyed the book overall, I did find myself thrown off a bit by the writing style and dialogue. I will definitely try another book from this author to see if I'll continue to enjoy their books. I will still recommend this to fans of cozy fantasy with a cinnamon roll MMC and body positivity.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
2/5 spice
Tropes:
Cozy fantasy
Witch FMC
Cinnamon roll MMC
Queer rep
One Bed
He falls first
Dual POV
I enjoyed the coziness of this book and the characters. There was very minimal world building but did have a magical system. Barra was an absolute sweetheart and protective love interest. I found it sweet that he was the one afraid of catching feelings from what was supposed to be a temporary fling, which he obviously does. We get a good mix of cozy and spicy with this book. It is always fun to see an FMC be charming and confident enough to go for what she wants. I also liked that Barra could tell that Elikki needed a comforting companion despite her fierce independence.
This was my first book from this author. And although I enjoyed the book overall, I did find myself thrown off a bit by the writing style and dialogue. I will definitely try another book from this author to see if I'll continue to enjoy their books. I will still recommend this to fans of cozy fantasy with a cinnamon roll MMC and body positivity.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
A fun read, but overall (plot, characters, backstories, romance) very meh