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A Tale of Birth and Magic is a cozy, sweet, and whimsical fantasy romance that’s super easy to read. The story follows Elikki, a fiery jewelry maker with chaotic magic, and Barra, a gentle half-giant who quietly steals your heart, as they end up on the run together—and fall into a gentle, slow-burn romance.

It’s lighthearted and charming, with lots of cozy feels, shared meals, and soft moments that make it feel comforting. But I found myself wishing for more depth and richer world-building—the story stays pretty surface-level and never digs as deep emotionally or magically as I hoped.

Overall, it’s a cute, low-stakes escape perfect for when you want something sweet, and utterly comforting, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

While A Tale of Mirth & Magic offers charming worldbuilding and plus-size representation, it didn't fully land for me as a romance. The relationship between Elikki and Barra sparks almost instantly with frequent open-door scenes that were fine but I didn't think they were a good fit for cozy fantasy vibes. It all felt a bit rushed in the relationship department. There's a lot of richness in the world, and I could see enjoying other stories in this setting more than I did this particular one. If you're looking for an inclusive fantasy with a vivid setting but more limited character growth with some fun spice, then I think this could be a hit for a lot of people. It just wasn't a great fit for me.

As a disclaimer, I DNFed this book so my review is based off of what I did read. I was honestly just not hooked by what I did read and really wasn't encouraged to continue.

What a delightful read! A spicy, cozy romantasy that made my D&D player heart very happy (the descriptions of crafting magical items -- chef's kiss). The FMC was a lil annoying at times, but the MMC more than made up for it -- literally a gentle giant. Can't believe it's a debut -- will definitely pick up whatever the author publishes next!

This was a fun and easy read. The chemistry was there right away and I loved it. She didn't want to be in a relationship because it was scary but he was never going to leave her, he's obsessed.

I received an arc through netgalley.

A TALE OF MIRTH AND MAGIC was so ... silly? Unserious? Strange? I didn't love how the relationship in this books takes off like a comet, I am typically a reader who wants to sit in the lust and the longing and the unrequitedness of it all for a while, and this book did not really provide that experience. I did, however, enjoy the cozy atmosphere and the human/monster relationships in this world, and how those felt tied to the politics of today.

A TALE OF MIRTH & MAGIC was a quick fun cozy romantasy perfect for someone who needs a pallet cleanser.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish. It was like stepping into a warm, magical hug (with a spicy cinnamon twist 🔥).

✨ The FMC's journey of personal growth was so well done. I loved watching her evolve as she embraced her power and her path. The adventure, the friendships, and the romance all wove together beautifully.
If you're in the mood for a story with magic, mirth, and a little heat, this one checks all the boxes. Cozy, romantic, a little wild at heart, and one I’ll be thinking about for a while.

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am real into this cozy fantasy with some spice.

It felt like vibes from Ella enchanted the movie plus some open door romance.

Elekki is an elf with metal magic that’s quite unpredictable-she is a traveler and sells her jewelry at fairs. When some creep tries to take advantage of her a very large half giant comes to her rescue. Not that she needed it. They pair up when they learn the creep is a lord that puts a bounty on them.

Super cute. Low angst. Somewhat spicy.
I enjoyed it.

Thanks to netgalley and forever grand pub for an eARC.

This was a cute, spicy and cozy romantasy.

The FMC is an wonderfully confident elf and our MMC is a shy gentle half-giant. They complemented each other quite well opposite attracts “we are down bad for each other,” way. MMC falls into love to easily and our FMC pushes her self to be opposite. This story to the journey on to see how the fall and how they could bring out the best in each other. You can feel how the great vibes with each other. FMC brought MMC out of shell more. MMC allowed FMC allowed a safety where she did not have to always hide behind her confidence.



This book is delightfully spicy with great sex scenes. I really enjoyed how FMC checked in with our gentle giant, who is used to putting before himself, and expressed her wants to pleasure him for his pleasure without anything demanded in return. FMC showed MMC that he had value for being himself which I thought was wonderful and really loved.

The writing was top tier and easy to follow along with. I would say this is a great fast-paced read. I would give out 4/5 stars.

I appreciate NetGalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Elikki metal magic elevates her jewelry making skills and protects her as she travels around the realm. A chance encounter with Barra, a blacksmith, during an altercation in town has them both fleeing from the law. As the two travel together, Barra's continues to be charmed by Elikki even as she wants nothing more than a short casual romp. Who's heart will break first.

I really wanted to like this novel. It was funny in parts, sad in other parts. But I really couldn't stand Elikki's character. She's another example of a "strong" heroine who was more stubborn than smart. There is a difference between independence and accepting help when you need it. There was too much force to change for one another instead of growing together. As always, your mileage may vary.

I don't mind "spicy" stories otherwise I wouldn't have requested this novel, but I just HATE the word "spicy". I don't know who started using it (probably someone on TikTok. That app is badly affecting publishing on a consumer basis), but I wish they never did.

That said, Vale wrote a deliciously sweet debut. The characters were charming and the world fantastical. The story was inspired and really delightful. I'll be keeping on her future novels!

Elikki is such a strong, confident FMC! I love how self-reliant she is—fighting her own battles and KNOWING she can. I love that she views herself as beautiful.
Barra was a sweet and shy MMC with not as much confidence but still willing to put himself into the fray and help when he thinks he might be needed. But he’s also willing to let Elikki fight her own battles.
I especially love how they each saw the best in the other person and helped the other person see that in themself as their relationship progressed.
This book had so many fun and humorous lines that made me giggle and even laugh out loud.
I always appreciate when an author has created a world in which it’s just assumed everyone is bi and that’s it’s just the norm.
Elikki and Barra meet in a market setting when a customer of Elikki’s tries to take advantage of her. Barra begins to step in to help but Elikki handles it herself by using her magic—an ability that can imbue metal to do what Elikki tells it to—and in this case, she causes it to squeeze the wrist of the customer until it breaks. It was done in self-defense but the jerk tries to come after her with the law later that evening. Barra, wanting to allow time for Elikki to get away, steps in and accidentally breaks the jerk’s other wrist and then both Barra and Elikki kind of go the run to escape. They run into bounty hunters along the way and have other adventures as well.
This story was really cute and sweet and was a fun time to read.

Looking for your next book boyfriend? In a world of Shadow Daddies, I raise you this Golden Retriever gentle giant (literally! He is a half-giant.)

This is an adorable cozy fantasy romance. The story opens with the FMC, a feisty female elf who is a metallurgist/saleswoman by day and a minx/party girl by night. When she staves off a would-be violent encounter with a con man, she meets the MMC – a large lavender skinned, honey haired half-giant who is just passing through. They meet later in a tavern (of course it is a tavern) and their adventure together begins. Filled with magic, family, and some spicy scenes, this one is sure to please every fantasy romance lover.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

A Tale of Mirth & Magic is a duel narration cozy, spicy romance that has several great tropes. There’s forced proximity, opposites attract, plus sized FMC representation, and body positivity. There’s an adventure, a bounty hunt, and magical chaos. Elikki is the plus sized, feisty elf FMC and Barra is the quiet purple giant MMC who likes the color brown a lot. It helps him blend in. This story is cozy, adventurous, magical and steamy. I felt like I was right there beside them during their adventure. I liked it a lot. Also, this cover is everything! It’s beautiful! I cannot give it enough appreciation. Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the opportunity to read the eARC.

A Tale of Mirth and Magic is a delightful, uplifting read that wraps you in a warm blanket of whimsy and charm. From the very first page, the story sparkles with heart and humor, offering just the right balance of lighthearted mischief and meaningful moments. It’s the kind of cozy read that invites you to curl up with a cup of tea and escape into a world where magic is real, friendship matters, and joy is always just around the corner.

This is perfect for fans of feel-good fantasy and character-driven stories that leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page. A truly enchanting escape! I can’t wait to recommend it widely!

This was a fun and flirty story with awesome characters and an awesome setting! I did think the story was a little rushed, and I would've enjoyed more world building, but overall it was a very enjoyable, fast, and fun read!

This went from 0 to 100 way too quickly for me, personally, and I really did not like the female main character.

"A maker of magical jewelry finds her life turned upside down when she ends up on the run with a half-giant in this spicy and cozy fantasy romance - perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes and The Spellshop.

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."

Because we all need something to hold us over until the next Travis Baldree or Sarah Beth Durst book comes out and this could be a new favorite...