Staff Writer: James
Book Title by Author: How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva
Published Date: November 11, 2025
Number of pages: 352
Format: book
Genre: Fantasy
Tags: Series, Cozy, Comedic, LGBTQ+ friendly
Cardigan rating: 4 out of 5
Goodreads Summary:
Let it never be said that I am not a vibe reader. After reading Tusk Love last month, apparently, I am not done with fantasy romance, so I dove deeper and cozier. How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days is a (sorta) enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance between a halfling and a goblin. Pansy has inherited her grandmother’s isolated cottage in the woods, only to arrive and find it inhabited already by Ren the goblin. Despite a racial mistrust between the two races, Pansy and Ren come to agree on a contest to determine ownership of the cottage rather than coming to blows. Pansy and Ren agree to share the cottage with the first person leaving, forfeiting their claim to the cottage.
The requisite scheming and counterplots ensue, only accomplishing in bringing the two women closer together. There is a barely touched and thinly-veiled Lord of the Rings-esque subplot with a wizard and some runes in the cottage that never crops up again until the end of the story. This dangling plot is treated as more important than it really is. This is why I’m knocking a cardigan off my rating. Read this for Pansy and Ren rather than the external plot elements.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t deeper themes at play here, because there are. The horror of war and what it mentally does to people, found family, racism, consumerism, and the power of community are all lurking in the background. None of it is explicit or wielded ham-fistedly, but it gives this story a little more substance. So, yes, this is a cozy fantasy romance, but there are deeper levels for consideration if you’re so inclined.
Would I love to see a sequel to this? Yes, indeed, and I absolutely would read it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go write an appreciative e-mail to the author.