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How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a comfort read fantasy romance between a halfling and a goblin: imagine a classic opposites-attract romcom taking place in those cosy scenes in the hobbits' Shire from The Lord of the Rings. Expect magical forests, interfering wizards, lots of home cooking, and maybe even a kiss at the Harvest dance...
When a halfling, Pansy, and a goblin, Ren, each think they've inherited the same cottage, they make a bargain: they'll live in the house together and whoever is driven out first forfeits their ownership. Amidst forced proximity and cultural misunderstandings, the two begin to fall in love.
But when the cottage - and their communities - are threatened by a common enemy, the duo must learn to trust each other, and convince goblins and halflings to band together to oust the tall intruder.
Perfect for fans of cosy fantasy novels including Legends and Lattes, The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Lord of the Rings.
When a halfling, Pansy, and a goblin, Ren, each think they've inherited the same cottage, they make a bargain: they'll live in the house together and whoever is driven out first forfeits their ownership. Amidst forced proximity and cultural misunderstandings, the two begin to fall in love.
But when the cottage - and their communities - are threatened by a common enemy, the duo must learn to trust each other, and convince goblins and halflings to band together to oust the tall intruder.
Perfect for fans of cosy fantasy novels including Legends and Lattes, The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Lord of the Rings.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
About the author
Jessie Sylva
1 book208 followersJessie is a recovering lawyer living in Toronto with her wife and two cats. She writes SFF with an emphasis on queer joy, telling stories full of magic, adventure, and, of course, kissing. When she's not writing, Jessie can be found tinkering with custom mechanical keyboards and raiding online in Final Fantasy XIV.
Her debut, HOW TO LOSE A GOBLIN IN 10 DAYS, is coming out from Orbit in 2026.
Her debut, HOW TO LOSE A GOBLIN IN 10 DAYS, is coming out from Orbit in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,639 reviews
September 22, 2026
"No sooner had her fingers closed around the squat bulb than another set of fingers, longer and greener than her own, found hers, pressing nails like flat shards of obsidian into soft, unguarded skin."Pansy, a halfling, decides to go mushroom picking in the forest and while she's deciding on if her mushroom bulbs are poisonous or not...a goblin happens upon her.
"For half a breath, hazel eyes met yellow in complete and perfect stillness, where even the world itself seemed to pause on its axis."
Ren, the goblin, can't help but feel intrigued by the halfling - her stubborn optimism, her unbounded joy, and her sheer bullheadedness...but they cannot focus on love. Ren has to protect their community.
But then Pansy moves into her grandmother's old cottage - the very same cottage that Ren's family has been occupying for years - and the two find themselves at a stalemate. And there's only one bed.
"Pansy could have screamed."
Oh my gosh. I didn't have a halfling x goblin romance on my bingo card but GOSH DANG am I glad to have picked it up. All the cozy happy feels.
I really liked the dynamic between the two leads - it was definitely grumpy x sunshine BUT it felt fresh and fun! The way they played on each other was hilarious and also so wholesome.
The plot was definitely slower - the story was much more character-driven - but I enjoyed it regardless. I was intrigued by their cultures colliding and how they would overcome the social pressures that they both felt.
I did like the play on wizards/dark lords...after all:
"Dark lords are just wizards that refuse to wear color."I never thought of it like that, but I'm definitely side-eyeing some of the wizards who recruit in the halfling villages now.
Overall, this was a really fun one. Definitely recommend it if you are looking for a light read full of good vibes (and a bit of plot to boot!)
February 17, 2025
I was super excited for the cozy hobbit x goblin romance and while it turned out to be a perfectly fine and enjoyable story, it also just wasn't very well-developed in many places.
The whole story starts when the halfling Pansy moves out of her family's home and into a cottage in the woods that her late grandmother left to her. But it turns out that the cottage isn't actually unoccupied, because Pansy stumbles upon the goblin Ren who claims to have been taking care of the place for years. Halflings and goblins historically don't get along and both characters view the other in a very negative way. Pansy believes goblins to be evil and violent and always keen on helping the next dark wizard, while Ren views halflings as dumb, careless and gluttonous. The way the prejudices were presented was very heavy-handed and thus pretty awkward to read about. It was just unimaginable to these characters that members of other races could simply just be people too and it made both races seem uneducated. It was also pretty clear that the story would go into the the-prejudices-are-all-false direction and really none of that was presented in a subtle or clever way. The whole conflict was broken down to the absolute basics when it's actually one of the main themes of this book and constantly talked about. It kinda gave a middle grade feel to the book, although I've read plenty of middle grade novels that are nuanced and well-developed. Still, the story wasn't unpleasant to read. I liked how Pansy and Ren made a deal about trying to drive the other out of the cottage and how eventually at least some explanations about the goblin and halfling history were brought up. It was nice how both characters defended their way of living and tried to explain it to the other. I think the author could have dived way more into their respective cultures, because there were some nice and interesting ideas presented there. The halflings value food and cooking and eating together, and they are looking for comfort and joy, because there were times when that wasn't possible. The goblins try to live in harmony with nature and they learn from it and take only the bare minimum of what is necessary to survive. There are also little extracts from various in-world books that were very cute and actually gave a good insight into the cultures of halflings and goblins. All that could have been easily used to describe the conflict better from the beginning, but instead it just felt petty and oversimplified. I think some more developmental editing could have improved the story immensely here. (It's possible that the final version differs from the arc copy that I read, though.)
The romance is a traditional grumpy x sunshine with both characters slowly warming up to the other's way of living. They share insights into their culture and stories from the past and they both also open up about some serious problems that they and their loved ones have to face. It was still unclear to me where the romantic feelings really came from. Take Pansy for instance. She meets Ren for the second time and is all frustrated over goblins as always, but then she suddenly thinks that Ren looks kinda cute. No nuance whatsoever. Sometimes multiple weeks passed between chapters, but it's not like the reader really notices the passing of time and ultimately the romance moved with the speed of lightning and it was really hard to see and feel what the character apparently did. (Spoiler: )
Overall it's a simple story that might as well simply turn out to be a nice and pleasant read for other people. But once I started to think a little harder about certain plot elements or began to question character decisions, it lost quite a bit of its original appeal. The book has a good premise and it had all the potential to be a fantastic, cozy read, but I just see too many flaws here to be able to recommend it without reservations.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
--------------------------
Pre-read: Excuse me, is this a cozy hobbit fantasy?! I will be reading.
The whole story starts when the halfling Pansy moves out of her family's home and into a cottage in the woods that her late grandmother left to her. But it turns out that the cottage isn't actually unoccupied, because Pansy stumbles upon the goblin Ren who claims to have been taking care of the place for years. Halflings and goblins historically don't get along and both characters view the other in a very negative way. Pansy believes goblins to be evil and violent and always keen on helping the next dark wizard, while Ren views halflings as dumb, careless and gluttonous. The way the prejudices were presented was very heavy-handed and thus pretty awkward to read about. It was just unimaginable to these characters that members of other races could simply just be people too and it made both races seem uneducated. It was also pretty clear that the story would go into the the-prejudices-are-all-false direction and really none of that was presented in a subtle or clever way. The whole conflict was broken down to the absolute basics when it's actually one of the main themes of this book and constantly talked about. It kinda gave a middle grade feel to the book, although I've read plenty of middle grade novels that are nuanced and well-developed. Still, the story wasn't unpleasant to read. I liked how Pansy and Ren made a deal about trying to drive the other out of the cottage and how eventually at least some explanations about the goblin and halfling history were brought up. It was nice how both characters defended their way of living and tried to explain it to the other. I think the author could have dived way more into their respective cultures, because there were some nice and interesting ideas presented there. The halflings value food and cooking and eating together, and they are looking for comfort and joy, because there were times when that wasn't possible. The goblins try to live in harmony with nature and they learn from it and take only the bare minimum of what is necessary to survive. There are also little extracts from various in-world books that were very cute and actually gave a good insight into the cultures of halflings and goblins. All that could have been easily used to describe the conflict better from the beginning, but instead it just felt petty and oversimplified. I think some more developmental editing could have improved the story immensely here. (It's possible that the final version differs from the arc copy that I read, though.)
The romance is a traditional grumpy x sunshine with both characters slowly warming up to the other's way of living. They share insights into their culture and stories from the past and they both also open up about some serious problems that they and their loved ones have to face. It was still unclear to me where the romantic feelings really came from. Take Pansy for instance. She meets Ren for the second time and is all frustrated over goblins as always, but then she suddenly thinks that Ren looks kinda cute. No nuance whatsoever. Sometimes multiple weeks passed between chapters, but it's not like the reader really notices the passing of time and ultimately the romance moved with the speed of lightning and it was really hard to see and feel what the character apparently did. (Spoiler: )
Overall it's a simple story that might as well simply turn out to be a nice and pleasant read for other people. But once I started to think a little harder about certain plot elements or began to question character decisions, it lost quite a bit of its original appeal. The book has a good premise and it had all the potential to be a fantastic, cozy read, but I just see too many flaws here to be able to recommend it without reservations.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
--------------------------
Pre-read: Excuse me, is this a cozy hobbit fantasy?! I will be reading.
January 26, 2026
☆☆☆.5 stars
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva was a cute and charming book, even if it didn’t fully blow me away. It had all the ingredients to be a standout: charming characters, adorable descriptions, a redemption arc, and a goblin market (which is always a win for me). The character names were absolutely precious, seriously, a character named Pansy? Come on.
I especially enjoyed Ren’s backstory and appreciated how many of the characters were forced to confront and overcome their prejudices and preconceived notions. Those moments added heart and warmth, and they hinted at a deeper story simmering beneath the surface.
That said, while I enjoyed my time with this book, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it lacked a bit of substance. Everything was there for this to be a fantastic read, but somehow it didn’t quite dig as deep as I wanted it to. I found myself wanting more development, more emotional weight, and more room for the story to breathe and fully explore its themes.
Overall, this was a sweet and charming read that left me smiling but also a little unsatisfied. I think fans of the Emily Wilde books by Heather Fawcett will likely enjoy the cozy fantasy vibes here. Even though this one didn’t fully hit for me, I’m definitely curious to see what Jessie Sylva writes next.
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva was a cute and charming book, even if it didn’t fully blow me away. It had all the ingredients to be a standout: charming characters, adorable descriptions, a redemption arc, and a goblin market (which is always a win for me). The character names were absolutely precious, seriously, a character named Pansy? Come on.
I especially enjoyed Ren’s backstory and appreciated how many of the characters were forced to confront and overcome their prejudices and preconceived notions. Those moments added heart and warmth, and they hinted at a deeper story simmering beneath the surface.
That said, while I enjoyed my time with this book, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it lacked a bit of substance. Everything was there for this to be a fantastic read, but somehow it didn’t quite dig as deep as I wanted it to. I found myself wanting more development, more emotional weight, and more room for the story to breathe and fully explore its themes.
Overall, this was a sweet and charming read that left me smiling but also a little unsatisfied. I think fans of the Emily Wilde books by Heather Fawcett will likely enjoy the cozy fantasy vibes here. Even though this one didn’t fully hit for me, I’m definitely curious to see what Jessie Sylva writes next.
January 20, 2026
3.5 stars
🌱🌻🌱🌻
Expected cuteness meets unexpected substance.
🍎🍏🍎🍏
The first time I saw this cover it was a tiny thumbnail sized blip that had my brow furrowed wondering what it was. Upon enlarging it I couldn't help but laugh at the title remembering the film How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. It brought to mind a light fun comedic story and that fits the first part of the book, but soon things get serious, dire even and I couldn't turn away. It was a shift in action and tone. There's a lot of discussion surrounding making assumptions about those who are different and when ugly thoughts lead to uglier actions the stakes get high and decisions feel real.
🥧🥧🥧🥧
Pansy is a halfling looking to move out of her parent's place and into her grandmother's former home nestled deep in the forest. Upon arrival she finds the cottage is already in use by a goblin named Ren. The pair set about trying to make the other move out and claim the space for themselves. Hijinks ensue. Halflings and goblins don't mix company both are recruited on opposite sides of a war between wizards making them enemies for generations. Their lives are often forfeit while the wizards live on. I like that the PTSD suffered by Pansy's grandmother was explored by showing the consequences she and her family suffered long after her service ended. When Pansy and Ren begin getting along it puts them in the crosshairs for gossip and on the radar of a dangerous wizard that frequents Pansy's village.
⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
The pacing was a little uneven with some sections feeling long without enough payoff. Other times it moved at a clip keeping me engaged. Seeing the characters navigate their own ideas about each other was heartwarming and humorous at times. Maggie Bain's narration was a great fit for both points of view.
🍄🍄🟫🍄🍄🟫
Can these lifelong enemy clans find the safety of middle ground by learning from the unlikely pair?
🧪🧪🧪🧪
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Orbit Books for the gifted copies via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
🌱🌻🌱🌻
Expected cuteness meets unexpected substance.
🍎🍏🍎🍏
The first time I saw this cover it was a tiny thumbnail sized blip that had my brow furrowed wondering what it was. Upon enlarging it I couldn't help but laugh at the title remembering the film How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. It brought to mind a light fun comedic story and that fits the first part of the book, but soon things get serious, dire even and I couldn't turn away. It was a shift in action and tone. There's a lot of discussion surrounding making assumptions about those who are different and when ugly thoughts lead to uglier actions the stakes get high and decisions feel real.
🥧🥧🥧🥧
Pansy is a halfling looking to move out of her parent's place and into her grandmother's former home nestled deep in the forest. Upon arrival she finds the cottage is already in use by a goblin named Ren. The pair set about trying to make the other move out and claim the space for themselves. Hijinks ensue. Halflings and goblins don't mix company both are recruited on opposite sides of a war between wizards making them enemies for generations. Their lives are often forfeit while the wizards live on. I like that the PTSD suffered by Pansy's grandmother was explored by showing the consequences she and her family suffered long after her service ended. When Pansy and Ren begin getting along it puts them in the crosshairs for gossip and on the radar of a dangerous wizard that frequents Pansy's village.
⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
The pacing was a little uneven with some sections feeling long without enough payoff. Other times it moved at a clip keeping me engaged. Seeing the characters navigate their own ideas about each other was heartwarming and humorous at times. Maggie Bain's narration was a great fit for both points of view.
🍄🍄🟫🍄🍄🟫
Can these lifelong enemy clans find the safety of middle ground by learning from the unlikely pair?
🧪🧪🧪🧪
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Orbit Books for the gifted copies via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want to Read
February 17, 2025oh, this is going to be a need for me
January 27, 2026
This is a cozy fantasy enemies-to-lovers romance that I went into with very mixed expectations and somehow walked away enjoying more than I thought I would.
Follows a halfling and a goblin who both believe they own the same forest cottage and make a bet: whoever leaves first loses the house. Cue pranks, bickering, banter, and the inevitable romance. Enemies to lovers is not my favorite trope, and the constant arguing grated on me early on as usual for me.
That said, the book is cute. There’s a pig. There’s a kitten. The cozy vibes are doing a lot of heavy lifting. The POV switching didn’t always work for me, the villain barely appears, and the characters sometimes felt a little interchangeable but the last chunk of the book flew by, and I had a genuinely good time.
Not a standout cozy fantasy for me, but a solid, comforting read.
YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
Follows a halfling and a goblin who both believe they own the same forest cottage and make a bet: whoever leaves first loses the house. Cue pranks, bickering, banter, and the inevitable romance. Enemies to lovers is not my favorite trope, and the constant arguing grated on me early on as usual for me.
That said, the book is cute. There’s a pig. There’s a kitten. The cozy vibes are doing a lot of heavy lifting. The POV switching didn’t always work for me, the villain barely appears, and the characters sometimes felt a little interchangeable but the last chunk of the book flew by, and I had a genuinely good time.
Not a standout cozy fantasy for me, but a solid, comforting read.
YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@hollyheartsbooks...
Want to Read
February 15, 2025Don't give one single fuck what this is about, the title belongs on my bookshelf
February 20, 2026
i wanted to love this more than i did but i was so incredibly bored throughout this book. Pansy and Ren fell in love almost immediately and they had no chemistry. i thought that Pansy was annoying and her and Ren were both really flat characters. i think this had a lot of potential and didn’t live up to it unfortunately :(
September 6, 2026
This was so cute, and I loved the audiobook. More please!
January 26, 2026
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva
Paranormal romance, fantasy cozy romance. Closed door. Any age.
A halfling and a goblin argue their ownership rights over a cozy cottage deep in the woods. Pansy says it belonged to her grandmother while Ren says it was empty for so long, his family now claims it. They decide to live in the house together and see who can outlast the other. As they learn each other’s cultures and personalities, they realize they aren’t so different. Maybe they have more in common than they know.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story narrated by Maggie Bain. The performance was clever with distinct voices for Pansy and Ren. Volatile emotions in the beginning became friendly and happy. A wonderful voice performance for a fairytale and hea.
I did speed up the playback to a more comfortable conversation speed.
An adorable and sweet story of overcoming bias and learning to love. I loved the family support that came with the relationship.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley, Orbit and Hachette Audio.
Paranormal romance, fantasy cozy romance. Closed door. Any age.
A halfling and a goblin argue their ownership rights over a cozy cottage deep in the woods. Pansy says it belonged to her grandmother while Ren says it was empty for so long, his family now claims it. They decide to live in the house together and see who can outlast the other. As they learn each other’s cultures and personalities, they realize they aren’t so different. Maybe they have more in common than they know.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version of this story narrated by Maggie Bain. The performance was clever with distinct voices for Pansy and Ren. Volatile emotions in the beginning became friendly and happy. A wonderful voice performance for a fairytale and hea.
I did speed up the playback to a more comfortable conversation speed.
An adorable and sweet story of overcoming bias and learning to love. I loved the family support that came with the relationship.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley, Orbit and Hachette Audio.
November 15, 2025
A blend of The Lord of the Rings and Stardew Valley, with a dash of rivals to lovers, this book is a delightful cozy fantasy treat.
Pansy Underburrow, a halfling from the quaint village of Haverow, has always felt like an outsider, valuing adventure and curiosity over tradition and conformity. When she leaves town to live in her grandmother’s woodsy cottage, inherited after her passing, she discovers the home is already occupied. Ren Woodward has just been appointed by their goblin clan as the ‘Caretaker’ of the abandoned cottage, using it as a safe haven and farm to provide food and supplies for their starving clan. With both residents feeling more entitled to the cottage than the other, they strike a deal: they’ll live there together until one of them gives up and moves out. But Ren and Pansy both have their own reasons they can’t walk away, and if they have to endure a cute roommate who drives them up the wall in the meantime, so be it.
I typically don’t do this, but I actually want to start with my critiques, as I feel it best reflects my chronological experience with this book. I had one singular issue, and while it only affected the first ~35%, it was almost enough to make me DNF. The initial bargain over the cottage sets great stakes and pulled me in right away, but the competition between Pansy and Ren quickly devolves into petty, childish antics, with both characters doing everything they can to make the other miserable. I think the core component of cozy fantasy is to give the reader a peaceful, meditative, and comfortable experience. When I was reading about these characters dumping dirt on furniture and lobbing harmful stereotypes at each other, I didn’t feel relaxed at all, I felt annoyed and stressed. Since I was expecting a more calming read, this fraught tension ended up setting the mood completely wrong for me.
However! Once the book moved past this early roadblock and their relationship shifted into a shy, burgeoning romance, the warm and comforting atmosphere of the story was finally able to unfold, and I was completely entranced. I actually adored both Pansy and Ren from the start, which is probably why it was so disheartening to watch them tear into each other, so once they began to coexist peacefully, I became fully immersed in this cozy world. The descriptions of the overgrown cabin, mouthwatering meals, and lush forest were vivid and inviting, and I thought the book struck that perfect cozy-fantasy level of indulgent detail. While the plot occasionally edges toward being a bit too intense for the genre, I thought the overarching story and “villain” were well executed, thematically cohesive, and, most importantly, never out of place or reliant on cheap tropes.
Additionally, once the characters stopped terrorizing each other, the main conflict in their relationship shifts to their cultural differences and the effort required to build trust and understanding. Their respective cultures carry generations of prejudice, and at times it’s an uphill battle for Ren and Pansy to overcome the harmful assumptions they’ve inherited. I found this dynamic of cautiously and earnestly asking questions, occasionally making mistakes and learning from them, and finding a middle ground so compelling and well handled. It always felt respectful, and it was satisfying to watch the slow realization of how well they could work together once they set aside old grievances, and how they might even restore peace between their communities.
All in all, this was great! It definitely shows signs of a debut, but I truly enjoyed my reading experience, and I’m excited to see where the author goes next. As for recommendations, I cannot emphasize the Stardew Valley comparison enough, it hits the same excellent beats of restoring an abandoned cottage and garden, spending time in a cozy village full of often-grouchy locals, traveling through a secluded forest, and enjoying similar festivities like a harvest festival and night market. I think fans of the game could find a new favorite book here. This would also be a fantastic pick for readers who love cozy fantasy, wish they could live in the Shire, or enjoy a good opposites-attract, rivals-to-lovers romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pansy Underburrow, a halfling from the quaint village of Haverow, has always felt like an outsider, valuing adventure and curiosity over tradition and conformity. When she leaves town to live in her grandmother’s woodsy cottage, inherited after her passing, she discovers the home is already occupied. Ren Woodward has just been appointed by their goblin clan as the ‘Caretaker’ of the abandoned cottage, using it as a safe haven and farm to provide food and supplies for their starving clan. With both residents feeling more entitled to the cottage than the other, they strike a deal: they’ll live there together until one of them gives up and moves out. But Ren and Pansy both have their own reasons they can’t walk away, and if they have to endure a cute roommate who drives them up the wall in the meantime, so be it.
I typically don’t do this, but I actually want to start with my critiques, as I feel it best reflects my chronological experience with this book. I had one singular issue, and while it only affected the first ~35%, it was almost enough to make me DNF. The initial bargain over the cottage sets great stakes and pulled me in right away, but the competition between Pansy and Ren quickly devolves into petty, childish antics, with both characters doing everything they can to make the other miserable. I think the core component of cozy fantasy is to give the reader a peaceful, meditative, and comfortable experience. When I was reading about these characters dumping dirt on furniture and lobbing harmful stereotypes at each other, I didn’t feel relaxed at all, I felt annoyed and stressed. Since I was expecting a more calming read, this fraught tension ended up setting the mood completely wrong for me.
However! Once the book moved past this early roadblock and their relationship shifted into a shy, burgeoning romance, the warm and comforting atmosphere of the story was finally able to unfold, and I was completely entranced. I actually adored both Pansy and Ren from the start, which is probably why it was so disheartening to watch them tear into each other, so once they began to coexist peacefully, I became fully immersed in this cozy world. The descriptions of the overgrown cabin, mouthwatering meals, and lush forest were vivid and inviting, and I thought the book struck that perfect cozy-fantasy level of indulgent detail. While the plot occasionally edges toward being a bit too intense for the genre, I thought the overarching story and “villain” were well executed, thematically cohesive, and, most importantly, never out of place or reliant on cheap tropes.
Additionally, once the characters stopped terrorizing each other, the main conflict in their relationship shifts to their cultural differences and the effort required to build trust and understanding. Their respective cultures carry generations of prejudice, and at times it’s an uphill battle for Ren and Pansy to overcome the harmful assumptions they’ve inherited. I found this dynamic of cautiously and earnestly asking questions, occasionally making mistakes and learning from them, and finding a middle ground so compelling and well handled. It always felt respectful, and it was satisfying to watch the slow realization of how well they could work together once they set aside old grievances, and how they might even restore peace between their communities.
All in all, this was great! It definitely shows signs of a debut, but I truly enjoyed my reading experience, and I’m excited to see where the author goes next. As for recommendations, I cannot emphasize the Stardew Valley comparison enough, it hits the same excellent beats of restoring an abandoned cottage and garden, spending time in a cozy village full of often-grouchy locals, traveling through a secluded forest, and enjoying similar festivities like a harvest festival and night market. I think fans of the game could find a new favorite book here. This would also be a fantastic pick for readers who love cozy fantasy, wish they could live in the Shire, or enjoy a good opposites-attract, rivals-to-lovers romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
This was cute. Not my typical read, but sometimes you just need to step back from the complex world building and just read a fun book.
February 15, 2026
I am not normally a fan of cozy stories, but this one warmed my little black heart! If you’re a fan of D&D, this is the perfect read for you! If you feel like you live on the fringe of normal, this is also for you! A story of love, acceptance, and togetherness is sure to hit all the right spots!
Pansy doesn’t fit into her community, she’s too curious and asks too many questions for her to go along with the status quo. She yearns for me, and since her grandmother willed her the forest burrow she lived in, she’s got the right ingredients to find where she fits in the world. Imagine her surprise when she gets there to find it’s already occupied. By a goblin no less! Pansy begins a journey of a different kind, learning how to live with someone different and still find common ground. There’s lots of ups and downs, but the typical tropes are not present here. It’s cute, but it feels authentic in a way that will speak to anyone that’s felt a little different during their life. (Also I want a Pig and Mushroom in my life!)
Huge thank you to Orbit books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. This is definitely deserving of shelf space in your personal libraries. I can see myself coming back to this for a much-needed pick up when things look bleak.
Pansy doesn’t fit into her community, she’s too curious and asks too many questions for her to go along with the status quo. She yearns for me, and since her grandmother willed her the forest burrow she lived in, she’s got the right ingredients to find where she fits in the world. Imagine her surprise when she gets there to find it’s already occupied. By a goblin no less! Pansy begins a journey of a different kind, learning how to live with someone different and still find common ground. There’s lots of ups and downs, but the typical tropes are not present here. It’s cute, but it feels authentic in a way that will speak to anyone that’s felt a little different during their life. (Also I want a Pig and Mushroom in my life!)
Huge thank you to Orbit books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. This is definitely deserving of shelf space in your personal libraries. I can see myself coming back to this for a much-needed pick up when things look bleak.
February 13, 2026
DNF. I can't stand it when pretentious characters who aren't well suited for each other get plopped in a forced-proximity setting and the readers are told it works. !!!!NO!!!! Forced proximity only works if the characters are well suited... This is the same experience for me as when reading The Honey Witch. Flat, dull characters who speak to each other as though they think the other is stupid (derogatory) in a bad way. Ren and the other MC (can't think of her name) were just not it for me.
The cover is so cute, I wanted to like this so much. I didn't make it to page 60.
The cover is so cute, I wanted to like this so much. I didn't make it to page 60.
February 16, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ This was a sweet, cozy fairy tale that gave me warm feelings and hope. A half-ling and a goblin start off as enemies that mistrusted each other and slowly realize that their prejudices and assumptions about each other are perhaps misplaced. Eventually they uncover a secret that proves that they actually have more in common than they were brought up to believe.
This was my first audiobook that included a main character that uses they/them pronouns, and I personally found it confusing as I kept having to ask myself - wait are they referring to the group of children or Ren? So that kept knocking me out of the story and I had hoped I would get used to it but I never did. Maybe this won’t be as much of an issue for people reading with their eyes. 🤷🏽♀️
⏱️ The pacing was a little wonky with the romance moving at a snails pace at times (I do respect a good slow burn) and then all of the sudden things sped way up at the end (the gift Pansy gives to Ren)- I had a bit of whiplash.
Other than these two tiny things I loved the story much more than I expected. If you like fairy tales, Lord of the Rings but low stakes, or D&D, this is for you. If you’ve ever felt a little different, like “an extra puzzle piece in a box” 🧩, this story is for you. If you want a wholesome feel-good story that’s reads like an allegory, this is definitely for you. Also there is a sassy pet pig and a cute kitty. 🐈⬛ 🐖
Spice rating: 0.1🫑 out of 5 🌶️ (closed door romance/kissing and fades to black)
🎙️Narration Style: solo by Maggie Bain.
This woman with her Scottish accent is an absolute voice GENIUS! The entire time I was caught up in her storytelling and amazed at her various intonations for each character. I am forever a fan and will look forward to her name when choosing audiobooks.
Audio production was perfection. 👌🏼
🎧 Thank you Jessie Sylva, Hachette Audio, & NetGalley for a copy of this ALC. All opinions are my own.
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🤗 Connect with me! AmdynReads on:
TikTok | Instagram | Fable | The Storygraph
This was my first audiobook that included a main character that uses they/them pronouns, and I personally found it confusing as I kept having to ask myself - wait are they referring to the group of children or Ren? So that kept knocking me out of the story and I had hoped I would get used to it but I never did. Maybe this won’t be as much of an issue for people reading with their eyes. 🤷🏽♀️
⏱️ The pacing was a little wonky with the romance moving at a snails pace at times (I do respect a good slow burn) and then all of the sudden things sped way up at the end (the gift Pansy gives to Ren)- I had a bit of whiplash.
Other than these two tiny things I loved the story much more than I expected. If you like fairy tales, Lord of the Rings but low stakes, or D&D, this is for you. If you’ve ever felt a little different, like “an extra puzzle piece in a box” 🧩, this story is for you. If you want a wholesome feel-good story that’s reads like an allegory, this is definitely for you. Also there is a sassy pet pig and a cute kitty. 🐈⬛ 🐖
Spice rating: 0.1🫑 out of 5 🌶️ (closed door romance/kissing and fades to black)
🎙️Narration Style: solo by Maggie Bain.
This woman with her Scottish accent is an absolute voice GENIUS! The entire time I was caught up in her storytelling and amazed at her various intonations for each character. I am forever a fan and will look forward to her name when choosing audiobooks.
Audio production was perfection. 👌🏼
🎧 Thank you Jessie Sylva, Hachette Audio, & NetGalley for a copy of this ALC. All opinions are my own.
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🤗 Connect with me! AmdynReads on:
TikTok | Instagram | Fable | The Storygraph
December 19, 2025
I picked this one up thinking it'd be a warm hug after reading a particularly graphic horror novel about child abuse, and it did provide a good palate cleanser. I do think people who read nothing but cozy fantasy will find this LOTR meets Stardew Valley cottagecore fantasy delightful. But in this case, I think the love story could have been served better by higher stakes and less saccharine cuteness. This low-angst story gave me a toothache, it was so sweet.
It also has very little to do with the 00s rom com that inspired the title, so don't go in expecting a retelling.
Pansy, who has never fit in with her village with her eccentric ways and adventurous spirit, is a halfling who moves into her grandmother's cottage. Only the cottage hasn't been abandoned. A cranky goblin named Ren has been looking after it, squatting in the halfling world and making sure it didn't go to rot in a goblin's terms.
The two overcome their opposite natures and develop feelings for each other in this charming fantasy romance as they fix up the cottage and learn to live with each other's cultural differences (and of course there is just one bed, a trope I rarely see done in a not-ridiculous fashion).
In this case I felt their very real racial and cultural differences, and some very hurtful, deep-seated prejudice, were just too glossed over by cute banter and longing looks. These weren't just the simple misunderstandings that they were treated as, they were hurtful; like when Pansy smashed Ren's plants, or when Pansy gave Ren a flower crown, not knowing that it was a proposal in goblin culture (Oh it is! I guess I'll just marry you then because I'm so happy! was her essential response.)
And at the beginning, when they were still acrimonious, their friends thought they had a crush just because they were on a first-name basis with their roommate? Allosexuals are so weird.
I did enjoy the two of them together and thought they made a cute pair. I liked the way these two outcasts learned to work together, loved the descriptions of halfling cooking and goblin herbalism, and I loved Mushroom the cat and the pet pig.
But I felt the commitment to the cozy trope meant this could have been a great romance but instead was kind of a forgettable one. Their differences weren't just grumpy and sunshine, they were very high stakes differences that needed to be addressed in a high stakes manner. The prejudice was overly sanitized. So in the end I just got kind of bored and kept wondering if cozy fantasy really is the genre for me even though I keep picking them up, hoping for one to blow me away. I often seem to want more than a warm hug.
So in short: If you already love cozy fantasy you will find this charming, but this one just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It also has very little to do with the 00s rom com that inspired the title, so don't go in expecting a retelling.
Pansy, who has never fit in with her village with her eccentric ways and adventurous spirit, is a halfling who moves into her grandmother's cottage. Only the cottage hasn't been abandoned. A cranky goblin named Ren has been looking after it, squatting in the halfling world and making sure it didn't go to rot in a goblin's terms.
The two overcome their opposite natures and develop feelings for each other in this charming fantasy romance as they fix up the cottage and learn to live with each other's cultural differences (and of course there is just one bed, a trope I rarely see done in a not-ridiculous fashion).
In this case I felt their very real racial and cultural differences, and some very hurtful, deep-seated prejudice, were just too glossed over by cute banter and longing looks. These weren't just the simple misunderstandings that they were treated as, they were hurtful; like when Pansy smashed Ren's plants, or when Pansy gave Ren a flower crown, not knowing that it was a proposal in goblin culture (Oh it is! I guess I'll just marry you then because I'm so happy! was her essential response.)
And at the beginning, when they were still acrimonious, their friends thought they had a crush just because they were on a first-name basis with their roommate? Allosexuals are so weird.
I did enjoy the two of them together and thought they made a cute pair. I liked the way these two outcasts learned to work together, loved the descriptions of halfling cooking and goblin herbalism, and I loved Mushroom the cat and the pet pig.
But I felt the commitment to the cozy trope meant this could have been a great romance but instead was kind of a forgettable one. Their differences weren't just grumpy and sunshine, they were very high stakes differences that needed to be addressed in a high stakes manner. The prejudice was overly sanitized. So in the end I just got kind of bored and kept wondering if cozy fantasy really is the genre for me even though I keep picking them up, hoping for one to blow me away. I often seem to want more than a warm hug.
So in short: If you already love cozy fantasy you will find this charming, but this one just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm still trying really hard to decide how I feel about this book.
The premise of this book was really what pulled me to it. A coworker was also reading the arc and thought I might like it so I gave it a shot.
There are several pacing problems in this book. There are times that you are taking forever in a moment that feels very unimportant. A few pages later you have jumped in time and have no clue when you are in context to the story. This breaks the flow of the story pretty terribly. it leaves the reader scrambling to figure out if they misread something or accidentally skipped pages.
The characters are dealing with very unequal problems. It makes reading the book slightly odd just because one is a very serious real world problem and the other does not have the same weight or importance. The emotional weight doesn't make sense.
On top of everything the dialogue is incredibly juvenile to me. Very often while reading it felt like a middle grade novel rather than an adult fantasy. Very little of the book even feels like a fantasy book the way it's written in general. There was many a time that verbage used to describe a situation and/or the verbage used in dialogue felt like a contemporary situation. If I hadn't been reminded continuously Ren was a goblin and Pansy a halfling, I would have completely forgotten about it.
However the worst part was the amount of times I stopped reading to stare off into space with an invisible question mark over my head. Characters constantly made assumptions or decisions that made absolutely no logical sense in or out of the story. There are thoughts that are narrated to you as a reader that leave you going "But Why?" Unfortunately they are never quite explained, not that I think half of them can be.
The book as a whole feels unfinished at times and even though there were moments I found endearing, as a whole this book is not one I would like to revisit anytime soon.
The premise of this book was really what pulled me to it. A coworker was also reading the arc and thought I might like it so I gave it a shot.
There are several pacing problems in this book. There are times that you are taking forever in a moment that feels very unimportant. A few pages later you have jumped in time and have no clue when you are in context to the story. This breaks the flow of the story pretty terribly. it leaves the reader scrambling to figure out if they misread something or accidentally skipped pages.
The characters are dealing with very unequal problems. It makes reading the book slightly odd just because one is a very serious real world problem and the other does not have the same weight or importance. The emotional weight doesn't make sense.
On top of everything the dialogue is incredibly juvenile to me. Very often while reading it felt like a middle grade novel rather than an adult fantasy. Very little of the book even feels like a fantasy book the way it's written in general. There was many a time that verbage used to describe a situation and/or the verbage used in dialogue felt like a contemporary situation. If I hadn't been reminded continuously Ren was a goblin and Pansy a halfling, I would have completely forgotten about it.
However the worst part was the amount of times I stopped reading to stare off into space with an invisible question mark over my head. Characters constantly made assumptions or decisions that made absolutely no logical sense in or out of the story. There are thoughts that are narrated to you as a reader that leave you going "But Why?" Unfortunately they are never quite explained, not that I think half of them can be.
The book as a whole feels unfinished at times and even though there were moments I found endearing, as a whole this book is not one I would like to revisit anytime soon.
January 17, 2026
Oh, this book was so sweet. I always enjoy cozy, warm fantasy stories where the stakes aren’t too high and you can gently flow through the narrative. These days, I even prefer them to romantasies. This story follows Pansy and Ren, two unlikely friends who develop a gentle love and understanding despite tension between their clans.
I also have to point out the amazing narrator—she was fabulous and did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.
Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 4 stars
I also have to point out the amazing narrator—she was fabulous and did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.
Thank you to @HachetteAudio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Overall rating: 4 stars
November 8, 2025
Definitely consider this if you're after a super-sweet cottagecore fantasy romance, but I had some reservations.
I would have loved this to have another round of developmental editing. I liked the general premise -- a halfling inheriting her grandmother's cottage discovers that it has not, as thought, been left empty for 20+ years, but is in fact the new home to a goblin who has inherited a Caretaker role from their aunt. The two immediately clash in what might read as cute if you love a little light enemies to lovers action, but that's not my best trope, and I found their behaviour petty and childish. I also thought their serious cultural differences and racial history were then resolved much too easily in favour of getting to a kiss ... ditto the big climax which didn't really land for me as a convincing outcome given the weight of what had gone before.
I am in no way against cosy books, but I don't want the cosiness at the cost of thoughtful world-building, solid character development, and stakes that feel real to the protagonists & impact them consistently.
As a light, easy read, it has a kitten, and baking, and other typical cosy beats -- all fine. I just wanted more out of it personally.
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
I would have loved this to have another round of developmental editing. I liked the general premise -- a halfling inheriting her grandmother's cottage discovers that it has not, as thought, been left empty for 20+ years, but is in fact the new home to a goblin who has inherited a Caretaker role from their aunt. The two immediately clash in what might read as cute if you love a little light enemies to lovers action, but that's not my best trope, and I found their behaviour petty and childish. I also thought their serious cultural differences and racial history were then resolved much too easily in favour of getting to a kiss ... ditto the big climax which didn't really land for me as a convincing outcome given the weight of what had gone before.
I am in no way against cosy books, but I don't want the cosiness at the cost of thoughtful world-building, solid character development, and stakes that feel real to the protagonists & impact them consistently.
As a light, easy read, it has a kitten, and baking, and other typical cosy beats -- all fine. I just wanted more out of it personally.
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.
January 27, 2026
I’m sad because I was looking forward to this release, it sounded very refreshing. However after reading the first 25% I just can’t keep reading it. The writing is very heavy handed and the dialogue even worse. It feels like nothing can be subtle, for example the existing prejudices the two leads have. It doesn’t help that the plot is going at a snails pace. I could excuse that for an attempt at writing something “cosy” but something isn’t cosy just because of a slow plot. The two leads bicker like young children (not the charming kind). This is being miss marketed as adult when so far it feels very young adult even middle grade at times. If it goes on to have more adult themes I would almost be concerned as the writing style itself is what isn’t fitting the adult label. It’s a shame as there has clearly been an attempt at world building but it’s very heavily featured at the start which is often a way to bore a reader rather than intrigue them. I was fooled by the pretty cover.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 9, 2026
I really wanted to like this book but it just was so heavy handed on the racism bad, prejudice bad, people are more than the sum of their parts, that it took away any good aspects from the book. Because those topics can be AMAZING in a story, and add a lot of depth, but this was explored in such a shallow way that it was just annoying to read. The author had truly nothing new to bring to the table about these topics, or how they impact people, or even how they are formed and you slowly can change someones opinion over time. There was no nuance or depth provided. Just "hey, see how this sucks!"
I also just didn't care for the romance at all. The book skips forward weeks at a time and because of this it felt like there was no proper build up of connection between the two MC's at all. I don't know why they liked each other, they have barely anything in common.
All in all, this was a book that sounded cute and had a really nice chance to explore predjuice in an interesting and deep way while also building up a romance and friendship based on forced proximity, yet failed to deliver on any of the aspects it really promised by everything being very surface level.
I also just didn't care for the romance at all. The book skips forward weeks at a time and because of this it felt like there was no proper build up of connection between the two MC's at all. I don't know why they liked each other, they have barely anything in common.
All in all, this was a book that sounded cute and had a really nice chance to explore predjuice in an interesting and deep way while also building up a romance and friendship based on forced proximity, yet failed to deliver on any of the aspects it really promised by everything being very surface level.
December 23, 2025
(3.5 stars rounded up)
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a sweet, cozy fantasy that leans fully into low stakes and gentle vibes. The story is very simple, and like other cozy fantasy books, there is not a lot of plot heavy action going on. Still, it was engaging enough to keep me invested, especially in Pansy and Ren’s relationship. I genuinely laughed out loud at a few moments, which is always a win for me.
The pacing starts off on the slower side, but once Pansy and Ren’s relationship becomes more established, the story really picks up. I loved both of their characters and how they actively work against societal prejudice while trying to bring the halfling and goblin communities together. Reading from both POVs was enjoyable, and the little poems at the start of each chapter were such a lovely and charming touch.
The romance leans into the grumpy and sunshine trope, and it was undeniably sweet. That said, even for a cozy fantasy, the stakes felt very low. I went in expecting minimal drama or angst, but at times I found myself wishing there was just a bit more. I wanted more tension or more emotional payoff to deepen the impact.
Oh, and I cannot forget to mention the absolute cuteness explosion that happened when a cat named Mushroom appeared in the story. Truly adorable.
Overall, this was a great book for spring. Its brightness, warmth, and sunshine vibes are sure to brighten your day.
Thank you to Orbit Books US for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a sweet, cozy fantasy that leans fully into low stakes and gentle vibes. The story is very simple, and like other cozy fantasy books, there is not a lot of plot heavy action going on. Still, it was engaging enough to keep me invested, especially in Pansy and Ren’s relationship. I genuinely laughed out loud at a few moments, which is always a win for me.
The pacing starts off on the slower side, but once Pansy and Ren’s relationship becomes more established, the story really picks up. I loved both of their characters and how they actively work against societal prejudice while trying to bring the halfling and goblin communities together. Reading from both POVs was enjoyable, and the little poems at the start of each chapter were such a lovely and charming touch.
The romance leans into the grumpy and sunshine trope, and it was undeniably sweet. That said, even for a cozy fantasy, the stakes felt very low. I went in expecting minimal drama or angst, but at times I found myself wishing there was just a bit more. I wanted more tension or more emotional payoff to deepen the impact.
Oh, and I cannot forget to mention the absolute cuteness explosion that happened when a cat named Mushroom appeared in the story. Truly adorable.
Overall, this was a great book for spring. Its brightness, warmth, and sunshine vibes are sure to brighten your day.
Thank you to Orbit Books US for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 21, 2026
Review originally on JamReads
Hot To Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a cozy and fun romantasy written by Jessie Sylva, published by Orbit Books. A charming romantic comedy that reads as a love letter to the Middle Earth/The Hobbit, with a structure that nails the classical grumpy/sunshine archetype, creating a slow and cozy slowburn romance whose characters will steal your heart.
Pansy, a halfling from Haverow village, has always felt like an outsider, not fitting with the classic values expected of her, so when she receives her grandmother's woodsy cottage as inheritance, she immediately moves to live there. But there's a problem when she arrives: the cottage is already occupied, nonetheless by a goblin.
Ren has been appointed Caretaker of the abandoned cottage by their goblin clan, using it as a place to grow the food and supplies needed by the clan, especially with the problems they are experiencing.
Both residents consider themselves as the legitimate owner of the cottage, so they struck a deal: they'll live together until one of them gives up and moves. With both having their own reasons to stay, they will start a competition to drive the other crazy in order to stay in the cottage, but what they won't expect is to slowly start falling for the other.
Both main characters are absolutely lovely. Pansy is a good-hearted halfling, just trying to start a new life; even if she tries being petty to Ren to win the bet, we soon see how she is open-minded to start trying the new solutions offered by Ren. At the end, she's just trying to find a place where she fits, and once the unfair prejudices against goblins are put apart, we can see her accepting and starting to look Ren with other eyes.
Ren also has a fair share of prejudice against halflings, but there's nothing better to collapse those than living with Pansy; miscommunication with Pansy is a constant, but once opportunities are given, we can see how they are not so different.
A couple that has to work through centuries of misconceptions and preconceived ideas, but a romance that is well executed by the author, especially if we take into account how Sylva weaves into it ideas of tolerance and giving a chance to those different to us.
The novel is well-paced, quickly establishing the stakes to eventually make the story grow into something a bit different; it's cozy and full of fun moments, even if at some points, it might feel both characters are a bit childish.
How To Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a charming and cozy Romantasy, perfect if you are looking for a warm hug in the form of a book; want a fun rom-com? Totally a recommendation!
Hot To Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a cozy and fun romantasy written by Jessie Sylva, published by Orbit Books. A charming romantic comedy that reads as a love letter to the Middle Earth/The Hobbit, with a structure that nails the classical grumpy/sunshine archetype, creating a slow and cozy slowburn romance whose characters will steal your heart.
Pansy, a halfling from Haverow village, has always felt like an outsider, not fitting with the classic values expected of her, so when she receives her grandmother's woodsy cottage as inheritance, she immediately moves to live there. But there's a problem when she arrives: the cottage is already occupied, nonetheless by a goblin.
Ren has been appointed Caretaker of the abandoned cottage by their goblin clan, using it as a place to grow the food and supplies needed by the clan, especially with the problems they are experiencing.
Both residents consider themselves as the legitimate owner of the cottage, so they struck a deal: they'll live together until one of them gives up and moves. With both having their own reasons to stay, they will start a competition to drive the other crazy in order to stay in the cottage, but what they won't expect is to slowly start falling for the other.
Both main characters are absolutely lovely. Pansy is a good-hearted halfling, just trying to start a new life; even if she tries being petty to Ren to win the bet, we soon see how she is open-minded to start trying the new solutions offered by Ren. At the end, she's just trying to find a place where she fits, and once the unfair prejudices against goblins are put apart, we can see her accepting and starting to look Ren with other eyes.
Ren also has a fair share of prejudice against halflings, but there's nothing better to collapse those than living with Pansy; miscommunication with Pansy is a constant, but once opportunities are given, we can see how they are not so different.
A couple that has to work through centuries of misconceptions and preconceived ideas, but a romance that is well executed by the author, especially if we take into account how Sylva weaves into it ideas of tolerance and giving a chance to those different to us.
The novel is well-paced, quickly establishing the stakes to eventually make the story grow into something a bit different; it's cozy and full of fun moments, even if at some points, it might feel both characters are a bit childish.
How To Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a charming and cozy Romantasy, perfect if you are looking for a warm hug in the form of a book; want a fun rom-com? Totally a recommendation!
January 22, 2026
Pansy has never really felt at home in her small community. Adventurous, easily distractable, and often willing to rush to finish everything she does, she doesn't quite fit in with the meticulous halflings around her. Having her grandmothers cottage passed down to her, gives her an opportunity for escape and to start anew. Only it has a goblin inhabitant claiming it's theirs as well, and they aren't leaving.
*****
Oh my gosh this was absolutely adorable! I was really hoping for cozy fantasy vibes and this has it in spades. Pansy is chaotic, full of heart, and looking for a place where she can be loved and welcomed as she is. Ren is carrying the burden of their clan, trying to help them survive yet another year as fertile land becomes scarce. Their focus comes with a lot of guilt, food insecurity and judgement towards 'greedy' halflings, just as Pansy comes in with a frivolous eye towards meals, sharing a home, and upkeeping a halfling abode.
I loved the dual perspectives of how their own culture and beliefs had shaped them, and how their traditions could seem strange and offensive before realizing it was two sides of the same coin. The slow-growing of their bond was lovely, and it was sweet to see communication at the forefront, even when they were frustrated and emotional. Outside perspectives baring down on their own acceptance from both of their communities really spoke to the underlying (and lovely) queer edge to the story. The judgement, reluctance, and even pure acceptance depending on who they crossed paths with had this novel hold so much heart in its pages. I also genuinely loved that Ren was nonbinary, and initially thought it was simply a goblin trait, until we're introduced to the clan and side characters are casually described with he or she or they. It was such a simple way to include diverse leads and I adored every moment.
All in all, this is a warm and cozy read, with a slow-growing bond in an interesting world, with a smidge of drama and action woven in. If that's your vibe, you'll love this one!
*****
Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for the advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
Oh my gosh this was absolutely adorable! I was really hoping for cozy fantasy vibes and this has it in spades. Pansy is chaotic, full of heart, and looking for a place where she can be loved and welcomed as she is. Ren is carrying the burden of their clan, trying to help them survive yet another year as fertile land becomes scarce. Their focus comes with a lot of guilt, food insecurity and judgement towards 'greedy' halflings, just as Pansy comes in with a frivolous eye towards meals, sharing a home, and upkeeping a halfling abode.
I loved the dual perspectives of how their own culture and beliefs had shaped them, and how their traditions could seem strange and offensive before realizing it was two sides of the same coin. The slow-growing of their bond was lovely, and it was sweet to see communication at the forefront, even when they were frustrated and emotional. Outside perspectives baring down on their own acceptance from both of their communities really spoke to the underlying (and lovely) queer edge to the story. The judgement, reluctance, and even pure acceptance depending on who they crossed paths with had this novel hold so much heart in its pages. I also genuinely loved that Ren was nonbinary, and initially thought it was simply a goblin trait, until we're introduced to the clan and side characters are casually described with he or she or they. It was such a simple way to include diverse leads and I adored every moment.
All in all, this is a warm and cozy read, with a slow-growing bond in an interesting world, with a smidge of drama and action woven in. If that's your vibe, you'll love this one!
*****
Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for the advanced review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** ℌ𝔬𝔴 𝔱𝔬 𝔏𝔬𝔰𝔢 𝔞 𝔊𝔬𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔫 𝔦𝔫 𝔗𝔢𝔫 𝔇𝔞𝔶𝔰 𝔟𝔶 𝔍𝔢𝔰𝔰𝔦𝔢 𝔖𝔶𝔩𝔳𝔞
Release Date: January 20, 2026
4⭐️1🌶
This book was completely adorable. This book was obviously inspired by/set in Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings. From what I gleaned, this is the story of a young Halfling Pansy, 60 years after the fall of the Dark Lord.
Pansy has spent all of her adult life living with her Halfling parents. They were both horrified/traumatized by the attacks by Goblins and Orcs on all of the Shire communities prior to The Dark Lord's fall. They still fear Orcs and Goblins to this day, and would prefer their adult daughter to live with them until she is married to a very nice Halfling male.
Pansy can't stand staying at her parents any longer, so she makes her way to her Grandmother's Halfling burrow. Only to find that for the past 20 years it has been occupied by a goblin named Ren and his goblin clan.
Pansy couldn't be more shocked and horrified, but after talking with Ren decides that they can attempt to live together until one of them gives up and leaves. Pansy has decided that it will NOT be her.
This book brought me right back to all the warmth and magic of the Shire without all the horribleness of the Dark Lord. Pansy is as quick witted and obsessed with mushrooms as the next halfling and she's quite adorable and feisty. Ren is a bit gruffer around the edges, but it committed to keeping this home for his family, so they're not forced into working for another Dark Lord or similar. I highly recommend this for all Lord of the Rings fans.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Lord of the Rings Vibes
🍁Halflings/Goblins/Orcs/Dwarves
🍁Living in a hobbit hole/halfling burrow
🍁Hunting and gathering. Living simply
🍁Fiesty quick witted female
🍁Grumpy stubborn male
🍁60 years after the fall of the Dark Lord
🍁Dating non-human peoples
TW:
✨Mushroom obsession
✨Squatting
✨Fear of homelessness
✨Fear of poverty
✨Family shunning
✨Deep seated racism
Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC copy!
Release Date: January 20, 2026
4⭐️1🌶
This book was completely adorable. This book was obviously inspired by/set in Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings. From what I gleaned, this is the story of a young Halfling Pansy, 60 years after the fall of the Dark Lord.
Pansy has spent all of her adult life living with her Halfling parents. They were both horrified/traumatized by the attacks by Goblins and Orcs on all of the Shire communities prior to The Dark Lord's fall. They still fear Orcs and Goblins to this day, and would prefer their adult daughter to live with them until she is married to a very nice Halfling male.
Pansy can't stand staying at her parents any longer, so she makes her way to her Grandmother's Halfling burrow. Only to find that for the past 20 years it has been occupied by a goblin named Ren and his goblin clan.
Pansy couldn't be more shocked and horrified, but after talking with Ren decides that they can attempt to live together until one of them gives up and leaves. Pansy has decided that it will NOT be her.
This book brought me right back to all the warmth and magic of the Shire without all the horribleness of the Dark Lord. Pansy is as quick witted and obsessed with mushrooms as the next halfling and she's quite adorable and feisty. Ren is a bit gruffer around the edges, but it committed to keeping this home for his family, so they're not forced into working for another Dark Lord or similar. I highly recommend this for all Lord of the Rings fans.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Lord of the Rings Vibes
🍁Halflings/Goblins/Orcs/Dwarves
🍁Living in a hobbit hole/halfling burrow
🍁Hunting and gathering. Living simply
🍁Fiesty quick witted female
🍁Grumpy stubborn male
🍁60 years after the fall of the Dark Lord
🍁Dating non-human peoples
TW:
✨Mushroom obsession
✨Squatting
✨Fear of homelessness
✨Fear of poverty
✨Family shunning
✨Deep seated racism
Thank you to @netgalley for the ARC copy!
January 24, 2026
Many thanks to Orbit books for sending me an arc.
If you want an easy and not very dense read, this one’s for you.
For me, it was a tiny bit disappointing. I found the romance being very insta-lovey and the random decision at the end of the book was a tiny bit weird.
My main issue was that the book is too long for a cozy book with low stakes. A chapter shouldn’t be 40 pages, especially if in the said chapter almost nothing happens.
In the end, everything is fixed and everyone’s happy, but I didn’t care enough about the characters to rate this more than 3 stars.
I almost dnf-ed multiple times, but I pushed myself to finish it, even if all I wanted was to be done with it. I liked Ren more than I liked Pansy, I feel like her problems were more important and serious than the halflings issues.
Aside from that, it’s an easy read and cute. I liked how the main characters learned to work together and how everything was wrapped up.
I would’ve liked more details about the world, it was very beautifully written and I’m a fan of cottages in the middle of the forest.
If you want an easy and not very dense read, this one’s for you.
For me, it was a tiny bit disappointing. I found the romance being very insta-lovey and the random decision at the end of the book was a tiny bit weird.
My main issue was that the book is too long for a cozy book with low stakes. A chapter shouldn’t be 40 pages, especially if in the said chapter almost nothing happens.
In the end, everything is fixed and everyone’s happy, but I didn’t care enough about the characters to rate this more than 3 stars.
I almost dnf-ed multiple times, but I pushed myself to finish it, even if all I wanted was to be done with it. I liked Ren more than I liked Pansy, I feel like her problems were more important and serious than the halflings issues.
Aside from that, it’s an easy read and cute. I liked how the main characters learned to work together and how everything was wrapped up.
I would’ve liked more details about the world, it was very beautifully written and I’m a fan of cottages in the middle of the forest.
April 2, 2026
At first I thought I was really going to love this, and in theory, I should have, but there was something in the execution that made me struggle with it a little. The book starts off super funny, and there's plenty more hilarious moments throughout. I also did like the romance, but that's where my struggles come in. I felt like the progression from rivals to lovers happened off page for the most part, and that made it hard to feel fully invested in it. I felt like the story was fairly slow, and then a LOT happened in the last few chapters, which felt almost ridiculous. Overall, the pacing just didn't feel great.
February 15, 2026
for what it’s trying to be, i think this book is near perfect. we follow pansy, a halfling, and ren, a goblin, as they fight for the rights to the same cottage. for generations, halflings and goblins have been at odds, convinced the other is the worst thing to happen to the planet. despite their history, the two begin to fall in love and are then forced to reckon with their prejudices.
it seems to me that sometimes, when attempting a cozy fantasy, there can be little in the way of plot or stakes to keep the reader intrigued. not here! this book perfectly captures all there is to love about the genre while still presenting a storyline with plenty of appeal. the setting is pure magic. the author filled this story with descriptions of all sorts of plants, herbs, animals, and food. and the romance! the sweetest thing ever! this book if perfect for fans of enemies to lovers and forced proximity. i’ve gotten so bored of romance tropes over the years, but i thought this brought something really special to the genre. for once, the dialogue isn’t cringy and the things they’re saying make sense! of course the romance is at the center of the story, but because of the history between the two protagonists and their respective races, a larger story is being told about oppressed peoples acting as pawns for those in power and how a community coming together is the only way to justice.
it seems to me that sometimes, when attempting a cozy fantasy, there can be little in the way of plot or stakes to keep the reader intrigued. not here! this book perfectly captures all there is to love about the genre while still presenting a storyline with plenty of appeal. the setting is pure magic. the author filled this story with descriptions of all sorts of plants, herbs, animals, and food. and the romance! the sweetest thing ever! this book if perfect for fans of enemies to lovers and forced proximity. i’ve gotten so bored of romance tropes over the years, but i thought this brought something really special to the genre. for once, the dialogue isn’t cringy and the things they’re saying make sense! of course the romance is at the center of the story, but because of the history between the two protagonists and their respective races, a larger story is being told about oppressed peoples acting as pawns for those in power and how a community coming together is the only way to justice.
September 1, 2026
this was very wholesome. cheesy ending but cute. just felt like it would lose my attention sometimes but nothing too bad.
February 3, 2026
This was so so cute!!! I will eat up any cozy romantic fantasy, and this truly delivered. The pinning, the bickering, the banter. All rolled into a queer grumpy x sunshine.
We follow Pansy, a hafling who feels like an outsider in her own community. So when she inherits her grandmother’s cottage out in the woods, she decides to move in. Expecting to find a run down home on her arrival, she is instead surprised to find that it’s already being inhabited. By a goblin, a hafling’s sworn enemy. Ren claims that their clan owns the cottage as it was abandoned decades ago and they’ve been using it ever since. In order to solve this dispute, Ren and Pansy make a bargain. Whoever is driven out forfeits their ownership. What follows is a battle of wills that slowly turns into a simmering attraction.
I was so onboard with this romance. I loved how Ren and Pansy merged their cultures. It was so wholesome seeing them share their traditions and skills. The way Ren introduced Pansy to goblin ingredients she could use in her recipes. And Pansy introduced Ren to her knitting projects, the sweaters and the blankets they begrudgingly loved. I loved how open they were to understanding what made these interests so important to the other. And even though there were hiccups along the way, it was so cute how absolutely ernest they both were in their interest. Also the way I could not stop grinning over the entire union crown scene.
I wish we got to see more of Ren’s clan. We spend so much time with the halflings, so we mostly delve into Pansy’s arc and the influences she has to work through. I really connected with Ren, and I wanted a deeper insight into why they were so self sacrificing. It’s hinted at that they feel as though they owe their clan because they were taken in after their birth clan was destroyed. But we don’t really hear about how that happened, nor do we get a touching scene between Ren and their clan that soothes that feeling.
This book has some great messaging in it. Seeing how two species who held so much hate and prejudice for each other were able to put aside their differences and rewire their misconceptions. How they realized that they had more in common than they originally assumed. And that maybe their longstanding hatred was manufactured by outsiders who used their division to their advantage.
We follow Pansy, a hafling who feels like an outsider in her own community. So when she inherits her grandmother’s cottage out in the woods, she decides to move in. Expecting to find a run down home on her arrival, she is instead surprised to find that it’s already being inhabited. By a goblin, a hafling’s sworn enemy. Ren claims that their clan owns the cottage as it was abandoned decades ago and they’ve been using it ever since. In order to solve this dispute, Ren and Pansy make a bargain. Whoever is driven out forfeits their ownership. What follows is a battle of wills that slowly turns into a simmering attraction.
I was so onboard with this romance. I loved how Ren and Pansy merged their cultures. It was so wholesome seeing them share their traditions and skills. The way Ren introduced Pansy to goblin ingredients she could use in her recipes. And Pansy introduced Ren to her knitting projects, the sweaters and the blankets they begrudgingly loved. I loved how open they were to understanding what made these interests so important to the other. And even though there were hiccups along the way, it was so cute how absolutely ernest they both were in their interest. Also the way I could not stop grinning over the entire union crown scene.
I wish we got to see more of Ren’s clan. We spend so much time with the halflings, so we mostly delve into Pansy’s arc and the influences she has to work through. I really connected with Ren, and I wanted a deeper insight into why they were so self sacrificing. It’s hinted at that they feel as though they owe their clan because they were taken in after their birth clan was destroyed. But we don’t really hear about how that happened, nor do we get a touching scene between Ren and their clan that soothes that feeling.
This book has some great messaging in it. Seeing how two species who held so much hate and prejudice for each other were able to put aside their differences and rewire their misconceptions. How they realized that they had more in common than they originally assumed. And that maybe their longstanding hatred was manufactured by outsiders who used their division to their advantage.
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