What a beautiful collection of stories! I love these types of anthologies especially when going through a reading slump or not having a lot of time to indulge in a longer read. You can dive in and out and be taken away with these beautiful magic mystical group of stories

I wasn't familiar with Russian fairytales at all before this, but that proved only a mild hindrance of my overall enjoyement of it. I enjoy collections of short stories, and though the writing did feel a bit younger and felt more middle-grade than adult, it was charming to me.

The individual stories by themselves were fine and felt weirdly cohesive in a strange way. Colllections are always fun because they are all like interconnected stories.

These types of anthologies are always great, especially this time of year when it gets so busy. Very recommend for something light and easy or if in a reading slump.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Victory Editing for this ARC . Sincere thanks also to the author Kristina Kamaeva,

She Can Only Marry a Dragon is a collection of modern fairy tales that blends everyday life with quiet, unexpected magic. Across six short stories, Kristina Kamaeva explores what happens when the ordinary brushes up against the fantastical, whether through mysterious creatures, strange transformations, or subtle enchantments.

What I enjoyed most about this collection was its atmosphere. The stories have a dreamy, slightly surreal quality that feels like classic fairy tales reimagined for a contemporary setting. Each tale is quick to read but leaves room for reflection, often focusing on themes of love, identity and the unseen magic hidden in the world around us.

The standout for me was the title story, which hints at a unique and unconventional romance and sets the tone for the rest of the collection. While the stories vary in tone, from whimsical to mildly eerie, they share a consistent sense of quiet wonder.

As with many short story collections, some stories resonated more strongly with me than others and I found myself wishing a few of them were longer so their ideas could be explored in greater depth. However, the writing style is engaging and imaginative, making this an easy and enjoyable read.

This book would appeal to readers who enjoy fairy tales with a modern twist, light magical realism and short, atmospheric stories that blur the line between reality and fantasy.