I'm afraid this was just okay to me. I will say that the writing was honestly pretty stunning and there were a few moments that I did enjoy. However, the way the plot unfolded and even the central romance really left me wanting. I feel like this book had too many plot threads and tried to connect all of them in a way that felt both rushed and convoluted. Because there was so much going on, I feel like the romance didn't really hit with me the way it was supposed to. Honestly, by the time I got to the last two chapters, I just skimmed until the end because I was honestly done. I will say that I didn't hate this, though, despite not entirely enjoying it. There were things to enjoy: like I liked the chronic pain rep with Niamh; I liked the varied representation (despite the fact that there was some pretty rampant homophobia among most of the royals); I thought the magic was interesting (but there wasn't nearly enough of it for my liking); and I do think the central premise was cute. I just think there was too much vying for attention that nothing really ended up resolving or impacting the story in a way I enjoyed.

I think I'm just repeating myself at this point, but I will say that if it sounds interesting to you, give it a try. It just didn't end up working for me, ultimately.

I really enjoyed many things about this book. Firstly, it was a fantasy romance where the romance (and also social issues) were given more weight than the actual fantasy part if that makes sense. There was still worldbuilding being done, and we still got to learn about the magic in the setting, but it was presented as a regular part of life. I love love loved this aspect of the book and honestly want to read more books with this kind of thing going on. I didn't have to worry about the protagonists saving the world in between their romantic moments and I liked that.

I liked how all the main protagonists that Naimh hangs around most of the time are queer.

I also really enjoyed the writing and the characters about 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time had nothing to do with this book in particular and more to do with romance tropes in general. I understand that light miscommunication is needed to keep the romance interesting but sometimes it makes me roll my eyes.

I liked how there was a slight rivals to lovers going on, but the rivals part wasn't drawn out obnoxiously. They actually got time to grow into friends and then into lovers instead of just having some weird obsession with each other.

I loved the slight Bridgerton vibes with the Lovelace papers going around! I also loved the secondary romance that was going on in the background.

The only thing I did not like was how quickly and nicely everything wrapped up in the end. Like for one, I wouldn't have forgiven a certain character for doing something that speedily. For two, I feel like the whole situation where she's falling in love with a man who benefits from her oppression could have been explored better and been given a more satisfying conclusion.

Bridgerton but make it fantasy!

I really liked this book, it was really cute and easy to read. I would consider it a light romantasy read with some touches on more serious subjects like alcohol abuse, grief, anxiety, and chronic pain.

The romance was great. Great tension and banter, and it was definitely the highlight of the book. The character development and relationships between all the main and side characters were a delight to read and I loved basically all of them.

I thought the magic and the worldbuilding wasn't super fleshed out or explained in a satisfying way. I wanted more information on the divine blooded and the political unrest that is the backdrop for this story. This is definitely a romance first, fantasy second sort of book.

3.5 stars for me!

Thanks to St Martin's Press/Wednesday and Netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed many things about this book. Firstly, it was a fantasy romance where the romance (and also social issues) were given more weight than the actual fantasy part if that makes sense. There was still worldbuilding being done, and we still got to learn about the magic in the setting, but it was presented as a regular part of life. I love love loved this aspect of the book and honestly want to read more books with this kind of thing going on. I didn't have to worry about the protagonists saving the world in between their romantic moments and I liked that.

I liked how all the main protagonists that Naimh hangs around most of the time are queer.

I also really enjoyed the writing and the characters about 90% of the time. The other 10% of the time had nothing to do with this book in particular and more to do with romance tropes in general. I understand that light miscommunication is needed to keep the romance interesting but sometimes it makes me roll my eyes.

I liked how there was a slight rivals to lovers going on, but the rivals part wasn't drawn out obnoxiously. They actually got time to grow into friends and then into lovers instead of just having some weird obsession with each other.

I loved the slight Bridgerton vibes with the Lovelace papers going around! I also loved the secondary romance that was going on in the background.

The only thing I did not like was how quickly and nicely everything wrapped up in the end. Like for one, I wouldn't have forgiven a certain character for doing something that speedily. For two, I feel like the whole situation where she's falling in love with a man who benefits from her oppression could have been explored better and been given a more satisfying conclusion.

Oh. My. God. The second I read “…design the wardrobe for the royal wedding…” I KNEW I’d love this book (I’m a fashion design student what can I say.) This was my first experience with Allison Shaft’s work and I can say without a shadow of a doubt I will now be reading everything she has ever written and waiting [im]patiently for the next one.

This book was everything my little queer, magic loving, fashion student heart has ever needed. There was LGBTQ+ representation, there was grumpy x sunshine, there was a bridgerton-esque gossip column. There was magic infused fashion (I seriously wish I could do that) and just about anything else I’ve ever needed.

I do not have a single complaint. I loved this book. This will be added to my favorites book-self the second I get my hands on a physical copy.

I think the best word to describe this book is “lovely”, because it was just that.

A Fragile Enchantment is like Pride and Prejudice meets Bridgerton but with a delicate fantasy twist. 💕

The story focuses on Niamh, a seamstress given the opportunity to use her ability to enchant emotions into clothes to design the outfits for an upcoming royal wedding. But, after meeting and butting heads with Prince Kit, Naimh’s and the future of the kingdom is bound to change forever.

This book was filled with friendship, political intrigue, and all the angsty longing. The style of writing was so very lovely and had such a romantic, classic feel to it.

I loved the magical element, all of the emotions Niamh put into her clothes were just beautiful. It was certainly an interesting fantasy feel that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon!

Easy EASY 5 stars for me! This book had me giggling, twirling my hair, kicking my feet. I think I actually swooned at one point. Don't forget the tears! This had me feeling all of the emotions.



I absolutely adored this book, for a few reasons. Firstly, the magic system was very interesting to me though I do wish it was a little fleshed out more. I enjoyed the easy combination of period piece and fantasy world. I thought the dialogue was perfect and read so smoothly. There was a perfect amount of banter that had me smiling so much. Don't get me started on the LGBTQ+ rep, especially my Bi icons, I love to see my people.

The enemies-to-lovers romance was perfection, Kit and Niamh were amazing for each other and I loved their journey to discovering that. They had such a complex relationship and I was so invested. Every interaction they had felt important. The entire cast of characters was great as well. I enjoyed the stories on the side and felt that they were well developed!

This was my first Allison Saft novel and it definitely won't be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press & Wednesday Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Allison Saft has done it again! What a beautiful and swoon-worthy story. Filled with magic, love, and so many wonderful characters. This historical romance is sure to sweep readers off their feet!

A Fragile Enchantment is such a beautifully written fantasy romance. The banter, longing stares, secret pining, and clandestine meetings between Kit and Niamh had me smiling like an idiot. The magic was so unique and beautifully described, but I still had some questions about different aspects of the magic that weren't answered by the end of the book, leaving me wishing Saft would have dived deeper into the magic system.

This is a new comfort read for me - it felt like a warm hug, like coming home. If you like grumpy x sunshine, Bridgerton, magic, and a swoon-worthy romance you will love this book. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

thank you to netgalley for the arc of this book!

this was an absolute 5 star read for me!
First and foremost if there is one Allison Saft fan, it is me. If there is no Allison Saft fan, I am dead!!
This book is the literally if the song "enchanted" was a book. It felt so different but familiar to Saft's previous books as well as other regency fantasy romance books that I've read before. The greenhouse and the solarium.... I SWOONED. The politics that were woven into the romance plot brought out such a depth in the main character of Niamh and helped bring her closer to Kit. I really loved the simplicity and cheesiness that this YA book brought me and can't wait for everyone to read it!! Cheesiness in the sense that it showed the main characters in their young age and coming of age where they don't quite know how to deal with the cards they've been handed.

I absolutely adore this authors books, and this one was no exception. It was very cute and reminded me of Bridgerton the TV show. I will definitely be buying a copy of this book when it comes out.

I wished I loved this more, but 40% in I felt like I had been reading this book for 2 months. I know others will LOVE this, I just think this book wasn’t for me. I wasn’t invested with the characters and the writing was stunning but it also got to be a bit much for me at times, making me skim a lot.

A Fragile Enchantment is about a young lady named Niamh who is well known for her enchanted dresses, one day she is requested by  a royal to make some pieces for a high profile wedding.
Eager to financially support what family she does have left, she accepts the position. 

Upon arriving Niamh quickly meets the Prince Regent and his incredibly difficult brother Kit. The more involved she is working for the royal family the more she realizes not everything is what it seems and there are secrets to be found.

This was a cozy and light hearted read that gently touches on the topics such as dysfunctional families, addiction, and forgiveness
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There is LGBT representation, elements of magic,   super grumpy lead male, a gentle lead lady, and a positive outcome in situations that arise throughout the story.

I loved the banter between Sinclaire and Kit, loved Rosa and her maid in the mix..a deliteful cast of characters.

Yes. there is indeed a happy ever after for the love birds.

Personally I would love a story on Lovelace in particular, that was a fun addition that gave is Bridgerton vibes.
There is one "steamy" and a few make out scenes, they are brief and not very descriptive.

Another job well done Allison Saft !

I enjoyed both Allison Saft’s previous books and was beyond excited about this one. I loved the historical setting paired with magic and political tensions. The romance was sweet and tender and so romantic. Both the FL and ML were so easy to root for and love. Niamh over-exerts herself in fear of disappointing loved ones and constantly puts the needs of others before her own. Like Niamh, Kit feels a duty as a prince and to his brother despite not fitting into high society’s expectations. He has a cold and defensive nature but we get glimpses of his soft side the more time they spend together. They’re able to let their guard down and be unapologetically themselves with each other. The supporting characters were also just as charming and easy to adore. Overall a heartfelt and comforting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the arc.

When I started A Fragile Enchantment, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. The market has been flooded with Regency-style romances since Netflix's "Bridgerton" series exploded into cultural popularity. But I trusted Allison Saft, as "A Far Wilder Magic" is one of my favorite books, and expected her to bring that same level of thought, detail, and worldbuilding to "A Fragile Enchantment."

I should have, perhaps, been ready to read something different.

Unlike Saft's other works, "A Fragile Enchantment" is very much a romance-first book. And while the world was as LGBTQ+ friendly and tied up with tensions around class, race, and nationality as her previous works, it is very clearly a re-skinned European drama set in the early 1900s. This isn't necessarily a bad thing — in fact, I'd argue that Saft is at her best when she takes inspiration from real-world issues and historical events. This is what made "A Far WIlder Magic" shine; but in "A Fragile Enchantment," the England-to-Avaland change makes it, at points, that much harder to believe in the plot that's happening.

Of course, because "A Fragile Enchantment" is a romance, you have to read it like a romance, which can, at times, mean "critical thinking need not apply." Like, for example, why is Niamh so worried about her reputation when caught at the ball alone with Kit, but suddenly they're fine going to the greenhouse unchaperoned? Why is a commissioned tailor hanging out with a prince so much anyways? And what's going on with the B-plot of the Machlish protests, which only pops up as safe and convenient when the plot needs it to be?

I also found the craft in Saft's work to be lacking compared to her last novel. This felt like a return to "Down Comes the Night," where things are fixed merely with the power of love, dialogue is clunk and heavy-handed, and we get far more telling than showing about how characters feel.

To finish up my round of "this could have been better" list: While I think Niamh is a wonderful ray-of-sunshine character, her near insta-love (or at least insta-attraction) for the rude, taciturn prince who represents the oppression of her people was weird and off-putting.

Now, with all of that, you may be asking, "Okay so why did you finish this at all?" Because, despite all of the above, I have to admit I loved "A Fragile Enchantment."

Saft has an incredible way of creating complex characters who suffer from real, relatable issues — discrimination, chronic illness, familial pressures, abuse. She weaves all of these characteristics deeply into the characters themselves, making them feel alive and nuanced. And while I poked at her re-skinning of Europe, I thought it was exceedingly clever. I loved the way she managed to build personal tensions that reflect (or inverted) national ones.

The romance was lovely, too. Even days after finishing, I can't stop thinking about Kit and Niamh and our side plot characters. It was dramatic and sappy, and sweet and tender. Again, this is the kind of romance we've seen Saft do before, but putting it front-and-center instead of secondary to the main plot was a delight to read.

All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely. I'd read it again (and am considering doing so!). While I do think this was a step back in terms of craft, Saft still managed to capture my attention (and my heart), just as she has done with her other books.

Heartwarming and magical! A Fragile Enchantment is Bridgerton, Ella Enchanted, and The Tudors rolled into one. It’s full of magic laced with emotion, political intrigue, star crossed love, and scandal. I absolutely adored the purity and sweetness of this book! The relationships were so well developed and went so much beyond the romantic - the sibling/friendships shone: Kit and Jack’s brotherly rivalry and affection, Kit and Sinclair’s enduring friendship, Niamh’s bonds with Rosa and Miriam. I adored all the characters! This book was lovingly woven with Irish mythology, has themes of colonialism/reparations, and features LGBTQIA characters and relationships. This book will wrap you up in a warm embrace during the cold winter months! I cannot wait for everyone else to enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy.

I love everything that Allison Saft writes so this story was no exception to the rule. The whimsical setting with the regency romance atmosphere as well as the chemistry between the characters were all so swoony and fun to read. As a fan of historical romance, this book had everything checked out!

I absolutely adore fantasy historical romances, it’s always a wonderful blend of whimsical magic and scandalous societal pressures, and this book delivered on all the goods. It’s funny, it’s swoony, the chemistry of the characters is fantastic, the plot is exciting and kept me frantically turning the page, I couldn’t have asked for more. Allison Saft has found a life long fan in me 🙌🏻

Allison Saft's "A Fragile Enchantment" is an enchanting and poignant tale that effortlessly combines elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery. Set against a backdrop of lush landscapes and ancient traditions, this novel immerses readers in a world where magic and reality intertwine.
Saft's prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid imagery that transports readers into the heart of the narrative. The author's attention to detail is commendable, capturing the nuances of the enchanting settings and the complexities of the characters' emotions. From the bustling streets of the city to the ethereal beauty of the enchanted forest, each scene is beautifully crafted, awakening the senses and creating an immersive reading experience.
Saft also weaves a compelling mystery throughout the narrative, seamlessly blending it with the fantastical elements of the story. The twists and turns keep readers guessing, and the revelations are satisfyingly unpredictable, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the overall plot.
Thank you netgallery for this free ARC in exchange for a honest review

Link to review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5657821557?book_show_action=false

An ARC of this novel was presented to me from Netgalley, the Author, and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own opinion and was not influenced by anyone.

If you are in charge of purchasing for your library, or any other shelf, purchase this book! This is a young adult fantasy with a dash of romance (no worries, nothing too X-rated) and a ton of politics, family drama, hints of social divide, and a very small ode to Bridgerton. This is a great novel that will appeal to young adult readers as well as your average reader who just wants a really good story.

Niamh is a wonderful designed/seamstress who weaves bits of her own magic into her garments. She's trying to support her family and wants to move on to bigger and better things, and the opportunity comes when she's asked to dress the wedding party in the neighboring kingdom. Sure, the two groups of people in these kingdoms don't get along, but Niamh is not worried about this. She's a bouncing, bubbling, happy person -- you know the kind.

So, it makes sense that she stumbles (yeah, she's constantly tripping and falling over) into Kit's life. Who is Kit? He's the duke, the second prince of the kingdom, the broody (yet gorgeous) grump that no one can really understand because he's such a grouch. But not Niamh... she begins to feel an instant connection to him and it is very clear that they're meant to be. The only problem: he's set to wed a princess from a foreign land and unite another group of kingdoms.

Yeah, there's lots of politics for a YA novel, but in a way that is pretty captivating. There is also a Bridgerton theme... a random mystery writer keeps discussing the politics of the kingdom. By the time you figure out who this is, it makes perfect sense. But it is very fun to go down that side-plot.

Now, if you think, well, what else is unique about this one? Can I just throw in that there are LGBT secondary characters that are pretty worthwhile?! I know they're not the "main characters" but they really do thoughtfully add to the overall story, the plot, and the general feeling of this book. I'd be happy to read a story entirely devoted to Sinclair, for example.

My favorite line.... "No good came from loving fragile things."

My only criticisms (because no book is ever perfect... well... mostly):
1) There are some moments where the story gets dense and lags here and there. You will notice, because you'll be thinking, less politics, more Kit and Niamh.

2) I know everyone is different, but the fact that Kit is a smoker kind of turned me off to him just a tiny, tiny bit. I don't enjoy smoker mouth. But hey, this is definitely a unique characteristic, and one that I haven't seen recently in YAL. Also... Niamh likes it, and that's what matters.

3) I am never going to like Jack. Even when you're supposed to like him, there's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way.

4) If we were going to tell Rosa's identity story, we needed a bit more. It seems like her revelation comes out of nowhere, but at the same time, you kind of see it coming. There's just a few paragraphs somewhere missing that fully flesh out this character. But, she's a great character!!

So again, 4 amazing stars. Please purchase this if you're remotely interested, because it truly is great. I think this will speak to many YAL readers, especially those who love fantasy and romance combined in the same genre.