
Member Reviews

A cozy warm hug, a cute and adorable romance, an adorable pink dragon, and some of the most delicious food I've ever read in a book. this super cozy fantasy will leave you feeling relaxed and charmed as you sink into the world of Adenshire once more for a brand new cozy adventure starring Doli, a tea making dwarf with a love for books, a baby dragon with an absolute love for pastries, and a gargoyle on the run from a past he cannot fully escape.
thought this was a really fun read, though i do wish it was a lot longer so we could explore more of the characters personalities, and get in some more world building. it was fast paced, which i really enjoyed, but there were a number of mentions into things that never seamed to go anywhere. the whole book felt a bit rushed, i think because it was short, but i really enjoyed all the really great baking and food scenes. and best of all, there are RECIPES in the back!!! Really good ones! all in all this was delightful, charming, and all around gave me the vibe of wrapped up in a comfy blanket on a rainy day with a mug of something hot and a really good book to whisk away all your worries.

I’m loving cozy fantasy right now and really enjoyed this (didn’t know this was book two in a series so I plan to read book 1 next).
Loved the characters (especially the MC Doli and how much she likes to read), the friendships, the baking, and just the all around vibes. This was such a feel good story and perfect for anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy.

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced copy of A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons. I think I read this book at the exact right time. I was in the mood for something cozy and cute and this book definitely delivered. I loved all of the side characters but reading about Doli, Sarson, and Evvy was of course the best part. I enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the little bit of excitement thrown in at the end, even if I did see it coming. This was just a fun and sweet read. 3.75 sars

*Received as a free ARC*
Delightful cozy fantasy romp! This was the title that got me interested in this series (before it was being republished). Anything librarian is worth a peek! It would have been nice if there had been a bit more focus on that, but oh well. He was only the love interest, not the main character. Keeping an eye out for the next book!

I'm yet to make myself comfortable with cozy books so this review is 'it's me, not you' kind of scenario. The setting for this book is perfect, it called out to me. I love the cover too. As soon as we get into the book, we get this sketch of the dwarf girl and the gargoyle which is so perfect. I liked the beginning, the immediate introduction of characters and sort of a found family trope. The story is quite laid-back which is expected for a cozy fiction but I think the coziness stretched out a bit too far making the plot very thin for my taste. Despite the introduction of a dragon, the story failed to engage me enough because the characters didn't come through to make any impression on me. It was an okay read but enjoyable for those days when you want no adventure or action, just simple things.

I am so glad that I randomly stumbled upon these series in my local Waterstones last month. I’m a huge fan of Legends & Lattes, and since reading that haven’t managed to find something that is like it to give me that cozy fantasy fix, until picking up FOB&M. These books are like a warm hug, especially the found family aspect and the emphasis put on friendship. I don’t know how but both books in this series have made me cry at some point which is the real marker of a good book for me!
Thank you to PoisonedPress, J.Penner & NetGalley for the eARC!

A very cozy read with delightful extras
This book is a warm hug in fantasy form! A Fellowship of Librarians & Dragons delivers peak cozy vibes with its charming setting in Adenashire and the lovable Doli Butterbuckle—a sunshine dwarf with tea magic and a heart full of kindness. The Deluxe Edition truly shines with the added bonus chapter and fun, flavorful recipes that make the reading experience even more immersive.
The story is whimsical yet meaningful, full of friendship, self-discovery, and just enough magical mischief (thanks to a certain dragon!). Doli’s journey of embracing her true self, standing up to her overbearing family, and finding unexpected love is both heartwarming and empowering. Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy with a splash of tea and dragon fire.

This sequel was SO cute and cozy. I love J. Penner's writing - I felt like I was friends with the characters while they interacted. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light and fun read!

Overall 4 stars!
Premise: A dwarf book store employee gains a dragon egg as part of her inheritance. A cozy story filled with baking, dragon rearing and falling in love with a good looking gargoyle!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
This book is what one would expect the feeling of snuggling into your cozy blanket with a warm drink and fresh pastries, in a literary form. A beautiful cozy fantasy with lovable characters, a cute dragon and delicious pastry recipes!

Okay, listen. On paper, this book is everything I should have adored. We’ve got a sunshiney tea witch dwarf who just wants to vibe with her friends, a dragon egg that crashes into her life (literally and emotionally), a broody gargoyle with secrets, and family expectations heavier than a cast iron kettle. That should have been my cozy fantasy dream.
But in practice? It just didn’t fully land for me. I kept wanting to feel swept up in the whimsy and warmth, but the writing style made it hard for me to stay engaged. There was something about the pacing and flow that kept tugging me out of the story. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t have that spark I was hoping for. Like the vibes were right, but the flavor didn’t steep long enough to be strong.
That said—I can easily see why this would be a five-star favorite for others. If you love gentle fantasy, quirky magical towns, and a low-stakes adventure filled with heart, this might be your next favorite cozy read. I’m honestly a little bummed it didn’t work for me, but not every cup of tea hits the same for everyone, right?

This book is like a cozy hug! We follow the same characters from book one, but focus on Doli's story this time! Doli inherits a dragon egg, which promptly hatches. I love everything about the way Evvy (the dragon) is written. If you are looking for a cozy fantasy with a low-stakes plot, dragon mischief, bookstores, and baking then this is it! Thanks to NetGalley, J. Penner, and Poisoned Pen Press for the chance to read and review!

If you like all things cozy, this book is a must read. It is a heartwarming continuation of the characters we came to love from A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic and in this book we get to know more about Doli’s story and why she always goes out of her way to be a ray of sunshine in her friend’s lives. I read this book in a day and loved every minute of it.

Review: A Fellowship of Librarians & Dragons by J. Penner
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.0/5)
Vibes and Tropes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0/5 for Cozy Fantasy Vibes and Tropes)
Trope Tags: #FoundFamily #ReluctantCaretaker #TeaMagic #BabyDragonChaos
Vibes: Teacups and banter, cottagecore drama, cute dragon shenanigans, emotional repression with sparkles.
Overview:
This follow-up to The Fellowship of Bakers returns us to Adenashire—a charming magical village full of memorable characters. Doli Butterbuckle, a tea witch with a people-pleasing problem, unexpectedly inherits a dragon egg and becomes a reluctant dragon keeper. Also on the scene? A gargoyle librarian with a murky past, visiting parents who act like a stress spell incarnate, and a cast that doesn’t quite know what to do with any of it. Including Doli.
What Worked:
Penner has a real gift for conjuring cozy atmospheres and charming magical details. The dragon’s personality is adorable and Evvy is pure wish-fulfillment fantasy if you’ve ever wanted a chaotic magical creature. The tropes are all here, and honestly, they’re some of the best parts. Found family, gentle non-toxic romance, healing arcs, and magical small-town charm? Check. Check. Check.
The book also wants to do meaningful emotional work: themes of self-worth, boundaries, and healing parental wounds are baked in from page one. And that’s no small feat. This kind of emotional scaffolding is often skipped in low-stakes fantasy, so I give Penner credit for including it.
Room to Grow:
The story unfortunately tries to do too much, which means a lot of threads don’t land the way they could. Doli’s parents, Sarson’s backstory, the romance arc, the emotional payoff with Evvy... they’re all there, but lightly explored, and often resolved too quickly or not at all. This might leave some readers feeling a bit aimless or underwhelmed.
This could’ve been stronger with a sharper focus: pick two major arcs and develop them fully. Right now, everything competes for space and ends up feeling thin, even when the setup, and Doli herself, is great.
Final Thoughts:
This is a book that knows the cozy genre and delivers the mood—but sometimes mood isn’t quite enough. I still think there’s value here, especially for readers who love a whimsical setting and aren’t too fussed about deep plot cohesion. If you go in expecting soft vibes, quirky companions who banter, and light magical hijinks, you’ll likely enjoy the ride, just don’t expect all the pieces to click into place in a gloriously satisfying way by the end.
My cozy take?
Cute concept, strong cozy vibes, and an adorable reluctant dragon egg caretaker story? Yes. But the story’s magic would’ve been stronger with fewer threads and more follow-through.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC.

This was such a great book about comfort, finding yourself, and family. Family can be overwhelming, but at its heart it is exactly what you need sometimes.

Review: A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons by J. Tenner
Rating: ★★★★☆
I was immediately drawn to A Fellowship of Librarians and Dragons by its cosy, whimsical feel—something that first captured my heart with book one in the Adenashire series. While it didn’t quite live up to the magic of the first installment, this book still delivered a heartwarming and thoroughly enjoyable read that fans of cosy fantasy will adore.
The story follows Doli, a sunshine-hearted Dwarf whose warmth and kindness are impossible not to love. Tasked with caring for a mischievous baby dragon (who absolutely stole the show), Doli finds herself navigating new responsibilities, unexpected companionships, and the possibility of romance with a surprisingly charming gargoyle. Her journey is one of leaning on her friends, embracing found family, and growing into herself.
J. Tenner’s writing is light and engaging, with a great sense of pacing that kept me invested from start to finish. The world of Adenashire remains as enchanting as ever, and I especially appreciated how themes of friendship and belonging were woven through the narrative. It’s a wholesome, comforting read—perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes or anyone looking for a gentle escape into a magical world.
Though it lacked a bit of the sparkle that made the first book stand out, it still left me eager for more—especially if future stories focus on Jez, the delightfully grumpy fennex.
If you’re in the mood for something soft, sweet, and a little bit magical, this is one worth curling up with.

What a sweet cozy fantasy this was! Just what I needed to reset my brain and relax for a few days, dreaming about dragons and pastries and strong gargoyles that give off Mr Darcy vibes. Family drama, a sprinkle of mystery, and romance in the air: Doli's story was like a hot cup of tea on a cold day. The village of Adenashire is now high on my travel list and I cannot wait to read the next book 😊
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC.
It was a nice fluffy read. I got a bit bored, nothing really happens until the very end. I thought I would get a smidge more adventure since it mentions a “sinister plot”. I thought we would have a bit more to do there.
I found Doli to be pretty annoying. Just cry girl, don’t “hold the tears back”, a good cry can help so much! I loved Evvy, she was the absolute cutest. I really did like that part of the story and the ending was cool. I liked her pals, even though they could be a bit much, Jez- I’m talking about you! But Sarson was my favorite character, besides Evvy.
Overall, it was ok. I wont be reading any other books from the series, but happy I took a chance on this one.

I loved getting to know Doli more. This was such a cute story and adventure. Getting to know more about Doli and how she was tired of the people pleasing but didn't want to be seen as rude and I'm glad Evvy helped her come out of her shell and stand up for herself and Sarson was amazing! I loved him so much in this story.

The more magical worlds I read about, the more I want to live a cozy life with a magical familiar and my own shop.
This was a sweet, cozy continuation of the Adenashire series. Doli lives a quiet life; not quite meeting up to her parents standards, but living a cozy life as a tea magician with her circle of close friends. But when her parents come bringing trouble, her world is thrown into chaos.
A sweet, cozy read.

This book was much better and exceeded my expectations compared to the first. The author has grown and developed so much which I love to see. I have no doubts that each book following will be amazing and looking forward to it.
I loved Doli as a main character, her mannerisms and personality was developed greatly, that you could imagine her. I adored her relationship with Sarson. The world building was satisfactory with the orcs, dragons and all, I just felt the pacing was touch and go but still felt cosy in this world when reading. Sarson's backstory was introduced but I felt I was waiting for more, I would love to explore more into that but the slow-burn romance was great to follow as well while wanting more.
Overall, this is a comforting read, with no-spice which is good touch for this book and for fans that want to read fantasy, magical tea and the story of truly being yourself (don't worry you won't have to raise a dragon in real life).
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.