A big thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for gifting me an eARC of my anticipated read of 2024, in exchange for an honest review.

Allison Saft is hands down one of my many new favorite authors.

A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft is a YA fantasy novel, set in a kingdom where a prince is set off to marry, and commissions a magical tailor to make him an outfit. But everything goes awry when a gossip column starts to write about how they're madly in love. Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland. But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous gossip columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

I loved Saft's Down Comes the Night (as it remains to be one of my favorite books of all time) and her A Far Wilder Magic. I loved this one to bits, because even though it removed most of the angst Saft typically includes. It instead gave the reader fluff and absolute adorableness. I was a little confused on the overall world building, but I was all for the romance between Niamh and Kit. And that ending just made me swoon. Don't be surprised if you catch me re-reading this one when it's fully published.

I will post my review publicly when SMP/Wednesday Books meets the demands of the Boycott. Please address the hard your employee has caused. This employee not only was spewing the most vile, racist, vitriol on their public platforms but has also seemingly been exhibiting racist behavior in the work place. They are partly in charge of marketing/sending out ARCs to readers and seem to have a pattern of not sending ANY requested ARCs to certain Brown and Muslim readers.

Brimming with longing, indeed. This novel made me swoon, blush, giggle, and kick my feet like a school girl. Everything about this story, the atmosphere, characters, prose, plot, etc., made me feel alive.
I will continue to live in this story for the next few days and dream of Kit Carmine. I highly recommend Saft’s work.

I had so much fun with this book - Allison Saft continues to impress. I really enjoyed the characters and their motivations. Niamh knows she isn't making the most popular choice but she does it for the betterment of her family, which in turn leads her to experience things she wouldn't have been able to back home. Overall it was such a fun, engaging read that it felt like it flew by and left me wanting more. I wish the world and magic system had been fleshed out a bit more - it's basically regency history in a fantasy setting which I enjoy but I feel like a little more could have gone into it to make it stand out a bit more.

This book was SPECTACULAR! Definitely a must-read for fans of hit series like Bridgerton and A Court of Thorns and Roses. Saft has perfected the balance between romance, tension, and lush worldbuilding.

Niamh isn't royal, but she does have a little magic in her blood which allows her to sew emotions and memories into the beautiful clothes she creates, and is also making her life shorter with each stitch. Her talent gets her invited into the world of royalty as the official wardrobe designer for the kingdom of Avaland. Sure, these are the people who colonized her lands and are oppressing her people, but this is an opportunity she can't say no to. This one job will ensure she can take care of her mother and grandmother for the rest of her short life and beyond.

Niamh isn't prepared for the handsome, prickly prince whose wedding she is dressing. She isn't prepared for the flamboyant and kind best friend of said prince. She isn't at all prepared for the vibrant, tough future bride. Her experience will test who she is and who she wants to be and build relationships she never intended. Set against political unrest and a gossip columnist who seems to know everything happening in Avaland, romance seems unlikely, but might bloom despite it all.

Part a fantastical romance and part a magical (literally and figuratively) journey into friendship and love, A Fragile Enchantment is the perfect read for lovers of fantasy romance and a little mystery. The only think stopping me from giving this book 5 stars is the feeling that it forgot it's plot a few times. The title of the story is tied to the fact that Niamh is dying due to her magic and won't live long, but this isn't really the major plot point you think it's going to be. In fact, it gets kind of lost entirely. Secondly, queerness is centered in this book through a few characters, which I love, but Niamh herself mentions being interested in girls back home, but then becomes interested in Kit. No shade to a bi/pan queen, but it just kind of took me by surprise that the author went out of her way to let us know that Niamh is into girls, never mentions an interest in boys, then falls for Kit. Then, once she realizes she's into Kit, her attraction to girls is never mentioned again. If there's going to be a bi/pan queen, serve that bisexuality up proudly!

Overall a sweet, fun read, but just a few things that made the story feel a little too loose for my tastes.

A delightful and mystical read. Very well written.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cozy fantasy + Bridgerton vibes!? With a grumpy/sunshine romance!? Say less! The writing was beautiful and I loved reading about the main character using her magic (magical seamstress). This also had some queer rep (bi!!) in it that I wasn’t expecting and I loved it! My main complaint is that this book was trying to do too many things. There is an aspect of this book that has to do with the main character’s hair and I didn’t feel like I fully understood what was going on with it. Also throughout the book, beings called “the fair ones” are mentioned fairly often, but they played no role in the plot. There was really no point in mention them. Other than that, I really enjoyed this one and am excited to read more from this author!

Thank you netgalley for the ARC!
I implore the publisher, Wednesday books and St. Martin’s Press to address the racist employee they have yet to make a comment about. Until then, I will not be posting about this book.
3.5 stars— my first regency era read and i enjoyed it! this book is magical, lighthearted and very romantic. i thought it was cool that it didn’t shy away from talking about things like colonialism and class disparity, although i’m not sure if media like Bridgerton also does. the reason it’s not quite a 4 star for me is that it feels a little too optimistic, especially when considering this is basically about an irish woman and a british royal. i would recommend this to anyone looking for a low-stakes whimsical fantasy romance. :)

Allison Saft has this beautiful poetic prose to her, while also maintaining thought provoking plot advancement, slow-burn romance, and character development. Her books are SO fun to read, and A Fragile Enchantment was no different. Niamh is driven and talented and I loved all of the ways a reader could relate to her through the story. Her motivations were clear and she had this innate confidence that was so refreshing to read in a main character. Gone are the days of poorly written, underdeveloped FMCs (Thank goodness!!!) I loved this story, it’s the perfect crossover of regency era antics and wild magical fantasy. I love the worlds Saft weaves and cannot wait to read more! Once I finished it, I immediately preordered a physical copy for my bookshelf!

tl;dr
A charming fantasy romance with slow burn and a dash of magic.

Thoughts
This book is like a fairy tale. Usually when I say that, I mean it in the "dark, tragic, unsettling" sort of way, but this time I mean it in the "dreamy, beautiful, hopeful ending" sort of way. You've got your self-sacrificing heroine with a heart a gold and magic in her fingertips, a cranky prince surrounded by a wall of thorns (sometimes literally), and a kingdom in peril. The magic system doesn't get much detail, leaving the reader to have to accept that magic is magic, but the rest of the world building is solid - weighted heavily on real world history, including a frank look at colonization, classism, the fact that LGBT people have existed at every point in history. And yet even with all the weight, it remains a dreamy, sometimes cozy read about a gently blossoming romance between two lonely people.

I was super excited for this from the way it was marketed, but overall it sadly fell flat for me. The writing was good, the potential was there, but it lacked in execution.

Technically this isn’t regency romance, since it’s a fantasy world, but it’s basically historic Ireland/England, even down to the class struggle, just vaguely repainted.

And that’s sort of my biggest problem and why I don’t think I connected with it - everything felt too derivative. Like the author didn’t feel like putting in the effort of diving deep to craft something unique or at least a bit more fleshed out.

It’s Bridgerton’s Lady Whistledown renamed to Lovelace. It’s Elizabeth and Darcy’s heated exchange in the rain, but with no buildup. I can tell the author was having a blast, but as a reader nothing felt earned to me.

Don’t get me wrong, I can see a ton of people loving this. As a fanfic I bet this would pop off on views. If you like a collection of scenes that highlight your favorite romance tropes, I think you might like this. But if you need clean plotting, maybe look elsewhere?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a fantastic book by a fantastic author that I unfortunately cannot review until the boycott for St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books has ended. I would love for the publisher to truly consider what they’re requesting. I wish the author lots of love.

I really wanted to love this, but it ultimately just fell a little flat for me. I love the characters but I thought the worldbuilding and plotting were not as good as they could have been. I wanted to see more of Rosa and Miriam. There were moments, especially towards the end, where characters made choices that didn't make sense and I couldn't help but roll my eyes. There were certain plot points that almost felt tacked on and deserved more screentime than they got.

This wasn't the best read for me, but I think it will appeal to a lot of other readers!

Regency era books with a fantasy element are slowly but surely becoming my favorite genre.

A fragile enchantment brought me joy even whilst I was in a dark mindset at the moment and for that alone I applaud the characters for peaking my interest and frustrating me with their whims and foolish decisions that I secretly enjoyed solely for the sake of the plot thickening.

The magic system was sorta confusing and not very touched upon imo but regardless what I loved most was Niamh’s ability to somehow place certain feelings/emotions into the materials she made.

Overall, quite an enjoyable read just not the most outstanding fantasy but enough to make one amused whilst reading.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for giving me an ARC.

This was such a fun and magical romance fantasy novel. It reminded a bit of the bridgerton series and I love it. This is also a great representation of a slow burning romance. I really love Kit and Niamh together. I honestly just wanted more of them.

If you love magic, romance, funny banter, slow burning romance, and intense love; I would definitely check this book out.

4 stars!

Thank you so much NetGalley for the arc! This book was amazing and I loved every part of it. The fantasy aspect of it was amazing. The characters were also amazing omg. I’m definitely getting a physical copy of this book once it’s out!

Ok so I’m definitely outnumbered here but I didn’t not like this book LOL

It was just overall boring and lacked idk believable ness? I also believe Niamh has “talk-no-jutsu” and no one realizes it. She’s literally the worst seamstress. Her power is making her dresses magical but the way it works is never explained. Actually the entire magic system is never explained. The boys both can control entire plant growth and wield them while she just does little cantrips and sews “avoidance” into a jacket. And why are they bringing the seamstress with them on vacation when she has to make their outfits by the time of the wedding?? That’s the whole reason she is there?

What type of name is Machland? Do they serve big Mac’s? The author tried to show overt stereotyping and racism but did not do a good job at all imo. I’m not a poc but I want to see if anyone thought the same bc this seemed to be a surface view of it all.

This felt like a Tricia Levenseller book which is my least liked writing style and the plots are always just meh. Definite 3 star read. This book was honestly a snooze fest and I almost DNFd it so many times.

Although the ending was satisfying-ish for being completed and there was a kind of hint of the future? If there’s a novella were she returns to Machland I shall definitely read it.

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!

This book was such an interesting read. It’s a historical/fantasy fiction romance which, in my opinion seemed like it was loosely based on the Irish/English conflict and potato famine and economical troubles that Ireland had. The setting and the fact that fantasy, royalty, political strife, and romance was thrown in the mix makes this a very enticing read.

This book is written in the FMC, Niamh who is a gifted seamstress who can embroider emotion and memories from magic she inherited into all the garments she makes. Niamh’s goal is to work so that her family does not experience any further hardship due to the economic distress occurring in Machland. Her talents became so well regarded that she was invited to be the royal tailor for the prince of Avaland’s wedding.

Despite Niamhs family’s protest, Niamh sets sail to Avaland to take the job of a lifetime. Upon arriving, Niamh gets immediately introduced to the Prince Regent once arrives to the palace, and then meets the groom to be, Kit Carmine, who not only is he incredibly attractive, but an abrasive and difficult individual. Kit is being used as a political pawn of his brother and forced to marry for political reasons. As Niamh and Kit get more acquainted, friendship and something else starts blossoming between them, which could lead to calamity. This is especially the case because there is an anonymous writer who has been publishing royal gossip and could expose their fledgling romance.

REVIEW: 5/5
SPICE: 1/5
LOL: 2/5 – the banter was excellent!
EMO: 1/5

I this book you will find:
-Grumpy / sunshine trope
-Political intrigue
-Enemies to lovers
-Forbidden love
-Bridgerton with magic with you squint
-Chronic health issues
- LGBTQ rep

I highly recommend this book. It was incredibly engaging, the aspect of political intrigue and forbidden love within a royal setting had me devouring this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.