Super cute and sweet romance. A little too sweet and young for my taste. I sped read much of the second half.

Now, I see you asking why I would want to pick up this book.
I have the answers:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Interesting magic
- Slow burn (With much yearning)
- Forbidden Romance
- Beautiful world-building

I often struggle with Fantasy Romance books due to the lack of world-building alongside any romance that normally turns up but this book had a very nice mix of the both to me.
It's a low-stakes fantasy focused largely on relationships between characters yes but, The magic and world we are introduced to throughout the story are rather whimsical in their own right.
I also have to give props to Allision Saft for creating a cast of characters where everyone is my favourite, that's no easy task

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

A Fragile Enchantment will wrap you in spun sugar and leave you breathless as it weaves its way into your heart. Allison Saft has created something mesmerizing: soft and wistful; we worry the story may blow away with the breeze. It is quietly moving, a beauty to behold— as fragile things often are.

Niamh, an enchanted seamstress, arrives at the castle of Avaland eager to create a wardrobe for the impending Royal wedding. She wasn't expecting, however, to become embroiled in long-standing class conflict or attracted to the surly and soon-to-be-married prince Kit.

If you like Bridgerton, this is for you: there is a game of Pall Mall (pink and black mallets included), an anonymous gossip rag, glitzy balls, and character tension that builds with each page. The Regency-inspired period and Irish folklore blend into a romantic drama where you can hear Taylor Swift instrumentals playing, all with a hint of magic— it's that endearing.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy to review.

Sweet romance revolving a seamstress with a particular gift of putting her emotions onto her creations and a grumpy but kind prince.

From the except and reviews, I really thought I would like the book, but I had a really hard time connecting with both main characters, On romance books, I usually read anything that is not interaction between the main characters fast and focus on the romance building between them. On this one, I found the some of the side characters much more interesting that the main ones - I ended up skimming any interaction between the two. I found that Rose and Sofia were more compelling characters, and that some both Sinclair and Jack ended up having personalities and actions too inconsistent throughout the book, becoming only plot devices for the main plot.

Overall, I feel like this was just not a match for me - I would still read other book by the author as I enjoyed the writing, though. I would recommend people having a go at it considering the other great reviews - it was probably more of a "its not you, it is me" kind of thing

I received a free copy of this book thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press; all opinions are my own!

Wow! This was a gorgeous, lush read, full of magic and wonder! It's also a fantastic look at family, born and found; love of all shapes and angles; and class conflict in a psuedo-Regency era England. I deeply appreciate that the author did not feel the need to vilify any of the main characters, but presented them as complicated, flawed humans with a variety of motives and ideals. I especially enjoyed the fact that where it would have been easy to set up a rivalry with the love interest's fiancee, Saft takes a completely different approach. For sensitive readers, any sexual interaction is solidly in the fade-to-black category, and there are references to homophobia and racism due to the time period the book is based on.

This cover is soo pretty! The book has major Bridgerton vibes. Loved the characters and the romance.

Read if you like:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forbidden Romance
Magical Bridgerton

This book is exactly what I needed, and I am so glad I gave this Bridgerton-esque fantasy book a chance.
Niamh, our main character can sew emotions into her clothing as part of her divine magic. The plot centers around Niamh being commissioned to make the wedding clothes for the Royals, Kit and Rosa in a month’s time. Of course, things get messy when she begins to fall for the groom. A Fragile Enchantment had a bit of everything I loved and was an amazing comfort read that I gobbled up.
So, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that added to this novel, there’s mention of a past genocide causing racism and court politics. Not to mention a pesky anonymous writer who seems to know all the courts gossip and goes by the name of Lady Lovelace (I guessed who it was early). All these elements added so much depth and I loved the regency themed setting Allison Saft created. The writing was delicate and prose with flourish. I am excited to read other books Saft has written, she truly has a unique style.
I loved the main character Niamh, so rarely have I been able to relate to a character as much as I have with her. Niamh is hopelessly clumsy in all ways, prone to putting others in front of herself. Working herself to the bone so that her family can have a better life. Kit is a complex character as well, as are most of the ensemble. There was no clearcut villain in this story, everyone had thoughts and reasons behind their actions. I thoroughly enjoyed this aspect of the story.
Lets talk about the romance. Oh, the romance. Let me just say this is a book where boys love boys and girls love boys and girls (okay almost every character is gay). There is a moment where we learn that while the country our FMC grew up in is embracive, the country where this story takes place is much more rigid and less accepting. Also, I love the amount of friendship in this story as well. It isn’t just about the two MC’s and the love story. The chemistry between these characters and the dialog between them had me giggling and smiling along the way.
This book was an amazing read, and a fun time all around. Mystery, forbidden love, and a sprinkle of scandal await in A Fragile Enchantment. I think this is a great read for those that aren’t that big into fantasy as well because once you learn the names, the world itself is easy to understand.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read a copy of the book voluntarily so I could review it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

I could not put this book down! A rich and captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and political intrigue, A Fragile Enchantment was exactly what I wanted in this Bridgerton-esque book. Saft skillfully blends of historical and imaginative world-building that is magical and yet grounded. The characters all feel well-considered and fleshed out with vivid personalities and hidden depths. The romance that unfurls within this enchanting backdrop is spellbinding, and Niamh and Kit make the best bantering pair.

4.5 Stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. What I liked: the characters were dealing with real, relatable issues -- alcoholism, shame/guilt, self-neglect, loneliness -- and dealing with them in the all the messy ways humans deal. I liked the sisterhood Niamh creates with the other women characters, and the way they solve things together in the end. The magic was interesting, but without a larger context -- Rosa appears and can control lightning and I wondered what else was out there in Avaland, magic-wise? What I didn't like: The clothes and society rules, the notion of a "season," all seemed like a reference to Regency, but the language/dialogue in no way did. A few times the dialogue seemed odd in the context of what was happening, as did Jack's refusal to do anything other than wedding planning. The development of Niamh and Kit's relationship seemed slightly choppy. I do believe this book is for the younger end of YA, and that those readers will be happy with the romance and the magic.

I saw this book everywhere before requesting it from NetGalley; it was listed as a “other readers enjoy…” on multiple sites so I was very excited to see it and be accepted to read it!

The story follows Niamh, a tailor who can magically weave emotions into clothing, and Kit (or Prince Christopher), who is preparing for a political marriage arranged by his older brother, the Prince Regent of their kingdom. Throughout the Season (very much Regency/Bridgerton vibes), Kit and Niamh become friends and then something more.

This book has a lot packed into it, and while I felt like it all fit into the story, it was a lot to follow. There was a lot of talk on politics, but it was quite a bit of telling rather than showing unrest between nations. Some minor conflict was based on acceptance (or lack thereof) based on ethnic background and romantic relationships.

Tropes/topics include (but are not limited to):
*grumpy x sunshine
*arranged marriage
*forbidden love
*chronic illness rep

Overall, I liked this book. It wasn’t my favorite, but enjoyable with a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher (Wednesday Books) for a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Since many ARC readers have already summarized the plot & magic system in their reviews, I'll go right into my thoughts.

1) this is a lovely take on YA queer historical roman-tasy. I would say it's more historical fantasy than romance (despite the cover), as the plot and many events center on things outside of the romance. Not a problem for me--but for others, don't expect everything to be done in service of the romance. It is a beautiful queer romance (both leads are bisexual, which, as friends have pointed out, can cause a lot of unnecessary drama from readers who think it isn't "queer enough," but I thought was well done), and a side pairing revealed later is also a queer romance! The main characters take comfort in their lgtbq connection ("you're just like me" during a particularly heartfelt moment where they connect) and in how hard it is to be themselves in front of their families/communities.

2) it feels low-fantasy (vs high-fantasy; it's historical fake!england, fake!ireland, and fake!spain, but with elemental magic), but not in a bad way. The story relies much more on the historical/class/war aspects for drama than the magic system, and so does not need an intricate system or whole new world (though there is definitely downsides to the magic of the main characters and how it escapes their control and/or weakens then, as well as a few major events because of their magic).

3) this book made me get a little weepy at least twice in the last third of the book, fully solidifying my 4 star rating. Why not 5 stars? I can't see myself rereading it and it just didn't have the oomf on my emotions I wanted for that. Not that it did anything Wrong, it just didn't have as much as an emotional impact.

4) Allison Saft's similies, metaphors, descriptions, etc. REALLY work for me. They're beautiful and very vivid. I don't skim past them like I do many authors' (which bore me). I noticed this during "Down Comes The Night," and while not as vivid as DCTN (I think because that book was more medically focused in its descriptions, which is *right* up my medical career alley), I still noticed and loved the writing style/narration in "A Fragile Enchantment."

5) Though Kit is considered rude and unfeeling by many other characters, his feelings and longings toward Niamh came across quite clearly to the reader (although Niamh herself is clueless for awhile! Honestly, she's an unreliable narrator (not in a bad way) in that she is very bad at reading other people and what they're hinting at (Sinclair hints at Kit's feelings toward Niamh for a bit *in front of* herand she's still oblivious!).) I really enjoyed their slow burn romance, even though the /shakes fist (because I hate this trope)/ third act "break-up" caused a lot of angst and not much romance. Their wedding was very beautiful, and their epilogue, though short, also very sweet. I might've wanted longer with both but they were done well otherwise.

Overall, a 4/5 star book, and very delighted I got to read it so early. Recommend!

I'm 100% a reader who judges books by their covers even though I try not to, and this one is lovely! A Fragile Enchantment is a sweet, cozy, fantasy romance set in a regency-ish era. It has several popular troupes including grumpy x sunshine, enemies (to friends) to lovers, forbidden love. While I wished there was a bit more establishment of the magical system, that's purely selfish. It was such an interesting concept, but the details that were provided helped the story and anything additional would've been too much. This was a quick, light read full of whimsy and perfect for a bright spring day!

4.8 stars

To put it lightly, I am obsessed. To NOT put it lightly, here’s this review.

A Fragile Enchantment is a fast-paced regency fantasy-romance. It had me slipping down the slippery slope of “just one more chapter” at midnight. I greatly enjoyed how despite the romance, there was a greater depth to the plot. Between Lovelace (Whistledown inspired), the labor class protests, political infringements, arranged marriage, and the various magical powers, this book had high stakes.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair is our main character and thanks to her ability to befriend everyone and work endlessly, there’s not a dull moment in this book. She is from the working class and has been chosen to go to the palace at Avaland to be the tailor for the royal wedding. Niamh’s family is poor and to her this is the chance of a lifetime to rescue them from poverty. She throws herself into her work and uses her defining power of weaving emotions and memories into the fabric.

🚨NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND ALERT🚨
I was fighting for my life in order to not roll off my bed screaming and kicking every time Kit Carmine graced the page with his presence. I LOVE HIM, OKAY?! He is the groom of the wedding that Niamh has been tasked with outfitting and THEIR CHEMISTRY IS EVERYTHING. Kit, in true princely fashion, has emotional scars and struggles to show love despite being endlessly caring. A lot of authors go for this view, but Allison Saft did it like no other.
Kit, Sinclair, Rosa, Niamh, and Miriam are forever icons in my heart.

Tropes:
enemies to friends to lovers
sunshine x grumpy
forbidden love
regency inspired
magic
wedding fever


My only qualm with this book is I felt the world building could have been done a tad bit better!

3.5 stars

This is a sweet story and I would say it has one of the better, simpler love stories i've seen in recent months, but I feel like the book does not rise up to the expectations that surround it.

I love the idea of setting this story in a world that is very clearly influenced by Regency-era England. The small parallels somehow ground this story in a sense of reality and of time and place. However, for a fantasy, not enough attention is paid, in my opinion, to the rules of the world. There is a small, almost throwaway mention of how magic became to be in this world, but for me it wasn't enough.

I often felt like Saft wasn't interested in giving the reader the true Regency-era experience, which is a choice she is obviously able to make, but I feel like sticking more closely to that time period would have helped this story excel. It often felt more modern to me than time period.

But the story is one that can resonate with so many. Its the grumpy guy and the sunshine girl trope done well. While I am at a loss to tell anyone what the ultimate point of this story was, <spoiler>beyond a HEA</spoiler>, the journey to that end was a fun one. The characters are often infuriatingly stuck in their tropes, but you can still LIKE them. If we see more of them, I wouldn't be surprised, and to see more of Niamh and Kit in their happiness era would be fun.

DNF’d at 69%.

I think I’ve just come to realize that even if there is fantasy involved if it’s contemporary romance it will just bore me. I did try my best to finish it. I wanted to stop at 30% but pushed through as much as I could. I ended up skimming from 60-69% because I just couldn’t do with the inner monologue of the MFC anymore. Which I felt was the majority of what I read was nothing but her inner monologue.

I didn’t realize this when reading the description. It spoke of magic and weaving that into clothing. Along with royalty and secrets. Yet I felt disconnected from every fantasy aspect. It was surface level and little to no world building.

There was talks about certain things as though we are just supposed to know about it. Even though it was made up for the story. No explanations given. This also seems to be set in the time of the late 1600’s-1700’s maybe? Again no time frame. But based on the little info given that’s my estimate.

The magic aspect was.. boring, and felt unoriginal. 😕

But my main reason for dnfing this is, it’s basically Bridgerton with bits of fantasy thrown in. The whole gossip columnist being basically exactly like Bridgerton and it being the whole plot of the book was disappointing. So I guess if you liked Bridgerton you would probably like this. I personally did not.

I can see why this book would be interesting to others though. Personally for me it just wasn’t for me. Which is why I’m giving it 3 stars and not less.

The cover was my favorite thing about this book, and honestly the only thing I liked about it.

Review
A Fragile Enchantment
Allison Saft
St. Martin's Press- releasing 01/24/2024
Fantasy lovers, Bridgeton Fans, romance lovers, and/or those who want to try out a romantasy read save this book for your to be read pile, releasing in early January 2024. This is my first novel by Allison Saft, but I will be picking up a few more of her titles as I was easily captivsted with this royal wedding fantasy read. A magical dressmaker know for her enchantment woven dresses is commissioned for the royal wedding of a somewhat menacing prince to a daughter of a rival village. With the help of a gossip column by anonymous author "Lovelace" (similar to Lady Whistledown Bridgerton fans!) our dressmaker's undeniable chemistry and improper moments with the prince are made public. With so much on the line for all parties and nations involved, the drama mounts as the wedding draws nearer- will it proceed for duty and honor or will true love win?
So much to love about this novel, from the illustrious descriptions of garments crafted, to the enemies to lovers / forbidden romance, to the secret powers of those with
"divine" blood. It is also worth mentioning this is a stand alone fantasy read- sometimes it is nice to know you will not end on a cliff hanger and need to wait for a few more book releases to be at peace. This is a YA read, so I did feel the romance was a bit "instant" from hate to love and would have loved a bit more development or moments between characters to build on the romance, but this did not take away from the overall beauty and excitement of the story and Iloved every moment between the FMC and the MMC.
Thank you @netgalley @stmartinspress and @allisonhsaft for this eARC! It was an honor and a joy to read.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and give this book a honest review!

First off, I just want to say what a GORGEOUS cover. I try not to be a "read a book by its cover girlie", but this one sucked me in immediately. A regency inspired, grumpy/sunshine book filled with magical elements, political unrest & intrigue and a heavy romance plot? Sign me up.

This book started out very strongly... everything promised was up front and center. Kit Carmine - grumpy & prickly is being forced to toe the family line, and marry a King's daughter for duty and country. Niamh ("Neeve") Ó Conchobhair, a sweet, selfless young woman - doing her very best (even at the expense of herself) for her family, to give them a better life. Add a unique magic system, a gossip columnist and a brewing rebellion - spells this book for quite a ride.

I'm very disappointed to have to rate this the way I did, I had high hopes for this. Unfortunately, the middle of this book fell a bit flat for me - taking too long to get to any real point. The romance felt non-existent, and then very rushed and inauthentic. The love interests were very childish, their relationship didn't strike true at all - the third act conflict awkward. The political drama a bit vague and felt added into the plot to check off a box.

Positive notes for this book: intriguing magic system (which I would have loved to see more of), queer representation, and great side characters!

I think this was a cute read, but held so much promise for more.

A Fragile Enchantment gave me cozy Bridgerton meets magical vibes. I sincerely enjoyed this book and the royal secrets and intrigue. It has for inner romance, enemies to lovers vibes, LGBTQIA characters, and was a really fun read.. I highly recommend anyone to read this especially if you love fantasy romance but don’t particularly like the spice and explicit intimacy that often comes with it. Allison Saft has an extraordinary vocabulary and challenged me as a reader for the first time in I cannot remember how long and I needed to actually use the dictionary option my my kindle. Great read!

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this book.
It started off giving me hard Bridgerton (the show) vibes, mixed with a little of Spin the Dawn. About halfway through the book though it changed from a focus on her sewing craft/magic to a full blow Pride and Prejudice love story. I was completely here for it.

This book is primarily romance with a a sprinkling of fantasy. It is tragic, longing, and lovely all wrapped in a sickeningly cute box with a bright pink bow. The characters banter and personalities worked well together. It was obvious who the love story will revolve around, but the "plot" drama and mystery of Lovelace was a fun edition to the story. I felt that it kept the story from being to sappy and romantic.
I also can honestly say that Niamh is the first naïve character that I feel was done perfectly well. She came off so genuine, where most naïve characters end up being annoying and stupid. She believed the best in people, gives kindness without thought of anything in return, and is overall just an extremely nice and genuine person. It was incredibly refreshing.
I loved the LGBTQ representation as well.

My only complaints was of course this is an eARC and not a final copy so there were some grammatical errors and misspellings. (not a huge amount though and honestly didn't ruin the writing for me). I wish there would have been some more information about Sophia and Rosa. I get their purpose in the story, but I craved to know more about them and their countries.

A seamstress with divine blood, finds work at the palace where she must make outfits for the Prince and eventually his betrothed. Upon her stay though, her and the prince grow closer, all while the politics of her people and his grow weary. Will they make it through the gossip column, the wedding and the rising distress and problems of the palace?

I want to start off by saying, what a beautiful cover! I love it, truly drew me in. The book behind the cover, equally beautiful, the writing drew me in, as did the characters.

I love the selflessness of Niamh, and how she grows throughout the book, finding that it’s okay to be a little selfish sometimes. The character growth in this book is fantastic. Everything is really, I truly enjoyed this book, it was a hard one to put down!

Allison Saft truly does a fantastic job of creating tension on top of bickering and cranky prince. I enjoyed every interaction between Niamh and Kit. I wish there was more, but I did love the ending!

If you love a romantic story, filled with bits of magic and politics, and a sprinkle of Bridgerton era vibes, I think you’ll truly enjoy this book!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the chance to enjoy this stunning read!