A Tale of Mirth & Magic

By: Kristen Vale

Narrated by: Evan Elliot, Sarah McEwan

An elf jewelry maker finds herself on the run with a gentle half-giant in this spicy and cozy fantasy romance—perfect for fans of Legends & 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, she can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic—or 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—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 and the threat of capture rises,vthey find themselves changing in surprising ways. Together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.

Critic reviews

“A sweet fantasy made of magic, spice, and everything nice.”—Abby Jimenez, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"An unapologetically joyful story that will speak to anyone in need of assurance that they're both worth loving and capable of giving love in return."—Marshall J. Moore, author of Son of a Sailor

“Vale offers plenty of excitement and a surprisingly high level of heat, coupled with a welcoming queer-normative fantasy setting that feels familiar and comfortable. Readers should grab a cup of tea and sink right in.”—Publishers Weekly

Spicy in all the right ways

Love this book and wish it was a whole series!! I hope the author writes more.

Interesting start then fumbled

The start of it I was hopeful that I'd really enjoy this book. I loved the VA's voices right off the bat and it was an interesting enough opening that I wanted to learn more of the world.

However approaching the middle section of the book it becuase to feel more like a fanfiction then a novel. The banter was meh and I started to loose interest.

By the middle of the book I was really bothered my the FMC's actions in regards to the MMC. Then about three quarters of the way through I was groaning at the fact the author either forgot she had explained a plot point before in a much more fond light to then re-explain the same plot point but with sudden bitterness and distaste for the same event. At first I assumed it was just the FMC being unreliable but then realized my theory was confirmed by the MMC also reiterating the same revelation the FMC had in the first telling in the second.

By the end of the book I disliked the FMC and wasn't rooting for her at all, her development would be half a step forward then five paces back. Then the side characters where enjoyable but the antagonist and his side kick I was confused and bored with. The author switched the sidekick motives suddenly and it was rather jarring. The conclusion of that plot point was also rather cliche and just not satisfying.

I personally didnt enjoy this book. But the VA's did incredible!