Publish date: 28th April 2026
For my review of J Penner’s previous book, A Fellowship of Bakers and Magic, see here.
Death Meets Cute is a cosy fantasy revolving around Iris Weyward, an ‘evil’ witch and her recently-revived-through-necromancy orc bodyguard, Talon. The story starts with Iris striking out on her own after too much sibling bickering, resulting in the need for a fearsome bodyguard. Luckily, one ends up dead in her garden.
The spice level is non-existent, there’s some kissing but it’s not that kind of book which is why (after a long debate with myself) I’ve labelled this ‘fantasy’ and not ‘romantasy’. It’s firmly a cosy read first and foremost. I did enjoy the book however I have one gripe that lets the story down. Namely, I’m not convinced any of the characters are even slightly evil. It gives them all this delusional quality which adversely affects the whole plot and doesn’t resolve itself.
From the on-set, Iris is described as a wannabe villain. That works initially. Her sisters have distinct personalities but neither of them seem evil either. There’s no driving force for this desire, it doesn’t match with them as people. The book attempts to explain it but the back story lacks credibility. They remain supposedly evil at the end, so there’s a lack of growth and it feels like a complete farce. I would have been more impressed if they’d decided they’d quite like to be good and only got into evil for the gothic aesthetic.
This is the only criticism I have of the book. It otherwise has all the elements of a fantastic slow burn romance, as well as a great fantasy. I love the idea of a giant orc baking chocolate cupcakes in a tiny apron. I was enchanted by his tiny cow shaped milk jug. I squealed happy noises when I read there was a hedgehog familiar and laughed when Iris threatens to turn him into a cat. It’s brilliant.
The LGBTQ+ representation is exceptional without being laboured. The story has some light worldbuilding, classic fantasy race diversity and multiple happy endings. There’s also a lot of food description which always makes me happy (and hungry).
I remain delighted by Penner’s relaxed writing voice, perfect for when you want to switch off after a hard day. I would love to read more about Talon, Iris and her sisters. I hope for baby orcs and more quirky familiars. As with her previous book, there’s also a recipe at the end. More fantasy books should include recipes!
If you love an easy, feel good read then Death Meets Cute is one for you.
| Criteria | Scores | Our Score |
| Artistic Achievement | 1 – 5 | 4 |
| Pacing | 1 – 5 | 4 |
| Characters | 1 – 5 | 4 |
| Writing Style | 1 – 5 | 5 |
| Originality | 1 – 5 | 5 |
Written By: ivetafox
Favourite Game – Long Live the Queen || Favourite Film – Sweeney Todd || Favourite Book – Wuthering Heights
About: Ivy is a disabled, autistic writer from the UK, passionate about inclusive gaming. When not reviewing, she can be found writing short stories and micro fiction or reading the latest gothic novel.
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