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Marriage Market Misadventures

Romancing the Throne

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Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthorn is a traditional elf with a traditional name, from the tiny village of Hillstowe, and he has been raised with one imperative duty to fulfil—to marry Prince Aldian of Emberleigh. He just has to attend the Everand Market and impress Aldian with his mien, manner and magic. The cost of failure? His parents will have to continue living in constrained circumstances, forced to make their own cheese.

Elowin, the envoy sent by the prince, did not sign up to babysit a rustic innocent all the way to Everend Market. Especially one who is shocked there’s no regal carriage to travel in. But it turns out there’s more to Sparrow, as Elowin nicknames him—because nobody deserves to be called Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthorn—than meets the eye.

Elowin finds himself drawn to Sparrow, who is as bright and curious as his namesake bird. Attraction blossoms between them, and butterflies literally burst into life when they kiss, but how can they have a future together when Sparrow is meant to marry the prince?

With magic in the air, anything can happen.

Romancing the Throne is a heartwarming low-angst story containing romantic awakenings, first times, and plenty of casual nudity and body piercings that are a real eye-opener for a sheltered elf from Hillstowe. It’s the first book in the Marriage Market Misadventures.

Marriage Market Misadventures is a light hearted series of queer romances where Elves from all over the realm gather at the Everend Midsummer Markets to meet, match, and marry—with plenty of shenanigans along the way.



136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2026

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About the author

Lisa Henry

110 books2,308 followers
I like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for ~ Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ & semicolons ~.
3,700 reviews1,260 followers
June 30, 2026
~3.5~

Absolutely adorable!

A sheltered, genteel elf, raised believing he's destined to marry the prince, is accompanied to the annual Marriage Market by a royal escort. The escort arrives without a carriage, which is unfortunate as the elf in question packed far too many books.

Birdoswyn (dubbed Sparrow by Elowin) and Elowin are like two peas in a pod. They both love growing things, and Elowin doesn't mind Sparrow chattering about birds, not one bit. He could listen to Sparrow for hours.

Somewhere along the way, they fall in love, and when they kiss, there are (metaphorical and literal) butterflies.

There's a distinct lack of world building and the writing is a little stilted, but we have elves, hot air balloons, taverns, and magic.

Everything, including the shiny epilogue, is fluffy and wholesome. If you're in the mood for a marshmallow of a story, this is the one.
Profile Image for Heather K (dentist in my spare time).
4,130 reviews6,972 followers
June 30, 2026
*3.5 stars*

This was a cutie little filler read between heavier books, and I very much appreciated the break. If you like sweet elves with hair past their butts discovering they are not that innocent then this one is for you.

I've read Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey books with better world building, but I understand it's quite hard to do that in a novella (which is what makes them so tricky to write!). We are kind of dumped into an elf-y world with magic and kind of have to go with the flow. However, the book is so fluffy that it kind of doesn't matter that much that the world building is half-hearted.

I enjoy "fish out of water" kind of stories, so I liked Sparrow's wide-eyed enthusiasm and wonder as the "modern" world around him as he gets closer to the city. His character is very sheltered, so it was fun to watch him grow and change with new exposures. His dynamic with Elowin was delightful, even if the sexual parts seemed very abrupt and kind of out of place with Sparrow's demeanor. I decided I was just along for the ride, and I enjoyed the story for what it was.

Overall, a nice story for cozy, fluffy light fantasy lovers.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Profile Image for Ami.
6,328 reviews485 followers
June 29, 2026
3.5 stars

Sweet novella. No big drama or conflict. Just one adorable sheltered fae finding out about the "real" world and someone who is better for him than the supposed match.

And I kind of loved it that Sparrow - I thought Sparrow will blossom more that way, finding his ground and strength in the real world rather than being immediately
Profile Image for Edga.
2,329 reviews22 followers
July 8, 2026
Beautiful and Magical Romance ✨️

I found this story absolutely charming! It’s a super sweet, low angst fantasy romance packed to the brim with magic and the pure comedy, that I associate with Sarah and Lisa.
Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc Hazelthorn, a.k.a Sparrow, is a pretty, clueless, adorable elf experiencing the real world for the very first time on a hilarious road trip to meet a prince. Sparrow is the ultimate, precious cinnamon roll. He is incredibly naive and utterly desperate to marry royalty, mostly so his poor parents can stop spending their days manually making cheese, which apparently "tasted like betrayal and sadness."
Enter Elowin, the royal envoy sent to fetch him, who promptly falls face first in love with Sparrow’s innocent, goofiness. Elowin can't get over  Sparrow’s chaotic reactions to worldly things like public nudity and body piercings, which completely stuns Sparrow's innocent little mind. Their chemistry is so off the charts that when they finally kiss,  literal magical butterflies pop into existence 🦋
Like I said, this book is just pure joy, wonder, and smiles. The absolute peak of the book is when Elowin takes Sparrow to a local tavern. Our innocent little elf has zero clue what he’s doing but dives in headfirst anyway. Cue a wild night involving a lute, a mountain of drinks,  absolutely zero inhibitions, and an incredibly sore head the next day!
By the time Sparrow actually meets the prince, it’s a total shock to no one that matrimony is completely off the table. Why? Because he simply can't stop thinking  about the handsome and caring Elowin. It all wraps up with the most beautiful happily ever after.
I am a massive fan of Lisa and Sarah, they are absolutely dynamic when they write together. Their stories are consistently laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, and dripping with romance. I adore their wit, the cheeky banter between their beautifully chaotic characters, and their gorgeous happily ever afters! ❤️
Profile Image for Jilrene.
946 reviews81 followers
June 27, 2026
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 butterflies

Ohmygosh! This sweet, low angst, romance hits all the right notes. FYI - the story is told in alternating first person POV.

Birdoswyn speaks in the odd number chapters. He is absolutely precious. He loves birds, and has quite a few books about them. Elowin headlines the even number chapters. He's practical and quite smart. I loved when he gives Birdoswyn the nickname Sparrow. Elowin sees Sparrow and also finds him precious. ;)

I love the dynamic of the main characters. Sparrow sees many new things, and Elowin answers all his questions. Their relationship evolves slowly (but not slow). I know it doesn't make sense.

I really enjoyed reading this low angst fantasy romance. The ending is so perfect! I recommend this for anyone who likes cute elves finding their HEA. Also, the butterflies.
Profile Image for Fiona Tewson.
118 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2026
What a lovely, cosy tale from the pens of Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey. A sheltered elf, who has been told all his life that he is to marry the prince, goes with his escort to the marriage market at Everend.

Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthorn is genteel and has the longest hair of any elf he knows (not that he knows much outside his village of Hillstowe). His escort, Elowin, arrives to take Birdoswyn to meet prince Aldian, but both Birdoswyn and his parents are amazed to find that this journey is to be made on foot, and not in the carriage they expected.

Elowin calls Birdoswyn 'Sparrow' when Birdoswyn seems to be able to call the birds from the bushes. As their journey continues, they meet a variety of people, in taverns where Sparrow indulges by carousing (and having a hangover the following morning), to travelling elves, who help them continue their journey to Everend.

Sparrow's magic is very simple, he can warm a small area up around himself and his companion. When he kissed Elowin though, 🦋 surround them both, in various hues.

This is a short read, I wish it had been longer, but it's nonetheless a great read. The description of the world Sparrow and Elowin travel through is realistic and the elves met along the way are believable.

I had an advanced copy of this book from the authors.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,944 reviews26 followers
June 29, 2026
This story gave me butterflies

This story is terribly sweet and it gave me butterflies, just like the main characters. Elowin is just a nice elf and he takes such good care of the elf he nicknames Sparrow on their trip for Sparrow to meet the elf prince that he is supposed to marry. There aren’t many surprises in the story, but it is so well written and such an uplifting read from these two great authors that it hits the spot just right.
Profile Image for Sheena.
848 reviews15 followers
June 29, 2026
This was so much fun. It's the series opener of a collaboration in a shared world, and based on this I'd definitely be interested in the rest of this series. Birdoswyn is so impossibly sheltered, brought up from birth to believe that he's destined to marry the prince as part of a bargain made too many years ago to count, really. This kicks off the day he is due to go to market to meet the Prince, and is awaiting his escort.

Elowin is said escort but he's not exactly just that, he doesn't lie exactly, he's just a little economical with the truth. I liked Birdoswyn (sparrow) very much. He's so naive to the ways of the world but is so willing to embrace it and be open to new experiences and I loved seeing him come out of his shell as the story went on. Of course it doesn't all go smoothly with the Prince but there's still an HEA for Sparrow, and I really loved seeing him get it.

For a start to a shared world, this was great and I want to read more in this world.
Profile Image for Annie Maus.
405 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2026
As daily news seems more dire by the minute, low-angst romances help me find comfort and hope in humanity. Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey’s “Romancing the Throne” is a small bit of homey magic.

“Swallow” was raised in an isolated rustic village whose only claim to fame is a kindness done hundreds of years earlier by it’s one “genteel” elf family to elf royalty. As a consequence, if a current prince is marriage-ready, this family may present it’s child, in this case Bidoswyn, or Swallow, a nickname awarded him by Elowin, who has been sent to fetch the young elf and present him to the prince.

Except, Elowin is enchanted by the warm, curious lad and the feelings are mutual. Never-the-less Swallow must do his duty to family, no matter how delightful their journey together has been.

Swallow has been raised to believe “mein, manners and magic” will capture his prince and elevate his family. But Swallow’s magic is small, he’s more adorable than handsome, and his manners are antiquated. These difficulties keep the tale moving briskly and it seemed I was done a few hours before I started - easy-peasy reading.

In meditation there is a phrase, “beginner’s mind,” which means approaching each moment without preconceived ideas. It was a great joy to experience the world, for the first time, through Swallow’s sheltered eyes. Ms. Henry and Honey write a convincing tale of an adult, thrust into the role usually reserved for innocent children. In Elowin’s pleasure, I could feel my defenses melt.

When Swallow is ashamed of his unsophistication, Elowin tells him, “You adjusted what you thought you knew with what you know now, and then you barely blinked at a stream full of naked elves. You are clever, and kind, and open to learning new things. Why would I make fun of any of that?” No wonder Elowin falls in love with the open-minded man!

The authors have built a world set in quasi-Medieval times, with interesting parallels to our own – cue “gearheads,” rainbow wardrobes, tattoos and piercings. Placed in an ancient era, these brought smiles to my face.

Sweet without veering towards saccharine, and as cozy as a winter fireplace, “Romancing the Throne” is a book you snuggle up with.
Profile Image for Continuity .
87 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 19, 2026
{4.25}

This book was a fun, cozy little treat!

If I’m being honest, I was nervous going into this. I typically don’t read such short books; I always find something lacking, but Henry and Honey managed to make this read extremely satisfying. (Would I have wanted 100+ more pages of this story? Of course! But that’s because I am a greedy reader.) From page one, they established the vibes of the book beautifully and endeared me to the main character.

This is the perfect book to start the series off. Birdoswyn (or Sparrow as he’s called throughout the book) hasn’t left his small village of Hillstowe, where the chickens outnumber the people, and they seem to live in the past. We see Emberleigh and Everand Market through his sheltered and naive eyes, which makes the town seem even more magical.

The book itself is very low angst; the romance between the two characters is soft and sweet. This is the perfect palette cleanser of a book to read after something particularly angsty. It has such a strong fairytale aura to it while mixing modern concepts. This made the world rich and interesting. I’m excited to see more of it throughout the other novels.

Overall, I really liked this book. My favorite part was definitely the beginning with Hillstowe and their journey to Emberleigh. I just love the classic cozy fantasy feel of it. Thank you to the authors for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! While I have some of their works on my TBR, this is my first official read by them. This book definitely convinced me to pick up their other works!

Tags/Warnings
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Tropes: Sheltered MC, Virgin MC, size difference, piercings
Third act break-up: No
OM/OW: Both MCs kiss another person, but it’s brushed off and not seen as something big in the grand scheme of the plot.
Profile Image for Glenn.
501 reviews
June 29, 2026
A promise to be wedded to a royal - didn't quite work the way he expected

Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthornd is a traditional elf who resides with his parents in a modest village. He is informed that he is to marry Prince Aldian of Emberleigh. In the exemplary writings of Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey, the narrative recounts his upbringing designed to prepare him for presentation to the prince, assuring happiness in the outcome. This includes the responsibilities his parents bear, such as making their own cheese.

Referred to as Sparrow by the royal escort dispatched to accompany him to the prince now that he is of age, he initially feels disappointment due to the absence of a royal carriage for the journey. Instead, his destination is the Everland Elf Market, a hub where matchmaking occurs and various goods and services are provided to the elven community.

The authors, as is often their practice, excel in creating immersive world-building and captivate us with Sparrow’s naivety, contrasted by the worldly insights of Elowin, the envoy assigned to introduce him to the prince. Their journey commences on foot, spanning several days. During this journey, Sparrow’s perception of the world changes, and he views Elowin’s worldview with growing interest. The magic shared between the two men manifests subtly, likened to fluttering butterflies.

This fantasy series, penned by multiple authors sharing a common theme, begins with this installment. It aligns with the sense of wonder present in "Adventures in Aguillon," where male-male romances flourish within a medieval setting.

This narrative is a swift and engaging read, driven by an enchanting universe and the hopeful prospect of a man destined to marry a prince, ultimately culminating in a satisfying resolution.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,288 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2026
Writing partners Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey kick off the multiauthor Marriage Market Misadventures series with "Romancing the Throne". It's an absolute gem of a story Which sets the stage for an enjoyable summer of reading.
The Everland Midsummer Market is the gathering place for elves seeking to exchange goods. And find their mates. Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthornd is a sheltered innocent from a small village who is off to the Market to marry the prince of his parent's dreams. But from the moment he meets Elowin, his envoy escort, that plan begins to unravel.
Sparrow, as he's nicknamed, has a shared interest in nature and birds with Elowin. As they journey to Emberleigh by foot (no royal carriage for Sparrow's books), they encounter a host of memorable characters. And fall in love. Lots of eye openers for Sparrow. Casual nudity, multiple tattoos and piercings. There's a scene in an inn's taproom with all the mayhem you'd expect, and the resulting hangover. Sparrow greets new experiences with a sweet enthusiasm that thoroughly enchants both readers and Elowin.
A fine way to start the Marriage Market Misadventures series. Pacing was smooth, no storyline hiccups. Way too short, I could read about this pair forever. The other authors have big shoes to fill.
I received an advanced copy through the author's group and this is my review.
Profile Image for C..
409 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 25, 2026
Romancing the Throne is a short, yet sweet fantasy tale featuring a very sheltered elf whose only purpose has been marrying the prince and the escort sent to bring him to meet the prince. Birdoswyn, quickly nicknamed Sparrow, seems a bit pretentious but it’s soon realized It was from how and where he was raised. Elowin, his escort is able to see past that to the person Sparrow is and the two learn more about each other as they travel, eventually falling for each other and receiving their HEA.

This is a very sweet and fluffy read. I did feel for Sparrow with how sheltered he was and how hard on him his family was in their expectations. I’m glad he was able to get out of his traditional little village and find out who he really is and find out the things that make him happy. I enjoyed this world and am looking forward to reading the other books in this multi author series.

I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
932 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 17, 2026
4.5/5 This was such a lovely read! Sparrow is a little bit stuck up thanks to a very sheltered, very regimented upbringing, but he’s also charmingly naive, curious, kind—and willing to adjust his worldview as he learns more than the narrow reality his parents raised him in. It was delightful seeing the world through his eyes—and no wonder Elowin fell for him, because he really is so very endearing.

I liked how kind and patient Elowin is, always nurturing Sparrow’s love of nature, introducing him to the world, and making sure he feels comfortable. It was lovely to see Sparrow grow but also figure out how to be true to himself and figure out what he really wants out of life.

I really like these two together, and I look forward to seeing who else comes to the Everend Market!

I received an ARC from the authors. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for PalenMisha.
119 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
This was really cute and fluffy pretty much the entire way. Elowin was a sweetheart right from the beginning and really kind to Sparrow when it was clear that he was pretty innocent of the ways of the world. Sparrow took delight in so many small things that I enjoyed just reading about him getting distracted randomly while they travelled. It was pretty clear from the start that Sparrow's parents with rather selfish and also that they weren't terribly modern in their... well anything. I was a little worried Sparrow wouldn't be open to change, but he very much was and there was some really good character development watching him grow. The ending was also quite satisfying and I finished the book with a smile on my face. Definitely worth a read if you want something not too long that will leave you feet-kickingly happy.
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
2,948 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 25, 2026
Such a charming and heartwarming fantasy romance filled with humour, magic and plenty of character growth. Sparrow was an absolute delight being sheltered and naïve in many ways, but also curious, kind-hearted and willing to challenge everything he thought he knew as his world expanded.

I loved following his journey alongside Elowin, whose patience and gentle guidance made him the perfect match. Their relationship develops naturally, with plenty of sweet moments as Sparrow discovers both himself and the wider world beyond his village.

The setting was colourful and whimsical, with the Everend Market providing a wonderful backdrop for romance and adventure. The story balanced light-hearted fun with meaningful personal growth, making it an easy and enjoyable read from start to finish.
I received a free arc and this is my honest review
2,859 reviews129 followers
June 26, 2026
ROMANCING THE THRONE by Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey is part of the multiauthor Marriage Market Misadventures series. Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthorn is a sheltered elf from the tiny village of Hillstowe. He’s lived in anticipation of being called to wed the prince, and when Elowin, the envoy, arrives sans royal carriage to bring him to Everend, it’s truly the start of a new life. The journey to meet the prince opens the aptly nicknamed Sparrow’s eyes to a whole new world, so to speak.

Lisa Henry and Sarah Honey catalog Sparrow and Elowin’s journey of discovery with warmth and heart. Cruelty and unkindness have no place in this joyful universe full of friends one hasn’t yet met and adventures around each corner. Romancing the Throne is a delight, and I'm looking forward to more in this captivating universe.
1,212 reviews17 followers
July 8, 2026
I absolutely adore Sparrow! He is such a sweetheart who grew up only knowing what was around him and his small town. Reading about his curiosity and genuine excitement and exploring all the things the world has to offer was such a treat and just made me adore his character even more!

Even though the reason why he went to the Markets didn't work out the way he was expecting, his trip was well worth the journey. Him and Elowin's bonding was such a joy to read about, I love how Elowin entertained all of Sparrow's curiosities, it was so cute watching them getting to know each other and forming a relationship with each other. Their romance story was really adorable and I loved the ending!! I'm so glad Sparrow had the opportunity to explore different places and try new things.


"I didn’t want, or need, a prince to marry. I just wanted someone who gave me butterflies.""
Profile Image for bwrom.
111 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2026
Naive Elf and the Envoy

Charming, cosy, sweet no-angst slow-burn romance about a rural, naive elf, Sparrow, raised to believe he would marry a prince and the royal envoy tasked with delivering him to the Marriage Market to meet the Prince. Humor derived from the innocence of provincial Sparrow discovering the world outside his small village, and the slow delight envoy Elowin takes introducing him to new thoughts, new ways, and finally to romance and love. Some steam, many magical butterflies as Sparrow learns the difference between expected duty and being true to oneself. Elowin, somewhat jaded, awakens to the wonder of the world as seen through the eyes of his sweet love. Reminiscent of fairytale stories I loved in my childhood, sweet and wholesome, with the maturity of adult choices, the lustful joys of relationships, coupled with an elvish HEA. Magic.
Profile Image for Allison.
1,930 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 26, 2026
This was really cute. And absurd in a lovely way. Sparrow's innocence was wonderful mainly because he was willing to accept things and people as they were without judgment, he just admitted that he didn't know prior to the experience. I loved that Elowin saw the wonder in Sparrow and found it enchanting. Sparrow's magic was great and I liked that Elowin wasn't considered lesser because he didn't have any magic.

This is a lovely, sweet read set in an interesting World. I'm not one for reading books in a multi author series and I don't know most of the other authors so I probably will only read this book but it's complete within itself so that's not a problem.

A fun beach read that made me smile.
Profile Image for Jenny.
381 reviews
June 27, 2026
Sparrow has been raised in a sheltered and traditional village by extremely traditional parents. They all have their hopes pinned to the belief that he will meet and marry the prince at the Marriage Market. As the name of the series implies, Misadventures are had and for poor Sparrow his own starts from day one when not a single thing happens the way it was supposed to.
Elowin can't help falling for such a beautifully naive elf.
Awe and admiration for Sparrow's curiosity and eagerness to learn and grow on their journey to the Market turns to love. However, there's the planned meeting with the prince and a few secrets to be revealed before Sparrow can have the happily ever after he was always meant to. Our fabulous author duo truly out did themselves with this one!
853 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2026
I loved everything about this book from start to finish! Sparrow was such a refreshingly innocent, kind and heart-warming character who was full of curiosity. Elowin was the perfect match for him and I love how things slowly developed between them and the chemistry they had. I spent the whole book with a smile on my face! It was the perfect length; there was great world building and character development but nothing felt dragged out or slow. I loved them together, the journey, the exploration of the market and the HEA and epilogue. I would definitely recommend it if you like mm romance! It'll be a story I reread again and I'm excited to read some of the other stories that will be set in this shared world.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for MeadowsLovesBooks.
347 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2026
This was a super cute, fast read! It’s a delightfully cozy, low-angst fantasy novella that completely charms from the first page. Birdoswyn is (literally) destined to marry a fae prince so off he goes to the Everend Market to meet his future betrothed…certain that all will be well.

Watching the naive and sheltered elf, Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthorn (affectionately dubbed Sparrow) experience the world for the first time alongside his patient, sweet royal escort, Elowin, is a delight.

Their road-trip chemistry is incredibly sweet, complete with magical butterflies, IYKYK.

If you are looking for a lighthearted, funny, and utterly wholesome palette cleanser/slump buster that will leave you smiling then give this a try!!
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,196 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 15, 2026
I loved every moment of this delightful low angst romance between elves Sparrow and Elowin. Sparrow is sweet, sheltered and rather naive to the wider world outside his little village. Elowin is there to escort him to a meeting with the Prince and on the trip he soon sees the joy Sparrow experiences in discovering new things. One of which is what ‘carousing’ in a tavern is - a lute is involved. Theirs is a low angst, low spice romance where a kiss makes magical butterflies, magical tattoos are a thing and sometimes the one you were told your whole life you meant to be with is not the one you end up with. If you’re looking for a quick fun read that makes you smile then this is perfect.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,544 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
Romancing the Throne is part of the multi author Marriage Market Misadventures series. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the whole series. This is the story of Birdoswyn Abrecan Cranhawc-Hazelthorn(Sparrow) and Elowin. This was a sweet, low angst, quick read. I loved the characters especially Sparrow. He seems stuckup but he is also curious, naive, kind, and willing to change. Elowin is nurturing, patient, and kind. I loved watching these two together. This was a perfect pallet cleanser in book form. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book as a 5 star read.
received a free review copy
Profile Image for Ann.
102 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2026
This is a short story about an elf, Elowin, that is accompanying another elf, Sparrow, to the big market and on the way, they fall in love. Elowin is a more worldly elf and Sparrow has had a very sheltered life and in some ways is very naïve. Sparrow has grown up thinking he will meet the prince at this market and get married and that is all he is to do with his life, but after Elowin comes and takes him from his childhood home he learns there is a great big world out there. This is a sweet story with a HEA.
Story 4.5, Spice 2 (This is a more sweet story)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,318 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2026
4.25 stars

This is book one in the multi author Marriage Market Misadventures series. It’s a short and sweet little read that’s almost a little innocent with how naive the genteelly bred elf, Birdoswyn, aka Sparrow, was but still brought with it a nice, temporary, change of pace.

It’s not terribly deep or anything—more like one elf satisfying a traditional family obligation by marrying into another than anything else but I did enjoy the idea that the (kind of but not really) underdog won… I love that kind of storyline! Check it out for yourself. 4.25 stars

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for CatOnABlueBackground.
421 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
"I didn't want, or need, a prince to marry. I just wanted someone who gave me butterflies."

This is the first novella/short read in the Marriage Market Misadventures multi-author series.

Elowin comes to escort Sparrow to the market to meet and marry the prince. They have to walk, so it takes them 3 days, during which time they have adventures and learn about each other. This is a very cute, sweet romance with a bit of spice, a lot of really NICE people, and 2 elves who were meant for each other.

Enjoyed this a lot - finished it in one evening.
Profile Image for KJ.
21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
Absolutely adorable! I loved watching Sparrow fully embrace the adventure of finally learning about the rest of the world after leaving his very sheltered life in the village Hillstowe. Elowin was the perfect partner for this exploration, as he gently guided Sparrow’s wide-eyed wonder as they journeyed to the Everend Market. The two were extremely well suited to each other and watching them fall in love was beautiful. Everything came together in a perfect, fluffy story that left me all happy and warm.

I received an ARC of this book from the authors and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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