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Tales of Trelvania #1
Tavern Tale
What if the side quest is really the main quest?
Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls, has chased the thief who stole her talisman across half of Trelvania. The talisman is the key to accessing her magic well, and without it, she is powerless. While chasing her betrayer, former girlfriend, and servant of the Goddess of Condemnation, Divine meets Saph, a flirty tavern owner with an eyepatch and a proposition. Saph will help Divine locate her talisman if Divine helps her complete a mysterious quest in a chest.
Inspired by RPGs and set in scenic autumn, prepare for an adventure with gods and goddesses, deceitful exes, axe throwing, and fantastical creatures. Can Divine learn to trust again and find romance in the middle of finding her magic?
Genres: Fantasy / Fantasy / Cozy / LGBT / Sapphic / Lesbian
Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls, has chased the thief who stole her talisman across half of Trelvania. The talisman is the key to accessing her magic well, and without it, she is powerless. While chasing her betrayer, former girlfriend, and servant of the Goddess of Condemnation, Divine meets Saph, a flirty tavern owner with an eyepatch and a proposition. Saph will help Divine locate her talisman if Divine helps her complete a mysterious quest in a chest.
Inspired by RPGs and set in scenic autumn, prepare for an adventure with gods and goddesses, deceitful exes, axe throwing, and fantastical creatures. Can Divine learn to trust again and find romance in the middle of finding her magic?
Genres: Fantasy / Fantasy / Cozy / LGBT / Sapphic / Lesbian
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
12 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Kristina W. Kelly
6 books39 followersSince childhood, writing stories on her mother's typewriter or trying to catalog her own books like a library, Kristina has been in love with storytelling. Her undergraduate pursuits focused on Psychology, Music, and Computer Science. With trumpet as her main instrument and a connection to nature, Kristina often works music and visual landscapes into her writings.
Several of Kristina's recent short stories received honorable mentions from the Writers of the Future contest, including 2023 2nd Quarter Semi-Finalist and 2023 3rd Quarter Silver Honorable Mention. Her poem "City Story" received third place in the Poetry Society of Indiana's 2022 Hoosier Heritage Award.
Kristina currently resides in Indiana with her husband and sons. In her spare time, she takes photography, makes various crafts, plays video games (RPGs are her favorite), dabbles in other instruments, and tends to her flower garden. She loves going on new adventures in the great wide somewhere (sometimes just by picking up a new book).
Several of Kristina's recent short stories received honorable mentions from the Writers of the Future contest, including 2023 2nd Quarter Semi-Finalist and 2023 3rd Quarter Silver Honorable Mention. Her poem "City Story" received third place in the Poetry Society of Indiana's 2022 Hoosier Heritage Award.
Kristina currently resides in Indiana with her husband and sons. In her spare time, she takes photography, makes various crafts, plays video games (RPGs are her favorite), dabbles in other instruments, and tends to her flower garden. She loves going on new adventures in the great wide somewhere (sometimes just by picking up a new book).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 16, 2024
I absolutely adore Saph and Divine. As a massive D&D and Legends & Lattes fan I absolutely devoured this book.
The magic system is so interesting and added a layer of mystery and intrigue that I kind of missed in Legends & Lattes.
While I whole-heartedly give this book 5/5 stars I do need to say that I feel like in the beginning I was very lost. Luckily at some point I started being pulled into the story and the lore.
I need more of them and more of this world!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The magic system is so interesting and added a layer of mystery and intrigue that I kind of missed in Legends & Lattes.
While I whole-heartedly give this book 5/5 stars I do need to say that I feel like in the beginning I was very lost. Luckily at some point I started being pulled into the story and the lore.
I need more of them and more of this world!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2024
if i had to sum up tavern tale in one word, it’s cozy. it's the kind of book that wraps you in a sense of comfort while still delivering a solid adventure. it’s cozy fantasy at its finest, blending magic, sapphic romance, and gods with just enough intrigue to keep you hooked.
the story follows divine, a healer on a mission to recover her stolen talisman, which is the key to her magic. her journey leads her to saph, a one-eyed tavern owner with a knack for axe throwing and a mysterious quest of her own. together, they strike a deal to help each other, setting the stage for a whirlwind of gods, deceitful exes, and fantastical creatures.
one of the standout aspects of this book is its intricate magic and religion systems. kelly packs a lot of detail into a relatively short story, giving the world depth without bogging down the pacing. the various gods, their roles, and how their followers interact with them create a rich backdrop. while the physical worldbuilding—like descriptions of the towns or landscapes—felt a little underdeveloped, it didn’t detract much from the overall vibe. the focus is clearly on the characters and their journey, and that’s where the story shines.
divine and saph’s relationship is beautifully woven into the narrative. it doesn’t overpower the main plot or feel rushed; instead, it develops naturally alongside their shared adventures. divine’s guarded nature and saph’s playful confidence create a dynamic that’s both engaging and believable. their growing bond feels like an integral part of the story rather than an add-on, and it complements the action without overshadowing it.
for fans of rpg-inspired adventures with a dash of sapphic romance, tavern tale delivers a cozy, heartfelt read. it’s perfect for anyone who loves a mix of flirty banter, magical quests, and the kind of partnership that feels like two puzzle pieces clicking into place.
thank you, @booksirens and @kristinawkelly, for the e-arc. 🩷
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
the story follows divine, a healer on a mission to recover her stolen talisman, which is the key to her magic. her journey leads her to saph, a one-eyed tavern owner with a knack for axe throwing and a mysterious quest of her own. together, they strike a deal to help each other, setting the stage for a whirlwind of gods, deceitful exes, and fantastical creatures.
one of the standout aspects of this book is its intricate magic and religion systems. kelly packs a lot of detail into a relatively short story, giving the world depth without bogging down the pacing. the various gods, their roles, and how their followers interact with them create a rich backdrop. while the physical worldbuilding—like descriptions of the towns or landscapes—felt a little underdeveloped, it didn’t detract much from the overall vibe. the focus is clearly on the characters and their journey, and that’s where the story shines.
divine and saph’s relationship is beautifully woven into the narrative. it doesn’t overpower the main plot or feel rushed; instead, it develops naturally alongside their shared adventures. divine’s guarded nature and saph’s playful confidence create a dynamic that’s both engaging and believable. their growing bond feels like an integral part of the story rather than an add-on, and it complements the action without overshadowing it.
for fans of rpg-inspired adventures with a dash of sapphic romance, tavern tale delivers a cozy, heartfelt read. it’s perfect for anyone who loves a mix of flirty banter, magical quests, and the kind of partnership that feels like two puzzle pieces clicking into place.
thank you, @booksirens and @kristinawkelly, for the e-arc. 🩷
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
October 15, 2025
3.5 Stars
The fantasy part of the book was quite substantial. However, the middle and last part of the story felt rushed like fast forward-ing a TikTok video because… I’m not really sure why actually. Why are we not exploring and expounding the story into a fully realised novel because imo there was a lot of potential. Highlighting parts of the goddesses, backstories of villains, etc. Anyway, I am but a reader, so my opinion doesn’t really matter. My point is, it felt like a lot of missed opportunities but still, it was a nice read.
The fantasy part of the book was quite substantial. However, the middle and last part of the story felt rushed like fast forward-ing a TikTok video because… I’m not really sure why actually. Why are we not exploring and expounding the story into a fully realised novel because imo there was a lot of potential. Highlighting parts of the goddesses, backstories of villains, etc. Anyway, I am but a reader, so my opinion doesn’t really matter. My point is, it felt like a lot of missed opportunities but still, it was a nice read.
December 11, 2024
Tavern Tale is the perfect book to read during the cozier seasons of fall and winter. It isn't excessively long and could be read during the course of a dreary afternoon while nursing a hot cup of tea. Fans of TTRPGs (particularly D&D and Crtitical Role) or choose your own adventure-esque stories will be drawn to this quick read. The novel features light spice, an elaborate religion and magic system, and finishes like the sweet treat that it is. I adored seeing a sapphic romance in a queernormative world and disability rep, particularly the acceptance of their disability. I hope to see more of Saph and Divine, maybe this time from Saph's POV? :)
January 6, 2025
“I’ll bring the might, you bring the magic.”
Divine is getting over how her ex betrayed and hunting down the root of her magic. Saph is flirty, sweet, and wants adventure and gold--and Divine, mostly Divine.
This book reminds me of a one shot in DnD that you know is going to be a part of a major part of a campaign. As story unfolds, the world becomes more complex, more layered and I know there is so much to be explored.
Divine's struggle with her magic and how it ties to her Goddess and the pantheon as a whole really spoke to me.
My only complaint about this book is that I want more! I can't wait to see what Kristina has in store for Saph and Divine.
When he pulled them forward, he was clutching an axe in each hand.
A sigh huffed from Saph. “Why do they always think two is better than one?”
Rating - 5/5
Pub style - Indie(Small Press)
Legnth - 172 pages
Format - eARC
Release Date - Jan 7, 2025
Favorite Character - Leafy
Divine is getting over how her ex betrayed and hunting down the root of her magic. Saph is flirty, sweet, and wants adventure and gold--and Divine, mostly Divine.
This book reminds me of a one shot in DnD that you know is going to be a part of a major part of a campaign. As story unfolds, the world becomes more complex, more layered and I know there is so much to be explored.
Divine's struggle with her magic and how it ties to her Goddess and the pantheon as a whole really spoke to me.
My only complaint about this book is that I want more! I can't wait to see what Kristina has in store for Saph and Divine.
When he pulled them forward, he was clutching an axe in each hand.
A sigh huffed from Saph. “Why do they always think two is better than one?”
Rating - 5/5
Pub style - Indie(Small Press)
Legnth - 172 pages
Format - eARC
Release Date - Jan 7, 2025
Favorite Character - Leafy
January 8, 2025
Fantasy has always been one of my favorite genres to watch but I’ve had a hard time finding fantasy books that feel the same. So many of them are epically long, world building/changing book series. These are great - don’t get me wrong. But sometimes I just want a single serving. A fun, fantastical story I can finish reading in a couple of days, not a couple of months. Tavern Tale meets this criteria perfectly.
Divine is on a quest to find her magic talisman - a locket that was stolen by her ex. She has been tracking her for six months, from town to town, and finally luck has turned her way when she meets Saph. Divine lived a fairly sheltered life before setting out on this adventure. The folx she meets and the things she sees and learns chip away at many of the ideas she holds as truths.
Saph is the adventure loving tavern owner that turns Divine’s head. Saph is flirty, quick witted and has formed beliefs completely different from Divine’s. Her life has not been sheltered and she has the scars to prove it.
The characters are well developed and a lot of fun. The world building is limited to the town and the locations the MCs travel - which is perfect for story of this length. The overall magic world and how it plays into the broader world is not really addressed. The focus is on Divine’s magic, its effects on her and how she uses it. But again, this works perfectly in this instance.
Tavern Tale is an amazing fantasy story with a sapphic, opposites attract romance undertone that is perfect for hard core fantasy lovers, as well as the more lighthearted fans.
Divine is on a quest to find her magic talisman - a locket that was stolen by her ex. She has been tracking her for six months, from town to town, and finally luck has turned her way when she meets Saph. Divine lived a fairly sheltered life before setting out on this adventure. The folx she meets and the things she sees and learns chip away at many of the ideas she holds as truths.
Saph is the adventure loving tavern owner that turns Divine’s head. Saph is flirty, quick witted and has formed beliefs completely different from Divine’s. Her life has not been sheltered and she has the scars to prove it.
The characters are well developed and a lot of fun. The world building is limited to the town and the locations the MCs travel - which is perfect for story of this length. The overall magic world and how it plays into the broader world is not really addressed. The focus is on Divine’s magic, its effects on her and how she uses it. But again, this works perfectly in this instance.
Tavern Tale is an amazing fantasy story with a sapphic, opposites attract romance undertone that is perfect for hard core fantasy lovers, as well as the more lighthearted fans.
January 13, 2025
If you liked Legends and Lattes, but were hoping for more adventure with high stakes and more spice, Tavern Tale is the book for you!
This cozy, sapphic fantasy novel is based on RPGs and is full of magic, intricate world building, a religious system based on goddesses, and magical creatures. It takes place in Autumn in the relm of Trelvania.
Divine is a follower of the Goddess of Soul and has been trying to track down her ex, Madeline, who betrayed her and stole her talisman. Without it, she can't use her magic.
She ends up at the Sultry Sapphire tavern and meets Saph, the beautiful, extremely flirty owner. Saph has a mysterious chest, complete with map and the promise of a reward. She strikes a deal with Divine, she'll help her recover her talisman if she helps Saph find the treasure.
Along the way, romance blooms, adventure ensues, and the side quest becomes the main quest. Saph and Divine are really sweet together and the spice level was perfect.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was well written, the characters had a lot of depth, and the world was very immersive. I definitely recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This cozy, sapphic fantasy novel is based on RPGs and is full of magic, intricate world building, a religious system based on goddesses, and magical creatures. It takes place in Autumn in the relm of Trelvania.
Divine is a follower of the Goddess of Soul and has been trying to track down her ex, Madeline, who betrayed her and stole her talisman. Without it, she can't use her magic.
She ends up at the Sultry Sapphire tavern and meets Saph, the beautiful, extremely flirty owner. Saph has a mysterious chest, complete with map and the promise of a reward. She strikes a deal with Divine, she'll help her recover her talisman if she helps Saph find the treasure.
Along the way, romance blooms, adventure ensues, and the side quest becomes the main quest. Saph and Divine are really sweet together and the spice level was perfect.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was well written, the characters had a lot of depth, and the world was very immersive. I definitely recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2025
I received an ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
What a fun world this is. Its literally dripping with atmosphere and from the very first page, you'll find yourself immersed in a very D&D-inspired world. I swore I could hear the clattering plates, the smoke, the smell of roasting meats. The descriptions are not overwhelming but they are powerful!
There's also some great disabled and LGBTQIA+ representation in here. Since I'm not part of either, I can only report that I thought it was done well, with great respect.
Then we have some great worldbuilding especially in reference to religion and magic. I love when even the characters aren't experts on their own beliefs and we get a ton of that here—along with questioning, doubt, and a rather fun shaking of one’s foundations of what they thought the world was.
Then there's our main couple, Saph and Divine. These two really compliment each other. They're the type of couple you'd meet and think “No way will they work out” but as you got to know them, would realize that the ONLY person right for them is each other. They have a respect for one another that I truly adore and it was a pleasure to go on their adventure.
What a fun world this is. Its literally dripping with atmosphere and from the very first page, you'll find yourself immersed in a very D&D-inspired world. I swore I could hear the clattering plates, the smoke, the smell of roasting meats. The descriptions are not overwhelming but they are powerful!
There's also some great disabled and LGBTQIA+ representation in here. Since I'm not part of either, I can only report that I thought it was done well, with great respect.
Then we have some great worldbuilding especially in reference to religion and magic. I love when even the characters aren't experts on their own beliefs and we get a ton of that here—along with questioning, doubt, and a rather fun shaking of one’s foundations of what they thought the world was.
Then there's our main couple, Saph and Divine. These two really compliment each other. They're the type of couple you'd meet and think “No way will they work out” but as you got to know them, would realize that the ONLY person right for them is each other. They have a respect for one another that I truly adore and it was a pleasure to go on their adventure.
December 29, 2024
This was such a cute, cozy, magical, sapphic, fantasy book that I just devoured. You get an amazing mix of coziness but also adventure and a really interesting magical system with the addition of gods of goddesses. The story keeps you interested the whole way and it’s quite easy to follow. I loved the way Saph and Divines relationship developed naturally and it wasn’t overpowering. I loved how Saph confident and playful nature challenged Divines guarded nature as you see these two connect throughout their adventure together. The characters and creatures you meet along the way are interesting and I really enjoyed the way this author told their story, it was descriptive without being bulky and I just really enjoyed it.
Representation and things to love:
Sapphic Romance
Cozy Fantasy
Interesting magic system
Addictive adventure
Disability rep (Saph wears an eye patch due to previous injury and has a congenital deformity of the hand)
Representation and things to love:
Sapphic Romance
Cozy Fantasy
Interesting magic system
Addictive adventure
Disability rep (Saph wears an eye patch due to previous injury and has a congenital deformity of the hand)
April 1, 2025
This was a fun, whimsical story of untapped magics, finding love and adventures! I loved Divine and Saph! Saph was just what Divine needed in more ways than one. The world building was interesting and grew as the story unfolded. I could see so much more happening for these two! Recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 21, 2025
I liked this novel. There were a lot of great elements to it, although not everything landed perfectly. This was an incredibly rich and full novel with a lot of worldbuilding packed into a small package. I think they did a reasonably good job of avoiding infodumping, but it’s a fine line sometimes in a novel as short as this one. I am very interested in reading more from this world, if its out there.
I found that everything in this novel was good, but a little light (which isn’t a significant criticism!). The romance was sweet, but a little underdeveloped. The plotline(s) were very interesting but only scratched the surface of the mysteries that they started to uncover. I would LOVE to read a re-write of this novel that’s twice as long and has more details, but I obviously don’t expect that will ever exist. I would recommend this novel for sure; it was a good read and very enjoyable. Particularly for fantasy readers; the amount of worldbuilding might be a bit much for someone who isn’t used to reading fantasy.
My Rating: “B“
Converted Rating: 4-Stars
When I picked this (based on the blurb) I expected a low-stakes and easygoing novel, such as Legends and Lattes. This ended up having a lot more action and higher stakes than I expected as a result. This isn’t a bad thing, but maybe a comment on the marketing.
Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
I found that everything in this novel was good, but a little light (which isn’t a significant criticism!). The romance was sweet, but a little underdeveloped. The plotline(s) were very interesting but only scratched the surface of the mysteries that they started to uncover. I would LOVE to read a re-write of this novel that’s twice as long and has more details, but I obviously don’t expect that will ever exist. I would recommend this novel for sure; it was a good read and very enjoyable. Particularly for fantasy readers; the amount of worldbuilding might be a bit much for someone who isn’t used to reading fantasy.
My Rating: “B“
Converted Rating: 4-Stars
When I picked this (based on the blurb) I expected a low-stakes and easygoing novel, such as Legends and Lattes. This ended up having a lot more action and higher stakes than I expected as a result. This isn’t a bad thing, but maybe a comment on the marketing.
Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
February 4, 2025
Kelly crafts a cozy, fantasy world set against the backdrop of autumn that fulfills that promise as much as it sets itself up as a journey toward self-discovery. It is sapphic. It is inspired by RPGs. It is fantasy. It has axe throwing. It does have fantastical creatures. If any of these are your vibe then Tavern Tale could be a possible read for you.
I should have loved this book, but I just couldn’t feel aligned with the characters or the plot and one thing I really wish was more developed was the magic system and how it worked. I don’t really know anything important about Divine even though she muses a lot and I felt that Saph’s sharing was just to fill dead air.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise and the happily ever after but open ended ending was good. I have so many questions that I felt the story didn’t answer, but maybe that’s the point.
Content Warnings: racism described as human-adjacent (it’s subtle, but it’s there) and ostracism.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
I should have loved this book, but I just couldn’t feel aligned with the characters or the plot and one thing I really wish was more developed was the magic system and how it worked. I don’t really know anything important about Divine even though she muses a lot and I felt that Saph’s sharing was just to fill dead air.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise and the happily ever after but open ended ending was good. I have so many questions that I felt the story didn’t answer, but maybe that’s the point.
Content Warnings: racism described as human-adjacent (it’s subtle, but it’s there) and ostracism.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
November 6, 2025
3 stars. This was fine, I liked the characters but I never did get all that invested into the story unfortunately. I was a bit bored but it was fine.
February 19, 2025
A cozy, magical sapphic fantasy, Tavern Tales takes you on a quest with Divine and Saph that’ll leave you turning the pages for more as you explore the world and quests awaiting these two! This was a such a fun, quick read if you’re in need of a little RPG in your life.
January 21, 2025
“I think we make our own luck. We see patterns in moonbeams and we take a leap toward the most favorable. Sometimes we land on pillows.”
“You do what makes you comfortable, but I want you to know that you don’t have to hide parts of you from me. I like all of you. Even if you confessed character flaws, who am I to judge? We are all different. The greatest gift we can give one another is acceptance and support.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆
This was such a cute and cozy read. I loved the passion between Divine and Saph, the magic system and world building was amazing. I found myself giggling at so many parts, so many great lines I highlighted. This book is great for a quick and comfy read.
“You do what makes you comfortable, but I want you to know that you don’t have to hide parts of you from me. I like all of you. Even if you confessed character flaws, who am I to judge? We are all different. The greatest gift we can give one another is acceptance and support.”
ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚ *ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆
This was such a cute and cozy read. I loved the passion between Divine and Saph, the magic system and world building was amazing. I found myself giggling at so many parts, so many great lines I highlighted. This book is great for a quick and comfy read.
August 16, 2025
Tavern Tales is such a delight! I absolutely adored the queernormative world, it’s so refreshing to read a fantasy where queerness is fully normalized and celebrated. The magic system is elaborate and well thought out, with enough detail to make it feel real without ever slowing the story. That is definitely a major plus for this book because of its smaller size, you get the best of both worlds in that department! 👍
Saph and Divine completely stole my heart (seriously, I’d read a whole 12 book series about them). The disability rep was handled with such care and authenticity (no tired, and outdated tropes surrounding disabled characters here 💜)
Overall, this was a cozy, DnD-inspired romp that felt like pulling up a chair with friends for some fun and quirky side questing. If you love LitRPGs (I’m not sure if it technically is one but is DnD esc enough I would recommend for beginners) or cozy sapphic adventures, this is the book for you. I had so much fun 🥰
Saph and Divine completely stole my heart (seriously, I’d read a whole 12 book series about them). The disability rep was handled with such care and authenticity (no tired, and outdated tropes surrounding disabled characters here 💜)
Overall, this was a cozy, DnD-inspired romp that felt like pulling up a chair with friends for some fun and quirky side questing. If you love LitRPGs (I’m not sure if it technically is one but is DnD esc enough I would recommend for beginners) or cozy sapphic adventures, this is the book for you. I had so much fun 🥰
February 6, 2025
This was really good and I’m glad to see it’s only book 1. I reckon Divine and Saph have plenty more adventures to go on.
This was a really easy to read short story and I can’t wait to read more. Definitely recommend if you like magic wielding woman and spicy sapphic romance in the mix.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thank you to the author and booksirens.
This was a really easy to read short story and I can’t wait to read more. Definitely recommend if you like magic wielding woman and spicy sapphic romance in the mix.
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thank you to the author and booksirens.
October 5, 2025
“Everything has a soul. Even a tree or a bird. All souls.”
At first, Tavern Tales feels like what the title says it is: a sapphic side quest. But as you go deeper in your reading, you realize that it’s a lot more than that. Yes, it’s a super cozy story, with a lot of fall vibes, and the romance is burning with enthusiasm, BUT I’ve rarely read such a great rep about disabilitiES. It’s perfectly balanced, and integrated to the character’s background —and present, esp as it’s a great “hyphen” with the LI— without being this character’s whole identity. Nature also has a great place —and I loved the discourse— as much as religion. Things were said pretty differently than what I’m used to read, and it was refreshing.
If you’re looking for a quick read, but a meaningful one, while remaining first and foremost a super cute sapphic romance, then you should give Tavern Tale a go.
At first, Tavern Tales feels like what the title says it is: a sapphic side quest. But as you go deeper in your reading, you realize that it’s a lot more than that. Yes, it’s a super cozy story, with a lot of fall vibes, and the romance is burning with enthusiasm, BUT I’ve rarely read such a great rep about disabilitiES. It’s perfectly balanced, and integrated to the character’s background —and present, esp as it’s a great “hyphen” with the LI— without being this character’s whole identity. Nature also has a great place —and I loved the discourse— as much as religion. Things were said pretty differently than what I’m used to read, and it was refreshing.
If you’re looking for a quick read, but a meaningful one, while remaining first and foremost a super cute sapphic romance, then you should give Tavern Tale a go.
February 14, 2025
I give the author credit for bringing the type of story she wants to read to life. I can’t imagine how hard it is to write a novel with such a complex world.
January 30, 2025
This is a delightful cozy fantasy about two women teaming up to help each other complete their own quest. It’s fairly low stakes, but there is enough action and adventure to make the book fun and interesting to see how it all played out. I was really interested in the world-building about the various gods and goddesses and the temples and acolytes who serve them. Our two leads, Divine and Saph, have great chemistry. I really enjoyed their banter and flirting as they got closer and closer. I really hope this will be the start of a new series because there is still so much to learn about this world and our two women.
March 7, 2025
A funny side quest that will plesead the fans of "Legends and Lattes". I did love Saph and Divine, their love story was really sweet. Also did like to know both the characters past. Saph that have a disability but still becames a mercenary. Divine is a healer that even to is betrayed for her last lover that does not stop her to find love again.
The only part that I think could be better explore was about the gods and goddesses. But I think that the writer wants to explore more the characters and less the world.
The only part that I think could be better explore was about the gods and goddesses. But I think that the writer wants to explore more the characters and less the world.
December 6, 2024
An enjoyable story.
A heartbroken Divine is trying to locate her ex to get back what she stolen from her. On her journey she meets an incredible woman and together they begin a quest.
Divine is a lovely character who is kind and compassionate, putting doing right above the rules of her Goddess.
Saph is witty and passionate. Together they blossom into something more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A heartbroken Divine is trying to locate her ex to get back what she stolen from her. On her journey she meets an incredible woman and together they begin a quest.
Divine is a lovely character who is kind and compassionate, putting doing right above the rules of her Goddess.
Saph is witty and passionate. Together they blossom into something more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 13, 2025
aaahhhh this was an absolute delight—cozy, magical, and totally sapphic in the best way possible. I devoured it in one sitting! It strikes the perfect balance between chill vibes and high-stakes adventure, with a magical system that’s as intriguing as it is unique, not to mention the gods and goddesses adding that extra sparkle. The plot kept me hooked the whole time, and it’s super easy to follow—no need for a map to figure out what’s going on.
characters:
what i really loved was how Saph and Divine’s relationship developed. it wasn’t forced at all. Saph’s confident, playful energy totally nudged Divine out of her serious shell, and it was such a joy to watch them find their rhythm. there's no insta-love here, just a lovely, natural connection that builds throughout their adventure. also, the side characters & creatures you meet along the way are weird in the best way, and the author’s storytelling is top-notch—descriptive, but without making you feel like you’re reading a textbook.
honestly this book was just a fun, magical ride from start to finish. HIGHLY recommend to readers who loves book like Legends of Lattes or Can't Spell Treason By Tea.
characters:
what i really loved was how Saph and Divine’s relationship developed. it wasn’t forced at all. Saph’s confident, playful energy totally nudged Divine out of her serious shell, and it was such a joy to watch them find their rhythm. there's no insta-love here, just a lovely, natural connection that builds throughout their adventure. also, the side characters & creatures you meet along the way are weird in the best way, and the author’s storytelling is top-notch—descriptive, but without making you feel like you’re reading a textbook.
honestly this book was just a fun, magical ride from start to finish. HIGHLY recommend to readers who loves book like Legends of Lattes or Can't Spell Treason By Tea.
January 1, 2025
This book was a perfect cozy read for the holiday season, especially when curled up with a hot drink.
I really enjoyed the story and characters, each more endearing than the next. I also really liked the DND, quest-like part of the book as it made the story unique and more memorable.
I also enjoyed the romance and interactions between Divine and Saph, how it seemed to flow naturally and build as the book progressed.
Overall, this was one of a few dips I have taken into sapphic romances and I would like to read more in 2025.
I really enjoyed the story and characters, each more endearing than the next. I also really liked the DND, quest-like part of the book as it made the story unique and more memorable.
I also enjoyed the romance and interactions between Divine and Saph, how it seemed to flow naturally and build as the book progressed.
Overall, this was one of a few dips I have taken into sapphic romances and I would like to read more in 2025.
January 7, 2025
This is a perfect book if you’re in the market for a quick read with a sapphic love story weaved with magic. Definitely for fans of RPG and L&L…being that I love both, I adored this story. The characters were well written and for a shorter book, it had a lot of plot!!
July 22, 2025
I am so glad I read this book. It has such a forest witch vibe throughout. The two main characters are a brilliant contrast to one another, but bring out the best in each other. Their romance blossoms so well as their adventure progresses. I do love a book where the drama doesn’t come from the romantic relationship. I felt warm reading this book, highly recommend it to any fantasy/adventure sapphics. I enjoyed the world created and the creatures within. Excellent imagery.
April 28, 2025
Compelling and Sweet!
The magic system in this story is fascinating, and the storyline itself was very compelling. I found myself rooting for our two heroines right away and I hope the author does more with this world because I gotta know more about the magic!
The magic system in this story is fascinating, and the storyline itself was very compelling. I found myself rooting for our two heroines right away and I hope the author does more with this world because I gotta know more about the magic!
February 18, 2025
*I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
As a disclaimer, I signed up to read this book before I saw the author mention that this book is for fans of Leliana and Isabela, easily two of my least favorite Dragon Age characters. If this doesn’t resonate with you, please take my review with a grain of salt! 😄
While Tavern Tale will likely appeal to anyone that enjoys a great RPG, it feels like an homage to the people who are eager to complete all the little side quests along the way. Tavern Tale may offer a reprieve from the “main storyline”, but it certainly doesn’t sacrifice depth or purpose in this side quest.
As we are brought into the middle of Divine’s story, there is a fair amount of time and dialogue devoted to world building. This is particularly the case in the first few chapters. But, in general, this book is a fast-paced read.
There were a few things that impacted my rating. These might not bother everyone, and reflect my own personal preferences.
The writing style was not my favorite. I know this is tired advice, but I do like when there is more “showing” than “telling” in a book. That can be hard to do when trying to pack such a complex world in just a few pages.
I also found it hard to connect to the main characters. I found some of their dialogue forced (or cliche, honestly), especially early in the book as they were exploring their attraction to each other.
Overall, I am disappointed by the representation of disability in the book. I have disabilities (though they aren’t physical), so I was looking forward to reading a book that included a main character with disabilities. For example, I didn’t like how the main character addressed it at the start of the book. To me, it felt like Saph’s disability was used for Divine’s personal growth.
As a disclaimer, I signed up to read this book before I saw the author mention that this book is for fans of Leliana and Isabela, easily two of my least favorite Dragon Age characters. If this doesn’t resonate with you, please take my review with a grain of salt! 😄
While Tavern Tale will likely appeal to anyone that enjoys a great RPG, it feels like an homage to the people who are eager to complete all the little side quests along the way. Tavern Tale may offer a reprieve from the “main storyline”, but it certainly doesn’t sacrifice depth or purpose in this side quest.
As we are brought into the middle of Divine’s story, there is a fair amount of time and dialogue devoted to world building. This is particularly the case in the first few chapters. But, in general, this book is a fast-paced read.
There were a few things that impacted my rating. These might not bother everyone, and reflect my own personal preferences.
The writing style was not my favorite. I know this is tired advice, but I do like when there is more “showing” than “telling” in a book. That can be hard to do when trying to pack such a complex world in just a few pages.
I also found it hard to connect to the main characters. I found some of their dialogue forced (or cliche, honestly), especially early in the book as they were exploring their attraction to each other.
Overall, I am disappointed by the representation of disability in the book. I have disabilities (though they aren’t physical), so I was looking forward to reading a book that included a main character with disabilities. For example, I didn’t like how the main character addressed it at the start of the book. To me, it felt like Saph’s disability was used for Divine’s personal growth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2025
Goodness am I a sucker for cozy fantasy and this book did not disappoint. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre or a sweet romance.
The MCs were a pair of delightful ladies with strong characterization and clear descriptions. I could picture them well in my mind as I read, which made the experience more enjoyable for me as part of my brain wasn't devoted to trying to decide what they looked like. Side characters were also surprisingly well-developed and I really liked (or loved to hate) everyone involved. The driving forces behind character's decisions were understandable and although I was, at times, frustrated with them I was never confused as to why they were doing the things they did or felt that things were being done out of character.
The world-building was also very well done, with beautiful characterizations of landscape, architecture, religions, and peoples populating the area. I really hope to see more from the author so that I can dive further into this world that she is working to build!
I'm giving the book a 4 (.5 but percentages aren't allowed on here) instead of a full 5 stars because there were a handful of typos and I tend to reserve full credit for books that are somehow overwhelming-- whether that be life-changing or a new favorite I plan to read over and over. This was definitely enjoyable and I recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre but, while I plan to keep an eye on the other and am excited to see what follows from her, I don't think this fits either of those strict criteria.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
The MCs were a pair of delightful ladies with strong characterization and clear descriptions. I could picture them well in my mind as I read, which made the experience more enjoyable for me as part of my brain wasn't devoted to trying to decide what they looked like. Side characters were also surprisingly well-developed and I really liked (or loved to hate) everyone involved. The driving forces behind character's decisions were understandable and although I was, at times, frustrated with them I was never confused as to why they were doing the things they did or felt that things were being done out of character.
The world-building was also very well done, with beautiful characterizations of landscape, architecture, religions, and peoples populating the area. I really hope to see more from the author so that I can dive further into this world that she is working to build!
I'm giving the book a 4 (.5 but percentages aren't allowed on here) instead of a full 5 stars because there were a handful of typos and I tend to reserve full credit for books that are somehow overwhelming-- whether that be life-changing or a new favorite I plan to read over and over. This was definitely enjoyable and I recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre but, while I plan to keep an eye on the other and am excited to see what follows from her, I don't think this fits either of those strict criteria.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
December 19, 2024
I received an advanced copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntary.
I enjoyed Tavern Tale, and it was absolutely perfect for this season! It was cozy and hitting all the autumnal vibes. I've never read Legends & Latte's, but I hear it's got that going for it. It's definitely got that whole D&D adventuresome vibe, and it's fun to follow along. Our story starts off as we follow Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls. She's chasing a thief who stole her talisman across Trelvania. She needs this to access her magic. During her journey, she stumbles upon a tavern owner, Saph. Saph helps her by joining her on this quest of hers to find her talisman. Divine and Saph's relationship grew so elegantly. I think the two characters bonded so naturally in the story. You get to read how beautifully these two blossom together, without losing who they are as characters. I do like that it is RPG inspired, and as you continue to read the book, you can almost see it weaving through your mind. Not only that, but I do think that it could use a little more detail with the world-building, but that's because I personally love more elaborate and intricate surroundings. I know that everyone is different, and so I think that is more of a preference. I also enjoyed that there is representation of disability in this book. I would have enjoyed to get to know a bit more about the magic system. I felt that it was briefly brushed over. Other than that, it was very fun and enjoyable overall!
I enjoyed Tavern Tale, and it was absolutely perfect for this season! It was cozy and hitting all the autumnal vibes. I've never read Legends & Latte's, but I hear it's got that going for it. It's definitely got that whole D&D adventuresome vibe, and it's fun to follow along. Our story starts off as we follow Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls. She's chasing a thief who stole her talisman across Trelvania. She needs this to access her magic. During her journey, she stumbles upon a tavern owner, Saph. Saph helps her by joining her on this quest of hers to find her talisman. Divine and Saph's relationship grew so elegantly. I think the two characters bonded so naturally in the story. You get to read how beautifully these two blossom together, without losing who they are as characters. I do like that it is RPG inspired, and as you continue to read the book, you can almost see it weaving through your mind. Not only that, but I do think that it could use a little more detail with the world-building, but that's because I personally love more elaborate and intricate surroundings. I know that everyone is different, and so I think that is more of a preference. I also enjoyed that there is representation of disability in this book. I would have enjoyed to get to know a bit more about the magic system. I felt that it was briefly brushed over. Other than that, it was very fun and enjoyable overall!
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