A Spell of Heart & Havoc by Kristen Vale: Release, Premise, Formats

Kristen Vale's fantasy romance A Spell of Heart & Havoc, once a preorder, was released by Forever on September 15, 2026. Here is the premise and where it fits.

Is A Spell of Heart & Havoc still a preorder? No. Kristen Vale's fantasy romance was released on September 15, 2026 by Forever, a romance imprint of Hachette Book Group (publisher listing). It is now available in paperback, ebook and audio.

The premise

Maerryl Kirim is a half-dwarf thief with a reason to take on a dangerous job: Maerryl's brother is ill, and the treatment costs more than honest work pays. The plan is to infiltrate a wealthy family by posing as the bodyguard of Lady Dove Wistrallo.

The two clash at first. Getting closer to the household, Maerryl uncovers its secrets and learns that Dove is hiding a magical ability that could put her in danger. Attraction grows, but so do the complications: Maerryl's deception, the demands of the thieves' guild, and a heist that is already in motion all threaten what is developing between them.

The publisher positions the book as cozy fantasy romance with heat, a fast-growing corner of the romantasy market that pairs low-stakes, warm settings with romantic tension.

About the author

Kristen Vale is also the author of Mirth & Magic, according to her website, which has news on her books and events.

Why cozy romantasy is selling

Romantasy has been one of the strongest growth categories in adult fiction since the success of large series in the early 2020s, and publishers have responded with imprints and lead titles aimed squarely at it. Cozy fantasy, which trades world-ending stakes for found family and comfort, has grown alongside it. A book that combines a heist, a bodyguard romance and a hidden magical talent sits at the meeting point of both trends, which helps explain the preorder interest that brought readers to this page.

Who it suits

Readers of fantasy romance, fans of thief and bodyguard setups, and anyone looking for fantasy where the relationship is the main plot. The book is marketed with spice, so readers who prefer closed-door romance should check content notes first.

Book details

Title: A Spell of Heart & Havoc
Author: Kristen Vale
Publisher: Forever (Hachette Book Group)
Released: September 15, 2026
Length: 336 pages
Paperback ISBN: 9781538771846 ($18.99 list)
Ebook: $11.99 list