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This Is Not Love at First Sight
When two rival chefs with a royal feast to prepare get snowed in, it’s not just the oven that’s heating up . . .Hating Liam Wolvern is in Elowyn’s blood. Their families have been rivals for centuries, each generation vying for the job of castle chef. It doesn’t help that Liam won the coveted role and now cooks for the high prince while Elowyn is stuck working at her family’s failing tavern.
Elowyn’s ready to prove herself when she’s invited to prepare the upcoming Winter Solstice feast at the castle. Yes it means working with Liam, but it’s also her chance to shine.
Unfortunately, Elowyn’s plans are thrown out the window when a storm hits and she’s snowed in with Liam. Now they not only have to make this feast, but they have to do it in a mischievous sentient kitchen with plans of its own.
Worse, once they stop fighting long enough to cook, Elowyn realizes they might be a great team, that maybe she got Liam all wrong. But as tension builds and things start to heat up, she has to wonder . . . what happens when the snow melts?
This Is Not Love at First Sight is a standalone spicy, cozy romantasy with forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and a magical kitchen with an attitude problem.
Elowyn’s ready to prove herself when she’s invited to prepare the upcoming Winter Solstice feast at the castle. Yes it means working with Liam, but it’s also her chance to shine.
Unfortunately, Elowyn’s plans are thrown out the window when a storm hits and she’s snowed in with Liam. Now they not only have to make this feast, but they have to do it in a mischievous sentient kitchen with plans of its own.
Worse, once they stop fighting long enough to cook, Elowyn realizes they might be a great team, that maybe she got Liam all wrong. But as tension builds and things start to heat up, she has to wonder . . . what happens when the snow melts?
This Is Not Love at First Sight is a standalone spicy, cozy romantasy with forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and a magical kitchen with an attitude problem.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
49 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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January 17, 2026
Light and fluffy fantasy romance with humor and some heart centered around two main characters who are trapped by their families’ expectations for them and the rivalry that’s been boiling between them for generations. The baking moments were sweet and the sentient castle with its magic working in its own way were nice touches.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both seemed to be experienced (relationship history is kind of shared during a dream the h has and not discussed during waking hours).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Both are cooks
☆ Known each other since they were children
☆ Families hate each other and are rivals
☆ FMC is creative and wants to try new things
☆ MMC gets overwhelmed by decisions and prefers order
☆ Family pressures and challenges
☆ Forced proximity when they have to work together for a feast
☆ And get snowed in
☆ Learning to be vulnerable and lower their masks
☆ Complimentary skills
☆ Kitchen sex
☆ Element of hiding their relationship
☆ Magic castle
☆ Hidden magical town
☆ World building is light
The h works in her family’s tavern, stifled from trying new recipes by her family who only want to preserve their ancestors’ recipes. The H is the royal chef, a hotly contested position that’s been passed between the two families for generations. But he’s unhappy in his role just as the h is in hers. They know each other from the small town they live in, but have only ever noticed the worst in each other because of their families and own personal judgments.
Then comes the plot device to bring them together - the prince invites the h to cook with the H for the winter feast. At first they’re at odds with each other and continuing to see the worst. A snow-in, the fire dying, and some opening up leads to an actual sense of teamwork and admiration coming forth. Attraction’s bubbling too because the H’s noticing her laugh and she’s noticing his forearms lol. Their families are psycho about this rivalry though, yelling at them through a dumbwaiter and right there as soon as there’s a way through the snow.
I appreciated that the two of them didn’t develop a physical relationship before they began to emotionally see each other. There are a couple of spicy scenes and they’re good though. The best scenes are the intimate ones of them sharing the pressures they’re under and the fears each has. The question hovering over them both is how they could possibly make a relationship work when their families literally threaten each other with physical violence. As adults, I did wish that they had been able to stand up more for their dreams without needing the support that came from the other. However, the grievances between these families is huge and ingrained in them as children, as was needing to be the royal chef. It made sense, even as I wanted them to worry less about their families and just speak up for themselves.
The author’s choice of how the main couple revealed their relationship and how they resolved the rivalry issue was well done. It’s simple and lovely, plus it fit both the characters well and forced their families to calm the hell down, especially after they have a freak-out moment that draws the censure of the whole town earlier. The last chapter is 10 months later with them working together, in love, and with a proposal. It’s very HEA feeling and nice closure with a hint of the next book in the series.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and while I like the premises, I never feel like they’re compelling. Both have been cozy, and nailed that, so maybe I’ve read them at off times when I wasn’t in the right mood for cozy or something else. I liked this book but I won’t reread it either.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both seemed to be experienced (relationship history is kind of shared during a dream the h has and not discussed during waking hours).
Some tropes/themes:
☆ Both are cooks
☆ Known each other since they were children
☆ Families hate each other and are rivals
☆ FMC is creative and wants to try new things
☆ MMC gets overwhelmed by decisions and prefers order
☆ Family pressures and challenges
☆ Forced proximity when they have to work together for a feast
☆ And get snowed in
☆ Learning to be vulnerable and lower their masks
☆ Complimentary skills
☆ Kitchen sex
☆ Element of hiding their relationship
☆ Magic castle
☆ Hidden magical town
☆ World building is light
The h works in her family’s tavern, stifled from trying new recipes by her family who only want to preserve their ancestors’ recipes. The H is the royal chef, a hotly contested position that’s been passed between the two families for generations. But he’s unhappy in his role just as the h is in hers. They know each other from the small town they live in, but have only ever noticed the worst in each other because of their families and own personal judgments.
Then comes the plot device to bring them together - the prince invites the h to cook with the H for the winter feast. At first they’re at odds with each other and continuing to see the worst. A snow-in, the fire dying, and some opening up leads to an actual sense of teamwork and admiration coming forth. Attraction’s bubbling too because the H’s noticing her laugh and she’s noticing his forearms lol. Their families are psycho about this rivalry though, yelling at them through a dumbwaiter and right there as soon as there’s a way through the snow.
I appreciated that the two of them didn’t develop a physical relationship before they began to emotionally see each other. There are a couple of spicy scenes and they’re good though. The best scenes are the intimate ones of them sharing the pressures they’re under and the fears each has. The question hovering over them both is how they could possibly make a relationship work when their families literally threaten each other with physical violence. As adults, I did wish that they had been able to stand up more for their dreams without needing the support that came from the other. However, the grievances between these families is huge and ingrained in them as children, as was needing to be the royal chef. It made sense, even as I wanted them to worry less about their families and just speak up for themselves.
The author’s choice of how the main couple revealed their relationship and how they resolved the rivalry issue was well done. It’s simple and lovely, plus it fit both the characters well and forced their families to calm the hell down, especially after they have a freak-out moment that draws the censure of the whole town earlier. The last chapter is 10 months later with them working together, in love, and with a proposal. It’s very HEA feeling and nice closure with a hint of the next book in the series.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and while I like the premises, I never feel like they’re compelling. Both have been cozy, and nailed that, so maybe I’ve read them at off times when I wasn’t in the right mood for cozy or something else. I liked this book but I won’t reread it either.
February 26, 2026
This was super cute. Felt like a Romeo and Juliet type cozy romance. I liked that it introduced us to more characters and is leading into the series. The magic castle was a great added touch.
December 27, 2025
Title: This is Not Love At First Sight
Author: Tee Harlowe
Synopsis: When two rival chefs with a royal feast to prepare get snowed in, it’s not just the oven that’s heating up . . .Hating Liam Wolvern is in Elowyn’s blood. Their families have been rivals for centuries, each generation vying for the job of castle chef. It doesn’t help that Liam won the coveted role and now cooks for the high prince while Elowyn is stuck working at her family’s failing tavern.
Elowyn’s ready to prove herself when she’s invited to prepare the upcoming Winter Solstice feast at the castle. Yes it means working with Liam, but it’s also her chance to shine.
Unfortunately, Elowyn’s plans are thrown out the window when a storm hits and she’s snowed in with Liam. Now they not only have to make this feast, but they have to do it in a mischievous sentient kitchen with plans of its own.
Worse, once they stop fighting long enough to cook, Elowyn realizes they might be a great team, that maybe she got Liam all wrong. But as tension builds and things start to heat up, she has to wonder . . . what happens when the snow melts?
Review: What a fun cozy novella! The chemistry between Elowyn and Liam was so good! It was believable and the rivalry between their families was completely understandable! It was so perfect for this holiday season! If you want a great rivals to lovers romance and a sentient castle thrown into the story this is the perfect read!
Author: Tee Harlowe
Synopsis: When two rival chefs with a royal feast to prepare get snowed in, it’s not just the oven that’s heating up . . .Hating Liam Wolvern is in Elowyn’s blood. Their families have been rivals for centuries, each generation vying for the job of castle chef. It doesn’t help that Liam won the coveted role and now cooks for the high prince while Elowyn is stuck working at her family’s failing tavern.
Elowyn’s ready to prove herself when she’s invited to prepare the upcoming Winter Solstice feast at the castle. Yes it means working with Liam, but it’s also her chance to shine.
Unfortunately, Elowyn’s plans are thrown out the window when a storm hits and she’s snowed in with Liam. Now they not only have to make this feast, but they have to do it in a mischievous sentient kitchen with plans of its own.
Worse, once they stop fighting long enough to cook, Elowyn realizes they might be a great team, that maybe she got Liam all wrong. But as tension builds and things start to heat up, she has to wonder . . . what happens when the snow melts?
Review: What a fun cozy novella! The chemistry between Elowyn and Liam was so good! It was believable and the rivalry between their families was completely understandable! It was so perfect for this holiday season! If you want a great rivals to lovers romance and a sentient castle thrown into the story this is the perfect read!
March 21, 2026
I LOVED this! This book was perfect amounts cute, cozy, and a little spicy. This was actually a book where I related more to the MMC, Liam, than the FMC, Elowyn. Snowed In, Forced Proximity and One Bed are my all-time favorite tropes, and this book delivers! The lore was great! The family rivalry, the sentient kitchen, the talking gargoyles, and the godwitches left me wanting to keep reading and learning more about this world. Liam and Elowyn definitely did not fall in love at first sight, but being forced to work together, they begin to realize that they actually do have a connection despite their families rivalry. The pacing is great, and I loved every moment reading this.
February 11, 2026
This is such a sweet, quick romance novella.
Even though it was a short story, I felt like I believed the attraction and development of the main characters’ relationship.
Life-long rivals to lovers is just so good. Especially when he falls first. 🫠
Format: Ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Even though it was a short story, I felt like I believed the attraction and development of the main characters’ relationship.
Life-long rivals to lovers is just so good. Especially when he falls first. 🫠
Format: Ebook
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
March 21, 2026
very cute prequel to this Damsel Is Not in Distress just wish it was longer. Can't wait to experience more of Fairwitch isle.
December 10, 2025
This is a cosy festive rivals to lovers romantasy, with a sentient castle, forced proximity, and lots of family drama.
Elowyn and Liam are forced to cook together for the winter feast at the castle, but their opposite personalities and rivalry tension makes things difficult. When they are snowed in together, their feelings shift and they decide to work as a team.
It's a sweet and cosy romantasy, and I enjoyed the interfering gargoyles and family bickering.
Elowyn and Liam are forced to cook together for the winter feast at the castle, but their opposite personalities and rivalry tension makes things difficult. When they are snowed in together, their feelings shift and they decide to work as a team.
It's a sweet and cosy romantasy, and I enjoyed the interfering gargoyles and family bickering.
January 11, 2026
Two rival chefs have to learn to work together in this enemies to lovers romantasy prequel.
Elowyn Carragh and Liam Wolvern have been raised to be enemies since their births. Ever since one of their ancestors stole the other's family's recipe (no one knows who the real culprit is anymore), the Carragh/Wolvern rivalry has been going strong. Now, Elowyn and Liam are competing to be the royal chef. Well, technically Liam already has the job, but the high prince of the realm recruited Elowyn as backup for the holiday banquet. Forced to cook together, Elowyn and Liam reluctantly get to work. Suddenly, the two of them find themselves snowed in the royal kitchen together. As the two are forced to spend time together, they begin to realize that they are actually quite compatible and they've only disliked one another due to their family history. Can Elowyn and Liam overcome their heritage, or will their happily ever after fall apart before it's even given a chance to blossom?
I figured I should try to stay caught up on Tee Harlowe's new releases so that I can continue to partake in her street team for her next release "This Damsel is Not in Distress." This book is the prequel to the "Brothers of Fairwitch Isle" series, so I'm glad to have gotten this one checked off my list of books I need to read.
The concept of this one is something I've seen done quite a few times now: two children of rival families spend some quality time together and realize that they could actually be friends without the constant supervision of their families. I honestly am getting a bit sick of this premise, but I tried to look past it for the sake that I love Harlowe's work.
I personally like how Harlowe forced Elowyn and Liam to spend time with one another by getting them snowed in together; I find this trope to be so fun and it always invokes such a cozy wintery vibe for me.
One thing I really enjoyed about Eloywn and Liam's relationship is that they feel the same type of pressures from their family. The Wolvern's expect Liam to be the royal chef, just like his ancestor was. The Carragh's demand that Elowyn bury her creativity in the kitchen and prepare the recipes that have been passed down by their ancestor's. Both children feel trapped in their current situations and yearn to escape their family's toxic grasp on them.
I must say, the steamy bits in this one didn't work all that much for me. I feel that Elowyn and Liam's attraction for one another came on a tad too fast for my liking and that they were quick to reject their family values just because they were stuck together. Also, people having sex in kitchens has always been an ick of mine, so that certainly didn't help.
I think my favorite part about this book is its sentient castle. Castle has such a vivid personality, and I'm really excited to see more from it in the future installments in this series. The two gargoyles are also an absolute hoot, and I need more of their incessant arguing. The way that book one was teased in the epilogue was also fun, so I'm looking forward to exploring more of this series as time progresses!
Overall, "This is Not Love at First Sight" wasn't my favorite romantasy ever, but it was a quick and fun novella that acts as a great introduction to the "Brothers of Fairwitch Isle" series. Some of my favorite parts of this book was the sentient castle, the snowed in situation, and the bickering gargoyles. I look forward to reading more of Harlowe's work in the near future!
Elowyn Carragh and Liam Wolvern have been raised to be enemies since their births. Ever since one of their ancestors stole the other's family's recipe (no one knows who the real culprit is anymore), the Carragh/Wolvern rivalry has been going strong. Now, Elowyn and Liam are competing to be the royal chef. Well, technically Liam already has the job, but the high prince of the realm recruited Elowyn as backup for the holiday banquet. Forced to cook together, Elowyn and Liam reluctantly get to work. Suddenly, the two of them find themselves snowed in the royal kitchen together. As the two are forced to spend time together, they begin to realize that they are actually quite compatible and they've only disliked one another due to their family history. Can Elowyn and Liam overcome their heritage, or will their happily ever after fall apart before it's even given a chance to blossom?
I figured I should try to stay caught up on Tee Harlowe's new releases so that I can continue to partake in her street team for her next release "This Damsel is Not in Distress." This book is the prequel to the "Brothers of Fairwitch Isle" series, so I'm glad to have gotten this one checked off my list of books I need to read.
The concept of this one is something I've seen done quite a few times now: two children of rival families spend some quality time together and realize that they could actually be friends without the constant supervision of their families. I honestly am getting a bit sick of this premise, but I tried to look past it for the sake that I love Harlowe's work.
I personally like how Harlowe forced Elowyn and Liam to spend time with one another by getting them snowed in together; I find this trope to be so fun and it always invokes such a cozy wintery vibe for me.
One thing I really enjoyed about Eloywn and Liam's relationship is that they feel the same type of pressures from their family. The Wolvern's expect Liam to be the royal chef, just like his ancestor was. The Carragh's demand that Elowyn bury her creativity in the kitchen and prepare the recipes that have been passed down by their ancestor's. Both children feel trapped in their current situations and yearn to escape their family's toxic grasp on them.
I must say, the steamy bits in this one didn't work all that much for me. I feel that Elowyn and Liam's attraction for one another came on a tad too fast for my liking and that they were quick to reject their family values just because they were stuck together. Also, people having sex in kitchens has always been an ick of mine, so that certainly didn't help.
I think my favorite part about this book is its sentient castle. Castle has such a vivid personality, and I'm really excited to see more from it in the future installments in this series. The two gargoyles are also an absolute hoot, and I need more of their incessant arguing. The way that book one was teased in the epilogue was also fun, so I'm looking forward to exploring more of this series as time progresses!
Overall, "This is Not Love at First Sight" wasn't my favorite romantasy ever, but it was a quick and fun novella that acts as a great introduction to the "Brothers of Fairwitch Isle" series. Some of my favorite parts of this book was the sentient castle, the snowed in situation, and the bickering gargoyles. I look forward to reading more of Harlowe's work in the near future!
February 9, 2026
This book was a cosy, lighthearted read, which I feel leaned more towards the characters' inner conflicts than it did on the romance.
There wasn't much development or build-up of the romance, or an understanding of why the love interests fell in love.
The spice scenes were also over fast and were underwhelming. There wasn't much description to them or feeling of passion and emotion.
With the romance not being the strongest, I feel the spice scenes needed to at least be more exciting to make up for it.
I think it might have been helpful to see flashback scenes of past interactions between Elowyn and Liam so we could even just get a better sense of how well they knew each other beforehand.
There was a touch of whimsy to this tale, but I had hoped for a lot more magical elements. It's mentioned that there is magic all around the world, but that's all we're left with - other than the sentient castle (which I loved!) and two constantly bickering talking gargoyles.
The small hidden kingdom where this story is set was unique and I loved the concept, but there isn't any exploration of it. There was very minimal world building.
Of course since this book is a novella I understand that there wouldn't be enough space to fit in everything a reader could desire from a fantasy, but with an underdeveloped romance AND underwhelming spice, I didn't feel like I was left with much once I'd finished reading.
I chose to read this novella first before I jumped into 'This Damsel is Not in Distress', and I was intrigued by the side character Wolfe and enjoyed the little snippet we got of him, which is good because I believe he is the next love interest in this new series!
Unfortunately, there were a few inconsistencies and continuity errors that affected my enjoyment of this book too. There were things mentioned in one scene that were then changed in another, as well as missing or incorrect words being used.
I was also left baffled by a particular scene near the end.
* 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 *
Liam's dad, Eamon, walks into the room just after Liam and Elowyn have finished having s*x and almost catches them in the act, and after he leaves Elowyn says something to Liam that really took me aback:
"I have to admit, Eamon, that was very s*xy how you just took charge."
Liam replies "Please don't ever call me Eamon again."
His narrative then tells the reader that 'it reminded him too much of his father'.
... I should think so, It's your father's name... but WHY did Elowyn even say it in the first place? 🥴
* 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 *
Overall, this book was a short and sweet read, but there just wasn't enough romantic or friendship development for the characters to form a meaningful connection.
I did really enjoy the neurodivergent representation. I think the intention was adhd rep, as well as ocd or potentially autism too, although perhaps that's just me being able to relate to it as a person with autism.
The difficulties Elowyn and Liam both had with their routines, daily tasks, and the weight of responsibilities was something I could really relate to. With my diagnosis still feeling quite new, it's always so exciting for me to be able to connect with and understand characters in this way.
There wasn't much development or build-up of the romance, or an understanding of why the love interests fell in love.
The spice scenes were also over fast and were underwhelming. There wasn't much description to them or feeling of passion and emotion.
With the romance not being the strongest, I feel the spice scenes needed to at least be more exciting to make up for it.
I think it might have been helpful to see flashback scenes of past interactions between Elowyn and Liam so we could even just get a better sense of how well they knew each other beforehand.
There was a touch of whimsy to this tale, but I had hoped for a lot more magical elements. It's mentioned that there is magic all around the world, but that's all we're left with - other than the sentient castle (which I loved!) and two constantly bickering talking gargoyles.
The small hidden kingdom where this story is set was unique and I loved the concept, but there isn't any exploration of it. There was very minimal world building.
Of course since this book is a novella I understand that there wouldn't be enough space to fit in everything a reader could desire from a fantasy, but with an underdeveloped romance AND underwhelming spice, I didn't feel like I was left with much once I'd finished reading.
I chose to read this novella first before I jumped into 'This Damsel is Not in Distress', and I was intrigued by the side character Wolfe and enjoyed the little snippet we got of him, which is good because I believe he is the next love interest in this new series!
Unfortunately, there were a few inconsistencies and continuity errors that affected my enjoyment of this book too. There were things mentioned in one scene that were then changed in another, as well as missing or incorrect words being used.
I was also left baffled by a particular scene near the end.
* 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 *
Liam's dad, Eamon, walks into the room just after Liam and Elowyn have finished having s*x and almost catches them in the act, and after he leaves Elowyn says something to Liam that really took me aback:
"I have to admit, Eamon, that was very s*xy how you just took charge."
Liam replies "Please don't ever call me Eamon again."
His narrative then tells the reader that 'it reminded him too much of his father'.
... I should think so, It's your father's name... but WHY did Elowyn even say it in the first place? 🥴
* 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 *
Overall, this book was a short and sweet read, but there just wasn't enough romantic or friendship development for the characters to form a meaningful connection.
I did really enjoy the neurodivergent representation. I think the intention was adhd rep, as well as ocd or potentially autism too, although perhaps that's just me being able to relate to it as a person with autism.
The difficulties Elowyn and Liam both had with their routines, daily tasks, and the weight of responsibilities was something I could really relate to. With my diagnosis still feeling quite new, it's always so exciting for me to be able to connect with and understand characters in this way.
December 22, 2025
My Thoughts: 👉 I absolutely adored this novella! (Already pre-ordered the next book in the series!)
Two rival chefs from two feuding families wind up having to work together in a shared space. Not only that, but they get trapped together due to a blizzard. Once old misunderstandings and hurt feelings are laid bare, some steamy tension heats up the kitchen in this sentient castle, but can their feelings for each other come to fruition when their families hate each other so very much?
This novella was jam packed with humor, spice, a chef off? (Cook/bake off?), a sentient castle, humorous gargoyles, a feud, snow, and realizing that sometimes you just gotta stand up for yourself in order to be truly happy!
There were a couple typos, but they didn’t really detract from the story. I adored everything about this novella and am eager to return to this world in the next book!! 10/10 recommend reading this!!
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Tropes 👇
- Sentient castle 🏰
- Funny gargoyles
- Rivals to Lovers
- Rival families
- Chef off 👩🍳🧑🍳
- Snowed in ❄️
- Holiday Feast
- Family expectations
- Growing a backbone
- Dual POV
- First person POV
Quotes (“”) 👇
My Thought: Good example of parental expectations getting in the way of allowing your child to be themselves, whoever that may be. 👇
“I don’t even care anymore that my father doesn’t see the real me—I’m thirty years old, and I abandoned the hope long ago that he’d ever accept me for who I am.”
“What was he doing out there with me? Defiling me with his mouth in the absolute best way. Filling me with a need so fierce it terrified me. Kissing me like no man had ever kissed me before, like I suspected no man would ever kiss me again.”
“Ava running away was a wake-up call, one that reminded me we have a single life to live, and I’m done living my life for someone else. I’m done living to please my father and fulfill his dreams while letting mine slip away. I want to cook, but I also want to have a life.”
“Every time she laughed, it lit up the space she was in.”
My Thought: I feel this in every fiber of my being 👇
“Our families hate each other.” - “Who gives a f*ck?” Wolfe asked. “Life is precious — You never know when it’s going to be your last chance to see someone, to touch them, to tell them you love them.”
“Don’t waste the time you have being unhappy.” 🙌
Two rival chefs from two feuding families wind up having to work together in a shared space. Not only that, but they get trapped together due to a blizzard. Once old misunderstandings and hurt feelings are laid bare, some steamy tension heats up the kitchen in this sentient castle, but can their feelings for each other come to fruition when their families hate each other so very much?
This novella was jam packed with humor, spice, a chef off? (Cook/bake off?), a sentient castle, humorous gargoyles, a feud, snow, and realizing that sometimes you just gotta stand up for yourself in order to be truly happy!
There were a couple typos, but they didn’t really detract from the story. I adored everything about this novella and am eager to return to this world in the next book!! 10/10 recommend reading this!!
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5
Tropes 👇
- Sentient castle 🏰
- Funny gargoyles
- Rivals to Lovers
- Rival families
- Chef off 👩🍳🧑🍳
- Snowed in ❄️
- Holiday Feast
- Family expectations
- Growing a backbone
- Dual POV
- First person POV
Quotes (“”) 👇
My Thought: Good example of parental expectations getting in the way of allowing your child to be themselves, whoever that may be. 👇
“I don’t even care anymore that my father doesn’t see the real me—I’m thirty years old, and I abandoned the hope long ago that he’d ever accept me for who I am.”
“What was he doing out there with me? Defiling me with his mouth in the absolute best way. Filling me with a need so fierce it terrified me. Kissing me like no man had ever kissed me before, like I suspected no man would ever kiss me again.”
“Ava running away was a wake-up call, one that reminded me we have a single life to live, and I’m done living my life for someone else. I’m done living to please my father and fulfill his dreams while letting mine slip away. I want to cook, but I also want to have a life.”
“Every time she laughed, it lit up the space she was in.”
My Thought: I feel this in every fiber of my being 👇
“Our families hate each other.” - “Who gives a f*ck?” Wolfe asked. “Life is precious — You never know when it’s going to be your last chance to see someone, to touch them, to tell them you love them.”
“Don’t waste the time you have being unhappy.” 🙌
January 27, 2026
Oh boy, where do I start?
Logic:
The sun is glaring through the windows, just for the sky to be cloudy and grey one sentence later.
They’re snowed in, they have no servers to help them prepare the feast, but one page later her 80yo grandma and his elderly father walk through the, apparently getting from the town to the castle without problems.
Later in the novella they have rooms in the castle. Why to the relatives of the freaking cooks have living quarters in the castle? Especially the one who’s only a temporary replacement? And why do the cooks don’t get a room and have to sleep in front of the hearth?! The only door out of the kitchen LEADS OUTSIDE? I buy that the road into town is blocked, but they can’t even go around the castle?
Setting/Aesthetic:
The setting seems to be a medieval fantasy (hearth, tavern, icebox, castle, magic kitchen items, no running water, no heating), but the language, manners and some of the items used are way too modern (veggies, Parmesan, „I’ll go for a run“ - which peasant goes for a run after a hard day of work?!),
Names: Some people have very mythical names (Elowyn, Eamon etc…) and then there’s the MMC Liam…
I really cracked when the talked about past relationships… her ex boyfriend is named Conan… like Conan the Barbarian. And his ex is named Fiona… like from the movie Shrek. Weren’t any less popular names available?
Same plot devices over and over:
It’s getting boring that the reason the have to depart or are not getting closer is the same over and over and over again… her grandma and her father are showing up and are interrupting them… was this the attempt of a running gag? Also why are those to always together if they hate each other so much???? The deeply rooted conflict between their families is one of the main motives of the story.
PROFESSIONALISM:
Is Liam actually a professional cook? he needs WEEKS to decide if he would want to put seeds in a bread recipe? Really? Professional cooks alter recipes so often, sometimes daily. That’s so unrealistic. I get it that he is not so spontaneous, but that’s over the top.
Last but not least: All I could think of when they made out in the kitchen was how unsanitary that is. You’re not cooking for yourselves but for others as well!!!
Logic:
The sun is glaring through the windows, just for the sky to be cloudy and grey one sentence later.
They’re snowed in, they have no servers to help them prepare the feast, but one page later her 80yo grandma and his elderly father walk through the, apparently getting from the town to the castle without problems.
Later in the novella they have rooms in the castle. Why to the relatives of the freaking cooks have living quarters in the castle? Especially the one who’s only a temporary replacement? And why do the cooks don’t get a room and have to sleep in front of the hearth?! The only door out of the kitchen LEADS OUTSIDE? I buy that the road into town is blocked, but they can’t even go around the castle?
Setting/Aesthetic:
The setting seems to be a medieval fantasy (hearth, tavern, icebox, castle, magic kitchen items, no running water, no heating), but the language, manners and some of the items used are way too modern (veggies, Parmesan, „I’ll go for a run“ - which peasant goes for a run after a hard day of work?!),
Names: Some people have very mythical names (Elowyn, Eamon etc…) and then there’s the MMC Liam…
I really cracked when the talked about past relationships… her ex boyfriend is named Conan… like Conan the Barbarian. And his ex is named Fiona… like from the movie Shrek. Weren’t any less popular names available?
Same plot devices over and over:
It’s getting boring that the reason the have to depart or are not getting closer is the same over and over and over again… her grandma and her father are showing up and are interrupting them… was this the attempt of a running gag? Also why are those to always together if they hate each other so much???? The deeply rooted conflict between their families is one of the main motives of the story.
PROFESSIONALISM:
Is Liam actually a professional cook? he needs WEEKS to decide if he would want to put seeds in a bread recipe? Really? Professional cooks alter recipes so often, sometimes daily. That’s so unrealistic. I get it that he is not so spontaneous, but that’s over the top.
Last but not least: All I could think of when they made out in the kitchen was how unsanitary that is. You’re not cooking for yourselves but for others as well!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2026
4.5 stars 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Genres, settings, categories, themes: cozy fantasy, romance (M/F), chefs, cooking/baking, sentient castle, novella
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Enemies to Lovers
> Forbidden Relationship / Shared Past (star-crossed lovers / feuding families)
> Snowbound (sub-trope of Forced Proximity)
> Opposites Attract
all about tropes here
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger; set in the same world as This Damsel Is Not in Distress: A Cozy Fantasy Romance
Format: ebook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: ♨🌶 forgot to record, but I think 2 or 3/5
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Elowyn) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Hero (Liam) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Other characters ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Plot ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Pacing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Romance ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ World building ~ 2/5 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑
~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1
~ Diversity & representation: MMC with anxiety, FMC with ADHD (both not formally diagnosed/mentioned as such)
~ Angst level: 2, no 3rd act breakup
~ Sadness level: none
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗nothing really
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
Cozy, short, and sweet. A quick, warring-families romance between two chefs in a sentient kitchen. Cute with a little spice. Not a lot to it - don’t expect anything epic or high fantasy, this is just a sweet lil treat.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: fans of cozy fantasy romances; as quick palette cleanser between heavier/longer books
Genres, settings, categories, themes: cozy fantasy, romance (M/F), chefs, cooking/baking, sentient castle, novella
💗 Tropes: 💗
> Enemies to Lovers
> Forbidden Relationship / Shared Past (star-crossed lovers / feuding families)
> Snowbound (sub-trope of Forced Proximity)
> Opposites Attract
all about tropes here
Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger; set in the same world as This Damsel Is Not in Distress: A Cozy Fantasy Romance
Format: ebook
🔽🔽🔽
Overall ratings
Heat level: ♨🌶 forgot to record, but I think 2 or 3/5
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)
~ Heroine (Elowyn) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Hero (Liam) ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Other characters ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
~ Plot ~ 3.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
~ Pacing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Romance ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
~ World building ~ 2/5 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑
~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1
~ Diversity & representation: MMC with anxiety, FMC with ADHD (both not formally diagnosed/mentioned as such)
~ Angst level: 2, no 3rd act breakup
~ Sadness level: none
🔽🔽🔽
❗CW/Triggers:❗nothing really
🔽🔽🔽
📝 Review/Notes 📝
Cozy, short, and sweet. A quick, warring-families romance between two chefs in a sentient kitchen. Cute with a little spice. Not a lot to it - don’t expect anything epic or high fantasy, this is just a sweet lil treat.
🔽🔽🔽
🤠 Recommended for: fans of cozy fantasy romances; as quick palette cleanser between heavier/longer books
March 16, 2026
A fluffy novella, in which (I'm pretty sure) the magical castle is so, so, SO over the BS stewing between two families, who have loathed each other for generations, while trading off being said castle's royal cook. :3
A quick, spicy romance that I would liken to a petite little dessert. The pacing was very quick, and I wish there'd been some more meat on this novella's bones, so that I could have spent more time with Ava and Liam. It was funny and I enjoyed how over the top the main characters' families were. If you're in a reading slump, this is a perfect read. If you don't really like the enemies-to-instalust-to-love trope, you might not like it as much.
I'd honestly read a short story if it was from the perspective of the castle as it watched the two feuding families fall into hatred over the years.
A quick, spicy romance that I would liken to a petite little dessert. The pacing was very quick, and I wish there'd been some more meat on this novella's bones, so that I could have spent more time with Ava and Liam. It was funny and I enjoyed how over the top the main characters' families were. If you're in a reading slump, this is a perfect read. If you don't really like the enemies-to-instalust-to-love trope, you might not like it as much.
I'd honestly read a short story if it was from the perspective of the castle as it watched the two feuding families fall into hatred over the years.
March 26, 2026
This was a cute quick and easy read. I liked the character development and growth. Our FMC Elowyn has a free and creative spirit she works at her family's tavern but she wants more fun and spontaneity in her life. Her family is rivals with the Wolvern family due to a long standing family feud over who stole/poisoned who. Well of course our MMC Liam is the boy she grew up learning to hate because of who his family is. When the two of them are forced to work together to cook for the Prince and the entire kingdom in the magic Castle for their Winter Feast the two agree they need to be cordial and work together. They reveal their vulnerabilities and they begin to see each other in a new light. The spice was nice in the book😍🥵 and though things felt fast in reality it wasn't because they have known each other their whole lives. This was a fun quick romantasy read! 😍😍
March 14, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this captivating novella. The author's world-building, magic system, and the enchanting atmosphere of the sentient kitchen all drew me in. The story centers around Elowyn and Liam, two talented chefs from rival families on Fairwitch Isle, as they work to overcome their differences and form a strong partnership. As they break down their barriers and shed their biases, they become an unstoppable duo. I also appreciated how this novella skillfully lays the groundwork for the next installment in the series, introducing new characters and expanding the world. If you're in the mood for a cozy, magical, and engaging read, this novella is an excellent choice.
December 17, 2025
Niamh found a tower where she could live and it took care of everything for her, cooking a library full of books. Whatever she needed it did for her. She had left a bad relationship and found this tower to hide away from ever being hurt again.
This book was such a great read that it was over before I knew it. The descriptions of the tower were so well drawn out that I was there in the castle seeing everything that happened. I felt like a fly on the wall through the entire book.
I would highly recommend this book
This book was such a great read that it was over before I knew it. The descriptions of the tower were so well drawn out that I was there in the castle seeing everything that happened. I felt like a fly on the wall through the entire book.
I would highly recommend this book
December 26, 2025
4⭐ | 3🌶️
A long-standing family rivalry, a sentient castle,
food at the center of everything, and two bickering gargoyles, all wrapped in a cozy atmosphere. A combination I did not know I needed.
We follow Liam and Elowyn on a culinary journey as they prepare a royal banquet that, unsurprisingly, does not go according to plan.
It’s a short book, and the writing flows well. It blends romance, spice, and healing effortlessly, while laying the foundation for a shared universe with more standalone stories to come.
A long-standing family rivalry, a sentient castle,
food at the center of everything, and two bickering gargoyles, all wrapped in a cozy atmosphere. A combination I did not know I needed.
We follow Liam and Elowyn on a culinary journey as they prepare a royal banquet that, unsurprisingly, does not go according to plan.
It’s a short book, and the writing flows well. It blends romance, spice, and healing effortlessly, while laying the foundation for a shared universe with more standalone stories to come.
March 12, 2026
If you can’t take the heat, you better get out of the kitchen…if you can. Elowyn and Liam’s families have been feuding for generations. All tied to who has a family member as the head chef at the royal castle. Liam won the job, and Elowyn has been stuck at her family’s tavern with barely any customers. She just knows if she would have gotten the job, she could be far more creative than the know-it-all Liam.
Liam has the job, and it is not always easy. He is detail oriented, but you can get lost in those details. The pressure from his dad constantly about the job piles on to his stress. Oh, and did I mention that the castle is sentient, with magic that helps do things all over the castle and the kitchen? Well, he hasn’t quite figured out when the magic will help or when it won’t.
Elowyn is so excited to be invited to help in the kitchen for the annual holiday feast, but not quite as excited to be working with Liam. When their two styles clash, things start piling up, and things cool down (or heat up), it is a recipe for chaos! You will laugh so much, enjoy the spice, and it is the perfect book to read while waiting for This Damsel is Not In Distress to come out. While it is a stand alone, it is a great prequel to The Brothers of Fairwitch’s first book. Tee Harlowe is an amazing author that knows how to write the banter that keeps it fun and magical.
Liam has the job, and it is not always easy. He is detail oriented, but you can get lost in those details. The pressure from his dad constantly about the job piles on to his stress. Oh, and did I mention that the castle is sentient, with magic that helps do things all over the castle and the kitchen? Well, he hasn’t quite figured out when the magic will help or when it won’t.
Elowyn is so excited to be invited to help in the kitchen for the annual holiday feast, but not quite as excited to be working with Liam. When their two styles clash, things start piling up, and things cool down (or heat up), it is a recipe for chaos! You will laugh so much, enjoy the spice, and it is the perfect book to read while waiting for This Damsel is Not In Distress to come out. While it is a stand alone, it is a great prequel to The Brothers of Fairwitch’s first book. Tee Harlowe is an amazing author that knows how to write the banter that keeps it fun and magical.
March 5, 2026
Enemies to lovers trope with forbidden love and feuding families. Forced proximity and one bed. All the ingredients for a spicy novella with magical charm. I enjoyed this story. I initially wasn’t very fond of either FMC or MMC and their families were difficult as well. The bickering and arguments were a bit much between the main characters and their families along with the arguing gargoyles. I would have preferred some matchmaking or mischief with the gargoyles to offset all the hostility. In the end, I enjoyed the story but all the bickering made it less entertaining for me.
February 18, 2026
Well if this wasn’t the cutest, coziest little romance ever!! 🥹 I was gifted an arc of This Damsel is Not in Distress but I just had to read the first book and I’m so so glad I did!
Two rival families, a sentient castle, two chefs trying to please their families and their romance? Absolutely forbidden.
I don’t know what it is about a chef romance but I absolutely loved it and it also gives you a little taste of what’s coming in the next book! I can’t wait to read more. ☺️✨
Two rival families, a sentient castle, two chefs trying to please their families and their romance? Absolutely forbidden.
I don’t know what it is about a chef romance but I absolutely loved it and it also gives you a little taste of what’s coming in the next book! I can’t wait to read more. ☺️✨
March 12, 2026
This cozy romantasy novella was an easy-to-read palette cleanser for me after a DNF yesterday. The novella has rivals-to-lovers and a sentient castle kitchen, which definitely interferes and acts as a matchmaker to the two rival chefs. It's lighthearted and lowstakes, and acts as a nice introduction to the fantasy world of the Brothers of Fairwitch Isle series, ready for the longer book coming out on 26th March 2026, This Damsel Is Not In Distress.
March 23, 2026
This was such a cute story! It’s novella length and does a great job of introducing the world of Fairwitch Isle. It also helps to set up the plot for the next book in the series, although both are standalone books. It was nice to get to know some of the characters that we see again in the series.
This was a really lovely rivals to lovers romance with a lot of heart and humor. I definitely recommend you give this book a read if you are looking for something lighthearted with lots of fun magical vibes.
This was a really lovely rivals to lovers romance with a lot of heart and humor. I definitely recommend you give this book a read if you are looking for something lighthearted with lots of fun magical vibes.
December 31, 2025
This was a perfect final full read for the 2025.
This was a lovely short read, it was more novella length at just under 130 pages. It had the perfect blend of romance, charm, spice, had a little magic, and just overall left me with warm happy vibes. I will be reading the sequel when it comes out. Not a huge suprise as I have really enjoyed all books by this author so far.
This was a lovely short read, it was more novella length at just under 130 pages. It had the perfect blend of romance, charm, spice, had a little magic, and just overall left me with warm happy vibes. I will be reading the sequel when it comes out. Not a huge suprise as I have really enjoyed all books by this author so far.
January 11, 2026
A good novella
This is a good wintery story. The details of the world were light, but I enjoyed the sentient kitchen. I liked the two main characters once they stopped fighting. I did not like their families at all. Still, this was a a fun story and had some decent light spice. I enjoyed this one.
This is a good wintery story. The details of the world were light, but I enjoyed the sentient kitchen. I liked the two main characters once they stopped fighting. I did not like their families at all. Still, this was a a fun story and had some decent light spice. I enjoyed this one.
December 27, 2025
This was a cute and cozy holiday novella. I loved watching the long-held rivalry between their characters melt as they started to warm up to each other. The ending was absolutely adorable, and all the little hints have me excited for the next book in the series.
February 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this series starter from Tee it was fun and cottage core. Loved the magical themes in the castle and the gargoyles. I’m so looking forward to book one to see how the series progresses.
February 27, 2026
This was a cute little read. Not anything to write home about necessarily but did for me what I was wanting it to, which was to be a cozy fast read. This is the second book I've read by Tee Harlowe and I do enjoy her stories for what they are. I'll probably read more by her as well.
March 14, 2026
The perfect cozy winter short story!
Two rival family go head to head for the top job of royal Chef in this charming enemies to lovers.
I loved the sentient kitchen and it's match making skills, the interactions of the two families had me giggling.
Highly recommend giving this short story a read.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Two rival family go head to head for the top job of royal Chef in this charming enemies to lovers.
I loved the sentient kitchen and it's match making skills, the interactions of the two families had me giggling.
Highly recommend giving this short story a read.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 18, 2026
A cute and spicy standalone. This novella ties right into This Damsel Is Not In Distress. It gives a Romeo and Juliet vibe in that the two main characters' families have a long standing feud. They were in forced proximity with each other when a snow storm traps them together in a magical kitchen.
December 21, 2025
Such a cute, wonderful read. I loved the characters, the world, the writing style. I can already tell Tee Harlow is going to be a favorite author.
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