A Fellowship of Games and Fables by J Penner

---

✦ BLURB ✦

From cold rivalry to hot cocoa and warm hearts. The third in a heartwarming cozy fantasy series by J. Penner.

Jez, a grumpy Fennex, wants nothing to do with the cold, snow or bustling winter games descending on the charming town of Adenashire. She’d rather curl up for a nap. But a drunken boast lands her smack in the middle of the festivities and, even worse, fake dating her friend, Taenya, a woodland elf.

Plagued by chronic fatigue and past heartbreak, Jez has long guarded her heart. Not to mention she has a secret she’d rather not share. Yet, Taenya’s warmth and patience begin to melt her icy exterior. Together, the two women tackle challenges—from ice sculpting to scavenger hunts—and their pretend relationship sparks genuine feelings.

With the unwavering support of her friends, and amidst the cozy, festive cheer of winter, Jez discovers that love and acceptance are within reach, even for those who would rather hibernate in the shadows.

---

From cold rivalry to hot cocoa and warm hearts.

---

Pre-Reading Thoughts

Introverted grump + winter festival + fake dating with a patient elf? That’s a festive gift basket of tropes I love. I was expecting slow-burn comfort, reluctant joy, and maybe some excellent blankets. Also curious to see how the story handles fatigue and boundaries within a cosy framework.

---

Post-Reading

As I thought...
Adenashire in winter is a delight - sparkly, chilly, and full of good cheer - and Jez is the perfect reluctant heroine to stomp her way through it. Her fatigue and introversion aren’t “problems to be fixed” but traits to be understood and accommodated, which is incredibly refreshing. The fake-dating plotline is tender and low-stress, and the challenges are just the right kind of silly. It’s all heart and hot chocolate.

It surprised me by...
How gentle it was with Jez’s emotional world. There’s a deep understanding here of what it means to be exhausted by connection but still crave closeness. The book never forces her to change- just to open up a little. Her romance with Taenya is soft, respectful, and full of the kind of care that doesn’t require fireworks to feel real. It’s a love story built on shared silences, snacks, and support.

---

✦ RECOMMENDATIONS ✦

📚 Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell (but way cozier)
📺 Dash & Lily if it were introvert-friendly and a little more fox-shaped

✦ MUSIC PAIRING ✦

Because sometimes, the heart of a story plays out like a song.

Featured Song: “I See You” – Missy Higgins
Vibe Album: Hushed and Grim by Mastodon - hear me out, it's the cozy introvert of metal albums: big feelings, slow pacing, and hidden warmth.
Artist Recommendation: Novo Amor – snowy, sad, and stunning.

---

✧ VIBE CHECK ✧

Colour Palette: Ice blue, dusk violet, firelight amber

Soundtrack: Crunching snow, crackling fire, the silence between friends

Season: Deep winter - when the snow’s thick, the lights are soft, and the cocoa’s compulsory

Mood: Quiet intimacy

Scent: Cinnamon, cedarwood, and just a whiff of fox fur

---

★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

The Hermit - Cosmic C*nt Tarot

The Hermit knows that withdrawing from company isn't always rude, or self indulgent. Sometimes it's necessary; for rest, for refreshment, to give yourself space to think more clearly. Jez is a classic Hermit, retreating to her room several times over the length of the book, but each time emerging with a new view of life.

A Fellowship of Games and Fables publishes on the 9th September, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.