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How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days
by Jessie Sylva
Our take
Pansy and Ren both think they've inherited the same cottage, so they strike a deal: move in together, and whoever cracks first loses ownership. Forced proximity turns into begrudging respect turns into something neither of them expected, while a shared enemy threatens to burn the whole arrangement down. Reviewers keep calling it cosy and warm, with real found-family energy once the two communities start working together instead of against each other. Rivals-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes both get a full workout here, played for comfort rather than tension.
Content note: racism and prejudice between goblin and halfling communities run through the book as real social conflict, not just worldbuilding flavor. It also includes general inhuman-body representation for both leads. Forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers dynamics drive the romance, cottage-sharing standing in for the classic one-bed setup. The tone stays gentle and comfort-forward even while addressing bigotry directly.
Publisher's description
How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by debut author Jessie Sylva is the cozy tale of a halfling and a goblin who must learn to love each other despite their differences. Called "an adorable delight!" (Sarah Beth Durst), this novel is brimming with popular romance tropes and warmth and is perfect for fans of The Honey Witch and The Spellshop. ★ "Cozy, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying" –Publishers Weekly (Starred) What if cottagecore and goblincore fell in love? When a halfling, Pansy, and a goblin, Ren, each think they've inherited the same cottage, they make a bargain: they'll live in the house together and whoever is driven out first forfeits their ownership. Amidst forced proximity and cultural misunderstandings, the two begin to fall in love. But when the cottage - and their communities - are threatened by a common enemy, the duo must learn to trust each other, and convince goblins and halflings to band together to oust the tall intruder. "An adorable delight!" ―Sarah Beth Durst, NYT bestselling author of The Spellshop "An adorable story that will fulfill your cottagecore dreams.” ―M. Stevenson, author of Behooved "Cozy fantasy lovers will tuck into this lovely story and want to savor every last morsel." ―J. Penner, author of A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic
- First published
- 2026
Available formats
- Print — 352 pages · ISBN 9780316585910
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