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Falling for Fables #4
Built by Magic
When expert archer Frida decides to join the family Assassin’s Guild, she’s given an induction task. She’s to track down an orc named Rune and steal his dragon. And if she brings the guild his head, even better.
But when she finds Rune, there’s no dragon. Only a grumpy orc, hidden in the forest and building homes for the folk of the nearby villages. Frida realizes he must be hiding the dragon somewhere else.
She conjures up a plan. She’ll worm her way into his life, pretend to be a friendly new arrival to his island, and get him to trust her enough to spill his secrets. Within a few weeks, she’ll have that dragon.
But as she and Rune grow closer, unexpected desires storm between them. Frida starts to question her future—and her past. And as the days turn to weeks, she must decide if she can complete her quest and fully give her heart to the guild.
Because it might just belong to someone else.
Built by Magic is a stand-alone cozy romantasy set in the whimsical world of Falling for Fables.
But when she finds Rune, there’s no dragon. Only a grumpy orc, hidden in the forest and building homes for the folk of the nearby villages. Frida realizes he must be hiding the dragon somewhere else.
She conjures up a plan. She’ll worm her way into his life, pretend to be a friendly new arrival to his island, and get him to trust her enough to spill his secrets. Within a few weeks, she’ll have that dragon.
But as she and Rune grow closer, unexpected desires storm between them. Frida starts to question her future—and her past. And as the days turn to weeks, she must decide if she can complete her quest and fully give her heart to the guild.
Because it might just belong to someone else.
Built by Magic is a stand-alone cozy romantasy set in the whimsical world of Falling for Fables.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2025
125 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Wolfhart
60 books1,520 followersJenna Wolfhart spends her days dreaming up stories about swoony fae kings and rugged blacksmiths. When she's not writing, she loves to do CrossFit competitions, rewatch Game of Thrones, collect Taylor Swift vinyls, and drink far too much coffee.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 8, 2025
Best cosy romance fantasy series
I absolutely loved the first book in the Falling For Fables series. I really liked the second and third too, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why they were more four star stories than five. After reading this one, I think I've figured it out.
I like it when the guy is grumpy. Maybe it's because I'm grumpy and I find it easier to relate. My wonderful girlfriend does a good job of balancing me out with her cheery optimism, which I am very thankful for.
This book wasn't perfect, but it was pretty close though. There are certain things that annoy me which seem to be mandatory in most books these days which were all but absent in this one. I love Jenna Wolfheart's prose, too. I enjoy romantasy books, which I appreciate I'm not really the target audience for, but whenever I read one it rarely reaches a level where I would say "I loved this book". And yet I had this one pre-ordered. I just don't think anything else matches up. I know I'm gushing but I was genuinely more hyped for this than I was for Wind and Truth. And where that one let me down, this delivered and then some. Apparently there's at least one more book in this series we can expect. I'm already counting down the hours.
Anyway, if you've read any of the other books in this series then you've more or less read this one. But read it anyway - it will leave you feeling warm and happy by the end.
Also, I may be throwing this out into the void but I would love a follow up story to the first couple. A man can dream!
I absolutely loved the first book in the Falling For Fables series. I really liked the second and third too, but I couldn't quite put my finger on why they were more four star stories than five. After reading this one, I think I've figured it out.
I like it when the guy is grumpy. Maybe it's because I'm grumpy and I find it easier to relate. My wonderful girlfriend does a good job of balancing me out with her cheery optimism, which I am very thankful for.
This book wasn't perfect, but it was pretty close though. There are certain things that annoy me which seem to be mandatory in most books these days which were all but absent in this one. I love Jenna Wolfheart's prose, too. I enjoy romantasy books, which I appreciate I'm not really the target audience for, but whenever I read one it rarely reaches a level where I would say "I loved this book". And yet I had this one pre-ordered. I just don't think anything else matches up. I know I'm gushing but I was genuinely more hyped for this than I was for Wind and Truth. And where that one let me down, this delivered and then some. Apparently there's at least one more book in this series we can expect. I'm already counting down the hours.
Anyway, if you've read any of the other books in this series then you've more or less read this one. But read it anyway - it will leave you feeling warm and happy by the end.
Also, I may be throwing this out into the void but I would love a follow up story to the first couple. A man can dream!
April 16, 2025
I thought my enjoyment for this series was falling off after I read Mined in Magic because that one just didn’t give me the same cozy enjoyment the first two books had. Then I saw the cover for this book and thought “alright I’ll give it one more chance”. I’m so happy I did because this brought me back to why I loved this series.
If you just want something quick and cozy to get lost in after some heavier reads, this would be perfect. It’s nothing complicated, very low stakes, and there’s a dragon.
If you just want something quick and cozy to get lost in after some heavier reads, this would be perfect. It’s nothing complicated, very low stakes, and there’s a dragon.
April 26, 2025
Okay, I liked Forged by Magic but the problem I had in that one is 10 times worse in this one. This author definitely sells light fantasy but really needs to work on helping her characters and circumstances sound less scripted and more natural.
Please, Jenna. I want to love these. I want to add these to my cozy fantasy re-reads. PLEASE. (Definitely give your cover artist a raise, though. They doing BALLER for all these so far!)
Please, Jenna. I want to love these. I want to add these to my cozy fantasy re-reads. PLEASE. (Definitely give your cover artist a raise, though. They doing BALLER for all these so far!)
April 22, 2025
I love going “no thoughts head empty” mode and that’s exactly what this series offers. All the depth of a puddle, wattpad level spice writing, and literally every single problem getting solved so easily I laughed out loud. But the world is awful and these help me feel temporarily lobotomized (complimentary.)
April 17, 2025
I absolutely adore this series it just has the sweetest most cozy vibes and makes me want to curl up with a warm drink and a pile of blankets. This book is filled with so much sweetness and very little angst. I am a sucker for dragons and magic and you’ll definitely find that here. Frida finds herself on a magic island living with the orc who’s supposed to be her mark to finally join the guild her entire family is apart of but instead finds herself enjoying her life with the orc she’s supposed to betray. Rune finds a mysterious elf in a tree trunk and takes her home with him even though he has his suspicions about her. I love that there was no real betrayal in this book because they were both suspicious of one another. Even though they were both trying to trick each other they were also becoming friends and taking care of one another which was adorable. It was so cute seeing them try to deny their attraction and get to know each other at the same time while slowly falling in love. I adore Frida’s adoration of everything she comes across and all the new things she gets to experience. I also love Rune watching her explore the island and all it has to offer while trying to give her a new home and life that just happens to include him and possibly a dragon? This book is just the perfect cozy romantasy!
April 30, 2025
“I’m sorry it’s not raining.”
A full-body shiver went through me. “You remember me saying I like dancing in the rain?”
“Frida, I remember everything you’ve said.”
I needed to squeeze one more into the month of April! Was so happy to get an arc of this one, unfortunately I couldn't get to it before release day but it was such a good conclusion to the Falling for Fables series! This one might be right behind my favorite (which was book 2)!
4.5/5 stars! 1/5 spice, a minimal maybe like slightly open curtain level of spice but definitely a slow burn.
I love the Falling for Fables series so much for cozy fantasy books with dragons and magic! I absolutely adored Rune and Frida's story. I thought it was all really sweet and definitely brought me back to loving this series after Mined in Magic didn't work for me.
I loved that this one was more so about choosing your family, growing from the things you knew and what was expected of you. I wanted a little bit more of Rune's background and I thought he could have opened up a little bit more to Frida, but overall this was just so sweet I was a big fan.
These books are wonderful when you want to not think, and just vibe with ease. This one takes place a little bit of a time jump after book 3 and I felt that that was nice to move the story along more. I enjoyed seeing characters from past books and the best part was Frida bonding with a dragon. We finally got a little more from a dragons perspective and that character arc with the two of them was just so touching.
"No rule would keep a good man from his daughter. If he truly cared for you, my sweet friend, he would have chosen you over a life of killing."
This was very focused on Frida's character development and story behind the guild. The main thing that I found myself annoyed with was how hard she called herself an assassin when she HARDLY was one without unaliving a person.
The conclusions of these are always low stakes and easy, which can be refreshing when you are in the right reading mood!
A full-body shiver went through me. “You remember me saying I like dancing in the rain?”
“Frida, I remember everything you’ve said.”
I needed to squeeze one more into the month of April! Was so happy to get an arc of this one, unfortunately I couldn't get to it before release day but it was such a good conclusion to the Falling for Fables series! This one might be right behind my favorite (which was book 2)!
4.5/5 stars! 1/5 spice, a minimal maybe like slightly open curtain level of spice but definitely a slow burn.
I love the Falling for Fables series so much for cozy fantasy books with dragons and magic! I absolutely adored Rune and Frida's story. I thought it was all really sweet and definitely brought me back to loving this series after Mined in Magic didn't work for me.
I loved that this one was more so about choosing your family, growing from the things you knew and what was expected of you. I wanted a little bit more of Rune's background and I thought he could have opened up a little bit more to Frida, but overall this was just so sweet I was a big fan.
These books are wonderful when you want to not think, and just vibe with ease. This one takes place a little bit of a time jump after book 3 and I felt that that was nice to move the story along more. I enjoyed seeing characters from past books and the best part was Frida bonding with a dragon. We finally got a little more from a dragons perspective and that character arc with the two of them was just so touching.
"No rule would keep a good man from his daughter. If he truly cared for you, my sweet friend, he would have chosen you over a life of killing."
This was very focused on Frida's character development and story behind the guild. The main thing that I found myself annoyed with was how hard she called herself an assassin when she HARDLY was one without unaliving a person.
The conclusions of these are always low stakes and easy, which can be refreshing when you are in the right reading mood!
April 26, 2025
Built by Magic Review on K-Books
“Ignore what your ancestors did. What is it that you want, Frida? Choose your life for yourself.”
I’m such a huge fan of Jenna Wolfhart’s Falling for Fables series. It’s fast become my favourite cosy fantasy series, rivalling my love for the Legends and Lattes series by Travis Baldree, which was my introduction to cosy fantasy. So, when Built by Magic dropped in my inbox, I abandoned everything to dive straight in. And I’m so glad I did. Prior to picking this one up, I’d been in such a funny reading mood and couldn’t get into anything. I think I must have DNF’d 3 books in a row. This book was exactly what I needed at the time. I absolutely flew through it, and I’ve once again been left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Built by Magic follows the story of Frida. Hailing from a family of assassins, she has never fit in and taking a life is her worst nightmare. But sick of living alone, she finally accepts their invitation to join them. But first she must pass a test. Travel to find an orc called Rune, and kidnap his dragon. But when she gets there there is no sign of a dragon. So she befriends him and offers her services as his assistant to try and find out where he could possibly be hiding this dragon.
I honestly cannot put into words my utter love for this series. And Built by Magic was no different. I absolutely loved every moment. I felt like this one has a little bit more higher stakes than some of the previous books in the series. With Frida being a potential assassin there was a lot of anticipation of whether she would actually do what’s been asked of her or not. Despite this, we still had all the adorable cosy vibes of her helping Rune with building fences, and fixing houses. Honestly I just love this vibe. It always makes me want to move away to these isles and live in the small towns helping everyone out.
One of my favourite things about this one was that the main characters from Brewed in Magic, my favourite book of the series, made an appearance. I just love how these are all standalones but they all do have a connection and it is the most adorable thing, for sure. Built by Magic was an absolutely fantastic cosy romantasy, and one I will read again and again. There are no words I can ever write that will put my love of these books in perspective. I cannot recommend them enough, and think everyone should pick these up when you’re feeling like you need a fun pick me up, or are in a reading slump. The Falling for Fables books hit every time.
“In the few weeks you’ve been here, you’ve become the best part of my life. I’d do anything not to lose you.”
“Ignore what your ancestors did. What is it that you want, Frida? Choose your life for yourself.”
I’m such a huge fan of Jenna Wolfhart’s Falling for Fables series. It’s fast become my favourite cosy fantasy series, rivalling my love for the Legends and Lattes series by Travis Baldree, which was my introduction to cosy fantasy. So, when Built by Magic dropped in my inbox, I abandoned everything to dive straight in. And I’m so glad I did. Prior to picking this one up, I’d been in such a funny reading mood and couldn’t get into anything. I think I must have DNF’d 3 books in a row. This book was exactly what I needed at the time. I absolutely flew through it, and I’ve once again been left feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Built by Magic follows the story of Frida. Hailing from a family of assassins, she has never fit in and taking a life is her worst nightmare. But sick of living alone, she finally accepts their invitation to join them. But first she must pass a test. Travel to find an orc called Rune, and kidnap his dragon. But when she gets there there is no sign of a dragon. So she befriends him and offers her services as his assistant to try and find out where he could possibly be hiding this dragon.
I honestly cannot put into words my utter love for this series. And Built by Magic was no different. I absolutely loved every moment. I felt like this one has a little bit more higher stakes than some of the previous books in the series. With Frida being a potential assassin there was a lot of anticipation of whether she would actually do what’s been asked of her or not. Despite this, we still had all the adorable cosy vibes of her helping Rune with building fences, and fixing houses. Honestly I just love this vibe. It always makes me want to move away to these isles and live in the small towns helping everyone out.
One of my favourite things about this one was that the main characters from Brewed in Magic, my favourite book of the series, made an appearance. I just love how these are all standalones but they all do have a connection and it is the most adorable thing, for sure. Built by Magic was an absolutely fantastic cosy romantasy, and one I will read again and again. There are no words I can ever write that will put my love of these books in perspective. I cannot recommend them enough, and think everyone should pick these up when you’re feeling like you need a fun pick me up, or are in a reading slump. The Falling for Fables books hit every time.
“In the few weeks you’ve been here, you’ve become the best part of my life. I’d do anything not to lose you.”
April 17, 2025
Built by Magic
A nice cozy story with all the feels! I loved the story and enjoyed the little cat and mouse games between the two with Frida trying to hide certain things.
It was a fun and lighthearted story with two lonely souls finding each other and more in the end.
Frida was a determined character. I liked how stubborn and loyal she was.
Rune was quiet and protective. I loved his protective nature with everyone! He had such a good heart.
The two of them were fun! The banter, the tension, the slow burn… I loved it all!!
And now for the best part… the tropes; enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, banter, wound tending, cozy, dragons, magic, one home, forced proximity, found family, magic, hidden agendas, yummy cheese, finding one’s place, and so much more!
A nice cozy story with all the feels! I loved the story and enjoyed the little cat and mouse games between the two with Frida trying to hide certain things.
It was a fun and lighthearted story with two lonely souls finding each other and more in the end.
Frida was a determined character. I liked how stubborn and loyal she was.
Rune was quiet and protective. I loved his protective nature with everyone! He had such a good heart.
The two of them were fun! The banter, the tension, the slow burn… I loved it all!!
And now for the best part… the tropes; enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, banter, wound tending, cozy, dragons, magic, one home, forced proximity, found family, magic, hidden agendas, yummy cheese, finding one’s place, and so much more!
April 17, 2025
Such a sweet story! Frida joined the assassins guild to finally be part of her family. She is tasked with her first mission, which is to steal a dragon from an orc. Frida sets out on this mission and finds, Rune, the orc who she is supposed to steal the dragon from. But the island that Rune lives on, shows Frida what it's like to be a family.
I loved this 4th installment of Falling for Fables. It was light, sweet, a little spicy, and delicious banter. Frida and Rune were perfect compliments to each other and I loved the dragon component.
I loved this 4th installment of Falling for Fables. It was light, sweet, a little spicy, and delicious banter. Frida and Rune were perfect compliments to each other and I loved the dragon component.
May 18, 2025
I’ve never met a Jenna Wolfhart book that I didn’t love. As always, this was filled with low stakes adventure, hopeful romance, and loving found family that make you wish you could join them, too. While this was probably the least spicy of the falling for fables series, it still had everything else I’ve loved from the rest of the books with an exciting new set of characters.
May 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐️Loved loved loved this book. So freaking adorable. I loveeee all of Jenna’s books. They are just the most cozy books of all time. I usually hate low stakes books but I literally love every single one of her books. I have basically enjoyed every book a bit more than the last. I do wish this one had a bit more going on. Wasn’t a massive fan of the assassin stuff. As I figured out the “mystery” really quick. But the romance was adorable. 🥺🫶🏻
April 30, 2025
i think frida is my fave FMC so far
July 25, 2025
LOVED THIS. This is what a cozy fantasy should be. I would read 12 more Falling for Fables books.
April 29, 2025
Cozy as hell. This whole series always makes me smile.
August 8, 2025
Definitely my least favorite in the series 😔 The romance just felt rushed and cringey. The plot was okay- it kept my interest, but the resolution/ending was very anticlimactic and just too simple in my opinion.
May 26, 2025
Built in Magic by Jenna Wolfhart, fourth book in the (Forged in Magic) series. This is a cosy Romantasy, with a hint of spice, danger and most of all dragons. I've been counting the days down for this book. I absolutely adore this series, I devoured this book and I read too fast, now I need another Jenna lol.
What I love about these books is they have nice happily ever afters and will leave you with a smile on your face. These books can all be read as standalones, but if you want to see the other characters intermingle with each other from past books, then you might want to start with book one Forged in Magic.
Freida who is an elf and Rune who is an orc, I loved getting to know both of our main characters. They are both so adorable, love Rune. He is so amazing. This was so cute, I highly recommend reading this series. Every single book is so amazingly written, the world building, characters, fast pacing plot and just a really good cosy, light read romantasy’s. Good palette cleanser book if you need one but still want fantasy romance.
Read if you like
● Cosy Romance
● Grumpy/Sunshine
● Dragons
● HEA
What I love about these books is they have nice happily ever afters and will leave you with a smile on your face. These books can all be read as standalones, but if you want to see the other characters intermingle with each other from past books, then you might want to start with book one Forged in Magic.
Freida who is an elf and Rune who is an orc, I loved getting to know both of our main characters. They are both so adorable, love Rune. He is so amazing. This was so cute, I highly recommend reading this series. Every single book is so amazingly written, the world building, characters, fast pacing plot and just a really good cosy, light read romantasy’s. Good palette cleanser book if you need one but still want fantasy romance.
Read if you like
● Cosy Romance
● Grumpy/Sunshine
● Dragons
● HEA
April 28, 2025
No. Fuck no 🤦🏼♀️ Each installment of the series just got worse and worse in my opinion so I will not be continuing beyond this book.
But for now, I’ve just gotta rant. I finished the book. I feel like I’ve earned my right to a good rant, so bear with me *takes a deep breath*
The main characters felt very flat and under developed to me. Because of that when their relationship was supposed to develop and they were getting closer to each other, I felt absolutely nothing for it. There was no rising tension. There was no gradual, natural progression in their relationship from strangers to friends to lovers. Hell by the 15% mark, both of them knew the truth of Frida’s mission (at least as it stood at that point)!
But my biggest problem with this book is that the entire point of it, the plot itself and what is supposed to be the challenge facing our heroes, is resolved with a single conversation 😖🙄 Frida and Rune make it out to be this impossible choice, but in reality I think it was Wolfhart struggling to decide where to take the story. Because in the end, it didn’t matter what our main characters decided. Her family showed up, having conveniently had an epiphany while Frida was gone, and all was well 🙄
Oh and big bad Erik, whose retribution Frida feared? Apparently the assassin's guild had a vote and he was arrested, and that was that 😒
I understand that this is supposed to be a cozy and low stakes fantasy romance, but I don’t think that that is an excuse to be used to justify such a flimsy, nearly non-existant plot.
It’s incredibly frustrating because this world and this story has so much potential and it was just completely wasted. The result is a book that feels like it was whipped through way too quickly just to get it done and not given nearly the kind of attention it deserved.
If this is the quality of work and storytelling that we can expect continuing on in the series, I am not interested 😖 literally all I liked about this story was the dragon and the book cover (seriously, the covers in this series are gorgeous...too bad the contents are so lackluster!).
Do not recommend. Not even a little bit 😑
But for now, I’ve just gotta rant. I finished the book. I feel like I’ve earned my right to a good rant, so bear with me *takes a deep breath*
The main characters felt very flat and under developed to me. Because of that when their relationship was supposed to develop and they were getting closer to each other, I felt absolutely nothing for it. There was no rising tension. There was no gradual, natural progression in their relationship from strangers to friends to lovers. Hell by the 15% mark, both of them knew the truth of Frida’s mission (at least as it stood at that point)!
But my biggest problem with this book is that the entire point of it, the plot itself and what is supposed to be the challenge facing our heroes, is resolved with a single conversation 😖🙄 Frida and Rune make it out to be this impossible choice, but in reality I think it was Wolfhart struggling to decide where to take the story. Because in the end, it didn’t matter what our main characters decided. Her family showed up, having conveniently had an epiphany while Frida was gone, and all was well 🙄
Oh and big bad Erik, whose retribution Frida feared? Apparently the assassin's guild had a vote and he was arrested, and that was that 😒
I understand that this is supposed to be a cozy and low stakes fantasy romance, but I don’t think that that is an excuse to be used to justify such a flimsy, nearly non-existant plot.
It’s incredibly frustrating because this world and this story has so much potential and it was just completely wasted. The result is a book that feels like it was whipped through way too quickly just to get it done and not given nearly the kind of attention it deserved.
If this is the quality of work and storytelling that we can expect continuing on in the series, I am not interested 😖 literally all I liked about this story was the dragon and the book cover (seriously, the covers in this series are gorgeous...too bad the contents are so lackluster!).
Do not recommend. Not even a little bit 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
4.5 rounded up!
The guild sound sketchy as fuck ngl. The moment they stop allowing to be questioned is the moment you know something evil is going on. And again, who is really checking if the targets are actually bad people or not? Where money is involved, morality turns weak.
The switch in POV was so funny. Seeing Rune try to figure out Frida while keeping his plan to supervise her, and then changing to Frida’s POV and seeing the same thing while she was trying to act all innocent, made me laugh.
Frida felt pressured into joining the family tradition of being part of the assassins' guild. It actually sucked that it fell on her to “reunite” the family. If they couldn’t clearly see she wasn’t born for it, they are not good parents/brothers. It hurt me to see her so set on going back when her life in the isle would be perfect.
"I'd never make you beg, Frida."
Eldi was a surprising character who made my heart go all soft. This dragon had me crying and smiling at the same time.
Rune, being a cat daddy, was hot. His building stuff was even hotter. Honestly, how can I want a human man when this orc is here? For some reason (maybe that he said ‘lads’ once or twice), I pictured him with a Scottish accent, which ONLY MADE HIM BETTER. And then he goes and gives her books too. His pain broke my heart. All I wanted to do was scream, “ME, I'LL LIVE WITH YOU AND DATE YOU AND LOVE YOU”. He was just perfect all around.
No notches there. Nice hips, though,
Raw reactions (spoilers ahead):
-Hand feeding? Umm, the tension is tension-ing!
-It’s so funny how both of them are trying to outsmart each other.
-He builds houses, chairs, and tables, and I’m in love with him!
-Her taking care of his wounds and him giving her a book because he knows she’s sad…ROMANCE!!
-Okay, she’s annoying me. You are not a killer, this island is perfect for you, and you can always send secret letters if you want.
-Pretty sure? Baby, you are already there!
-Him making jokes because he likes her laugh? Down bad.
-Thank god for talking dragons.
-AND he has a mouth on him? DEAD
-“My love” AAAGHGHHH GOD BLESS HIM
-OMG, that title callback had my smile hurting my face.
As you can see, I'm taken by this series and I'll go back and read it from the beginning.
Thank you so very much to The Nerd Fam and Jenna for this incredible e-arc!
The guild sound sketchy as fuck ngl. The moment they stop allowing to be questioned is the moment you know something evil is going on. And again, who is really checking if the targets are actually bad people or not? Where money is involved, morality turns weak.
The switch in POV was so funny. Seeing Rune try to figure out Frida while keeping his plan to supervise her, and then changing to Frida’s POV and seeing the same thing while she was trying to act all innocent, made me laugh.
Frida felt pressured into joining the family tradition of being part of the assassins' guild. It actually sucked that it fell on her to “reunite” the family. If they couldn’t clearly see she wasn’t born for it, they are not good parents/brothers. It hurt me to see her so set on going back when her life in the isle would be perfect.
"I'd never make you beg, Frida."
Eldi was a surprising character who made my heart go all soft. This dragon had me crying and smiling at the same time.
Rune, being a cat daddy, was hot. His building stuff was even hotter. Honestly, how can I want a human man when this orc is here? For some reason (maybe that he said ‘lads’ once or twice), I pictured him with a Scottish accent, which ONLY MADE HIM BETTER. And then he goes and gives her books too. His pain broke my heart. All I wanted to do was scream, “ME, I'LL LIVE WITH YOU AND DATE YOU AND LOVE YOU”. He was just perfect all around.
No notches there. Nice hips, though,
Raw reactions (spoilers ahead):
-Hand feeding? Umm, the tension is tension-ing!
-It’s so funny how both of them are trying to outsmart each other.
-He builds houses, chairs, and tables, and I’m in love with him!
-Her taking care of his wounds and him giving her a book because he knows she’s sad…ROMANCE!!
-Okay, she’s annoying me. You are not a killer, this island is perfect for you, and you can always send secret letters if you want.
-Pretty sure? Baby, you are already there!
-Him making jokes because he likes her laugh? Down bad.
-Thank god for talking dragons.
-AND he has a mouth on him? DEAD
-“My love” AAAGHGHHH GOD BLESS HIM
-OMG, that title callback had my smile hurting my face.
As you can see, I'm taken by this series and I'll go back and read it from the beginning.
Thank you so very much to The Nerd Fam and Jenna for this incredible e-arc!
April 21, 2025
This is the fourth book in Falling for Fables collection, a set of interconnected standalones. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Cozy vibes
✨Forced proximity
✨Dragons
✨Grumpy/sunshine
✨Enemies to lovers
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nickname: Sunshine
The Lovely: I came to adore the main couple in this story. They reminded me a lot of the couple in book one (and not just because there was an orc in that book too), but with a bit less spice. I appreciate how patient the MMC was with the FMC as she was struggling with how she wanted her life to look in the future.
The Mundane: While I liked the cozy, low stakes vibes, compared to the prior books in this series, it was really no stakes and low spice. In most, if not all, of the prior books there was something dramatic towards the end that amped up the tension. I kept waiting for that with this book but nothing really materialized.
Recommendation: This is, at it’s core, a pretty short (230 pages) cozy monster romance. I didn’t feel as engaged by it as I did books one and two but I will likely stick with this series as I like this concept and the variety it provides from my dark romantasies. If you like cozy, no stakes monster romance centered around the grumpy/sunshine trope and a dragon, I think you would like this book.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Cozy vibes
✨Forced proximity
✨Dragons
✨Grumpy/sunshine
✨Enemies to lovers
Rating: 4/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Nickname: Sunshine
The Lovely: I came to adore the main couple in this story. They reminded me a lot of the couple in book one (and not just because there was an orc in that book too), but with a bit less spice. I appreciate how patient the MMC was with the FMC as she was struggling with how she wanted her life to look in the future.
The Mundane: While I liked the cozy, low stakes vibes, compared to the prior books in this series, it was really no stakes and low spice. In most, if not all, of the prior books there was something dramatic towards the end that amped up the tension. I kept waiting for that with this book but nothing really materialized.
Recommendation: This is, at it’s core, a pretty short (230 pages) cozy monster romance. I didn’t feel as engaged by it as I did books one and two but I will likely stick with this series as I like this concept and the variety it provides from my dark romantasies. If you like cozy, no stakes monster romance centered around the grumpy/sunshine trope and a dragon, I think you would like this book.
April 17, 2025
Last night I finished Built by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart. It’s book four in her Falling for Fables series.
I love Built by Magic just like I’ve loved all the books in this series.
This book is the story of Frida and Rune. Frida decides to join her family in the Assassin’s Guild she has to do an induction task. That task is to steal a dragon from an orc named Rune.
When she gets there, there’s no dragon to be seen. She decides to befriend Rune and see if she can uncover his dragon once they become close.
But as the weeks go on Frida starts to question her life and what she actually wants. And her and Rune become close.
I fell in love with Rune, the grumpy orc, and Frida is the sunshine he needs. This book is exactly why I LOVE the grumpy/sunshine trope.
You do not need to read the other books in the series before this one but there are cameos of characters from the other books (which I also loved!) I do recommend the whole series but there’s no reason you can’t start with this book. It’s very easy to fall in love with the world Jenna creates in this series, no matter what book you start with.
P.S. If you love a darker romantasy vs a cozy one like this Jenna wrote The Mist King series, that’s how I found her, and it’s so so good! I definitely recommend it if you prefer darker!
I love Built by Magic just like I’ve loved all the books in this series.
This book is the story of Frida and Rune. Frida decides to join her family in the Assassin’s Guild she has to do an induction task. That task is to steal a dragon from an orc named Rune.
When she gets there, there’s no dragon to be seen. She decides to befriend Rune and see if she can uncover his dragon once they become close.
But as the weeks go on Frida starts to question her life and what she actually wants. And her and Rune become close.
I fell in love with Rune, the grumpy orc, and Frida is the sunshine he needs. This book is exactly why I LOVE the grumpy/sunshine trope.
You do not need to read the other books in the series before this one but there are cameos of characters from the other books (which I also loved!) I do recommend the whole series but there’s no reason you can’t start with this book. It’s very easy to fall in love with the world Jenna creates in this series, no matter what book you start with.
P.S. If you love a darker romantasy vs a cozy one like this Jenna wrote The Mist King series, that’s how I found her, and it’s so so good! I definitely recommend it if you prefer darker!
April 26, 2025
I love this latest installment in this series - such a fun, sweet fantasy romance!
Frida, an young elf, wants to join the guild that her family are also a part of, but to do so, she has to undertake an assignment, which at face value, seems fairly simple. Locate an orc and steal his dragon. But when she arrives on the magical island of the Floating Forest, everything she has planned to do goes to pot. Instead of being a hidden assassin-to-be, she is almost instantly found by the orc himself and soon enough he becomes part of her life. Not what she intended to happen at all, but maybe she could use this to her advantage.
Frida was a lovely character, so naïve at times, believing that what she was trying to do was what he really wanted. Eventually realising what the guild leader really wanted from her, made her also realise what she truly wanted, not what she thought was expected of her.
Rune was a great character too - a bit gruff and very reserved at first, once he got to know Frida, he opened up in ways he hadn't done for a very long time. They made for a great pair, once they were completely honest with each other.
A sweet, romantic read and ideal for those looking for a quick, cozy romance!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author but this review is my own honest one!
Frida, an young elf, wants to join the guild that her family are also a part of, but to do so, she has to undertake an assignment, which at face value, seems fairly simple. Locate an orc and steal his dragon. But when she arrives on the magical island of the Floating Forest, everything she has planned to do goes to pot. Instead of being a hidden assassin-to-be, she is almost instantly found by the orc himself and soon enough he becomes part of her life. Not what she intended to happen at all, but maybe she could use this to her advantage.
Frida was a lovely character, so naïve at times, believing that what she was trying to do was what he really wanted. Eventually realising what the guild leader really wanted from her, made her also realise what she truly wanted, not what she thought was expected of her.
Rune was a great character too - a bit gruff and very reserved at first, once he got to know Frida, he opened up in ways he hadn't done for a very long time. They made for a great pair, once they were completely honest with each other.
A sweet, romantic read and ideal for those looking for a quick, cozy romance!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author but this review is my own honest one!
April 16, 2025
Sweet and Cozy
These books are a change of pace for me and always a fun reading experience. They are sweet and cozy, with all the romantasy vibes I love.
Rune and Frida are probably my favorite couple thus far. This one was a super slow burn and low stakes and spice, which isn’t normally what I go for, but I enjoy the way Jenna makes me fall in love with the characters from the beginning and how their story unfolds. They have a shared past and an understanding of their future. Ruin has been where Frida is now and is there for her. Even though he suspects her intentions, he allows her to be who she is and come to her own conclusions as to what she wants. Frida sees Rune isn’t what she expected either and finds herself falling for his charm and reclusiveness. I mean he has romance books, a cute cat companion, and cooks for her…swoon! I loved how Rune takes care of his community and neighbors without wanting anything in return. And of course a dragon sidekick (which I will always see as Toothless lol). I found myself smiling and laughing with their banter and it does pay off. Though there was only one smexy scene, it was perfect for them. So if you’re looking for a sweet and cozy book and a palate cleanser, then this is right up your alley!
These books are a change of pace for me and always a fun reading experience. They are sweet and cozy, with all the romantasy vibes I love.
Rune and Frida are probably my favorite couple thus far. This one was a super slow burn and low stakes and spice, which isn’t normally what I go for, but I enjoy the way Jenna makes me fall in love with the characters from the beginning and how their story unfolds. They have a shared past and an understanding of their future. Ruin has been where Frida is now and is there for her. Even though he suspects her intentions, he allows her to be who she is and come to her own conclusions as to what she wants. Frida sees Rune isn’t what she expected either and finds herself falling for his charm and reclusiveness. I mean he has romance books, a cute cat companion, and cooks for her…swoon! I loved how Rune takes care of his community and neighbors without wanting anything in return. And of course a dragon sidekick (which I will always see as Toothless lol). I found myself smiling and laughing with their banter and it does pay off. Though there was only one smexy scene, it was perfect for them. So if you’re looking for a sweet and cozy book and a palate cleanser, then this is right up your alley!
April 29, 2025
This is everything I love and more in a fantasy, monster romance! Had all the cozy vibes but still maintained an interesting plot line and great main & side characters to keep me entertained while reading. I particularly loved the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Rune and Frida. Their interactions just had such a ✨magic✨ to them. I also loooooooooved how Rune fell so hard for Frida. Like not un-naturally quickly, either. Just very naturally over time as he got to know her better. The enemies to lovers was also a nice bonus and fit well into their banter and general apprehension of one another at the beginning. This is my second Falling for Fables novel and I love how well Jenna does at making her characters endear themselves to one another in such a seemingly effortless way! You just realize that they were made for each other and that their stories intertwining was fated, in a way. Honestly devoured this volume and can't wait to dive into the other two books I haven't read yet in the series.
For fans of the Monstrous World series by S.E. Wendel (one of my all-time fave monster romance series) and the Mead Mishaps series by Kimberly Lemming (a very funny/unserious monster romance series I adore).
A huge thank you to Jenna & her team for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts!
For fans of the Monstrous World series by S.E. Wendel (one of my all-time fave monster romance series) and the Mead Mishaps series by Kimberly Lemming (a very funny/unserious monster romance series I adore).
A huge thank you to Jenna & her team for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts!
April 19, 2025
Like the other books in the Falling for Fables series, I inhaled this one at a rapid pace and loved it. But am so sad it’s over.
Frida, the FMC, is finally reunited with her family but at a cost to what does make her happy…even if she was lonely because of it. The balance was not there. Sent on a mission that she thought was one directive but was in fact another…she can’t do it. She comes to love the island, its people, and a certain grumbly and solitary orc…
Enter Rune, our orc MMC, he is reserved, cantankerous, loves to read and prefers to be alone. Atleast that is what he thinks, but despite that he is generous and kind to those within the community he lives in. He suspected Frida from the start and yet did not judge harshly and saw her as she should be…not as she was trying to be.
Then there is Eldi, the last of the dragon siblings that take refuge in the islands. Bah, loved him. So sweet, so much WANT MORE OF HIM.
Ok that’s it, I need more please Jenna. More in this series. 4 dragons bonded does not mean the series is done, ok? Good.
Frida, the FMC, is finally reunited with her family but at a cost to what does make her happy…even if she was lonely because of it. The balance was not there. Sent on a mission that she thought was one directive but was in fact another…she can’t do it. She comes to love the island, its people, and a certain grumbly and solitary orc…
Enter Rune, our orc MMC, he is reserved, cantankerous, loves to read and prefers to be alone. Atleast that is what he thinks, but despite that he is generous and kind to those within the community he lives in. He suspected Frida from the start and yet did not judge harshly and saw her as she should be…not as she was trying to be.
Then there is Eldi, the last of the dragon siblings that take refuge in the islands. Bah, loved him. So sweet, so much WANT MORE OF HIM.
Ok that’s it, I need more please Jenna. More in this series. 4 dragons bonded does not mean the series is done, ok? Good.
April 20, 2025
Built by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart was a super cozy romantasy that just has a little bit of everything!
This is #4 in this series, but I personally haven't read the others, but they are now on my TBR! This was a perfect standalone read!
You find Frida as a new member of the assassin's guild where she is granted her first mission, to find an orc who has a dragon!! On a small island, you find Rune, who is the community carpenter and all-around great guy who cares deeply about his neighbors and his cat. When he finds Frida hiding in a tree trunk from the rain, he offers her a place to stay. There is no evidence of a dragon around which is not a surprise to Frida since they are supposed to be extinct. When a message from the guild finds her everything changes. She isn't supposed to find a dragon anymore. Her new target is Rune.
This is a slow burn dual POV, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, one home, cute cat, found family, and dragons. Like I said... a little bit of everything!
Enjoy, and don't forget to check out the other books in the series!
This is #4 in this series, but I personally haven't read the others, but they are now on my TBR! This was a perfect standalone read!
You find Frida as a new member of the assassin's guild where she is granted her first mission, to find an orc who has a dragon!! On a small island, you find Rune, who is the community carpenter and all-around great guy who cares deeply about his neighbors and his cat. When he finds Frida hiding in a tree trunk from the rain, he offers her a place to stay. There is no evidence of a dragon around which is not a surprise to Frida since they are supposed to be extinct. When a message from the guild finds her everything changes. She isn't supposed to find a dragon anymore. Her new target is Rune.
This is a slow burn dual POV, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, one home, cute cat, found family, and dragons. Like I said... a little bit of everything!
Enjoy, and don't forget to check out the other books in the series!
April 16, 2025
“Some might say dragons are the most magnificent creatures alive, but they’ve got nothing on you."
Calling cozy fantasy lovers—you NEED to add this to your tbr! 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐁𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 was another wonderful addition to the 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴 series. They’re light, enjoyable, and with lovable characters. Oh and did I mention dragons?
I absolutely adored Frida and Rune. She’s the sunshine elf to his grumpy orc who’s actually an adorkable cat dad!? He listens, would do anything for her (☔️), and it was too freaking cute how they were trying to figure each other out. Jenna writes another whimsical town in Oakwater that was like a warm hug with wholesome and memorable villagers; it makes me want to live there!
This fourth installment can be read as a standalone but you’ll miss out on squealing at the cameos from past books. And yes, I totally squealed.
Thank you so much to Jenna Wolfhart for the eARC. 💖
Calling cozy fantasy lovers—you NEED to add this to your tbr! 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐁𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 was another wonderful addition to the 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘍𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴 series. They’re light, enjoyable, and with lovable characters. Oh and did I mention dragons?
I absolutely adored Frida and Rune. She’s the sunshine elf to his grumpy orc who’s actually an adorkable cat dad!? He listens, would do anything for her (☔️), and it was too freaking cute how they were trying to figure each other out. Jenna writes another whimsical town in Oakwater that was like a warm hug with wholesome and memorable villagers; it makes me want to live there!
This fourth installment can be read as a standalone but you’ll miss out on squealing at the cameos from past books. And yes, I totally squealed.
Thank you so much to Jenna Wolfhart for the eARC. 💖
April 15, 2025
I knew from the very first page that Built by Magic was going to be my cozy fantasy dream—and I was absolutely right. This book has everything: a sunshiney archer with something to prove, a grumpy orc who builds houses (yes, please), slow-burn romance, found family vibes, and just the right sprinkle of magic.
Frida and Rune’s dynamic had me grinning like a fool, and watching their relationship evolve from suspicion to something warm and swoony was such a treat. The world Jenna Wolfhart created feels like a place I want to move to immediately—preferably into one of Rune’s handcrafted cottages.
It’s equal parts comfort and adventure, with heart, humor, and just enough tension to keep you turning pages late into the night. Cozy romantasy perfection. 10/10 would get distracted from an assassination mission by a soft-hearted orc again.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
Frida and Rune’s dynamic had me grinning like a fool, and watching their relationship evolve from suspicion to something warm and swoony was such a treat. The world Jenna Wolfhart created feels like a place I want to move to immediately—preferably into one of Rune’s handcrafted cottages.
It’s equal parts comfort and adventure, with heart, humor, and just enough tension to keep you turning pages late into the night. Cozy romantasy perfection. 10/10 would get distracted from an assassination mission by a soft-hearted orc again.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
July 15, 2025
This is a cozy romantasy and the fourth installment in the Falling for Fables series, which consists of interconnected standalones. You could read them out of order with minimal spoilers.
Frida, an elf assassin FMC, is sent on her first mission to a mysterious and magical island. Her mark is Rune, a carpenter orc MMC who isn’t easily fooled.
The story is very sweet, not exactly enemies to lovers, but in that vein. Both characters are too kind and direct for much brooding. Rune is the grumpy to her sunshine, but mostly, they’re just cute together.
There’s a bit of conflict, a little action, and even a dragon which is always appreciated in a fantasy novel
This is a quick, easy read. I’ve enjoyed this series and plan to continue it. It’s a great palate cleanser, something light and enjoyable that doesn’t ask too much of you.
Spice: 3.5/5
Plot:4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
Frida, an elf assassin FMC, is sent on her first mission to a mysterious and magical island. Her mark is Rune, a carpenter orc MMC who isn’t easily fooled.
The story is very sweet, not exactly enemies to lovers, but in that vein. Both characters are too kind and direct for much brooding. Rune is the grumpy to her sunshine, but mostly, they’re just cute together.
There’s a bit of conflict, a little action, and even a dragon which is always appreciated in a fantasy novel
This is a quick, easy read. I’ve enjoyed this series and plan to continue it. It’s a great palate cleanser, something light and enjoyable that doesn’t ask too much of you.
Spice: 3.5/5
Plot:4/5
Writing: 4/5
My Enjoyment: 4/5
April 15, 2025
⭐️4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to author Jenna Wolfhart for allowing me to read an eARC for my honest review ❤️
“A would be assassin and her prey - seemed laughable. But it also felt like the most inevitable thing in the world”
Built by Magic is the absolute perfect mix of fast-paced, immersive and descriptive story telling with beautiful “stumbled upon” slow-burn romance. Combined with a strong, sunshine-filled FMC and grumpy reclusive MMC who lives with his black cat Moira, and I was HOOKED. I was kicking my feet with pure glee the entire journey.
This was my first read of Jennas work, they have an incredible talent for writing beautifully descriptive worlds and characters, I’ve already added the rest of the Falling For Fables works to my cart.
Thank you to author Jenna Wolfhart for allowing me to read an eARC for my honest review ❤️
“A would be assassin and her prey - seemed laughable. But it also felt like the most inevitable thing in the world”
Built by Magic is the absolute perfect mix of fast-paced, immersive and descriptive story telling with beautiful “stumbled upon” slow-burn romance. Combined with a strong, sunshine-filled FMC and grumpy reclusive MMC who lives with his black cat Moira, and I was HOOKED. I was kicking my feet with pure glee the entire journey.
This was my first read of Jennas work, they have an incredible talent for writing beautifully descriptive worlds and characters, I’ve already added the rest of the Falling For Fables works to my cart.
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