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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
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:
Yes
Well this book is an absolute delight!
A Tale of Mirth & Magic is just such a fun read (or listen)! The stakes are low, the characters are cute, the inns are very hospitable, and while the musicians aren't great, they try their best. Add in some spice? Give me 10 more just like it and I'll be a happy camper.
Also, love a cozy, fantasy world where characters are queer and that is just the norm!
I also have to say the audiobook edition was excellent. I can be a little picky when it comes to narrator but had absolutely no qualms. The narrators switching as perspectives shifted in the book was also really appreciated.
No notes. I hope there are more book like it forthcoming from Kristen Vale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen to this one early in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
A Tale of Mirth & Magic is just such a fun read (or listen)! The stakes are low, the characters are cute, the inns are very hospitable, and while the musicians aren't great, they try their best. Add in some spice? Give me 10 more just like it and I'll be a happy camper.
Also, love a cozy, fantasy world where characters are queer and that is just the norm!
I also have to say the audiobook edition was excellent. I can be a little picky when it comes to narrator but had absolutely no qualms. The narrators switching as perspectives shifted in the book was also really appreciated.
No notes. I hope there are more book like it forthcoming from Kristen Vale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the chance to listen to this one early in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the voice narration, but this book wasn’t for me. I was expecting something along the lines of the Mead Mishaps series (e.g. [b:That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon|58648147|That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon (Mead Mishaps, #1)|Kimberly Lemming|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1627439923l/58648147._SY75_.jpg|92250760]), which I loved, but the problematic romance in this one was a deal breaker for me.
Note: I received an ALC from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
I liked the *idea* of the characters (independent and resilient FMC who’s comfortable with her sexuality + shy, protective big brother MMC who’s good with numbers), but the execution didn’t work for me. The Opposites Attract trope is always a big Yes for me, but here it felt like the MCs were simply… not compatible. Their anxious (him) and avoidant (her) attachment styles created a "push-pull" pattern that soon became dull. I love that this theme was explored, but found the resolution unconvincing. Each was pressuring or trying to change the other, which made the relationship toxic and filled with gaslighting. I don’t mind complex and rocky relationships, as long as there is thorough exploration and a convincing resolution. On the other hand, it’s a deal breaker for me when the romance is problematic in a romance novel. It’s a bummer, because I really liked the blurb!
If you like standalones, short books with low stakes, mild monster smut, dual POVs with dual narration, 1st person narrative, body diversity rep, and queer normative worlds, you might enjoy this one!
Tropes to expect: superpowered FMC and cinnamon roll MMC, opposites attract, gentle giant, he falls first, one bed/horse, fast burn, insta-lust, hair washing
Note: I received an ALC from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.
I liked the *idea* of the characters (independent and resilient FMC who’s comfortable with her sexuality + shy, protective big brother MMC who’s good with numbers), but the execution didn’t work for me. The Opposites Attract trope is always a big Yes for me, but here it felt like the MCs were simply… not compatible. Their anxious (him) and avoidant (her) attachment styles created a "push-pull" pattern that soon became dull. I love that this theme was explored, but found the resolution unconvincing. Each was pressuring or trying to change the other, which made the relationship toxic and filled with gaslighting. I don’t mind complex and rocky relationships, as long as there is thorough exploration and a convincing resolution. On the other hand, it’s a deal breaker for me when the romance is problematic in a romance novel. It’s a bummer, because I really liked the blurb!
If you like standalones, short books with low stakes, mild monster smut, dual POVs with dual narration, 1st person narrative, body diversity rep, and queer normative worlds, you might enjoy this one!
Tropes to expect: superpowered FMC and cinnamon roll MMC, opposites attract, gentle giant, he falls first, one bed/horse, fast burn, insta-lust, hair washing
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
A Tale of Mirth and Magic is a cozy, spicy,bi4bi fantasy romance between a plus size elf FMC and a half giant MMC. The world is queernormative and delightfully so. The open door steam starts early in the book and carries throughout, but it didn’t feel gratuitous to me; rather, it was in line with the story and the personal growth both characters undertake.
It took me a little while to fully get into the story, but once I did, I enjoyed it a lot. Looking forward to future books from this debut author.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
Considering this has a trope that hardly ever works for me - roadtrip - I had a great time with this. The characters were fun and quirky. You could really believe this fae and half-giant were real and falling in love right in front of you. Cozy fantasy can be hit or miss for me too, but I've never read a spicy cozy fantasy! I think that's the right combo for any cozy fantasy not written by Travis Baldree - at least for me. If you like Kimberly Lemming or Ruby Dixon, but find the spice level just a touch too high, then this may be one to give a try.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
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
If you loved Tusk Love READ THIS NOW!!
This book is such a fun, spicy, D&D vibes romance filled with a cozy magical world and diverse characters.
These character builds had a lot D&D nuance in them with different races and classes including a Dragonborn side character and Mages and more. This is my favorite style of world building where you're not bogged down with a bunch of extra unnecessary info but you're essentially thrown into this world that's fairly easy to understand and assimilate to.
Barra is a gentle (half) giant who is down bad for Elikki pretty much from the start. This is definitely a "he falls first" situation in the best way. It was so precious the way he was always aware and conscious of his size. He has a habit of putting other people first and making sure not to frighten folks but I loved how that translates into him doting on Elikki.
Elikki has a troubled backstory that makes her not very good at loving or settling down but she's AMAZING. Fiercely independent and powerful. I want to be her. I loved her journey to letting Barra in and trusting her worthiness of having a real family. Her powers were so cool and we get to see her learn more about them throughout the book as well.
This book was so special. It has that perfect blend of a little bit Fantasy, a little bit Monster and all Romance that is hard to find. I feel spoiled to have been able to read this book so soon after Tusk Love and I will absolutely be on the search for another like it!
Thank you to Forever for the ARC!
This book is such a fun, spicy, D&D vibes romance filled with a cozy magical world and diverse characters.
These character builds had a lot D&D nuance in them with different races and classes including a Dragonborn side character and Mages and more. This is my favorite style of world building where you're not bogged down with a bunch of extra unnecessary info but you're essentially thrown into this world that's fairly easy to understand and assimilate to.
Barra is a gentle (half) giant who is down bad for Elikki pretty much from the start. This is definitely a "he falls first" situation in the best way. It was so precious the way he was always aware and conscious of his size. He has a habit of putting other people first and making sure not to frighten folks but I loved how that translates into him doting on Elikki.
Elikki has a troubled backstory that makes her not very good at loving or settling down but she's AMAZING. Fiercely independent and powerful. I want to be her. I loved her journey to letting Barra in and trusting her worthiness of having a real family. Her powers were so cool and we get to see her learn more about them throughout the book as well.
This book was so special. It has that perfect blend of a little bit Fantasy, a little bit Monster and all Romance that is hard to find. I feel spoiled to have been able to read this book so soon after Tusk Love and I will absolutely be on the search for another like it!
Thank you to Forever for the ARC!
emotional
hopeful
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
A Tale of Mirth & Magic by Kristen Vale
Paranormal romance.
Elikki is a wandering elf, selling her jewelry at local markets to earn a living. When a rude customer tries to cheat Elikki, she used her magic to send her hair pins and broaches and more to threaten and harm. She ends up breaking the man’s wrist and the authorities are asking questions.
Barra witnesses Elikki protecting herself and is impressed. He doesn’t expect her to offer him a night of passion at the inn that night but before he can do anything the authorities are in the bar trying to track her down. Barra helps her get out of town and they are soon traveling together with passion growing as they travel. He has to go home eventually but doesn’t know how to leave Elikki. He’s fallen for her.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The audiobook is performed with alternating POV chapters by Evan Elliot and Sarah McEwan. Both did a wonderful job of bringing their characters and personalities to life. I immediately understood Elikki with her live for today attitude and well as Barra’s careful demeanor walking through the market with the words from the page, but more for the performance I heard. Emotions were clear and timing was easy. I did listen at 1.5 and slightly higher so I could easily read along with the print copy.
This is adorable, steamy and delightful. Or for the wandering soul who also wants love.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.
Elikki is a wandering elf, selling her jewelry at local markets to earn a living. When a rude customer tries to cheat Elikki, she used her magic to send her hair pins and broaches and more to threaten and harm. She ends up breaking the man’s wrist and the authorities are asking questions.
Barra witnesses Elikki protecting herself and is impressed. He doesn’t expect her to offer him a night of passion at the inn that night but before he can do anything the authorities are in the bar trying to track her down. Barra helps her get out of town and they are soon traveling together with passion growing as they travel. He has to go home eventually but doesn’t know how to leave Elikki. He’s fallen for her.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The audiobook is performed with alternating POV chapters by Evan Elliot and Sarah McEwan. Both did a wonderful job of bringing their characters and personalities to life. I immediately understood Elikki with her live for today attitude and well as Barra’s careful demeanor walking through the market with the words from the page, but more for the performance I heard. Emotions were clear and timing was easy. I did listen at 1.5 and slightly higher so I could easily read along with the print copy.
This is adorable, steamy and delightful. Or for the wandering soul who also wants love.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Hachette Audio.
emotional
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
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC!
Elikki is an elven jeweler who enjoys her independent lifestyle traveling the queendom selling her wares. After an altercation with a rude customer, she is forced on the run with the help of gentle half giant Barra. As they out wit bounty hunters, sparks begin to fly between the two and Elikki starts to wonder if she might consider a relationship longer than a one night stand....
I would say this is a solid cozy romantasy that doesn't reinvent wheel but that's fine by me. Elikki and Barra were both absolutely charming characters and I really liked the development of their relationship. Although it is a little insta lovey, they do agree to trial a more serious relationship before truly committing to one another with the agreement that they will go their separate ways if things don't work out. Its decidely mature for a romantasy novel. I like that the two end up learning to communicate with one another and move past their individual romantic hang ups. I just like romance books that model good communication and emotional maturity lol.
The plot was nothing exciting but a romantasy doesn't need a crazy plot to be good. The spicy scenes did become repetitive but they weren't offensive.
A nice quick read that was cozy and fun.
Elikki is an elven jeweler who enjoys her independent lifestyle traveling the queendom selling her wares. After an altercation with a rude customer, she is forced on the run with the help of gentle half giant Barra. As they out wit bounty hunters, sparks begin to fly between the two and Elikki starts to wonder if she might consider a relationship longer than a one night stand....
I would say this is a solid cozy romantasy that doesn't reinvent wheel but that's fine by me. Elikki and Barra were both absolutely charming characters and I really liked the development of their relationship. Although it is a little insta lovey, they do agree to trial a more serious relationship before truly committing to one another with the agreement that they will go their separate ways if things don't work out. Its decidely mature for a romantasy novel. I like that the two end up learning to communicate with one another and move past their individual romantic hang ups. I just like romance books that model good communication and emotional maturity lol.
The plot was nothing exciting but a romantasy doesn't need a crazy plot to be good. The spicy scenes did become repetitive but they weren't offensive.
A nice quick read that was cozy and fun.
When a fiery magical jewelry maker and a gentle half-giant with a soft heart find themselves on the run from the law, chaos—and maybe love—ensues. Elikki’s chaotic magic and sharp temper land her in trouble, and sweet Barra, who’s just trying to live a quiet life, gets pulled into her storm. What starts as a getaway becomes a journey full of cozy inns, unexpected intimacy, and a slow-burning connection. Along the way, they find more than safety, they just might find themselves.
⸻
⸻
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes