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Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy: A Cozy Fantasy Romance
Despite being a Fanarlem, a race of lifelike doll people seen as a second-class citizens, Sorla's baking skills have earned her eager customers from miles around--and an invite from Prince Seldon himself to work at the royal bakery. The only trouble is, she needs a ride to the capital.
Dorr is a soldier who was revived fresh off his death on the battlefield, scarred, broken, and needing to get home. He’s willing to take a passenger, and she can put up with his aggravating grimness for a few days... just as he'll tolerate her relentlessly sunny outlook.
Maybe her company isn’t all bad. Since Dorr was brought back from the dead, food has tasted terrible...all except Sorla's pastries. And maybe her cheerful attitude is a little bit adorable, although he won’t tell her that.
When Sorla gets to the capital, she finds that Seldon has a nigh-impossible task for her: the hero of the realm was also revived from the dead, and the kingdom needs him back on the front lines immediately—but he’s not taking to it well. How can pastries alone convince someone life is worth living? She’ll need the help of her grim new acquaintance, the one who can’t help coming around to buy her pastries…
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is a cozy, slightly spicy, high fantasy meets cute-goth fantasy for readers of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy or anyone who ever wished for more Jack x Sally.
Dorr is a soldier who was revived fresh off his death on the battlefield, scarred, broken, and needing to get home. He’s willing to take a passenger, and she can put up with his aggravating grimness for a few days... just as he'll tolerate her relentlessly sunny outlook.
Maybe her company isn’t all bad. Since Dorr was brought back from the dead, food has tasted terrible...all except Sorla's pastries. And maybe her cheerful attitude is a little bit adorable, although he won’t tell her that.
When Sorla gets to the capital, she finds that Seldon has a nigh-impossible task for her: the hero of the realm was also revived from the dead, and the kingdom needs him back on the front lines immediately—but he’s not taking to it well. How can pastries alone convince someone life is worth living? She’ll need the help of her grim new acquaintance, the one who can’t help coming around to buy her pastries…
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is a cozy, slightly spicy, high fantasy meets cute-goth fantasy for readers of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy or anyone who ever wished for more Jack x Sally.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2023
12 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Lidiya Foxglove
61 books441 followersLidiya Foxglove grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, folklore and fantasy and also reads way too much manga. Fantasy romance is her favorite thing in the world, but she likes it steamy. She also loves cats and tea--it's cliche for a reason!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 22, 2025
First read review:
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is set in the same world as the The Cursed Soul series and follows Sorla, the adopted daughter of Velsa and Grau. I just love this world the author has created and I was so excited when I heard the author wrote another book in this world and it was everything I hoped for and more. It was so fun to see more of Sorla, but for those who haven't read the The Cursed Soul series I think it would work as a standalone too as most of the important details of her past you still hear here in this book.
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is a cozy fantasy romance book told from dual point of views of both Sorla (the doll girl) and Dorr (the dead guy). Sorla jumps on the chance to work at the royal bakery and needs a ride to the city. Dorr is recently brought from the dead and is going there anyway so he takes her along for the ride. These two are just so perfect together. I loved the grumpy sunshine romance trope here. Dorr has been in the war and has been through a lot and is struggling to be back alive, but then there is Sorla who is like a ray of sunshine and bakes pastries that actually taste like anything.
I just loved reading about them. Sorla is so positive and optimistic and so alive. Even with everything she has been through she is still like that ray of sunshine and I think it's even more beautiful she can still be like that even with what she has been through. I liked her determination and how she keeps going even when the odds of success are low and she keeps this hope and determination alive. I also liked reading about her baking and the pastries she made.
I really liked seeing Sorla from Dorr's point of view and it's one of my favorite things about a grumpy-sunshine romance seeing how the grumpy one sees the sunshine character and can't help but fall in love. I liked how their romance was very slow burn and build up slowly. And this is no short read either, so there's plenty of time to see them grow closer and closer. I really loved seeing the romance between them develop. I liked how they both see the other and accept and love them despite who and what they are. And unlike in The Cursed Soul series where their romance is frowned upon, I liked how here no one in the Ven-Diri community bat an eye at the odd paring between a doll girl and a dead guy. I really liked reading about Sorla and Dorr and the way they interacted, they have some fun banter and seeing how they respect each other and trust one other was awesome. I like how they're there for the other and they just made for such a great couple.
While the romance was very uplifting and it was such a cozy read, at times it can hit quite hard and get a bit dark in places too. The author touches upon the horrors of war, of characters being brought back from the dead and not quite being the same and figuring out where to live for. I thought it was well done, but those parts were hard to read at times. It's interesting how the war is not really the focus of these stories, nor was it in The Cursed Soul, but we do see it playing out in this world and it is part of the world. It makes the world feel very alive.
World building wise I love seeing this world come alive even more. There's a lot we see in The Cursed Soul series and I felt like this book builds upon that. There's a lot more about the Ven-Diri people and I enjoyed learning about their culture and customs. I thought it was interesting to read about how Dorr was brought back to the dead, although it is a bit macabre as well, but it totally worked here.
To summarize: I loved Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy. It's a spin-off from The Cursed Soul series, but works as standalone too I think. I really liked Sorla and Dorr together, they are just perfect together. I liked the grumpy-sunshine vibes of their romance. Sorla is just this ray of sunshine and I really enjoyed reading about her and Dorr. I liked her determination and passion for life. And I liked reading about her baking. I liked the slow burn romance between Dorr and Sorla and how they slowly grow closer. I really loved reading about them and the ending is just perfect for them. The world building is very well done and I liked learning more about the world, especially the Ven-Diri people and their customs. There also is more about the war that's taking place and it could get a bit dark there at times and some parts were hard to read about. I do appreciate how it makes the world feel alive with events like these going on that affect the characters, but they aren't directly involved in. If you like grumpy-sunshine romances set in an unique fantasy world, definitely check it out! I can't recommend it enough.
Re-read Review:
I decided to re-read this book and I think I loved it even more this time around. This is such a wonderful story. It's very cozy and has a lovely slow burn romance, but also touches upon multiple difficult topics. There's just something about this book that really works for me and I loved re-reading it. This is probably my favorite book by this author so far and I can't wait for more books set in this world.
Second Re-read Review:
Re-read this another time in the same year as the author read it aloud on her Youtube channel, this was such a wonderful way to experience the story again. I just love this story so much. And that ending fills me with warm happy feelings every time.
Third Re-read Review
Just as awesome as the previous times. This is one of my favorite books and when I had a stressful day I decided to pick it up. And I savored working through it for the next few weeks. I love this story, seeing Sorla and Dorr fall in love is awesome. And that scene toward the end when Dorr finds out how he got revived never fails to make me tear up even when I know it's coming. I love this story so much and can't recommend it enough.
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is set in the same world as the The Cursed Soul series and follows Sorla, the adopted daughter of Velsa and Grau. I just love this world the author has created and I was so excited when I heard the author wrote another book in this world and it was everything I hoped for and more. It was so fun to see more of Sorla, but for those who haven't read the The Cursed Soul series I think it would work as a standalone too as most of the important details of her past you still hear here in this book.
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is a cozy fantasy romance book told from dual point of views of both Sorla (the doll girl) and Dorr (the dead guy). Sorla jumps on the chance to work at the royal bakery and needs a ride to the city. Dorr is recently brought from the dead and is going there anyway so he takes her along for the ride. These two are just so perfect together. I loved the grumpy sunshine romance trope here. Dorr has been in the war and has been through a lot and is struggling to be back alive, but then there is Sorla who is like a ray of sunshine and bakes pastries that actually taste like anything.
I just loved reading about them. Sorla is so positive and optimistic and so alive. Even with everything she has been through she is still like that ray of sunshine and I think it's even more beautiful she can still be like that even with what she has been through. I liked her determination and how she keeps going even when the odds of success are low and she keeps this hope and determination alive. I also liked reading about her baking and the pastries she made.
I really liked seeing Sorla from Dorr's point of view and it's one of my favorite things about a grumpy-sunshine romance seeing how the grumpy one sees the sunshine character and can't help but fall in love. I liked how their romance was very slow burn and build up slowly. And this is no short read either, so there's plenty of time to see them grow closer and closer. I really loved seeing the romance between them develop. I liked how they both see the other and accept and love them despite who and what they are. And unlike in The Cursed Soul series where their romance is frowned upon, I liked how here no one in the Ven-Diri community bat an eye at the odd paring between a doll girl and a dead guy. I really liked reading about Sorla and Dorr and the way they interacted, they have some fun banter and seeing how they respect each other and trust one other was awesome. I like how they're there for the other and they just made for such a great couple.
While the romance was very uplifting and it was such a cozy read, at times it can hit quite hard and get a bit dark in places too. The author touches upon the horrors of war, of characters being brought back from the dead and not quite being the same and figuring out where to live for. I thought it was well done, but those parts were hard to read at times. It's interesting how the war is not really the focus of these stories, nor was it in The Cursed Soul, but we do see it playing out in this world and it is part of the world. It makes the world feel very alive.
World building wise I love seeing this world come alive even more. There's a lot we see in The Cursed Soul series and I felt like this book builds upon that. There's a lot more about the Ven-Diri people and I enjoyed learning about their culture and customs. I thought it was interesting to read about how Dorr was brought back to the dead, although it is a bit macabre as well, but it totally worked here.
To summarize: I loved Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy. It's a spin-off from The Cursed Soul series, but works as standalone too I think. I really liked Sorla and Dorr together, they are just perfect together. I liked the grumpy-sunshine vibes of their romance. Sorla is just this ray of sunshine and I really enjoyed reading about her and Dorr. I liked her determination and passion for life. And I liked reading about her baking. I liked the slow burn romance between Dorr and Sorla and how they slowly grow closer. I really loved reading about them and the ending is just perfect for them. The world building is very well done and I liked learning more about the world, especially the Ven-Diri people and their customs. There also is more about the war that's taking place and it could get a bit dark there at times and some parts were hard to read about. I do appreciate how it makes the world feel alive with events like these going on that affect the characters, but they aren't directly involved in. If you like grumpy-sunshine romances set in an unique fantasy world, definitely check it out! I can't recommend it enough.
Re-read Review:
I decided to re-read this book and I think I loved it even more this time around. This is such a wonderful story. It's very cozy and has a lovely slow burn romance, but also touches upon multiple difficult topics. There's just something about this book that really works for me and I loved re-reading it. This is probably my favorite book by this author so far and I can't wait for more books set in this world.
Second Re-read Review:
Re-read this another time in the same year as the author read it aloud on her Youtube channel, this was such a wonderful way to experience the story again. I just love this story so much. And that ending fills me with warm happy feelings every time.
Third Re-read Review
Just as awesome as the previous times. This is one of my favorite books and when I had a stressful day I decided to pick it up. And I savored working through it for the next few weeks. I love this story, seeing Sorla and Dorr fall in love is awesome. And that scene toward the end when Dorr finds out how he got revived never fails to make me tear up even when I know it's coming. I love this story so much and can't recommend it enough.
September 9, 2023
✨“Maybe I’ll look like a corpse and you’ll look like a big dead doll" ✨
I came across this book while searching for fall bingo: A book about bakery. The title was intriguing and especially with this gorgeous cover, I couldn't resist it.
As it is a spin off from a series but can be read as a standalone (I haven't read the series) so I was a bit afraid of complexity. But the author has done something, every fantasy author should do! She has given a complete description of this world in a short, precise manner for people like me, which came really in handy.
As a person who prefer emotional connection over physical one, the romantic aspect of this book was such a delight!
Sorla's character is just so beautifully written and that not only Dorr but readers themselves can't stop liking her. This is a slow burn, almost clean (skipped the tiny bit spicy part), grumpy X sunshine romance done right to the core. And I loved how Dorr was transitioned from a grumpy to softie, not only for Sorla but overall. And getting Dorr's pov along with Sorla was icing on the cake. I can't help but root for them! And their chemistry and tension was offchart!
✨"It's perfect," he said. "All your imperfections are perfect."✨
The angst part was bare to minimum but the Author dealt with some really dark topics including horrors of war, misogyny, slavery, abuse and so on yet overall in a lighthearted manner. Basically it's a cozy fantasy but a bit on thrilling side and a fast pace.
And the ending was just so fulfilling that I couldn't help but blushed. Although this isn't set up in fall but the vibes totally align like you wanna snuggle in blanket and sip hot cocoa while reading this and crave for baked goods.
Highly recommended!
My Rating: 5⭐
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw73cRkoN...
*** Find more reviews and bookish content on my Instagram: @bookaddicted_soul ***
I came across this book while searching for fall bingo: A book about bakery. The title was intriguing and especially with this gorgeous cover, I couldn't resist it.
As it is a spin off from a series but can be read as a standalone (I haven't read the series) so I was a bit afraid of complexity. But the author has done something, every fantasy author should do! She has given a complete description of this world in a short, precise manner for people like me, which came really in handy.
As a person who prefer emotional connection over physical one, the romantic aspect of this book was such a delight!
Sorla's character is just so beautifully written and that not only Dorr but readers themselves can't stop liking her. This is a slow burn, almost clean (skipped the tiny bit spicy part), grumpy X sunshine romance done right to the core. And I loved how Dorr was transitioned from a grumpy to softie, not only for Sorla but overall. And getting Dorr's pov along with Sorla was icing on the cake. I can't help but root for them! And their chemistry and tension was offchart!
✨"It's perfect," he said. "All your imperfections are perfect."✨
The angst part was bare to minimum but the Author dealt with some really dark topics including horrors of war, misogyny, slavery, abuse and so on yet overall in a lighthearted manner. Basically it's a cozy fantasy but a bit on thrilling side and a fast pace.
And the ending was just so fulfilling that I couldn't help but blushed. Although this isn't set up in fall but the vibes totally align like you wanna snuggle in blanket and sip hot cocoa while reading this and crave for baked goods.
Highly recommended!
My Rating: 5⭐
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw73cRkoN...
*** Find more reviews and bookish content on my Instagram: @bookaddicted_soul ***
January 24, 2023
Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy is a unique fantasy romance by Lidiya Foxglove that will take you on quite the unexpected adventure! This story has a unique twist as this is a world with three humanoid races (the Miralem, the Daramons and the Fanarlem) with each race being unique and essential to the Hidden Lands in their own way, and made for an exciting new read.
Our heroine Sorla is a Fanarlem with baking skills that set her apart and have people coming from all over— as well as an invite from the Prince himself to come and work at the royal bakery. All she needs is a ride to make one of her biggest dreams come true! Thus enters Dorr. A revived soldier who just wants to get home and is willing to take Sorla…and her delicious pastries. Will this every happy and cheerful heroine win over the gruff and gloomy soldier or are their differences too severe? Will she be able to succeeed with the mission that the Prince has for her or is everything doomed? Read on to see for yourself!
If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s character creations or goth fantasies, then this is the perfect one for you! The history, dynamics and set up of this world was definitely interesting to read about as was the relationship between two such unique and different characters.
Our heroine Sorla is a Fanarlem with baking skills that set her apart and have people coming from all over— as well as an invite from the Prince himself to come and work at the royal bakery. All she needs is a ride to make one of her biggest dreams come true! Thus enters Dorr. A revived soldier who just wants to get home and is willing to take Sorla…and her delicious pastries. Will this every happy and cheerful heroine win over the gruff and gloomy soldier or are their differences too severe? Will she be able to succeeed with the mission that the Prince has for her or is everything doomed? Read on to see for yourself!
If you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s character creations or goth fantasies, then this is the perfect one for you! The history, dynamics and set up of this world was definitely interesting to read about as was the relationship between two such unique and different characters.
October 8, 2023
the cozy fall vibes were chef's kiss 🤌🏻
Picked this on a whim and enjoyed it so much. I only just found out that this is actually a spin-off of another series - and no, you don't need to read that series to read this.
It's such a nice little cozy fantasy romance about a doll girl who is a baker and an "undead" guy who makes potions for a living.
I highly recommend this if you're looking a feel-good fall cozy fantasy book that's easy to read.
Picked this on a whim and enjoyed it so much. I only just found out that this is actually a spin-off of another series - and no, you don't need to read that series to read this.
It's such a nice little cozy fantasy romance about a doll girl who is a baker and an "undead" guy who makes potions for a living.
I highly recommend this if you're looking a feel-good fall cozy fantasy book that's easy to read.
January 22, 2023
This is a spin-off of one of the author's other series but works fine as a stand alone as well. It is a super cute romance about people who are almost opposites and how they slowly grow on each other. I like how both of the couple are not quite your normal humans and both are dealing with their unusual lot in life even as they are falling in love.
June 14, 2025
I enjoyed the world building on this novel. I realize that this takes place in the same world as another one of the author's series, which was much much darker than this book. Unfortunately, that darkness bled over at times, which impacted the coziness of this story. There is always the looming war, and the related threat of enslavement to Sorla and the other Fanarlems (the animated doll people). Dorr is also a walking embodiment of the war, being a reanimated solder who was killed on the front lines. So the premise already makes it hard to buy into the "cozy fantasy" tagline.
There are also some very uncomfortable and tone deaf points in the narrative that parallels the plight of the Fanarlems with free Blacks in pre-Civil War United States. There are mentions of slave catchers, free Fanarlems being kidnapped and taken over the border to be sold into slavery, and treated as second-class citizens working menial jobs even as free citizens on the supposedly enlightened Miralem-side of the border. This is especially problematic as there were zero indications of any people of color in the book, or even the universe.
I enjoyed the story, but the whole thing read as very unbalanced to me.
There are also some very uncomfortable and tone deaf points in the narrative that parallels the plight of the Fanarlems with free Blacks in pre-Civil War United States. There are mentions of slave catchers, free Fanarlems being kidnapped and taken over the border to be sold into slavery, and treated as second-class citizens working menial jobs even as free citizens on the supposedly enlightened Miralem-side of the border. This is especially problematic as there were zero indications of any people of color in the book, or even the universe.
I enjoyed the story, but the whole thing read as very unbalanced to me.
July 13, 2024
Somehow this book makes creepy vibes seem cozy and adorable, and I love it for that. The worldbuilding was extremely unique and complex in a good way, but really it's the sweet romance we're here for, right? Although the magic baking is pretty great, too :) Definitely recommend this for anyone who likes cozy fantasy romance!
June 19, 2023
RTC.
CW: Grief, possible acephobia?, references to attempted rape
CW: Grief, possible acephobia?, references to attempted rape
June 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book; it was quick and easy to read. The romance was adorable, and the world-building was intriguing. I really appreciated the summary at the beginning, it made the social dynamics of the world much clearer as I started reading. The romance was the central theme, and the side plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged. It was simple yet effective.
I loved Dorr, the dead guy. His character development, dialogue, and the way he treated the protagonist completely won me over. I adore gothic boys, so he was a perfect fit for my tastes 😊 Sorla, on the other hand, annoyed me at first. She was whiny and immature, but little by little, she revealed more of her personality, making her easier to root for. By the end, her character development left me satisfied.
I loved the cozy vibes of the book, but there were some details that kept me from fully enjoying it. In my opinion, it lacked a bit of drama, more intense emotions, more turmoil. A home feels cozier when there’s heavy rain outside. This book felt like a cozy cabin, but with perfect weather outside, inviting you to take a walk. I assume that the war context and Dorr’s trauma were meant to serve as the storm, but they didn’t quite succeed because it wasn’t something you could FEEL.
The characters were all perfectly reasonable, none of them let their emotions take control. They lacked angst, which would have made the comforting moments hit harder. I also think the inclusion of the pets was unnecessary. They show up at the beginning but seem to be forgotten later.
In conclusion, it’s a story with potential. Enjoyable, yes, but it didn’t leave a mark on my heart (though it did on my stomach! It made me crave cakes and cookies the entire time I was reading).
I loved Dorr, the dead guy. His character development, dialogue, and the way he treated the protagonist completely won me over. I adore gothic boys, so he was a perfect fit for my tastes 😊 Sorla, on the other hand, annoyed me at first. She was whiny and immature, but little by little, she revealed more of her personality, making her easier to root for. By the end, her character development left me satisfied.
I loved the cozy vibes of the book, but there were some details that kept me from fully enjoying it. In my opinion, it lacked a bit of drama, more intense emotions, more turmoil. A home feels cozier when there’s heavy rain outside. This book felt like a cozy cabin, but with perfect weather outside, inviting you to take a walk. I assume that the war context and Dorr’s trauma were meant to serve as the storm, but they didn’t quite succeed because it wasn’t something you could FEEL.
The characters were all perfectly reasonable, none of them let their emotions take control. They lacked angst, which would have made the comforting moments hit harder. I also think the inclusion of the pets was unnecessary. They show up at the beginning but seem to be forgotten later.
In conclusion, it’s a story with potential. Enjoyable, yes, but it didn’t leave a mark on my heart (though it did on my stomach! It made me crave cakes and cookies the entire time I was reading).
Want to read
February 3, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
I’m already smitten with the cozy, cheeky energy of the title. Titles count as writing, so it’s worth assessing, and: nice work!
This humorous fantasy, gothic romance seems like it has everything your autumn craving hearts could desire. Easy to read, well narrated with great dialogue, it starts on page one with cozy family complications and exciting possibilities for our MC.
A baker girl has captured the interest of the Prince, who has written to hire her to come and bake for him in the capital, something she desperately wants, but this would mean leaving her family, except …
Well, they aren’t really her family, after all. She isn’t flesh and blood like them. She’s an animated doll, a race created with magic! But judging from the title, the Prince may not be what people imagine he is either.
This was a soothing, enjoyable read - the beginning anyway. With lively, realistic characters, loving surrogate parents, and plenty of whimsy.
This promises to be something like, well, maybe Nightmare Before Christmas meets the Great British Bake Off. Or maybe just the Great British Bake Off as Noel Fielding dreams it to be. (we stan our mighty pixy-goth king)
I’m already smitten with the cozy, cheeky energy of the title. Titles count as writing, so it’s worth assessing, and: nice work!
This humorous fantasy, gothic romance seems like it has everything your autumn craving hearts could desire. Easy to read, well narrated with great dialogue, it starts on page one with cozy family complications and exciting possibilities for our MC.
A baker girl has captured the interest of the Prince, who has written to hire her to come and bake for him in the capital, something she desperately wants, but this would mean leaving her family, except …
Well, they aren’t really her family, after all. She isn’t flesh and blood like them. She’s an animated doll, a race created with magic! But judging from the title, the Prince may not be what people imagine he is either.
This was a soothing, enjoyable read - the beginning anyway. With lively, realistic characters, loving surrogate parents, and plenty of whimsy.
This promises to be something like, well, maybe Nightmare Before Christmas meets the Great British Bake Off. Or maybe just the Great British Bake Off as Noel Fielding dreams it to be. (we stan our mighty pixy-goth king)
July 15, 2024
4 Magical Pastry Stars
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine
I was fortunate enough to listen to Foxglove's read-aloud of this book and I really enjoyed it! It's my first time with this author, but it will not be the last.
There are three human-adjacent species in this world: doll people, goth empath necromantics, and normal humans. The goths are at war with the humans. Our hero, Dorr (one of the goths), is brought back to life as a Frankenstein-esque combination of body parts. He's not feeling upbeat toward his second round of life, even less so when he escorts eternally plucky baker Sorla (one of the doll people) to the capital. When Sorla's skill for baking pastries for the undead leads her into a war-saving campaign at the capital, she and Dorr's paths become more intertwined, and they start to fall in love.
This was overall incredibly cute. On a fantasy end, all the races get official names, cultures, philosophies, and feelings toward the war in an impressive display of worldbuilding. Sorla and Dorr's trauma was explored very nicely, they had great banter, and it was easy to root for them as a couple. The biggest surprise of this book involves the war-saving campaign, which I will not spoil here, but I was quite fond of how queer it was.
Overall, I would say if you enjoyed Legends and Lattes and wanted all of the coziness to have more stakes, then this is the book for you.
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine
I was fortunate enough to listen to Foxglove's read-aloud of this book and I really enjoyed it! It's my first time with this author, but it will not be the last.
There are three human-adjacent species in this world: doll people, goth empath necromantics, and normal humans. The goths are at war with the humans. Our hero, Dorr (one of the goths), is brought back to life as a Frankenstein-esque combination of body parts. He's not feeling upbeat toward his second round of life, even less so when he escorts eternally plucky baker Sorla (one of the doll people) to the capital. When Sorla's skill for baking pastries for the undead leads her into a war-saving campaign at the capital, she and Dorr's paths become more intertwined, and they start to fall in love.
This was overall incredibly cute. On a fantasy end, all the races get official names, cultures, philosophies, and feelings toward the war in an impressive display of worldbuilding. Sorla and Dorr's trauma was explored very nicely, they had great banter, and it was easy to root for them as a couple. The biggest surprise of this book involves the war-saving campaign, which I will not spoil here, but I was quite fond of how queer it was.
Overall, I would say if you enjoyed Legends and Lattes and wanted all of the coziness to have more stakes, then this is the book for you.
June 22, 2024
Sorla's powers may not be rooted in traditional magic, but she is the best baker if you have already died once. Without any 'Twilight' dead people are actually beautiful and sometimes too forgiving/unforgiving storylines, Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy truly speaks to the human heart. It is a love story set within a fantasy world where those who have died suffer guilt about being given a second chance during a time of great conflict. Aimed at older readers, Sola's baked goods seem to be the only food those adjusting to be alive (again) can stomach, as they struggle to forge and maintain both family and romantic relationships. With a Frankenstein meets Edward Scissorhands vibe, this book is a must read for those who wish to root for the outsiders. Tonic, instead of blood is vital and the ovens are often blazing (in more ways than one). If you have read any of Ldiya's other books, just be aware that the details of her fantasy word take more of a back seat in this one. Therefore, you may wish to read The hidden lands books in a different order. Please check Lidys's author page to find out which reading order will best suit you, as I would like to keep this review spoiler free.
Thank you!
Thank you!
June 27, 2025
GREEN FLAG GOTH GUY MEETS SUNSHINE SWEETHEART
A dark, mysterious, brooding, goth-esque apothecary-turned-soldier who is broken by war and can only be saved by sweet loving tenderness—and pastry? YES PLEASE!
He's giving Byronic hero, straight out of a Charlotte Bronte novel, but without any of the problematic bits.
The writing is quirky, charming, and fun, just like the world it's set in. On the surface, this is a story about baking, magic, and love. Underneath, it touches on themes of justice, oppression, war, and being comfortable in your own (imperfect) body. Definitely cozy-adjacent, it never gets too serious. There's just enough angst and conflict to make you care, but still within the realm of a relaxing read.
I really enjoyed getting the POV of the two characters as they're falling in love. What seems like conflict and friction between the two characters is revealed as something wholesome and sweet when you get the other person's perspective, and it's done in a way that is so realistic and understandable.
If you're looking for a wholesome, mostly cozy romance with the most adorable goth vibes ever, I highly recommend this book!
A dark, mysterious, brooding, goth-esque apothecary-turned-soldier who is broken by war and can only be saved by sweet loving tenderness—and pastry? YES PLEASE!
He's giving Byronic hero, straight out of a Charlotte Bronte novel, but without any of the problematic bits.
The writing is quirky, charming, and fun, just like the world it's set in. On the surface, this is a story about baking, magic, and love. Underneath, it touches on themes of justice, oppression, war, and being comfortable in your own (imperfect) body. Definitely cozy-adjacent, it never gets too serious. There's just enough angst and conflict to make you care, but still within the realm of a relaxing read.
I really enjoyed getting the POV of the two characters as they're falling in love. What seems like conflict and friction between the two characters is revealed as something wholesome and sweet when you get the other person's perspective, and it's done in a way that is so realistic and understandable.
If you're looking for a wholesome, mostly cozy romance with the most adorable goth vibes ever, I highly recommend this book!
February 19, 2024
This was lovely and sweet, as advertised.
Fanarlem baker Sorla (think of her a a sort of cloth golem with a soul) and recently-undead human soldier Dorr get over their initial clash of personalities and discover how they truly compliment each other once they look a bit deeper. The fact that Sorla's patries are the only thing that taste good to the undead is a big help in their budding relationship, even as it drags both of them into an ongoing bit of palace intrigue.
I really enjoyed the fact that this love story didn't hang on typical miscommunication tropes. Dorr and Sorla are smart, likeable, and have great conversations that advance the story.
And as usual with the stories set in this world, the author's worldbuilding is great. I particularly enjoyed the details of Dorr's Ven-Diri culture.
This was a great example of expanding the kinds of stories that can be told in a fantasy setting.
Fanarlem baker Sorla (think of her a a sort of cloth golem with a soul) and recently-undead human soldier Dorr get over their initial clash of personalities and discover how they truly compliment each other once they look a bit deeper. The fact that Sorla's patries are the only thing that taste good to the undead is a big help in their budding relationship, even as it drags both of them into an ongoing bit of palace intrigue.
I really enjoyed the fact that this love story didn't hang on typical miscommunication tropes. Dorr and Sorla are smart, likeable, and have great conversations that advance the story.
And as usual with the stories set in this world, the author's worldbuilding is great. I particularly enjoyed the details of Dorr's Ven-Diri culture.
This was a great example of expanding the kinds of stories that can be told in a fantasy setting.
July 12, 2024
This story was odd but in a charming way.
I randomly stumbled on the author's YouTube channel and saw that she did a little read-aloud so I read it. I really enjoyed the story and thought that it was really cute but I do wish that I'd read the previous books in this world first because I missed out on a lot of lore. Sure, I think Foxglove did a great job at worldbuilding that you don't need the others but it would have been more fun.
However, I couldn't really get a bearing on the time period we're in (could've easily been explained by the other books I'm sure) but sometimes there were olden day customs but modern day language that it was a bit jarring.
Overall, great story, great writing, and I will definitely be reading more from this world!
I randomly stumbled on the author's YouTube channel and saw that she did a little read-aloud so I read it. I really enjoyed the story and thought that it was really cute but I do wish that I'd read the previous books in this world first because I missed out on a lot of lore. Sure, I think Foxglove did a great job at worldbuilding that you don't need the others but it would have been more fun.
However, I couldn't really get a bearing on the time period we're in (could've easily been explained by the other books I'm sure) but sometimes there were olden day customs but modern day language that it was a bit jarring.
Overall, great story, great writing, and I will definitely be reading more from this world!
February 16, 2023
This was a wonderfully creative, thrilling tale about unlikely friendships, family, love, and figuring out how to make the best of the bumps and detours on the road of life. I absolutely loved Sorla and Dorr and everyone else in Doll Girl Meets Dead Guy. Lidiya Foxglove's characters always feel real no matter how fantastical the story they're in happens to be, which is only one of the many reasons her books are so bingeworthy.
July 27, 2025
➣ “Not everyone has to agree with you, but they do have to be worthy of your trust.”
➣ “I'd guess the best thing you can do is just brighten your corner of the world, like you always do.”
✴︎ DGMDG was my introduction to cozy romantasy and I'm so happy about that fact. It was an instant favorite within the first 25%, being well written and the perfect combination of sweet and dark for my bittersweet taste. The Hidden Lands universe is so appealing to my 'goth girly' sensibilities.
✴︎ Lidiya Foxglove is a great writer. I gobbled up this book and The Potion Dealers in a weekend, one right after the other, because I loved everything about them. Engaging writing had me immersed, made me laugh and comment out loud many times. There is some clunky prose / dialogue here and there (and minor editing misses) but nothing that distracted me from the storyline and characters.
✴︎ Where Lidiya's writing really shines is in characterization, from mains to side characters. Her protagonists are especially well-developed, giving you a good sense of them as people—their outlooks, desires, and insecurities. Something she does perfectly when it comes to romance is the understanding her couples have. Their love is believable because it comes from seeing one another, being right for each other in their personalities, and wanting to be there for the other come what may.
June 15, 2024
Good
I liked the cozy romance and the unique world building. I will recommend this book to all my nerdy friends that like a little spice. I gave it 4 stars because I only give five stars to books that hype me up. This made me excited enough to buy it buy not hyped enough to purchase the print version for my collection.
I liked the cozy romance and the unique world building. I will recommend this book to all my nerdy friends that like a little spice. I gave it 4 stars because I only give five stars to books that hype me up. This made me excited enough to buy it buy not hyped enough to purchase the print version for my collection.
February 10, 2023
4.5 stars
Really cute story! I loved both the main characters and the "side plot" was interesting enough, and even though this is a companion novel to a complete trilogy that I have not read, I wasn't lost so points for that!
Really cute story! I loved both the main characters and the "side plot" was interesting enough, and even though this is a companion novel to a complete trilogy that I have not read, I wasn't lost so points for that!
April 14, 2023
Longest book ever written by Lydia. Very creative storyline. She gone into details of the story to make us see the picture and understand their world. The story is so different, and it becomes sciene fiction mixed with fantasy and romance erotica. Thumbs up!!
February 3, 2024
Quirky and unique!
I adored this world! Specifically, the characters, the gentle observations on life and lessons learned, and the undercurrent of hope. The pacing and tension levels were spot on too. Will definitely be reading as much of this series as the author publishes!
I adored this world! Specifically, the characters, the gentle observations on life and lessons learned, and the undercurrent of hope. The pacing and tension levels were spot on too. Will definitely be reading as much of this series as the author publishes!
February 20, 2023
2.75⭐️
April 22, 2023
It was fine, sometimes a little funny or interesting but nothing to remember after tomorrow.
June 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Such a unique concept of life in this fantasy world! I want to try Sorla's nut buns, magic or not.
Such a unique concept of life in this fantasy world! I want to try Sorla's nut buns, magic or not.
July 7, 2024
Super cute and cozy. I love the setting and the fashion/culture stuff included for the MMC’s family.
July 10, 2024
Loved listening to the author read this aloud on her YouTube channel, and looking forward to picking up an ebook version! It's cute and an interesting world.
May 27, 2025
need to read more cozy fantasys like this.
October 20, 2025
This was very cute! Rounded up from 3.5 stars. I loved the central romance and the worldbuilding, though I admit I didn’t pick up on the parallels another reviewer mentioned to real-life histories of slavery. It reminded me of T. Kingfisher’s work in that it leans into horror, at times a bit too much for me, but I did like the characterisation and it’s one of the only romantasy books I’ve read where I felt the instalove on the MMC’s part really worked.
October 8, 2023
3,5
cosiest book but not memorable
cosiest book but not memorable
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