A Tale of Mirth & Magic
by Kristen Vale
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Pub Date Aug 05 2025 | Archive Date Not set
Description
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.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781538771822 |
PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Elikki moves around a bit, making artisan jewelry. She also possesses magic and a temper which she cannot control well. Then there is Barra, more subdued, who works in his family's store and just wants to blend in - even though he is a purple half-giant at eight feet tall. The two meet up when Barra helps get Elikki out of trouble during a sale gone wrong. They go to the next town to evade her bounty - but Barra starts to develop a crush on her. As they continue to work to evade her capture, they experience all sorts of delectable things, and even become better versions of themselves.
As a reader, this was a delight. There were many cozy inns, great descriptions of the food, steamier scenes, and a solid plotline. I loved that the other character helped re-frame their perspectives of themselves, and how they became better versions of themselves, together.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing)/Forever for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.