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Garlands and Gauntlets
When a disgraced half-orc noble and a snarky half-elf thief collide during Hearthwynd’s bustling Yuletide festivities, sparks and stardust fly.
Theodore Torin Greymarch, a towering warrior with a braided beard and a heart too big for his own good, isn’t looking for trouble. Stripped of his title and left wandering the streets, he just wants answers about the father he’s never met.
Unfortunately, Hearthwynd is a city where good intentions are a weakness—and Vaelin Alaric is the kind of rogue who knows how to exploit that.
Charming, sharp-tongued, and rocking an edgy half-shaved hairstyle that somehow works, Vaelin doesn’t do noble causes or emotional attachments. He does cons, quick cash, and vanishing before the fallout. Theo? He’s supposed to be just another mark.
But when Theo’s relentless kindness and big-hearted sincerity start chipping away at Vaelin’s defenses, their dynamic shifts from clever schemes to stolen glances. What begins as a holiday scam turns into a cozy dinner with Vaelin’s family, a quest for truth, and a kiss neither of them can forget.
Yuletide in Hearthwynd is full of magic, danger, and just enough mistletoe to complicate everything. Can Theo trust a man who lied to him from the start? Can Vaelin let himself believe he’s worth sticking around for?
In a story of second chances, found family, and festive chaos, it turns out the greatest heist might just be stealing each other’s hearts.
GARLANDS & GAUNTLETS is a cozy fantasy M/M romance novella with a healthy helping of holiday spice. Fans of size difference and cozy vibes will love this orc/elf novella!
Theodore Torin Greymarch, a towering warrior with a braided beard and a heart too big for his own good, isn’t looking for trouble. Stripped of his title and left wandering the streets, he just wants answers about the father he’s never met.
Unfortunately, Hearthwynd is a city where good intentions are a weakness—and Vaelin Alaric is the kind of rogue who knows how to exploit that.
Charming, sharp-tongued, and rocking an edgy half-shaved hairstyle that somehow works, Vaelin doesn’t do noble causes or emotional attachments. He does cons, quick cash, and vanishing before the fallout. Theo? He’s supposed to be just another mark.
But when Theo’s relentless kindness and big-hearted sincerity start chipping away at Vaelin’s defenses, their dynamic shifts from clever schemes to stolen glances. What begins as a holiday scam turns into a cozy dinner with Vaelin’s family, a quest for truth, and a kiss neither of them can forget.
Yuletide in Hearthwynd is full of magic, danger, and just enough mistletoe to complicate everything. Can Theo trust a man who lied to him from the start? Can Vaelin let himself believe he’s worth sticking around for?
In a story of second chances, found family, and festive chaos, it turns out the greatest heist might just be stealing each other’s hearts.
GARLANDS & GAUNTLETS is a cozy fantasy M/M romance novella with a healthy helping of holiday spice. Fans of size difference and cozy vibes will love this orc/elf novella!
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2024
15 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Parker
35 books28 followersLibrarian note: There are multiple authors by this name in the GR database.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars
these two were disgustingly sweet. no i did not tear up at the end wtf r u talking about
❆ tooth rotting fluff
❆ holiday romcom
❆ found family
these two were disgustingly sweet. no i did not tear up at the end wtf r u talking about
❆ tooth rotting fluff
❆ holiday romcom
❆ found family
January 3, 2025
"He's pessimist where I'm an optimist; he's sneaky where I'm clumsy, I'm big where he's small. I could protect him, and he could protect me."
GARLANDS AND GAUNTLETS was a cozy, fluffy treat that makes you want to cuddle up by the fire to enjoy. Theo must be protected at all costs, and I would love if the author gave us more from this magical world and couple, please and thank you. 3.5 Stars!
GARLANDS AND GAUNTLETS was a cozy, fluffy treat that makes you want to cuddle up by the fire to enjoy. Theo must be protected at all costs, and I would love if the author gave us more from this magical world and couple, please and thank you. 3.5 Stars!
January 2, 2025
This cozy mm fantasy novella was the sweetest and I would love to read a full length book of their adventures. Theo is a big cinnamon roll , inside and out 🥰
December 29, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In Garlands & Gauntlets, we get alternating POVs of a half-orc ex noble, Theo, and a half-elf (and half halfing?) thief named Vaelin who run into each other in a bustling fantasy town during Yuletide. Theo is trying to find information about his orc father, and Vaelin's looking for his next mark in Theo. Within a short afternoon, they learn about each other and begin to fall for each other.
It's a very Hallmark movie like short story, with even ensuring to note how 'bad and terrible' big towns are and you can only rely on families and small town type of people. There's even a 3rd act 'break up' despite the fact they've only known each other for an afternoon and evening, and the family of Vaelin just automatically being supportive. You also get a random quirky character in the shape of a stoned out Wizard.
The personalities of both Vaelin & Theo are distinct enough but recognizable tropes, Vaelin being the typical cynical thief with a heart of gold, and Theo being a sweet and honest orc who just wants to protect everyone. Their backstories are interesting even if not fully fleshed out. It's very Rome & Juliet how quickly they fall for each other, and they're sweet about it, but unfortunately not my cup of tea. Insta-lust, I get most of the time, Insta-love is a bit of a hard sell, even though I so desperately wanted to see it and like it especially in a gay fantasy setting like this.
The one sex scene we get is nice and leans more on the romantic than erotic, and of course, the story ends on a lovely note. This would be perfect for *big* fans of Hallmark style meet-cute/fall in insta-love movies with just all the fluff of whipping cream on hot cocoa. I don't really get the title of the book fitting with the story, really, but that could just be me.
Now the cover. I would review it as it looks great, but saw that the half-elf has six fingers on one hand so it looks AI generated. Shame.
In Garlands & Gauntlets, we get alternating POVs of a half-orc ex noble, Theo, and a half-elf (and half halfing?) thief named Vaelin who run into each other in a bustling fantasy town during Yuletide. Theo is trying to find information about his orc father, and Vaelin's looking for his next mark in Theo. Within a short afternoon, they learn about each other and begin to fall for each other.
It's a very Hallmark movie like short story, with even ensuring to note how 'bad and terrible' big towns are and you can only rely on families and small town type of people. There's even a 3rd act 'break up' despite the fact they've only known each other for an afternoon and evening, and the family of Vaelin just automatically being supportive. You also get a random quirky character in the shape of a stoned out Wizard.
The personalities of both Vaelin & Theo are distinct enough but recognizable tropes, Vaelin being the typical cynical thief with a heart of gold, and Theo being a sweet and honest orc who just wants to protect everyone. Their backstories are interesting even if not fully fleshed out. It's very Rome & Juliet how quickly they fall for each other, and they're sweet about it, but unfortunately not my cup of tea. Insta-lust, I get most of the time, Insta-love is a bit of a hard sell, even though I so desperately wanted to see it and like it especially in a gay fantasy setting like this.
The one sex scene we get is nice and leans more on the romantic than erotic, and of course, the story ends on a lovely note. This would be perfect for *big* fans of Hallmark style meet-cute/fall in insta-love movies with just all the fluff of whipping cream on hot cocoa. I don't really get the title of the book fitting with the story, really, but that could just be me.
Now the cover. I would review it as it looks great, but saw that the half-elf has six fingers on one hand so it looks AI generated. Shame.
January 3, 2025
Theo
'As I follow him into the night, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just made a deal with a very charming devil.'
Vaelin
'I refuse to look at Theo as I wait for the vendor to come back, kicking myself internally. Because I started tonight convinced I was about to make a lot of money.
And now I have less than when I started.'
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Theo and Vaelin. Theo was sweet and completely innocent- having never been allowed outside the manor he grew up in, hidden from the world because he was a half-orc. Now that his younger brother inherited the family estate, he was kicked out alone with practically nothing with a death warrant on his head if he didn't disappear. He had such a good heart he gave all his money away to help a woman and a young boy. He was so lost and an easy target. Vaelin, a halfling elf, easily picked out the mark he intend to rob, but the more he learned of Theo's story and saw his heart of gold, the guiltier he felt. I liked that several times he recognized that he felt guilty about initially planning to rob Theo; and how kind and appreciative Theo was with his family was quickly winning him over.
This story was both a slow burn and not considering everything happened over the course of two days, but it felt perfect. The year later epilogue threw me off a little. I don't want that part of the journey summarized- I wanted to see them on their search, see them find the person they were seeking. I'm happy it worked out, but without seeing it, I was wondering why Theo (and Vaelin) returned. Was it just a visit? Where does Theo consider home? It felt both a happy ending and open-ended at the same time. I would love if Chloe Parker wrote a second book of everything that was in the epilogue. I'd love to see these two again. 5 stars.
'As I follow him into the night, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just made a deal with a very charming devil.'
Vaelin
'I refuse to look at Theo as I wait for the vendor to come back, kicking myself internally. Because I started tonight convinced I was about to make a lot of money.
And now I have less than when I started.'
I loved this book. Good world building and wonderful characters. I loved both Theo and Vaelin. Theo was sweet and completely innocent- having never been allowed outside the manor he grew up in, hidden from the world because he was a half-orc. Now that his younger brother inherited the family estate, he was kicked out alone with practically nothing with a death warrant on his head if he didn't disappear. He had such a good heart he gave all his money away to help a woman and a young boy. He was so lost and an easy target. Vaelin, a halfling elf, easily picked out the mark he intend to rob, but the more he learned of Theo's story and saw his heart of gold, the guiltier he felt. I liked that several times he recognized that he felt guilty about initially planning to rob Theo; and how kind and appreciative Theo was with his family was quickly winning him over.
This story was both a slow burn and not considering everything happened over the course of two days, but it felt perfect. The year later epilogue threw me off a little. I don't want that part of the journey summarized- I wanted to see them on their search, see them find the person they were seeking. I'm happy it worked out, but without seeing it, I was wondering why Theo (and Vaelin) returned. Was it just a visit? Where does Theo consider home? It felt both a happy ending and open-ended at the same time. I would love if Chloe Parker wrote a second book of everything that was in the epilogue. I'd love to see these two again. 5 stars.
January 7, 2025
THIS HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL
This is a 3 star on my enjoyometer.
I don't know where I saw a review of this book, but it was somewhere along the lines of "cute enemies to lovers all fantasy festive style" and I was sold. I read the sinopsis and I was extra sold and already invested. I saw the number of pages and I was quite the sceptic, but I went along with it.
Don't misunderstand me. I had a good time and I read it in a sitting just enjoying the vibes. It was indeed cute and somewhat festive (even though this one was just glossed over), but I got way more information about the whole story on the sinopsis of this book than inside of it. The worldbuilding is quite non existent, which is so sad because I am sure it would be absolutely lovely, even if it's not that necessary ig. And the characters are quite soft and heartwarming, but it is just so short that you cannot really get that attached to them before it's all over. Which is such a pity, because as I said this felt like it had soooo much potential.
In the end this just felt like a little au that you read for funsies, and maybe that was the intention, I don't really know. In that case I did enjoy it very much, and I did read it for funsies.
I would have loved for this to be a hundred pages longer to have been able to develop this silly little romance and its characters and get us all a new favourite winter festive m/m romance. And I wish Theo and Vaelin all the happiness in their imaginary world that sadly I just only got to see a glimpse of.
This is a 3 star on my enjoyometer.
I don't know where I saw a review of this book, but it was somewhere along the lines of "cute enemies to lovers all fantasy festive style" and I was sold. I read the sinopsis and I was extra sold and already invested. I saw the number of pages and I was quite the sceptic, but I went along with it.
Don't misunderstand me. I had a good time and I read it in a sitting just enjoying the vibes. It was indeed cute and somewhat festive (even though this one was just glossed over), but I got way more information about the whole story on the sinopsis of this book than inside of it. The worldbuilding is quite non existent, which is so sad because I am sure it would be absolutely lovely, even if it's not that necessary ig. And the characters are quite soft and heartwarming, but it is just so short that you cannot really get that attached to them before it's all over. Which is such a pity, because as I said this felt like it had soooo much potential.
In the end this just felt like a little au that you read for funsies, and maybe that was the intention, I don't really know. In that case I did enjoy it very much, and I did read it for funsies.
I would have loved for this to be a hundred pages longer to have been able to develop this silly little romance and its characters and get us all a new favourite winter festive m/m romance. And I wish Theo and Vaelin all the happiness in their imaginary world that sadly I just only got to see a glimpse of.
December 19, 2024
Take one half breed Elf and throw in a half breed Orc who just got exiled with a death warrant from his family estate when his younger brother inherits and does not want a half breed tainting the family name. Once his mother died, Theo was raised in solitary by guards while the family claimed he was disfigured. Now he is out in the snow and cold during the Yuletide Festival with a handful of coins in his pocket. In a tavern he meets Vaelin, a tiny half elf who is a scoundrel and thief despite being raised in the loving home.
Vaelin sets out to lull Theo into coming with him so he can rob him but the more he talks to him and finds his gentle nature, he ends up taking him to his parent’s home for the Yule meal instead. Vaelin confesses to Theo, who storms off. But having nowhere to go he ends up back at Vaelin’s parent’s bakery where he spends the night. After a change of heart Theo seeks Vaelin and they spend the night together. Vaelin agrees to accompany Theo to the mountains to search for his true Orc father Torin. From there the story jumps to the Epilogue a year later as they return from the mountains. They had many difficulties but found Theo’s true father who welcomed him. And they found each other.
This was meant as a holiday short story it seems, and I found the jump to the end a bit jarring. But it is as a sweet story of redemption and love.
Vaelin sets out to lull Theo into coming with him so he can rob him but the more he talks to him and finds his gentle nature, he ends up taking him to his parent’s home for the Yule meal instead. Vaelin confesses to Theo, who storms off. But having nowhere to go he ends up back at Vaelin’s parent’s bakery where he spends the night. After a change of heart Theo seeks Vaelin and they spend the night together. Vaelin agrees to accompany Theo to the mountains to search for his true Orc father Torin. From there the story jumps to the Epilogue a year later as they return from the mountains. They had many difficulties but found Theo’s true father who welcomed him. And they found each other.
This was meant as a holiday short story it seems, and I found the jump to the end a bit jarring. But it is as a sweet story of redemption and love.
December 12, 2024
I absolutely adored this read! I loved Theo (who doesn’t a hulking Orc teddy bear?), and Vaelin is very much the charmer he is made out to be. Their love story was really sweet and I think I kind of fell in love with Vaelin’s family. My only complaint is that this was far too short – I wanted more! While I do consider this a happy ending, I found I still had questions at the end and am left wondering what happens next! Personally, I’m hoping for a follow-up!
Thank you Booksprout and Chloe Parker for my copy! I received an ARC of this novella and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Booksprout and Chloe Parker for my copy! I received an ARC of this novella and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2024
This is a cute little cosy read, with the sort of emphasis on food I love. Theo was a very sweet subversion of the typical orc - kind but nervous, willing to be lead along by the half-elf Vaelin.
I do wish either the plot had been smaller, with more detail given to the story, or the whole story longer, with again more depth to everything that happened. It would be good to get a greater sense of who our MCs were. Still, this was an enjoyable short little romance, perfect for a cosy break.
I read an advance copy of this book - my thoughts are very much my own.
I do wish either the plot had been smaller, with more detail given to the story, or the whole story longer, with again more depth to everything that happened. It would be good to get a greater sense of who our MCs were. Still, this was an enjoyable short little romance, perfect for a cosy break.
I read an advance copy of this book - my thoughts are very much my own.
December 13, 2024
I will admit I bought this for the cover, and I am so happy I did. It is an adorably written novella. I was completely in love with both Theo and Vaelin. Theo is definitely one of my favorites Orcs. He is all things sweet, gentle and simple. I was smiling at how happy Vaelin's affections back made him. This holiday themed Orc/Elf romance is a must for the holidays!
December 31, 2024
I wish we'd learned more about Theo's dad (for a while there I thought this was just the beginning and there was a second book coming,) but this story about Theo the half-orc and Vaelin the half-elf is still lovely.
Edit: I was also dying to know what had happened with Vaelin's trip to mage school! Ah well.
Edit: I was also dying to know what had happened with Vaelin's trip to mage school! Ah well.
December 11, 2024
Super cute and sweet elf/orc romance! Theo is such a sweetheart of a teddy bear that even lying thieving Vaelin is immune to his charm!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2024
Cute little novella with a cozy insta love story. It was nice to see a different take on the big, tough looking orc. And Vaelin's family was so sweet. I'd absolutely want to spend the holidays with them. And not just for all the tarts.
December 13, 2024
This is a delicious tale that warms you like a yuletide fire. It is a fun and flirty romance between two unlikely characters, you will not be able to put it down. I recommend enjoying it with a warm beverage and some fresh bread or pastries.
December 28, 2024
Opposites in So Many Ways…
Theo is in Hearthwynd for Yuletide with only a few coins and no where to go. Vaelin sees him as an easy mark… until he gets to know Theo. This story is touchingly sweet with a lovely redemption arc for Vaelin - I truly enjoyed the warm fuzzies. A wonderful holiday read.
December 13, 2025
Theo (Orc) + Vaelin (halfling)
This is a short story with instalove vibes and a strange pacing. It probably goes with the length of the book. Also, I think another round of editing would have been profitable. There was an overuse of sentences with dashes in them.
This is a short story with instalove vibes and a strange pacing. It probably goes with the length of the book. Also, I think another round of editing would have been profitable. There was an overuse of sentences with dashes in them.
December 12, 2024
This book was so sweet! It's a short and cozy love story with a dash of spice. The perfect read for a snowy holiday where you curl up and read about falling in love ❤️
(ARC Review)
(ARC Review)
December 22, 2024
This is a cute, cozy, and short read with a plotline that will leave you wondering, I'd love to see even more detail throughout but found myself flipping pages to read more. 🥰
December 26, 2024
Perfect cozy, lightly angsty fantasy holiday romance! Exactly what I was looking for.
January 17, 2025
Adorable!
April 18, 2025
Would have liked to see the reunion of meeting his father and getting back to the bakery. Just would have liked to see more detail.
August 13, 2025
ive read fanfiction better... just cant find the chemistry
November 27, 2025
Garlands and Gauntlets
A cute and cozy holiday read. I enjoyed the short story. It warmed the heart and made me smile. It’s the perfect story for the season.
A cute and cozy holiday read. I enjoyed the short story. It warmed the heart and made me smile. It’s the perfect story for the season.
December 13, 2025
Mignon, il manquait pas grand chose pour que ça soit vraiment bien.
February 15, 2025
Cute, cosy fantasy romance, just the kind of escapism I needed!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews