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3.0 

Death Meets Cute

By J. Penner
Death Meets Cute by J. Penner digital book - Fable

Publisher 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…

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Death Meets Cute Reviews

3.0
“Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an eARC for this book! This book was a cute, fluffy, grumpy/sunshine cozy romantasy 💖 It’s not necessarily a book that’s going to make you think but it was a nice palate cleanser and I enjoyed reading it! The recipe at the end was a cute touch.”
“I've read the author's previous cozy fantasy books and enjoyed them for what they are, a warm cup of tea with a sweet treat. This one includes a recipe at the end as in her previous books. I rather enjoy the inclusion of a recipe as it extends the reading experience beyond the pages. Yes, there is a dash of romance nothing spicy. I do wonder if the Iris's sisters will get their own stories. I do hope so. An enjoyable read for when you want your fantasy cozy. An ARC was provided via Netgalley for my unbiased review.”
“I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, and Death Meets Cute was such a fun, unexpected read. The concept is clever and playful without losing the paranormal angle, and the story leans into charm and humor while still giving the romance real emotional weight. I loved how death is handled in this story…not as a traditional character, but as a presence and force that shapes the plot in interesting ways. The supernatural elements blend seamlessly into everyday life, giving the book a cozy-paranormal feel while keeping the tone light and engaging. The romance was sweet, flirty, and surprisingly layered. The chemistry felt natural, with great banter and moments that genuinely made me smile. I really appreciated how the emotional connection built over time rather than relying on instant attraction. Overall, this was a charming, cozy paranormal romance with a fun twist and plenty of heart. If you enjoy light paranormal stories with humor, warmth, and a dash of magic, this one is absolutely worth picking up.”
“This was very cute! If you’re looking for a simple little cozy fantasy that feels like a warm hug, this is a great option. Nothing felt profound about the writing, it I did find myself enjoying the story and smiling along the way. Iris and Talon are just too cute! This will be released in April and I highly suggest it as a great palate cleanser!! Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC and eARC of this cutesy book in exchange for my honest review!”
“3.5 / 5 Death Meets Cute is a cozy, feel-good fantasy that’s light, charming, and easy to enjoy. The story leans into warm vibes, quirky characters, and a sweet, low-drama romance, making it perfect for readers who love comfort reads with a touch of magic. It’s not high-stakes or complex, but that’s part of the appeal — it knows exactly what it wants to be. It might not be your cup of tea if you're looking for romantasy, or a. more fantastical world. One more thing, that I thought it lacked, was the pacing. It seemed too slow / too fast at times which didn't suit the story flow, and it sometimes messed with my enjoyment while reading teh book. Overall, it’s a fun, cozy escape that's a great pick if you’re in the mood for something soft, whimsical, and relaxing.”

About J. Penner

Baking magic into every page, J. Penner crafts Cozy Fantasy from her sun-kissed San Diego home. With a cat on her lap and a pen in her hand, she invites you into worlds as warm and comforting as a cup of tea.


Website: JPennerAuthor.com

TikTok: @jpennerauthor

Instagram: @jpennerauthor


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