“Love the life you live and destroy those who get in your way.”
― J. Penner, Death Meets Cute

Fall into a good read with Death Meets Cute, first in a new series by J. Penner. This cozy fantasy read with a touch of romance is full of love, complex relationships, grouchy familiars, gentle escapism, and scrumptious baked goods. If you’re interested in a low-stakes fantasy with a hint of romance, this is for you.

Iris Weyward wants to be evil. She and her sisters recently released a spell to throw the realm into chaos, but the side effects have sent them into a spiral. Shortly after their last group villainous act, Iris was left feeling empty. She decides that in order to get her bad back, she must leave her sisters. Iris heads to the quiet town of Fraywell in hopes to get her wicked under control and eventually flourishing.

Iris settles in a cottage on the outskirts of Fraywell. To make ends meet, she plies her evil wares, selling curses and potions while instilling fear in the locals with her ogre bodyguard in tow. When her bodyguard disappears, Iris is left in the lurch. When an orc collapses in her sideyard, Iris decides he’s just what she needs. The pesky fact that he is dead is of no consequence. Iris will reanimate him and gain a fearsome new protector.

After the spell is completed, Iris quickly realizes that the warrior she expected couldn’t be more different. Talon is nice, gentle, friends with her chickens, and loves to bake. Iris struggles to figure out what she is going to do with Talon, but before she comes to a decision, her sisters arrive out of the blue at her cottage asking for help. Their magic is fading and the three sisters must work together again to find a solution. One slight problem: Iris is distracted by Talon and the funny feelings she has when she’s around him. What’s a witch to do?

Death Meets Cute series

• Death Meets Cute (2026)
• All’s Spell that Ends Spell (2027)