A delightful fairy tale with the most sarcastic, biting yet lovable cast of characters. This was so fun!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

I am so sad I had to DNF this book halfway through. I loved the idea of the trope, the magic, and the romance. Unfortunately every time I sat down to read I ended up falling asleep after barely finishing one chapter. I think the story dragged a bit. I knew there was so much that still needed to happen according to some reviews and halfway there was barely a connection between the FMC and the MMC. I am truly sad I couldn’t finish. Maybe one day I’ll start again and see if I can connect more with the story.

My first by Allison Saft, and it will not be my last. I loved the magical realism touch and political intrigue. The communication between our love interests could've been better, but I see the point the author wants Kitt to come off as. The ending did seem a bit rushed, but overall, it was romantic.

3.5, maybe 4 stars read

I absolutely loved this book so much! What a perfect read to add to my collection of historical romantasys! Definitely a new favorite!!!

A Fragile Enchantment was an absolutely beautiful and magical book. It was so unique with its magic, the fmc is able to weave emotions into clothing and fabric and it was so cool and amazing. I loved that aspect so so much. The relationship between Niamh and Kit was so beautiful, I absolutely loved their bickering and flirting and romantic moments. Literally every main character in this was a fav of mine. Sinclair, Rosa, Niamh, Kit, and Miriam were all absolutely perfect.

This book was a romantasy that followed the regency time period and as an avid fan of Bridgerton this book was the perfect embodiment of all the drama, gossip and scandal. Even with its own scandal sheet. If Bridgerton was fantasy this book would be it. Not to mention the book used the fantasy world to discuss real life situations/issues such as underpaid workers/middle class and class divisions. While some may have not liked the ending I really enjoyed it. It ended the love story perfectly while still alluding to working towards a better future for all characters.

Every scene in this book was perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. I would love a Novella about some of the other characters or even a second book.

Also this book had great LGBTQ+ representation! So many of the main and side characters were represented with this and I think the author did a good job executing it. Like I mentioned before I would love to read novellas of another book about the side characters in the future.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend to those who are looking for a magical and swooning romance and those who, like me, have grown to love historical romantasy.

Excited to read more by this author in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books and the author, Allison Saft, for an E-ARC of this book!

"A Fragile Enchantment" by Allison Saft captivated me from the very first page, weaving a spellbinding tale of romance set against a backdrop of fantasy that left me utterly enchanted.

The fantasy elements in the story add a layer of intrigue and magic, elevating the narrative beyond a typical historical romance. Saft's world-building is meticulous, creating an enchanting and immersive setting.

What sets "A Fragile Enchantment" apart is its romance and the underlying themes of resilience and self-discovery that thread through the narrative. The characters grapple with challenges that extend beyond matters of the heart, adding depth and complexity to their journeys. Saft seamlessly weaves themes of love, duty, and the pursuit of one's true self, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

As a fan of the Bridgerton series, I appreciated the nod to the Regency romance genre while reveling in the fresh and imaginative twists that Saft brings to the table. The novel is a delightful blend of the familiar and the fantastical, creating a reading experience that is both comforting and exhilarating.

In "A Fragile Enchantment," Allison Saft has crafted a novel that lingers in the heart long after turning the final page. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of romantic fantasy, offering readers a captivating escape into a world where love knows no bounds and magic is a force to be reckoned with. This novel is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a romance and enchantment tale.

At some point, probably after I read A Dark And Drowning Tide, I need to decide this author's books just aren't for me. This book had the hints of an interesting world, and a great cast of characters, but was bogged down by a weak plot and a hevay focus on a romance I just wasn't invested in.

Niamh is Machlish, which I presume here is fantasy Irish, and there's an ongoing protest outside the castle walls for whatever it is the Royals are doing. I didn't feel the story really cared to go into much depth about that, and I ended up feeling disappointed that Niamh's family stayed as mentioned background characters throughout.

I guessed the mysterious Gossip Girl style column writer within 30 pages, and I can't feel smug about that because they were just so blindingly obvious. They even talked the same as the writer. I felt the ending scenes were quite frankly ridiculous, and this story overall strongly reminded me of The Selection.

iamh is a seamstress who can sew emotions in fabric. When she's asked to make all the clothes for an upcoming royal wedding in a nearby kingdom, she knows that this opportunity will allow her to take care of her family. The groom, Kit Carmine, is immediately unlikable. He's harsh and unkind, and Niamh can't stand him, but after time, the two grow closer despite the fact that Kit will be married soon.

I loved Allison Saft's previous book set in this same world, A Far Wilder Magic, and I had such high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, I had a hard time with this book. For starters Niamh is unbelievably whiny and spends most of the book in a perpetual state of "woe is me." Kit is equally unlikable, treating Niamh like trash for too much of the book to bear. So if I didn't like both of the mains, who's left? A minor character? Not really. In the end, I decided that this just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

this had more romance than fantasy which i enjoyed. the writings was good and it felt very fast paced!

"A Fragile Enchantment" proved to be a delightful and rejuvenating literary experience for me. Prior to engaging with this book, I found myself in a considerable reading slump, yearning for narratives that would captivate my attention. This particular work successfully lifted me from my slump, demonstrating the power of a well-crafted story, even if the plot is straightforward and predictable, which, in this instance, did not diminish its entertainment value.

While acknowledging the book's categorization as Young Adult, where intricate plots may not be a prerequisite, I couldn't help but desire a slightly more nuanced narrative. Nevertheless, the book adeptly navigates themes of hypocrisy, loyalty, family, and duty, enriching the characters' depth and rendering them more authentic.

The intentional portrayal of hypocrisy among the characters added a layer of realism that I particularly appreciated. Niamh's self-sacrifice for family duty, the king's destructive actions driven by his sense of duty, and Kit's deliberate defiance of his obligations all contributed to a thought-provoking exploration of conflicting values. The evolving dynamics between Kit and Niamh, where their feelings and commitments underwent a significant reversal, added an intriguing dimension to the storyline.

However, I must express two notable reservations. Firstly, the characterization of Kit and Niamh as enemies seems somewhat misplaced, as Kit's behavior, though brash, did not necessarily equate to animosity. Niamh's initial misinterpretation of Kit's personality and distrust as hatred added complexity to their relationship, but the label of 'enemies' might be a stretch.

Secondly, Sinclair's conclusion felt unsatisfying, as he appeared to lack a genuinely happy ending. His actions, especially divulging his friend's private matters to the public, challenged the notion of unwavering loyalty. This departure from the proclaimed 'loyalty to a fault' was a narrative choice that I found discordant with Sinclair's character and the overall theme of the story.

Moreover, while "A Fragile Enchantment" provided a satisfying and enjoyable reading experience, it left me with a sense that there is untapped potential within the narrative. The characters and their intricate dynamics hinted at deeper layers waiting to be explored. Given the foundation laid by the book, I find myself hopeful for the prospect of it evolving into a series in the near future. Expanding on the existing themes and delving further into the complexities of the characters' lives could contribute to a richer and more immersive literary journey. This potential for expansion leaves me eagerly anticipating the possibility of future installments that may delve into uncharted territories, enriching the world and its characters even more. In doing so, the story could reach new heights and offer readers a more comprehensive and gratifying experience.

Picture Bridgerton with magical powers in this romantasy from Allison Saft. Niamh, the clumsy and blunt main character, is a magical seamstress who can imbue her fabulous outfits with feelings and special effects. Want to come across as confident to all who behold you in the magic dress? Or make people think of happy childhood memories when they see you? She can make that happen. Niamh is hired to make outfits for a royal wedding, and becomes immediately entangled in some politics and personal drama within the royal family. Not to mention she finds herself drawn to a prickly and handsome prince, Kit, who just happens to be the groom.

I think that the magical element in this book is unique and fun. I love the idea of magic combining with dressmaking, to where each garment can be custom tailored for you in looks and mood. The royals have some magical powers too. I didn't understand why Niamh's powers were slowly draining the life out of her while that didn't seem to be a problem for other characters. I appreciated how Niamh was so honest and straight forward throughout the entire book. I found it much harder to get to know Kit and look past his hostile personality, even when we delve deeper into his past and get to know why he is the way he is, it was still a bit off-putting. It almost seemed like there was no slow buildup to their romance, he went from being completely rude to Niamh to into her almost instantly. Almost like how Niamh arrives in the kingdom as a commoner, from a place that is scorned by many nobles, and is immediately in the middle of all the royal family's private and heated conversations. My favorite characters were Sinclair and Rosa, who both had the most personality in the book.

I thought this was a fun and quick read. It was very "opposites attract" romance with a sweet overall feel. There is a bit of spice but it's very tame, definitely geared towards YA. I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for my opinions.

3.5 Stars rounded up

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC!

This was easily one of my 2024 books I was most excited for and it did not disappoint.

I loved the magic in the book… I wish there had been more but it was well written. Niamh’s enchantments were just fun to imagine. Kit’s magic was as well.

I felt like I lost some of the nuance in the world building— totally understanding the stakes for example— and even somewhat in the magic system. Though I think this was background to set the scene and not the main “point” of the book which was definitely the relationships. I really enjoyed the interplay in all the relationships and would have loved more of some of them!!

Overall it was incredibly enjoyable and a lovely palate cleanser with a little more oomph. Will definitely make sure I get to the rest of Saft’s backlist :)

This book was beautiful. It was whimsical and felt so magical like the way watching a fairytale movie for the first time felt. The characters were so well written and the world building/magic was so absolutely intriguing. Unfortunately this book falls under the SMP boycott and I stand in solidarity with my BIPOC and Palestinian friends and will not be leaving a review on this book or promoting it my friends/followers until SMP takes accountability for their employees and bigoted beliefs. Change must happen!

Holding my review until the SMP boycott is resolved.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

Niamh has a gift for enchanting garments, and being hired to make outfits for the royal wedding seems like it could be her big break. Then she meets the handsome, brooding prince that is engaged to be wed and all bets are off!

This felt like a perfect blend of fantasy and romance. Kit and Niamh had wonderful banter and chemistry, and I was rooting for them to make it work despite all odds. The underlying tension of whether Jack was friend or foe made the stakes very high, and I couldn't put it down!

This book was written for you if:
1) You love a romantasy
2) You like when magic systems feel very quaint and possible
3) You like a brooding, magical mmc

I saw the offer to get this on NetGalley I jumped on it. I loved the author's previous work and I was excited to see where this could go.

This book was very very sweet and I'm not sure I loved it! I definitely liked it - and I did love all the side characters. I enjoyed the main two as well, and while I found their romance to be sweet it just... felt off? Something was definitely odd about it and how I certainly wanted a lot more from it, but instead, it was just good. Fine!

I'm sure this is a terrible review, but overall - I found the story interesting. I even enjoyed the world building, and the side characters, and their struggles. But I guess, I wanted more of that, and less of the romance? Even with the two main leads, I wanted to get more about them - it felt like we skimmed the surface and once they became besotted with each other, that aspect fell away.

Overall, I enjoyed it, and if you're looking for a book about beautiful outfits and and a sweet romance, this will definitely fit the bill.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for a chance to read and review.

To be fair, 3 is a good rating from me- it means I was entertained and liked it- and if I could, I’d give this one 3.75 stars.
I am a sucker for some royalty romance and this was delightful. The writing was full of whimsy and I very much enjoyed the characters. I do recommend this tale if you too enjoy a crazy court with not one but two prickly prince brothers, magic and romance. 😂

Delightful! Allison Saft continues to be an auto-buy and auto-read author for me. I am not usually a fan of regency romances, and I think marketing this as similar to Bridgerton but with magic is a disservice to a book that is so much better and deeper than that. This brings me to my next point: I absolutely love the way Allison Saft explores heavier and more serious themes with nuance and respect, while also including enough humor and feel-good moments to give readers a break form the heaviness. The dynamic between our two main characters was so charming. The female main character will resonate with anyone who puts too much pressure on themselves and takes on m ore responsibility than they need to because they love so deeply. Our male main character was so grumpy in the funniest way - even when he tries to be nice, he's still grumpy - and getting to know him was so much fun. No one does character arcs, interpersonal relationships, and world building like Saft does, and I highly recommend all of her books.

This is my first book by this author. While I don’t read a lot of fantasy, I found this book to be a delightful read!

Allison Saft's work is...okay. Overall, I enjoyed the read, but I was left wanting more numerous times. I also felt like I had read this book before. Niamh Ó Conchobhair, the main character, is not given much depth. I constantly wanted to know more about her beyond a mystery illness and her drive to please her mother and grandmother. The supporting characters are alright, but again rather shallowly presented. The family and political drama unfold around Niamh, and all ends right with the world---
The setting was believable, the magic system mentioned but expected to just be accepted by readers, and the pace is a bit slow at times. All of these things together just mean that it took me a long time to get through this one, but this doesn't necessarily mean I didn't enjoy it.
If you like sweet, very Bridgerton-esque reads then this one is for you!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the dARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

What a sweet and captivating YA fantasy/romance! It has all the meat of an adult fantasy but with that touch of innocence that makes reading YA so delightful. Niamh (have no idea how to pronounce her name - in fact many terms are impossible to pronounce unless one is very well versed in what looks to be something Celtic) is a gifted seamstress who can sew emotions into her creations. This unique ability caught the eye of the crown prince and he has hired her to make the clothing for his younger brother’s wedding. She is thrilled because this opportunity could provide a way for her impoverished family to finally have some stability. The problem is, she is from a starving country that was conquered, then neglected by the very royal family who are requesting her services. Subsequently, she is a young woman with the weight of her world riding on her shoulders. This premise allows for more than a light-hearted, easy escape and gives the story much depth as we read.

Kit (Christopher) is the prince whose marriage is eminent. Sadly, it is a union he despises but is unable to get out of, making him surly at best, caustic at worst. So, when he sees the young Machlish woman who is tasked to make everyone beautiful, his ire and temper knows no bounds. As time progresses, however, both Kit and Niamh grow to understand each other more and a strong friendship is formed.

From this premise the story embarks on all kinds of twists and turns that keep the reader completely engrossed and turning the pages! There are secrets and deceptions galore while the characters unravel the reasons behind everything that is keeping Niamh’s people impoverished and why Kit’s marriage is so important. I did struggle with the big “betrayal” because there really shouldn’t have been one. The act was so small for Niamh that it seemed silly to cause such heartache and devastation because of it. Yet, all the final conflicts and climax revolve around it.

Still, the emotions and feelings behind the characters are so well written that any reader will undoubtably laugh, cry, and keep reading until that final page is turned. Then, cross their fingers in hopes another book in this fabulous world is in the making!