A Heart Too Tender

by J.A. Townsend

A story of love, magic, and peas.

Prince August is in need of a bride for Heart’s Night. But not any princess will do for the future King of Wimberley—she must be tender hearted.
When a royal decree summons all eligible maidens for a ball and a set of princess trials, Princess Colette of Silver Hills must leave the comfort of her home for a chance at love.
Amidst the wonder in days of finery and adventure, night after night sleep evades her.
She must endure, but is continuing worth losing the budding love growing between her and the Governor of the trials?
The witch’s peas are making one thing for certain—every night she fails, every morning he loves her more for it.

J.A. Townsend’s A Heart Too Tender is part of Goblin A Valentine’s Anthology, a mashup of five short and sweet Valentine’s Day novellas—with a side of yearning and angst. Written to fit every romantic appetite, and designed to be eaten like your favorite box of chocolates.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

109 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Ashley (aneverendingbookstack) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole time I was thinking "THIS IS SO CUTE."

This was the perfect valentine's day novella; true love, fairytale creatures and a princess and the pea retelling.

[Paulina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ A cutie patootie fairytale that I consumed in one delectable sitting

[Emmy P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just gave this book to my mother in law to read and I fear she will love it as much as I did.

Princess and the Pea me any day 🫛

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in absolutely love with this beautiful fairytale romance ♡
The true love because of the kindness and character of the other and not primarily the looks is so beautiful and shows how your heart is not won by just an ethereal face but a beautiful soul and character.
The academic but still fierce in her own way FMC has such a good and pure heart and I love how she navigates in a world so different from her beliefs and behaviours. She is astonishing and I would love to meet her in reality.
The slow burn and beautiful yearning is so amazing, you grin, squeal, laugh and your heart warms from this love story ♡

[Morgan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with a breathtaking romance

Ohmygod this story was so sweet. It's the kind of romance that just leaves you feeling happy and I was giggling and kicking my feet at the smallest gestures.
Colette and August are just ADORABLE! The budding love throughout this story is just beautiful. Loved it all.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I just adored this. It’s just a good ass love story. Even though this is a short story, it reads like a classic fairytale and felt very cozy and nostalgic in the way it was written. You’re definitely missing out on a good time if you haven’t read this yet! (Mind you I just finished my first Brandon Sanderson series so this was just what I needed to uplift me from that depression😂)

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairytale Novella

The perfect bite-sized novella just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Great banter, happy ending, and recognizable fairytale creatures. Excellent Princess and the pea retelling!

[Anne Levitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so obsessed with this Novella!!! It was the cutest fairytale retelling! Their relationship just made you blush and kick your feet and giggle! It was touching to see two kind souls find their way to each other! Loved it so much! A great easy fun read!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want fairytale vibes you’ll love this. We get all sorts of whimsy wrapped in a Princess and the Pea interpretation that feels like a fresh twist on a classic fairy tale. Sweet and upbeat!

[lilbookgoblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

the cutest most wholesome princess and the pea retelling. yes pleaseee the library scene haunts me omg

[Kait Thibeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUUUUUUUTE!!