I love a cozy fantasy romance but the characters really need to captivate me or I get bored. Elikki and Barra were missing that extra spark for me.

Nonetheless, this was cute and a quick read! I know other readers are going to eat it up. It just didn’t hold my attention.

🌹💜 A Tale of Mirth & Magic ARC Review 💜🌹

Thank you so much to Kristen Vale and Forever Books for the opportunity to read and review this book!

A Tale of Mirth & Magic is a standalone cozy fantasy romance. Jewelry maker Elikki had a rough day at the market and now finds herself on the run from the local constables. When she runs into Barra, a half-giant, can she stay out of handcuffs and find love at the same time?

This was a super cute read! This is such a fun world and I really enjoyed the lore & magic system in this book. I really liked Elikki and her strength in this book. Barra was also absolutely delightful and such a good match for her. This book was a smidge of an instalove, which isn’t my favorite, but that’s definitely a “me” issue and not a book issue

Overall this was a solid four star read! I enjoyed the characters and the world, and would absolutely read more in the future! This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book had lots of spicy scenes throughout, so overall three flames for spice

If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy romance with strong characters, unique world building and fun magic, then absolutely check this one out!

A cozy & spicy romantasy.

This was a fun, quick, low stakes read - great as a palate cleanser and when you’re in the mood for fast burn and spice!

What’s to love…
- Queer MC’s (both fmc & mmc are bi/pan)
- fat FMC
- cinnamon roll MMC
- He falls first
- queer normative world
- anxiety rep
- fast-burn and insta-lust (complimentary)

🌶️- Fast burn, door is wide open. I read via audio so I may have missed a few chapters but… Ch. 6, 7, 12, 13, 17, 20, 24

Audio Narration: 4.5/5 Solid performance, I don’t really have any complaints. Pausing, pacing, inflection and character voice variation were all solid!

There are so many things to love about this story! I adored the queernormative world and the body positivity. As an appreciator of curvy women I definitely related to Barra's admiration of Elikki. The cozy vibes were also really fun. Barra was an absolute sweetheart and it was so sweet watching him dream about a future with Elikki. I did wish that the relationship is more balanced. Elikki has some trust issues that I found very relatable but it was rough watching how her hesitation hurt Barra. That coupled with the instalove left me wanting more relationship development but overall I had a fun time. If you're looking for a high-heat, low stakes romance that isn't too serious this could be perfect for you!

This was such a cute story. 😍

Elikki is a curvy elf who wanders from town to town making and selling jewelry. Barra is a half-giant and an absolute cinnamon roll. They get thrown into each other's orbit after a skeevy, entitled dude accosts Elikki at her booth and she defends herself, which gets a bounty put on her head. When Barra helps her escape, he gets a bounty places in his head too.

Their instant attraction to each other quickly turns to fooling around, but due to events in their pasts, both Elikki and Barra are very hesitant to allow themselves to develop feelings for the other.

Elikki is so vibrant and sure of herself and Barra is so careful and considerate. The story is so cute, cozy and spicy. 😍

I really hope Kristen Vale has more stories planned in this universe. I would love to read more about Barra's older sister and the grumpy half-dwarf.

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read this adorable story!

I loved the premise of this, and certain parts of it were good, but overall the romance fell flat.

The world was fun, the bi and curvy love rep were great, and the MMC Barra was sweet. The cozy vibes were good, and lots of delicious food descriptions. I did think the "on the run" storyline was interesting and the magic seemed cool. I was into the story at first, but as it went on it just ended up being repetitive with the same issues between the MCs. The FMC Elikki was able to resolve some personal struggles with her magic throughout the book, and that was rewarding.

Barra is very forward with Elikki about not being interested in just a physical relationship without a deeper connection, and that's not what she wants at all. Yet they continue ending up in bed together, and she continues to reject him. They both have things from their past and personal history that leads them to want what they want (or don't want) and neither of them are ready to accept what the other person wants. It was frustrating to read and by the end I didn't even know if I wanted them to end up together.

Thank you Forever for the review copy!

3.5 stars rounded up

It is a lighthearted read with instant attraction, an emotionally closed up main female character, and a total sweetheart main male character (MMC) with actual communication skills. This unlikely pair end up on a cozy adventure. The best thing about this book is the MMC, Barra, a half-giant with lavender skin. And while Elikki is a sassy elf with magic skills, I found her hard to like due to some personality issues. There is some spice throughout this shorter book.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

Know that the spice and steam start early in this fantasy tale of insta-lust that turns to love between jewelry maker Elikki and lavender haired giant Barra. I wasn't sure what to make of this as it's way outside my usual reading zone but gave it a chance until gave up, frustrated by the tropes and all the exclamation marks. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I know there's an audience out there for this tale.

Such a cute and cozy romantasy! I love love that A Tale Of Mirth & Magic has curvy girl representation. This book is spicy but also takes you on a fun adventure. I loved the dynamic between Elikki and Barra. Eilikki is this spicy bad-ass FMC and Barra is this shy sweetheart. Both characters compliment each other very well. Also, I wanna give a few bonus points for the spicy scenes.... they sure were spicy and extremely well written.

This was a 10/10 read!!! Definitely recommend

DNF @ 33%

This book isn't for me. I LOVE parts of it. The food. The cozy vibes. There are many highlightable lines as well. My biggest issue with this, and what keeps taking me out of the story and stunting my enjoyment, is the language. I'm expecting cozy language, fantasy-like language, and instead I'm frequently being hit with vulgar, base, shocking, and just plain anachronistic language. It just feels tonally all over the place, and I can't maintain my enjoyment in the work. This could just be a "me" thing, as romantasy isn't my general go-to, but I've really enjoyed cozy fantasy from time to time, and had certain expectations that aren't being met by this tale. I think the most fair thing I can do at this point for the author, my online friends, and the publisher, is to DNF and skip rating a book that just isn't for me. I wish the author all the best, and hope that the people who will enjoy this novel will find it and have a lovely time!

I'd like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had very high hopes for this one, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The dialogue is where I found myself least engaged - heavy use of exclamation points and quirky language. The overall premise and plot I could support, and really appreciate the diverse representation. The insta-lust might be too quick for some. My larger issue was the waffling between insta-love. The miscommunication was high here. There are tropes that will definitely resonate with some, and overall this is likely to be an enjoyable read for others. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

ARC and ALC review
3,5 stars

Publication date Aug 05 2025

"A Tale of Mirth & Magic" by Kristen Vale is a cute and spicy fantasy.

I received an ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and an ALC from Hachette Audio.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Elikki is a sweet and flirty jewel maker that is also an elf with magic.
I liked her from the start, especially because she is curvy and very confident. She also has a bit of a temper and can take care of herself.
Unfortunately this is because she doesn't have any family and needed to become independent.

Barra is a sweet and gentle half-giant with a quiet life. He manages the books for his family's business, buit his life changes after he meets Elikki.
He has trust issues from the past relationships and insecurities because of his hight.

There is an instant attraction between them and also a fast burn.
I have to say that I did not expect the spice to start so fast.
Still, the romance developed nice, even if it was a bit rushed.
Barra fell in love quickly, even if they were just suppose to spend a few days together.

The audiobook is narrated in dual style by Evan Elliot and Sarah McEwan and they both did well bringing the characters to life.
Listening to the narrators made me enjoy the book more and I felt part of the enchanted story.
Evan Elliot managed to get right Barra's sweet personality and shyness.
Also, Sarah McEwan's Elikki was full of confidence.
This is the first time I listened to these narrators.

Overall I liked the book and it left me with a good feeling.

This was a fun quick fantasy read. Elikki is a curvy jewelry maker traveling through the realm making jewelry and trying to control her wayward magic. She is doing just fine flirting with customers and making sales until a nasty customer argues with her, angers her, and her out of control magic causes her to harm him and get run out of town. As she is arguing with the man, a lavender half giant Barra steps in to help and gets tangled in her mess. So the two of them go off on the run from bounty hunters as they try to figure out what happened. As they travel Barra finds himself falling for the mysterious elf, but she struggles to open up and let him in. This was a fun light read for anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy books with some adventure thrown in. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

DNF at 15%. I didn’t realize when it said it was “steamy” that the lustful thoughts would begin so early (and the sex soon after). I’m fine with that if the characters are built up well, and they just weren’t.

loved this cozy romantasy book. loved how they met and slowly fell in love. I adored the different chapters in their point of views. Loved that we met his sister and they were able to work on their differences. This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. Thanks netgalley

This book is perfect for the cozy fantasy lovers. Especially ones that love spicy romance. Elikki only needs herself at the end of the day. She doesn’t want to rely on anyone. Romantic attachments are short term and on the fly. That is until she runs into Barra, a shy half giant. When they get tangled up in quite the skirmish, they end up on the run together. 

I enjoyed this book. There was a good balance of humor, action, and romance. I didn’t feel very connected to Elikki or Barra. We got to know some details about them, but they weren’t deep enough for me to latch onto. I liked the found family aspect that was being built. I’m interested in future books in this world.

This whimsical fantasy blends charm, romance, and a sprinkle of elf magic. Elikki is a wandering artist who sells enchanted jewelry from town to town. She’s fiercely independent and knows how to defend herself, especially when a shady customer tries to steal her most valuable piece. A burst of elf magic, and a broken wrist later, she’s caught the eye of Barra, a gentle purple giant with a kind heart and protective streak.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but Elikki isn’t looking for love. Still, when danger circles back in the form of the same slime-ball thief, Barra steps in, lying to protect her and spiriting her away from harm.

While the story had a sweet and lighthearted tone, I struggled to fully connect with the characters or stakes. Elikki’s sass and Barra’s sweetness were fun to read, but I hoped for a little more depth and development. It’s a cozy fantasy with magical vibes and an easy pace, perfect if you’re in the mood for something light and magical, just not too intense.

This book was such a cozy, spicy little adventure and I loved being in this world. It gave me major D&D meets romantasy vibes, and I was totally here for it.

I really liked Elikki’s journey learning to control her magic, and Barra? Total softie. I loved watching him grow and start trusting people more—it made me root for him even harder. And the mental health rep? YES. Seeing characters deal with anxiety and panic attacks made the whole story feel more real and relatable.

Some parts were a little repetitive, but honestly, the characters (especially the side ones!) brought so much fun and heart to the story that I didn’t mind too much.

If you’re into magical jewelry makers, cinnamon roll half-giants, cozy inns, good food, found family vibes, and some steamy scenes sprinkled in, definitely check this one out!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of A Tale of Mirth and Magic!

Love this story so much! The MMC is absolutely adorable and the FMC is cheeky and fun. Lots of sweet and spicy here! Definitely recommend if you lean into the paranormal/fantasy stories.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc. Super cute romantasy with a body positive mfc, and when she meets a shy half giant and sparks fly. She’s very flirtatious and he’s not picking up the cues
She town selling her jewelry and when someone tells to steal from her people turn on her and he steps up and he steps up to help her, they then become travel companions with benefits, but he cannot do one now stands and she doesn’t do relationships. While traveling bandits try to abduct her due to being wanted, cause the person that tries stealing from her is the prove’s shady brother and now he’s claiming she attacked him.
He wants something more and feels something more for her and don’t know how to approach it when she won’t talk about it.