What do you think?
Rate this book
Books & Broadswords, Volume One
This novella-length volume includes two romantic fantasy stories set in a shared world, each with a guaranteed happily ever after, plus a new bonus epilogue.
Books & Broadswords
The only thing Feora likes more than stealing the king’s gold is using it to buy books. But when a handsome, persistent knight interrupts her day, Feora must decide if saving his life is worth revealing her true nature.
Rocks & Rapiers
Zenira never wanted to sell her rock collection, but when the new landowner raises her rent, she’s out of options. Armed with a sketchy rumor about a collector who will pay for stones others might consider worthless, Zenira sets out, but she’s met with an icy scowl, a muddy manor, and the overwhelming urge to mend the mess—owner included.
Books & Broadswords
The only thing Feora likes more than stealing the king’s gold is using it to buy books. But when a handsome, persistent knight interrupts her day, Feora must decide if saving his life is worth revealing her true nature.
Rocks & Rapiers
Zenira never wanted to sell her rock collection, but when the new landowner raises her rent, she’s out of options. Armed with a sketchy rumor about a collector who will pay for stones others might consider worthless, Zenira sets out, but she’s met with an icy scowl, a muddy manor, and the overwhelming urge to mend the mess—owner included.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2024
110 people are currently reading
1055 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Mihalik
13 books2,158 followersJessie Mihalik has a degree in Computer Science and a love of all things geeky. A software engineer by trade, Jessie now writes full time from her home in Texas. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing co-op video games with her husband, trying out new board games, or reading books pulled from her overflowing bookshelves.
Sample chapters of all of my books are available on my website!
The Consortium Rebellion trilogy: Polaris Rising, Aurora Blazing, Chaos Reigning.
The Rogue Queen novellas: The Queen's Gambit, The Queen's Advantage, The Queen's Triumph.
Sample chapters of all of my books are available on my website!
The Consortium Rebellion trilogy: Polaris Rising, Aurora Blazing, Chaos Reigning.
The Rogue Queen novellas: The Queen's Gambit, The Queen's Advantage, The Queen's Triumph.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
June 20, 2024
If you love Jessie Mihalik, you should read this fun Romantasy novella.
Actually, if you enjoy Fantasy Romance at all, find 90 minutes to breeze through this fun, quick yarn.
Actually, if you enjoy Fantasy Romance at all, find 90 minutes to breeze through this fun, quick yarn.
June 21, 2024
can't say i liked it all that much, it wasn't that i disliked it and the idea was nice, but really it was a snippet without any depth or really anything super interesting or loveable characters. nothing to dislike BUT nothing to love and if you have anything else to read, then gamble and read that!
June 1, 2025
A quick, fun read. Two intersecting novellas complete with dragons and romance. I had previously enjoyed a romantic science fiction trilogy by this author, which inspired me to try this fantasy offering. The two stories were very similar, but very sweet. The two epilogues provided a crossover between them, which, while not necessary, was pleasant.
March 13, 2025
This book contains two novellas, Books & Broadswords and Rocks & Rapiers. They both are set in the same fantasy world, and have dragons, humans, and magic. I especially liked the first novella, but they're both good.
June 12, 2024
I’ve only ever read space opera by this author before so I really didn’t know what to expect but was expecting something similar in pacing and story to those just in novella form. This volume featured two very cute novellas and these were very different from anything I have read from the author before. These felt more like cozy mysteries without the mystery. Jessie always has amazing world building and these novellas do as well. The world she created was the best part of these. The romance and the stories themselves were so sugary sweet. There’s no real angst, no real conflict. The epilogues were spicy. A good read if you’re just wanting something short, sweet, and light.
November 8, 2025
Reread 11/7/25:
I enjoyed these two short stories just as much the second time around as the first. There is strong potential for a future story about at least one other shape-shifting dragon whom we meet in the second story. I really hope JM eventually writes a romantasy about him.
Review from 8/22/2024:
5 stars
Two interlinked, fairy-tale, romantasy short stories
The two romantasy short stories in this collection are both absolutely fantastic. It's amazing how complete the arc of the two romances are in such a short format. I also really enjoyed the fact that readers who want G-rated romance, with no on-stage sex, can avoid that by not reading the two bonus epilogues, and those of us who like a little spice get to revel in those wonderful, sensual epilogues. Something for everyone!
By the way, there is some lovely LGBTQ representation via several of the magical subcharacters.
If there is ever an audiobook recording for this book, I will definitely snatch it up. This book is a real keeper for me.
For fans of fairy-tale romantasy, you might enjoy the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey. I had been meaning to reread it, and this book makes me hungry to do so in the very near future.
I enjoyed these two short stories just as much the second time around as the first. There is strong potential for a future story about at least one other shape-shifting dragon whom we meet in the second story. I really hope JM eventually writes a romantasy about him.
Review from 8/22/2024:
5 stars
Two interlinked, fairy-tale, romantasy short stories
The two romantasy short stories in this collection are both absolutely fantastic. It's amazing how complete the arc of the two romances are in such a short format. I also really enjoyed the fact that readers who want G-rated romance, with no on-stage sex, can avoid that by not reading the two bonus epilogues, and those of us who like a little spice get to revel in those wonderful, sensual epilogues. Something for everyone!
By the way, there is some lovely LGBTQ representation via several of the magical subcharacters.
If there is ever an audiobook recording for this book, I will definitely snatch it up. This book is a real keeper for me.
For fans of fairy-tale romantasy, you might enjoy the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey. I had been meaning to reread it, and this book makes me hungry to do so in the very near future.
July 9, 2024
DNF at 77%. The first story started out okay, with a book hoarding dragon. But the stories are rather boring in my opinion.
I cherish a lot of low-stakes fantasy as a great respite from the difficulties of real life, but that doesn't mean the characters in those stories don't experience personal growth or are blatantly shallow.
I'm better quitting this now than put more time in it, when I'm clearly not enjoying the book.
I cherish a lot of low-stakes fantasy as a great respite from the difficulties of real life, but that doesn't mean the characters in those stories don't experience personal growth or are blatantly shallow.
I'm better quitting this now than put more time in it, when I'm clearly not enjoying the book.
July 7, 2024
I’m gonna need about twenty more of these, thanks.
July 13, 2024
This was cute, but a little bland and most likely easily forgotten.
December 18, 2024
These were both very fun, excited for more.
August 22, 2024
Two interlinked, fairy-tale, romantasy short stories
The two romantasy short stories in this collection are both absolutely fantastic. It's amazing how complete the arc of the two romances are in such a short format. I also really enjoyed the fact that readers who want G-rated romance, with no on-stage sex, can avoid that by not reading the two bonus epilogues, and those of us who like a little spice get to revel in those wonderful, sensual epilogues. Something for everyone!
By the way, there is some lovely LGBTQ representation via several of the magical subcharacters.
If there is ever an audiobook recording for this book, I will definitely snatch it up. This book is a real keeper for me.
For fans of fairy-tale romantasy, you might enjoy the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey. I had been meaning to reread it, and this book makes me hungry to do so in the very near future.
The two romantasy short stories in this collection are both absolutely fantastic. It's amazing how complete the arc of the two romances are in such a short format. I also really enjoyed the fact that readers who want G-rated romance, with no on-stage sex, can avoid that by not reading the two bonus epilogues, and those of us who like a little spice get to revel in those wonderful, sensual epilogues. Something for everyone!
By the way, there is some lovely LGBTQ representation via several of the magical subcharacters.
If there is ever an audiobook recording for this book, I will definitely snatch it up. This book is a real keeper for me.
For fans of fairy-tale romantasy, you might enjoy the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey. I had been meaning to reread it, and this book makes me hungry to do so in the very near future.
July 6, 2024
Oh.My.Gosh. I kinda loved these two stories. Actually, there's no kinda about it. Feora and her knight and Zenira and her cranky collector made my day. There's a little possessiveness (kidding, there's a lot of possessiveness) and maybe a little handwringing as certain individuals worried about taking away the free will of their potential special someone and I LOVED IT.
First up, Feora. Feora who likes books. Feora who slowly starts to think the knight who crosses her path is nothing like any of the other knights she's had the misfortune of dealing with. Feora who is honorable and just wants to be left in peace. Until Ansel, that is. Only she needs to make sure that he's sure about what he wants before she's willing to make any moves. *le sigh*
Then there's Zenira. She's in a bad situation and she's maybe a little desperate. Which is the only reason she's sets out for the cranky collector's manor with her horde of precious rocks. Striking a deal with the collector opens up a whole world of possibilities. For both her and him.
Some stolen gold, a knight with a mile-wide streak of honor, a lady who just wants to shelve some books, a manor in dire need of some TLC, rocks, snowstorms, magic, a grump of a collector, and a lady who can't help but tidy up. It turns out that possessive individuals with collections and magic do it for me. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
First up, Feora. Feora who likes books. Feora who slowly starts to think the knight who crosses her path is nothing like any of the other knights she's had the misfortune of dealing with. Feora who is honorable and just wants to be left in peace. Until Ansel, that is. Only she needs to make sure that he's sure about what he wants before she's willing to make any moves. *le sigh*
Then there's Zenira. She's in a bad situation and she's maybe a little desperate. Which is the only reason she's sets out for the cranky collector's manor with her horde of precious rocks. Striking a deal with the collector opens up a whole world of possibilities. For both her and him.
Some stolen gold, a knight with a mile-wide streak of honor, a lady who just wants to shelve some books, a manor in dire need of some TLC, rocks, snowstorms, magic, a grump of a collector, and a lady who can't help but tidy up. It turns out that possessive individuals with collections and magic do it for me. GOOD TIMES!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 23, 2024
This was fun, and light, and quick.
I didn’t know what to expect since I adore her space opera, but Romantasy? It’s not really my jam. But Jessie Mihalik is my jam.
You guys. This is so cute and I seriously smiled the entire first story. Literally just smiled.
The epilogues were fabulous, and I love how they entwined.
I like the lightness. Sometimes you need a low/moderate angst book that makes you happy, and for me, this was it!
Quick reads, Light and fluffy, and just so fun!
I didn’t know what to expect since I adore her space opera, but Romantasy? It’s not really my jam. But Jessie Mihalik is my jam.
You guys. This is so cute and I seriously smiled the entire first story. Literally just smiled.
The epilogues were fabulous, and I love how they entwined.
I like the lightness. Sometimes you need a low/moderate angst book that makes you happy, and for me, this was it!
Quick reads, Light and fluffy, and just so fun!
July 21, 2024
These novellas were so sweet and cute! I loved them. I even chuckled a few times. I hope she does end up writing more ^_^
January 21, 2025
This was saved by Baldric and Zenira's story. But even then, every character was pretty one dimensional and each story was a poorly done shadow of what the premise could have been.
Give me the dark back story for each dragon and 400 more pages of world and relationship building to make the sickly sweet ending seem worth it! (2.5/5)
Give me the dark back story for each dragon and 400 more pages of world and relationship building to make the sickly sweet ending seem worth it! (2.5/5)
August 20, 2024
Short and sweet. Loved it!
December 22, 2024
Cute stories, but they lack the depth of character I love about Mihalik’s books.
October 24, 2024
4 stars
Fun, warm and cozy, Books and Broadswords is exactly what I need when my body so hurt because of period cramps, lol.
I'm already familiar with Jessie Mihalik's work especially her space opera series, Consortium Rebellion. Her books is fun, complete with ass kicking heroines and badass heroes that love them. This is the first time I discover that Mihalik write fantasy romance (still refuse to call it romantasy). Books and Broadswords consist of two novellas that loosely connected in the end. Apparently, Mihalik publish the short story first to her web and then publish it in 1 book and add some epilogues.
Personally I like the second novella, Rocks and Rapiers compared to Books & Broadswords. Books & Broadswords remind me of some fantasy shojo manga that I'd read although it less juvenile. Both novellas are low stake, with Rocks and Rapiers is more fleshed out and longer than Books & Broadswords. Characters in both novellas are charming. Ansel, a beta cinnamon roll knights with his Lady Dragon, Feora, their story might be little simple but I still enjoy their relationship and how their story end is full of warm feeling. While sassy and feisty Hearth Witch Zenira charm the sulky manor owner called Baldric with her insistence to clean his huge manor. Oh, Baldric also a dragon, and like Feora, he can shapeshift into human. I think Zenira's hearth witch ability also unique because she feel restless if she discovered dirt and dust in the home. A handy ability to have for sure.
While the novellas's steaminess mostly just fade to black with hints of sexyyy times here and there, the bonus epilogue is when the smut happen. Explicitly of course. With details. So if you don't like a detailed smut scene, you can skip the bonus epilogue. Me? Heh, it will be crazy if I skip it and Mihalik did deliver. Not only the bonus epilogue have smuts, its also written from Ansel's PoV and Baldric's PoV. We will see that dragons are jealous and possessive af. A little bit control freak, but still bearable to read. IMHO, I like Ansel & Feora bonus epilogue rather than Baldric and Zenira, maybe because their novella written shorter.
Books and Broadswords is a anthology that I can see read it again in the future. Since the book have "volume one" of its title, I wonder if Mihalik will write about more dragon. Especially the story about Malaki, the mysterious dragon that also know Feora and Baldric. If you in the mood for fantasy romance with veryyy low stake, focus more on romance and have warm also cozy vibes, Books and Broadswords is a must read.
Fun, warm and cozy, Books and Broadswords is exactly what I need when my body so hurt because of period cramps, lol.
I'm already familiar with Jessie Mihalik's work especially her space opera series, Consortium Rebellion. Her books is fun, complete with ass kicking heroines and badass heroes that love them. This is the first time I discover that Mihalik write fantasy romance (still refuse to call it romantasy). Books and Broadswords consist of two novellas that loosely connected in the end. Apparently, Mihalik publish the short story first to her web and then publish it in 1 book and add some epilogues.
Personally I like the second novella, Rocks and Rapiers compared to Books & Broadswords. Books & Broadswords remind me of some fantasy shojo manga that I'd read although it less juvenile. Both novellas are low stake, with Rocks and Rapiers is more fleshed out and longer than Books & Broadswords. Characters in both novellas are charming. Ansel, a beta cinnamon roll knights with his Lady Dragon, Feora, their story might be little simple but I still enjoy their relationship and how their story end is full of warm feeling. While sassy and feisty Hearth Witch Zenira charm the sulky manor owner called Baldric with her insistence to clean his huge manor. Oh, Baldric also a dragon, and like Feora, he can shapeshift into human. I think Zenira's hearth witch ability also unique because she feel restless if she discovered dirt and dust in the home. A handy ability to have for sure.
While the novellas's steaminess mostly just fade to black with hints of sexyyy times here and there, the bonus epilogue is when the smut happen. Explicitly of course. With details. So if you don't like a detailed smut scene, you can skip the bonus epilogue. Me? Heh, it will be crazy if I skip it and Mihalik did deliver. Not only the bonus epilogue have smuts, its also written from Ansel's PoV and Baldric's PoV. We will see that dragons are jealous and possessive af. A little bit control freak, but still bearable to read. IMHO, I like Ansel & Feora bonus epilogue rather than Baldric and Zenira, maybe because their novella written shorter.
Books and Broadswords is a anthology that I can see read it again in the future. Since the book have "volume one" of its title, I wonder if Mihalik will write about more dragon. Especially the story about Malaki, the mysterious dragon that also know Feora and Baldric. If you in the mood for fantasy romance with veryyy low stake, focus more on romance and have warm also cozy vibes, Books and Broadswords is a must read.
June 13, 2024
Books & Broadswords
- gosh how did a 50 page novella get me to feel the feels like.. twice? Three times? Yet the last book I read, which was 328 pages, I felt nothing? How??? Hahah. I do love the way Mihalik writes. What a cute and fluffy novella. I would consider rereading this just for the fluff.
- I also liked that the FMC was the dragon, not the MMC.
- What a nice little pick me up.
✅ feels
Rocks & Rapiers
- If I thought the first was fluffy… wow this was even fluffier. Zero angst, all fluffy sweetness.
- I liked how they bet on CLEANING lol. How freaking wholesome.
❌ feels
Overall
- I liked both… such a nice little palate cleanser novella set. I looooved the first novella and will probably reread it at some point.
- gosh how did a 50 page novella get me to feel the feels like.. twice? Three times? Yet the last book I read, which was 328 pages, I felt nothing? How??? Hahah. I do love the way Mihalik writes. What a cute and fluffy novella. I would consider rereading this just for the fluff.
- I also liked that the FMC was the dragon, not the MMC.
- What a nice little pick me up.
✅ feels
Rocks & Rapiers
- If I thought the first was fluffy… wow this was even fluffier. Zero angst, all fluffy sweetness.
- I liked how they bet on CLEANING lol. How freaking wholesome.
❌ feels
Overall
- I liked both… such a nice little palate cleanser novella set. I looooved the first novella and will probably reread it at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
The two stories in Books & Broadswords were both fun, sweet and surprisingly unique. I loved that we got hearth magic and a grumpy female dragon. I can’t wait for Jessie Mihalik’s first full length fantasy romance to come out!
MF & MF, dragons knights & witches, age gap, grumpy sunshine
“Let’s get one thing straight, Lady Dragon,” he growled. “I knew you were it for me from your very first scowl.”
MF & MF, dragons knights & witches, age gap, grumpy sunshine
“Let’s get one thing straight, Lady Dragon,” he growled. “I knew you were it for me from your very first scowl.”
November 26, 2024
I really enjoyed the second novella in this volume. I thought it was a perfect balance of plot and character development that made sense for the length of the story. I actually liked how short and sweet it was, even if I would have enjoyed more of Baldric and Zenira. Their relationship had great chemistry and wasn’t too insta lovey unlike the first story in this volume.
March 10, 2025
I quite liked these two short stories/novellas featuring two different couples. There were epilogues for each at the end that featured all of them together at an event. I didn't care for the epilogues as much, but this was still a fun read.
August 25, 2025
I'm usually not a fan of novellas (too short) but these two stories were cute. I admit to definitely liking the second story way more than the first (especially since it got me in the mood to clean my house) but love how each dragon has their own type of hoard.
June 26, 2024
Not quite the caliber of writing I've come to expect from this queen of space operas but still fun, sweet little romantasy stories to pass the time with. Would definitely enjoy more like this.
August 23, 2024
Sweet stories and here’s hoping there’s a sequel so we get Malaki’s story
December 2, 2024
This was so cute and fun and sweet. Played a huge role in getting me out of a reading slump. If paranormal romance is your thing, you should consider picking it up.
January 30, 2025
4 🌟 very fun to read, assistant to the villian vibes. Quick but good.
February 7, 2025
Liked the first story, a light read
October 9, 2025
Absolutely loved both
First was my favorite just bc of the trope reversal but I want more in general
First was my favorite just bc of the trope reversal but I want more in general
June 23, 2024
Delightful! I followed these on the blog while in progress and enjoyed them. These polished and expanded versions are much better. Romantasy at it's best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews