Death Meets Cute (Deluxe Edition)
by J. Penner
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Pub Date Apr 28 2026 | Archive Date Not set
Description
"Filled with so much love, heart, and delicious baked goods." —Rebecca Thorne, USA Today bestselling author of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea
I am more than capable of being evil today. I think…
Iris Weyward wants to be bad. Truly bad. Terrifyingly, gloriously villainous. But after helping her sisters unleash a spell to throw the realm into chaos, Iris is left feeling strangely empty—and still not the villain of her dreams. So, she sets off for the quiet town of Fraywell to build her wicked legacy alone.
Things start promisingly: a crooked little cottage, a reputation for curses and potions, and a healthy dose of fear from the locals. But when her ogre bodyguard disappears, Iris needs new muscle. Good thing a fearsome orc just toppled over in her yard. Naturally, she decides to reanimate him. It's a perfect solution.
Only, Talon isn't the brooding warrior she was hoping for. He's gentle. He bakes. Worst of all, he's nice. But Iris can't possibly have a thing for her new employee. She's supposed to be the most wicked witch in town!
While Iris struggles to turn Talon into the enforcer she deserves, her sisters arrive seeking help—their magic is fading, and the cause may be closer than any of them realize. The timing couldn't be worse, and falling for an orc wasn't supposed to be part of her villain era, but it might turn out to be the best spell she's ever cast…
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781464249372 |
| PRICE | $18.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 117 members
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1800609
Have you ever wanted to have a hedgehog as companion? I certainly would like one.
Highlights:
- Grumpy witch x sunshine orc
- Necromancy
- Cozy fantasy
- Sisterly bonding
Does J. Penner ever sleep? With the way that she is contiously putting these out- I think the answer is no.
She has to be working overtime to give us all of the cute, cozy fantasy stories. I so appreciate that.
Iris has a goal, she wants to be the most evil witch in the land!
And every evil witch needs a mean, scary bodyguard. Who could be better than an orc?
It’s too bad the orc she chooses, Talon, would rather be baking delectable sweets, gardening and talking to chickens instead.
This is cute.
A super quick and light read, with tons of cuteness and vibes.
Is it filled to the brim with insane plot points? Not necessarily, but it isn’t supposed to be.
We’re all about having a good time here, and this gave me a good time.
So I think that’s a win.
I just love a story that feels warm, and everything this author writes gives me that feeling. I want to live in this little village so badly.
As always, we don’t just get the warmth and coziness, but we also get lots of lovable side characters and a tasty baking theme!
I like the sisterly bonding theme here.
There are 3 witch sisters working together, so it really reminded me of Charmed or Hocus Pocus.
So if you’re into that- you might like this!
The romance is light, but adorable.
Talon slowly rubbing off on Iris- making the mean evil witch laugh at his jokes, and smile when he does something dumb, gives off good energy.
I just love when grumpy x sunshine becomes a little less grumpy x sunshine.
I have to mention the hedgehog again.
His name is Quince. He talks. He likes to drink tea and eat sugar. He is my favorite.
What else can I say?
* Major bonus points for the cover of this book. Iris is SO PRETTY!!!? Round of applause for the cover artist Emma Gillette.
Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and author J. Penner for providing me with the eARC of “Death Meets Cute”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 28, 2026
Reviewed on Goodreads: October 06, 2025
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