Death Meets Cute

by J. Penner

"Filled with so much love, heart, and delicious baked goods." —Rebecca Thorne, USA Today bestselling author of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea




I am more than capable of being evil today. I think…

Iris Weyward wants to be bad. Truly bad. Terrifyingly, gloriously villainous. But after helping her sisters unleash a spell to throw the realm into chaos, Iris is left feeling strangely empty—and still not the villain of her dreams. So, she sets off for the quiet town of Fraywell to build her wicked legacy alone. 

Things start a crooked little cottage, a reputation for curses and potions, and a healthy dose of fear from the locals. But when her ogre bodyguard disappears, Iris needs new muscle. Good thing a fearsome orc just toppled over in her yard. Naturally, she decides to reanimate him. It's a perfect solution. 

Only, Talon isn't the brooding warrior she was hoping for. He's gentle. He bakes. Worst of all, he's nice. But Iris can't possibly have a thing for her new employee. She's supposed to be the most wicked witch in town! 

While Iris struggles to turn Talon into the enforcer she deserves, her sisters arrive seeking help—their magic is fading, and the cause may be closer than any of them realize. The timing couldn't be worse, and falling for an orc wasn't supposed to be part of her villain era, but it might turn out to be the best spell she's ever cast…

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Adult, Cozy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 28, 2026

Reviews

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to have a hedgehog as companion? I certainly would like one.

Highlights:
- Grumpy witch x sunshine orc
- Necromancy
- Cozy fantasy
- Sisterly bonding

Does J. Penner ever sleep? With the way that she is contiously putting these out- I think the answer is no.
She has to be working overtime to give us all of the cute, cozy fantasy stories. I so appreciate that.

Iris has a goal, she wants to be the most evil witch in the land!
And every evil witch needs a mean, scary bodyguard. Who could be better than an orc?
It’s too bad the orc she chooses, Talon, would rather be baking delectable sweets, gardening and talking to chickens instead.

This is cute.
A super quick and light read, with tons of cuteness and vibes.
Is it filled to the brim with insane plot points? Not necessarily, but it isn’t supposed to be.
We’re all about having a good time here, and this gave me a good time.
So I think that’s a win.

I just love a story that feels warm, and everything this author writes gives me that feeling. I want to live in this little village so badly.
As always, we don’t just get the warmth and coziness, but we also get lots of lovable side characters and a tasty baking theme!

I like the sisterly bonding theme here.
There are 3 witch sisters working together, so it really reminded me of Charmed or Hocus Pocus.
So if you’re into that- you might like this!

The romance is light, but adorable.
Talon slowly rubbing off on Iris- making the mean evil witch laugh at his jokes, and smile when he does something dumb, gives off good energy.
I just love when grumpy x sunshine becomes a little less grumpy x sunshine.

I have to mention the hedgehog again.
His name is Quince. He talks. He likes to drink tea and eat sugar. He is my favorite.
What else can I say?

* Major bonus points for the cover of this book. Iris is SO PRETTY!!!? Round of applause for the cover artist Emma Gillette.

Thank you to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and author J. Penner for providing me with the eARC of “Death Meets Cute”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: April 28, 2026

[Emily Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great choice in hedgehog-related literature. Possibly the only choice in hedgehog-related literature. I'm not sure. That needs researching. Also, a great choice in reanimated corpse romance. Definitely not the only choice in reanimated corpse romance. I'm not sure what it says about me that I've read several books with reanimated corpse romances in them. OK, I am sure what it says about me, and I like myself anyway.

Back to the book: This is a breezy and fun cozy fantasy read with romance and sisterhood. It's been a while since I read a book about a main character who wants to be a villain but is bad at villainy.

I'm giving it four stars because I feel there is a tiny smidge missing from the romance. Namely, while I know why the main character loves the orc, I do not know why the orc loves the main character. He says she's beautiful. Which is nice and all, but not a complete basis for a romance.

Other than that, I really enjoyed this one and hope to see what this author has in the future.

I received this book as a digital ARC for free.

[Eve Rever de livre · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not hungry while reading this book... it means you might be dead and Iris has to revive you!

* The characters *

I liked the little twist where it's our lady who is grumpy and our gentleman who is a golden retriever. We follow Iris, whose goal is to be the wicked witch of her village. And there's no denying it, she's not an expert, which is very funny! She decides that with all her “wickedness,” she needs a bodyguard. Without a moment's hesitation, she opens her door and adopts a half-dead orc. That's how the novel begins, and it's extremely funny to follow! I really enjoyed following Talon, who is a sweetheart, but I also liked discovering the more down-to-earth Iris. The characters are pretty cool, but I'm missing that spark to really understand why this is a romance. It's missing that certain something, which is a bit of a shame.

* The plot *

At first, I started from scratch, telling myself I would discover things as I went along, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that there is also a plot involving the sisters that is quite realistic in terms of their relationship! The dénouement is quite quick, but the relationship between the three sisters is still realistic and coherent!

* In short *

It's a great novel that
- is a quick read
- is funny
- is about a witch who revives an orc on her doorstep
- is about CAKKKKES
- is about a small village.
- is perfect for fall

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this title in advance.



Si tu n'as pas faim en lisant ce livre... c'est que tu es peut être mort et que Iris doit te réanimer !

* Les personnages *

J'ai aimé ce petit twist où c'est notre madame qui est grumpy et notre monsieur qui est un golden retriever. On suit Iris qui a pour but d'être la méchante sorcière de son village. Et y a pas à dire, ce n'est pas une experte ce qui est très drôle ! Elle se dit qu'avec ses " méchancetés ", elle a besoin d'un bodyguard. Ni une ni deux, elle ouvre la porte de chez elle et adopte un orc à moitié mort. Voila le debut du roman et c'est extremement drôle à suivre ! J'ai beaucoup aimé suivre Talon qui est un petit sucre mais j'ai aimé découvrir Iris plus terre à terre. En soit les personnages sont plutôt cool maiiiiis il me manque l'étincelle pour réellement comprendre pourquoi c'est une romance. Ca manque d'un " je ne sais quoi " et c'est un peu dommage.

* L'intrigue *

Au début, je partais de rien en me disant je vais découvrir au fur et à mesure et je suis agréablement suprise de découvrir qu'il y a aussi une intrigue autour des soeurs qui est assez réaliste dans leur relation ! Le dénouement est assez rapide mais la relation des trois soeur est quand même réaliste et cohérente !

* En bref *

C'esy un chouette roman qui
- se lit vite
- qui est drôle
- Qui parle de sorcière qui réanime un orc sur le pas de sa porte
- de CAKKKKES
- d'un petit village.
- parfait pour l'automne

Merci Netgalley de m'avoir permis de lire ce titre en avant première.

[Yen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars = 'it was okay'

I once again judged a book by its cover - the second time I've done that this year, and the second time it has failed me. the odds are not in my favour, I should really stop doing that. the artwork is just lovely though, and I've never read fantasy with orcs/ogres and other 'monsters' so wanted to give it a go.

in the interest of keeping things short and sweet, things I liked:
• The cost world
• Talon, the MMC, being an absolute sweetie pie angel
• All the baking and the recipes at the end of this book - I saw that Penner's other books have a similar thing. I have yet to try the recipe but I do like devils food cake.
• witchcraft and magic (with actual cauldrons!)

things I didn't like
• the FMC....for so many reasons but mainly her insistence that she's an 'evil' character that can't do x, y or z because she needs to protect her wicked image. I love an evil character, but were Iris and her sisters even evil? I needed more evidence of her evil deeds beyond brief and loose remarks about inciting exactly one civil war and some debacle with the old woman who used to live down the road from them to make her character or character development believable or substantial. it felt like she was playing make believe and she's supposedly nearly 30! I also found her to be quite selfish and judgemental.
• the writing - seemed aimed at middle grade, and fluffed out with purple prose descriptions and interactions that weren't really necessary if the intention was to make the setting cosier.
• the insta-love - a personal dislike admittedly, but the story is over such a short period with quite minimal interaction between the love interest besides gorging on food. also Talons storyline should've at least thrown things into question more? I suppose it's cosy fantasy with low stakes though so

sadly it wasn't a very cosy read for me. I seem to be the minority though, so maybe cosy fantasy is just not my thing.

thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and J. Penner for this eArc in exchange for my honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, and Death Meets Cute was such a fun, unexpected read. The concept is clever and playful without losing the paranormal angle, and the story leans into charm and humor while still giving the romance real emotional weight.

I loved how death is handled in this story…not as a traditional character, but as a presence and force that shapes the plot in interesting ways. The supernatural elements blend seamlessly into everyday life, giving the book a cozy-paranormal feel while keeping the tone light and engaging.

The romance was sweet, flirty, and surprisingly layered. The chemistry felt natural, with great banter and moments that genuinely made me smile. I really appreciated how the emotional connection built over time rather than relying on instant attraction.

Overall, this was a charming, cozy paranormal romance with a fun twist and plenty of heart. If you enjoy light paranormal stories with humor, warmth, and a dash of magic, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love an adorable meet cute? Now add a dash of fantasy with a witch and an orc. @jpennerauthor speaks my bookish language. She continously writes adorable cozy fantasy with fun characters and a low risk plot.

Death Meets Cute is a sweet story that includes a cottagecore setting, a grumpy FMC witch who softens with an Orc that is a baker. Giving me all of the grumpy x sunshine feels. The humor baking, and magical charm makes this book a 4/5 ⭐️

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley and J Penner for this wonderful ARC.

This book was brilliant and I loved every moment of it! I came into it unsure about a romance with an orc - this is my first orc book - but once I got to know the characters, I fell in love with them all. And Quince is the cutest thing ever, I need one!

I loved the small town theme, sister bond, romance, magic and all of the animals! This was the cutest and cosiest book I’ve read in a long time! Also my first 5 star of 2026! I need more!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, Death Meets Cute ended up falling flat. The story it tells is simple: Iris, a witch aspiring to evil who has recently left the company of her sisters, needs a new body guard—and is lucky enough to find a orc dying in her yard. She resurrects him, hoping to have the perfect guard to convince the town of her evil, but instead he’s only interested in cooking, cleaning, and chicken feeding. Also, her sisters are in town. That’s pretty much it, and, for me, that was the problem.

Ultimately, this book didn’t work for me because, as much as its premise has potential to be a really great cozy fantasy, it ended up feeling like nothing happened. It’s a fantasy romance, yet I never felt like I learned anything about Talon, the MMC. Aside from being overly cheerly while suffering from brainwash, it’s hard to describe his personality; I’m still not sure if his interest in being a trad-orc is his actual passion after a life-changing event or a result of the spell that brought him back to life. Similarly, Iris never really felt particularly developed; she wants to be evil, but this goal happens primarily in backstory and not on the page. A major conflict of the book is whether or not she should choose to be good to the people in her town (or if she is already good at heart), but, to me, it never felt like she was all that devoted to evil. It didn’t seem to be something she actually struggled with, and, quite frankly, she never felt particularly evil or ill-intentioned. As a result, her plot arc felt flat because it didn’t really feel like she went through any major change. Talon’s plot arc, as far as he can be said to have one, is hardly talked about, making it difficult to get invested in his character.

Furthermore, I never really felt bought in to the romance. Iris is generally prickly with Talon; not necessarily mean, but rarely particularly nice either. By the time the romance starts picking up, its not clear to me if she’s…ever? Been nice to him in a genuine way? I don’t know, it’s fine, it has cute moments, but I struggled to feel convinced of the connection between them. Similarly, a big theme of the book is about the relationships between Iris and her sisters, which also never felt like it was that developed—they spent a lot of time bickering, and at some point they maybe became closer, but I didn’t get to experience enough of them actually changing or overcoming problems to really feel anything about their development.

I am rating this book 3 out of 5 stars. The book didn’t have the depth or complexity I was hoping for, but that doesn’t mean it was bad-- this book is well-written, quick, and easy to get through, so readers looking for something light and sweet should consider picking this one up.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Lyndsay Juhl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC

I love J Penner’s other series, so I was very excited to read this. I have to say this one didn’t do it for me. I found the premise good but the characters were flat. If you have siblings then Iris and her sister relationship seemed real. But the rest of the characters and their relationship were lacking. Iris was not a compelling or likable character. It seemed she like Talon because he cooked and cleaned for her. I did see the real reason they were drawn to each other. Iris wasn’t really nice to Talon, I saw no reason why he would like her. She kept saying she felt safe around him. But safe from what? Why did she need a bodyguard, there wasn’t any reason for her to.
On a positive note, J. Penners books always leave me hungry. I also really enjoyed the familiars, especially the hedgehog. He was the only one that made me laugh and felt well thought

[Shelby]

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me. As a monster lover girl the premise seemed cute but ultimately fell flat. The writing itself was juvenile and so were the characters. I was so tired of hearing about how evil Iris was and how she wanted to be the most evil when none of her actions or thoughts really lent herself to this. I know it’s supposed to be a cozy read, but it was just too cozy for what it was trying to do.

[Katie May · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I really love this authors Adenoshire series and this book also hits the cozy fantasy beats; sassy animal companion (I’m pretty sure Quince steals the show here), baked goods, and witchy magic. I like that this took a spin on the grumpy/sunshine and added a wee bit of darker magic.

I was excited to read this in the fall because I thought there would be super witchy vibes and fall atmosphere but it was actually kind of lacking. There wasn’t much for world building and all the descriptions seemed to be about everyone’s outfits rather than the surroundings. There writing is a little juvenile and this is not this authors first book either, it could’ve used some elevation. I think this book was having an identity crisis and couldn’t decide if it was more romance or more witchy sisters leaning and unfortunately I didn’t get enough of either one out of it.

As far as recommending, it could go either way. It was cute and super short, but it’s hardly the only cozy witch story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔮 Bookish Thoughts
One of my favorite reads of the year. I went in expecting to love it because this author never misses for me and this book proved that again. Iris was everything. She was melodramatic, messy and very set on being a villain. Naturally I adored her for it. She also absolutely needed a Talon in her life and I cannot blame her because I want a Talon in my life too.

This book was hilarious, but it also had such a focus on sisterhood and the way community can show up for you. I loved the town and I loved how Talon gently pushed Iris toward actually letting people in 🥺🥺

Talon was the perfect orc for her. And I loved the ending and have already preordered the audiobook!

🖤 What to Expect
• Villain era witch
• MMC who bakes
• Accidental resurrection
• Sisters 🥰
• Small town fantasy
_ _ _

⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: April 28 2026
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the digital and physical ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Em ☽✦ღ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death Meets Cute was a nice, heartwarming read that I genuinely enjoyed, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. It has a cosy, comforting vibe throughout, and I loved settling into the softer moments.

Quince was easily my favourite part of the book. He brought a lot of humour to the plot, and honestly who wouldn’t want a hedgehog as a familiar??? Their interactions had this warm, slightly whimsical energy that kept me invested even when the plot felt a bit predictable.

And it was predictable at times, but honestly, that didn’t bother me too much. It still had enough heart to keep me reading happily.

The ending did feel a little rushed, like everything wrapped up just a bit too fast, but it didn’t ruin the experience. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, feel-good book with characters you can’t help but like, even if it isn’t the most surprising story in the world.

Thank you to J. Penner, Poisoned Pen Press, and NetGalley for the eARC!

[Kristen Salomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up.

Grumpy witch aspiring to be a villain meets sunshine orc who she’s hired to be her bodyguard. Plus a hedgehog familiar that doesn’t stop eating. What’s not to love? This was a cute and enjoyable cozy fantasy, with lots of baking sprinkled in. The beginning was a bit slow and the bickering with the sisters got a little annoying, but I enjoyed Iris’s developing kindness throughout the book and all the scenes with Talon. He was a great character and I would love to try all his food creations. This book has me wanting to raid a bakery!

Thank you NetGalley and Poisened Pen Press for the ARC!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super cute. While it is giving Disney movie, Shrek was the one that kept coming into my mind. Grumpy x sunshine with a wannabe evil witch and a sweetie pie orc. It's a quick and light read if you're looking for something to fill your time.

I just found that it was kind of meh. Couldn't find myself invested in the storyline or the characters. There wasn't any world building and I found the writing a little awkward. It didn't flow naturally and it felt like I was reading a grocery list at times.

[Keila]

DNF @ 50%.

This book isn't just the right fit for me, personally. Things were becoming repetitive and essentially going nowhere. Iris keeps telling herself she's evil when we've barely shown what kind of evil stuff she's done, basically all tell and no show. The tone of the book feels a little too YA or even middle-grade, which I wasn't even expecting. Even Talon or Quince, as fun and cozy as their personalities are, couldn't save this for me.

[Hannah Koetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I genuinely truly enjoyed this cute cozy fantasy! I’m so grateful I was granted early access to read this!! If you are into cozy witchy fantasy books, this is right up your alley! And who doesn’t love a pet hedgehog!!! 🦔

[Rochell Temple · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute and fun read!

[Nelly]

WOOOAAh what a beautiful cover!!! I NEED THIS ON MY TBR ASAP.

[Cendrena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a cute light read. I enjoyed it.

Thank you Sourcebooks and J Penner for the ARC.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. a cozy fantasy. I loved the hedgehog familiar so cute. the story was sweet but felt really slow.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

J Penners books are fast becoming my go to books for book slumps and reading fatigue. This new offering sold me on the kooky,cozy premise of an aspiring “wicked witch”, Iris,reanimating a half orc named Talon so that he can be her bodyguard. Shenanigans ensue! And of course there is baking involved (has anyone ever actually baked using the recipes included at the back of the book?) Death Meets Cute was an easy read with short chapters that have an oddly consistent page count. It’s a good stepping stone book before I move on to weightier things.


Thanks to Poison Pen Press for making this available on NetGalley

[Hannah Keyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

First my thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC copy of this novel 🫶

I adored the Adenashire series so when I saw that J Penner had a new book in the works I knew I had to read it!

Iris is a witch who knows what she wants from life- evil domination. But when her and her sisters encounter some problems she has to consider— is there more to life than just being evil?

What ensues includes an always hungry hedgehog familiar, an orc bodyguard whose best work ISN’T scaring off unwanted visitors, and figuring out what really matters in life.

If you’re looking for a low-stakes, cozy read then this book is for you!

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Meets Cute is a sharp, cozy fantasy romance about a witch who desperately wants to be a terrifying villain and accidentally builds a soft slightly unhinged found family instead. Iris Wayward sets off to a quiet town to craft her wicked legacy with curses, potions, and a fearsome reputation only to reanimate a fallen warrior who turns out to be kind, bakes, and is absolutely not the menace she ordered.What follows is a delightful clash between villain ambition and inconvenient feelings, wrapped in humor and just enough chaos to keep things magical. Iris’s struggle between who she wants to be and who she’s becoming is funny, touching, and wildly entertaining, especially as her sisters arrive and bigger magical stakes unfold.
This author is one of my top favorites of the year I’ve nearly read everything she’s written and this was hands down my favorite book of 2025. She just gets my reading taste and consistently writes stories I completely devour. Death Meets Cute was absolutely everything: cozy, clever, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. 💀✨📚

[Emelie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up Death Meets Cute expecting something cozy, fun and whimsical and that part is there. The vibe is definitely soft, low-stakes fantasy with baking, small-town energy and cute magical elements. On paper, it sounded like something I could really enjoy. In practice… I struggled more than I expected.

The story follows Iris, a witch who wants to be evil (or at least thinks she does) and Talon, the half-orc bodyguard she resurrects. The premise is charming and I liked the idea of playing with villain aesthetics in a cozy setting.
But pretty quickly I found myself asking a lot of why questions that never really went away. Why do the sisters want to be evil? Why does Iris even need a bodyguard in the first place? Why are certain conflicts treated as big deals when they never fully land emotionally?
I kept waiting for these motivations to click and they just didn’t for me.

While the book leans heavily into the cozy fantasy side, the story itself didn’t hold my attention. It felt very light and repetitive at times and I never reached a point where I felt truly invested in what was happening next.
Unfortunately, the romance didn’t balance that out either. I didn’t feel much chemistry between Iris and Talon. And without a strong plot or a compelling relationship I found myself drifting.

That said, I do understand the appeal. The book is gentle, comforting, and clearly meant to be a feel-good read. There are cute moments, a soft atmosphere and side elements like familiars and baking magic that add charm. If you’re in the mood for something very low-stakes and fluffy, I can see this working really well.

For me, though, it just wasn’t my kind of story. I needed either a more engaging plot or a romance that really grabbed me and I didn’t get either strongly enough to stay fully invested.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Eli D · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ★★☆☆☆

ENG
Thanks to Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and J. Penner for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not for me, which means that it could be for someone else, so I'll list all the things I liked and the things I didn't so it can find the right person.

Likes:
- Talon, the MMC. He's sweet and really cute, I love the big-guy/kind-personality cliché so even if some would say that he needed a bit more of depth, his character still worked for me.
- The setting. It's simple, but it works. A really nice and welcoming town where the new witch struggles to appear scary and evil. I like that! Plus, there are orcs and elves, so you get the whimsy vibes as well.
- The cover of the book. It is the main reason why I wanted to read this book, and I have to agree that it conveys perfectly the personality of the characters and tone of the book, so I can't really say I was "fooled" by it.
- Iris relationship with her sisters. It's believable, it's frustrating but you can tell they love each other.

Now, getting into why this book wasn't for me. If I had to sum it up, it feels like a 100 page novella stretched to 300 pages without barely adding any more plot to it.

The author overexplains the scenes (especially at the beginning) and the dialogues also keep going at a point where nothing new gets added, sometimes for the sake of comedy but without much success at the attempt. I also found it hard to empathize with Iris, the FMC, because the stakes just didn't feel high enough. Most of the struggle comes from her head and how she wants to be perceived, not real conflict with the outside world. Adding to that, Iris personality is hard to understand. She claims to be evil, but she only manages to be rude to some villagers. (Also, not a big fan of her growling, it feels more like a ridiculous interaction than a scary one). I believed more her sister Dahlia's "evilness" at that one interaction she had with a villager than Iris' in the whole book. SO, all in all, I think I expected a more "adult" approach with a higher emphasis on the romance, but that didn't really happen. I guess the confusion came from goodreads' adult/adult fiction tag, which I disagree 100%. Both the tone and the plot feel juvenile, which is fine, but once you start reading something with a certain mentality, it can ruin the experience if the expectation is not met.

I wanted to add a small pet peeve I had in this book. What is wrong with writing the word "kill" or "die"? This is not a social media app, why was the word censored to "off" someone or "unaliving"?

Anyway, even though this book wasn't for me, I really hope it finds the right person because it is a cute concept and cosy fantasy is a genre that makes people feel good.

ESP
Gracias a Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press y J. Penner por proporcionarme una copia digital anticipada a cambio de una reseña sincera.

Este libro no ha sido para mí, lo que significa que podría ser para otra persona, así que voy a enumerar todas las cosas que me han gustado y las que no, para que pueda encontrar a la persona adecuada.

Me ha gustado:
- Talon, el protagonista masculino. Es dulce y muy mono, me encanta el cliché del tipo grandullón con personalidad amable, así que, aunque algunos dirían que le faltaba un poco más de profundidad, su personaje me funcionó.
- La ambientación. Es sencilla, pero funciona. Un pueblo muy agradable y acogedor donde la bruja nueva se esfuerza por parecer aterradora y malvada. ¡Me gusta! Además, hay orcos y elfos, así que también se consigue un ambiente "whimsy".
- La portada del libro. Es la razón principal por la que quise leer este libro, y tengo que reconocer que transmite perfectamente la personalidad de los personajes y el tono del libro, así que no puedo decir que me hayan "engañado".
- La relación de Iris con sus hermanas. Es creíble y es frustrante, pero se nota que se quieren.

Ahora, entrando en por qué este libro no ha sido para mí. Si tuviera que resumirlo, diría que parece una novela corta de 100 páginas alargada a 300 sin añadir apenas nada más a la trama.

La autora explica en exceso las escenas (especialmente al principio) y los diálogos también se prolongan hasta un punto en el que no se añade nada nuevo, a veces con el fin de ser cómicos, pero sin mucho éxito en el intento. También me costó empatizar con Iris, la protagonista femenina, porque no sentía que hubiera mucho en juego. La mayor parte del conflicto proviene de su cabeza y de cómo quiere que la perciban, no de un conflicto real con el mundo exterior. Además, la personalidad de Iris es difícil de entender. Dice ser malvada, pero solo consigue ser maleducada con algunos aldeanos. (Además, no me gusta mucho que gruña, me parece más una interacción ridícula que temible). Me creí más la "maldad" de su hermana Dahlia en esa única interacción que tuvo con un aldeano que la de Iris en todo el libro. En resumen, creo que esperaba un enfoque más "adulto" con mayor énfasis en el romance, pero no fue así. Supongo que la confusión vino de la etiqueta de adult fiction/adult de Goodreads, con la que no estoy de acuerdo en absoluto. Tanto el tono como la trama parecen juveniles, lo cual está bien, pero una vez que empiezas a leer algo con una cierta mentalidad, puede arruinar la experiencia si no se cumplen las expectativas.

Quería añadir una pequeña queja que tengo sobre este libro. ¿Qué hay de malo en escribir las palabras "matar" o "morir"? Esto no es una app de redes sociales, ¿por qué se han censurado las palabras y sustituido con "desvivir" y similares?

En cualquier caso, aunque este libro no ha sido para mí, espero de verdad que encuentre a la persona adecuada, porque tiene un concepto bonito y la fantasía acogedora es un género que hace sentir bien a la gente.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love the life you live, and destroy those who get in your way.”

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a copy of this Arc in exchange for an honest review!

When I received Death Meets Cute, I gasped. This book is one of my most ANTICIPATED releases for this year. I mean, I already have the book pre-ordered and everything.

When I say that this book was everything I hoped it would be, I am not exaggerating. Just like every book I have read from J. Penner, Death Meets Cute is a super wholesome, cosy read. There is sisterly bonds, found-family, finding yourself, as well as baking. Delicious, delicious baking, my kryptonite!

The story of Death Meets Cute follows along with Iris, a witch who wants to the a villain. She doesn't want to be seen as nice, nor does she ever plan on doing nice things. After a feud with her sisters, Iris leaves together with her hedgehog familiar - Quince - to forge her own path. Nestled just outside the village of Fraywell, Iris knows this will be the perfect place to reign terror upon.

After a year of being without a bodyguard, Iris knows she needs to look for a replacement. Little did she know, that this answer would arrive... dead at her doorstep. An orc that looks menacing and cruel, the perfect candidate for protecting her. But, after she binds and resurrects the orc, she soon realises that Talon, is nice. And not only is he nice, but he's a fantastic cook and baker. Thus, Iris is stuck with a predicament. Will Talon do for a bodyguard, or will he be too good?

The question needs to wait, for her sisters soon arrive at her shabby cottage with a problem. They have discovered their magic is fading, and they need to find out why. Will Iris be able to figure out what is going on, not only with her magic, but with her heart?

“Until the breath leaves your body once more, Talon Gefroy, you will serve and protect me while never going far.”

Iris was such a bundle of joy, but also someone who I felt was lost. She clearly thought she knew what she wanted, and that was to be evil. But as time ticked on, she realises that the life she thought she wanted, was not the right one. Even though she went through emotions of figuring this out, it was so wonderful to see her grow as a character. How she was able to start putting her heart on her sleeve and letting others in. Not only with Talon, who was an absolute cinnamon roll character, but also those from within the village. For example, the owners of the Inn were (even though she hated to admit it) people she cared for. And even her apparently annoying neighbour, she finds out more about her because she is able to actually put her opinions to the side and just... embrace her good side. Of course, I really enjoyed all the moments together with her and Talon, as this was so sweet (literally!), but also the moments together with her familiar Quince and her sisters. The love there was so powerful. I am so happy with how her story ended!

Talon of course, stole my heart. I'm always going to be a sucker for the baker in a book. So, of course, Talon was a joy. He cared so openly and fully for every single person that entered his life. Even though the way he comes into Iris's life is... very unusual. How he can tell that she is the kind of person who deserves to be treated with love. Even though Iris was blind to see it. I loved him, and felt so deeply for him through the story.

Overall, Death Meets Cute is everything I look for in a cosy fantasy. It's a gentle embrace. Snuggled under a warm blanket with a sweet treat or two. You feel warm and fuzzy when you're whisked away into another cosy world. If you are a fan of J. Penner's other books, or books like Legends and Lattes, then I would HIGHLY recommend you read Death Meets Cute!

“Even if she was evil, lying to the people she cared about was never a good thing”

[Tre' · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is tough to establish yourself as a feared villain when your undead bodyguard is more interested in baking cinnamon rolls than crushing your enemies. Death Meets Cute takes the classic “wicked witch” archetype and forces it into a full cottagecore intervention, asking what happens when you desperately want to be the bad guy but are, in fact, very awful at being bad.

Iris Weyward is the middle sister in a trio of witches who are meant to inspire terror. She even begins her mornings with affirmations about destroying anyone who stands in her way. Unfortunately, her magic is fading, her sisters are estranged, and a half-orc mercenary named Talon has just collapsed and died in her garden. In a moment of panic, Iris performs a necromancy spell to resurrect him. It works, just not as planned. Talon wakes up with no memory of his past life and an aggressively sunny, domestic personality. Instead of menace, he brings baking, cleaning, and unsolicited friendliness to a neighborhood Iris actively avoids. At the same time, she scrambles to uncover what is wrong with her magic and what to do with a hired blade who refuses to be violent.

The book’s greatest strength is its playful inversion of the “monster boyfriend” trope. Talon is physically imposing, tusked, and built like a threat, yet written with the energy of a golden retriever who has just discovered the joy of fresh bread. Watching Iris cling to her grumpy, villainous persona while Talon happily names her chickens (Viola, Valentina, and Valeria) creates a consistently funny dynamic without feeling forced. The humor is situational rather than punchline-driven, which suits the cozy tone well.

The supporting cast adds another layer of warmth. Quince, Iris’s hedgehog familiar, is perpetually hungry, sarcastic, and more than willing to comment on her questionable decisions. The banter between the three Weyward sisters feels grounded in real family history, full of small resentments, affection, and arguments about mundane things like laundry. These moments help anchor the magical elements in something emotionally recognizable.

The general vibe is best described as the literary equivalent of a warm vanilla scone. The pacing moves quickly but never creates stress, and even when curses or death enter the narrative, the tension remains comfortably low. This is a story where the stakes are personal rather than world-ending, focused on Iris learning to be vulnerable and accepting that she may not actually want to be a villain after all. Food descriptions are frequent and vivid, ranging from garlic-roasted potatoes to chocolate cupcakes, and they significantly contribute to the sense of comfort. As a personal note, my daughter and I made the cupcake recipe included at the end of the book, and they were amazing, which only added to the charm of the reading experience.

Death Meets Cute will strongly appeal to readers who loved Legends & Lattes or who enjoy cozy fantasy with romantic comedy structure. It leans into familiar tropes like Grumpy x Sunshine, with the twist that the witch is the grump and the orc is the sunshine. It does so without irony or cynicism. Fans of Penner’s previous cozy work, particularly the Adenoshire series, will feel right at home here, as the book stays true to her tone and strengths.

This book knows exactly what it is and never tries to be anything else. The plot is straightforward and occasionally predictable, which keeps it from reaching a full five stars. Still, the charm of the characters and the consistency of the tone make it a delightful read regardless. It works perfectly as a palate cleanser between heavier books. You will likely finish it smiling and with a strong urge to visit the nearest bakery.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR version? I loved this book so much more than I was expecting, and I highly encourage anyone who wants a sweet, surprisingly insightful, and fun cosy fantasy. Now for the obnoxiously long version:

I have a serious problem with this review, but it is an absolutely delicious one to have (a funny pun if you read the book). As a personal policy, I don't like to include too many spoilers or give too much away in my reviews. The thing is, my immediate and intense gut impulse is to offer up a detailed and thorough play-by-play of everything that made me fall in love with a story that, at its core, is a fairly lovely little cosy fantasy.

Alas, I will control myself.

In the spirit of honesty, this was one occasion when I had not actually read the description at all because the cover and the name were enough to grab me. So I went in expecting a fun romance (which it is), but was completely blindsided by the fact that that is only a part of a much deeper story of self-identity and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Our primary protagonist is Iris, a hyper-independent, middle-sister witch whose daily affirmation is, "Love the life you live...and destroy those that get in the way", and the life that Iris loves is that of being a villain. But every self-respecting villain needs a bodyguard, so when an orc mercenary named Talon drops dead in her yard, she grasps the opportunity to reanimate herself a new employee. Except he's not what she expects. Talon is kind, bakes, and seems to thrive in the friendly village that Iris tries so hard to make fear her. It’s a great use of the grumpy x sunshine trope.

Which is all in the description I didn't bother to read.

Clearly, this was going to be a love story, and it is, I think, a simple yet awesome example of how love can be a powerful stepping stone in someone's personal growth without being the driving force. In fact, while extremely satisfying, I think the romance angle of this book is far from the focus. When that became clear, I focused on the detail that Iris's magic is fading. Certainly, this story was about solving that crisis, and I was quick to start suspecting all the colourful townsfolk. (This crisis IS a driving force to the plot, but I was definitely on the wrong track.)

In fact, it took me an embarrassingly long time to realise what the actual story was about. But weirdly, I think that's partly because this story is so relatable. Iris's journey is one I think we all go through, and despite the tongue-in-cheek, cosy nature of the writing, it resonated in a powerful, often funny way. But I do sort of have to tread lightly here because this is where I want to start blabbing details that, even when not integral to the plot, should be discovered as you (hopefully) read this for yourself.

All in all, Death Meets Cute I think checks a lot of boxes. It's a great palette cleanser and cosy read. The world and the characters are so much fun. The romance is touching and feels organic. It walks a great line between light-hearted and emotionally deep. I expected to like this book, and I ended up absolutely LOVING it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC. It was a pleasure.

[Katie (keentoread) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A FELLOWSHIP OF LIBRARIANS & DRAGONS • J. Penner • Pub Date: June 3, 2025 • 2.5 stars rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Abridged Goodreads Synopsis: Iris Weyward wants to be evil but after helping her sisters unleash a spell to throw the realm into chaos, Iris is left feeling strangely empty and still not the villain of her dreams. So, she sets off for the quiet town of Fraywell to build her wicked legacy alone. But when her ogre bodyguard disappears, Iris needs new muscle. Good thing a fearsome orc just toppled over in her yard, ripe for reanimation. It's a perfect solution! Only, Talon isn't the brooding warrior she was hoping for. While Iris struggles to turn Talon into the enforcer she deserves, her sisters arrive seeking help—their magic is fading, and the cause may be closer than any of them realize. The timing couldn't be worse, and falling for an orc wasn't supposed to be part of her villain era, but it might turn out to be the best spell she's ever cast…

I love a cozy fantasy, especially one that includes baked goods! Yet unfortunately, this was a classic case of a fun idea with a lackluster execution.

What I Liked: I loved the idea of three sisters trying to work together to fix their magic. And the fact that the sisters strove to be villains? An extra element of fun! They also had adorable familiars that chimed in at the perfect moments throughout the story.

Penner knows how to build a cozy town filled with lovable characters, so every side character involved in the story was also delightful (or, in her old bodyguard's case, a good way to move the plot forward). Talon's storyline also grabbed my interest, especially when his baking prowess was discovered (though there are a few plot holes with Talon's story that did not fully resolve, imo).

What Didn't Work For Me: For starters, the writing. This is the third book I have read by Penner and it felt disproportionally juvenile, clunky, and repetitive. The dialogue was also often a bit unrealistic and cringe-y.

My biggest complaint though was Iris. If the author did not want Iris to be a true villain, there are so many ways that she could have come off as evil-aspiring or even delusionally evil that could have worked for me! But as it stands, Iris' notion of "evil" was ridiculous and completely out of sorts with the entirety of her character, as the reader sees it on the page. Instead, she just repeats the same tired-mantra and assertion that she is evil until she inevitably decides that she may not be evil after all.

TL;DR: While I am all for a low-stakes, cozy fantasy, this book is not one I would recommend to my audience. I would, however, recommend it to a younger audience (probably middle school/early high school age).