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Alderwood Regency Fantasies #1
Talismans, Teacups & Trysts
Society insists that the life of an heiress ought to be consumed with dancing, polite conversation, and cards. The sadists!
As Penelope Sedgewick would rather fly to Saturn's third moon than conform to society's whims, she became a sleuth, investigating private matters for ladies—thefts, missing domesticated dragons, stolen charms… the usual. Of course, it is all very hush-hush. Do try to keep it that way.
When a routine inquiry into an elopement becomes derailed by a dead body (or two), and one dear to her is implicated, Penelope’s skills will be put to the test.
With so much on the line, it will take a combination of her intelligence, magical abilities (Shhh! These are also secret), and marksmanship to protect that which she holds dear while shielding the innocent.
Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts is the premier novel in the Alderwood Regency Fantasies—a series of cozy fantasies set in a reimagined regency world filled with dragons, magic, and intrigue.
As Penelope Sedgewick would rather fly to Saturn's third moon than conform to society's whims, she became a sleuth, investigating private matters for ladies—thefts, missing domesticated dragons, stolen charms… the usual. Of course, it is all very hush-hush. Do try to keep it that way.
When a routine inquiry into an elopement becomes derailed by a dead body (or two), and one dear to her is implicated, Penelope’s skills will be put to the test.
With so much on the line, it will take a combination of her intelligence, magical abilities (Shhh! These are also secret), and marksmanship to protect that which she holds dear while shielding the innocent.
Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts is the premier novel in the Alderwood Regency Fantasies—a series of cozy fantasies set in a reimagined regency world filled with dragons, magic, and intrigue.
270 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2024
39 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
About the author
K. Starling
2 books30 followersK. Starling creates stories set in a reimagined Regency era, overflowing with dragons, intrigue, and magic.
When she is not writing witty female heroines or delicious villains, she will hit the trail with her family or the open road in her pop-up camper. And though she does not have a pet, her kids have a menagerie of dinosaurs, stuffies, monsters, and dragons.
An avid reader, she has long nurtured a dream of penning a novel in her name. After twenty years of writing articles, novels, and blogs for organizations and clients, K. Starling is thrilled to publish her second novel Memories, Magic, and Mayhem on February 13, 2025.
Keep in touch via the web:
Threads: @authorkstarling
Instagram: @authorkstarling
When she is not writing witty female heroines or delicious villains, she will hit the trail with her family or the open road in her pop-up camper. And though she does not have a pet, her kids have a menagerie of dinosaurs, stuffies, monsters, and dragons.
An avid reader, she has long nurtured a dream of penning a novel in her name. After twenty years of writing articles, novels, and blogs for organizations and clients, K. Starling is thrilled to publish her second novel Memories, Magic, and Mayhem on February 13, 2025.
Keep in touch via the web:
Threads: @authorkstarling
Instagram: @authorkstarling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 17, 2025
A cozy fantasy with mystery and magic all set in the regency era. This book was a delight to read. It's giving Downton Abbey meets Enola Holmes with a touch of whimsy and magic.
The characters were fun and witty. I especially loved the main character Penelope and her pipe-smoking sidekick and gal pal Walt. Their banter had me laughing out loud. There’s disability rep too as Penelope’s uncle is deaf and uses sign language to communicate. And the narrator takes on a character as well with humorous notes and interjections that made me giggle at times.
And the dragons! We’re talking cute and cozy dragons as house pets, but also some wild untamed ones too. Toast the dragon was just the best! Oh and I can’t forget to mention Ben the Yeti! He was a such a fun character too!
This book is perfect for lovers of mystery, magic, and a spot of tea!
I received a gifted copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
The characters were fun and witty. I especially loved the main character Penelope and her pipe-smoking sidekick and gal pal Walt. Their banter had me laughing out loud. There’s disability rep too as Penelope’s uncle is deaf and uses sign language to communicate. And the narrator takes on a character as well with humorous notes and interjections that made me giggle at times.
And the dragons! We’re talking cute and cozy dragons as house pets, but also some wild untamed ones too. Toast the dragon was just the best! Oh and I can’t forget to mention Ben the Yeti! He was a such a fun character too!
This book is perfect for lovers of mystery, magic, and a spot of tea!
I received a gifted copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily giving my honest review.
July 16, 2024
Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts by K. Starling was such a lovely, enchanting, cosy fantasy with a hint of mystery, and I loved it! The words that come to my mind when thinking about it are delightful, charming, and whimsical. I am so happy the cosy fantasy genre is getting more and more popular and sought after.
I mean, how can you not love a story where dragons are pets? A story with such witty banter, excellent narration with a narrator I need to tell the story of my own life, and a dash of mystery. Penelope is such a great character, a woman who knows her worth, is self-aware and is a person you would just love to have as a friend. Penelope's uncle was a great addition to the story and possibly my favourite character.
So, if you fancy yourself a fan of regency stories filled with perfect banter, incredible plots, and pet dragons, you need to get yourself a copy of Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts ASAP.
This is the first in a series of cosy fantasies in the Alderwood Regency Fantasies, and I just can't wait for the next one!
To sum it up, if you enjoy
- reimagined regency world
- magic & dragons
- intrigue & mystery
- lovely characters
- witty narrator
- wonderful friendships between women
- found family
- sign language rep
Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts is your book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I mean, how can you not love a story where dragons are pets? A story with such witty banter, excellent narration with a narrator I need to tell the story of my own life, and a dash of mystery. Penelope is such a great character, a woman who knows her worth, is self-aware and is a person you would just love to have as a friend. Penelope's uncle was a great addition to the story and possibly my favourite character.
So, if you fancy yourself a fan of regency stories filled with perfect banter, incredible plots, and pet dragons, you need to get yourself a copy of Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts ASAP.
This is the first in a series of cosy fantasies in the Alderwood Regency Fantasies, and I just can't wait for the next one!
To sum it up, if you enjoy
- reimagined regency world
- magic & dragons
- intrigue & mystery
- lovely characters
- witty narrator
- wonderful friendships between women
- found family
- sign language rep
Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts is your book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2024
I'm just so happy that cozy fantasy, as a genre, is growing. Especially when they're well written and so engaging.
This was so cozy, charming, and delightfully whimsical. I loved the characters, low-but-still-significant stakes, and the world that was set up.
The writing was absolutely stunning. That may have been my favorite part of this book. Turning the Narrator into a character just added another fun and witty element to the story, and drew me even further into the atmosphere and setting.
Such a fun read. I'm excited for book 2!
This was so cozy, charming, and delightfully whimsical. I loved the characters, low-but-still-significant stakes, and the world that was set up.
The writing was absolutely stunning. That may have been my favorite part of this book. Turning the Narrator into a character just added another fun and witty element to the story, and drew me even further into the atmosphere and setting.
Such a fun read. I'm excited for book 2!
July 18, 2024
This cozy fantasy is a delightful read. From dragons to murder mysteries and even magic objects.
Sherlock Holmes meets Agatha Christie with a touch of Bridgerton in a cozy England setting during the Regency era. The main character, Penelope and her partner in crime, Walt, investigate murders and mysteries.
The author takes us on an adventure into the woods, to town with a hidden identity and even to court.
There is disability rep, romance, magical creatures, and tea. I particularly liked the humor and the narrator's notes included. Some of them made me chuckle out loud or bring a smile to my face. Toast the dragon is the cutest!
I loved this book and can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
Read this if you like
🫖 Cozy mystery/fantasy
🫖 Magic
🫖 Dragons
🫖 Found family
🫖 Friendship
🫖 Debut indie author
🫖 Historical mystery
🫖 Banter
🫖 Magic objects/talismans
Many thanks to the author for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sherlock Holmes meets Agatha Christie with a touch of Bridgerton in a cozy England setting during the Regency era. The main character, Penelope and her partner in crime, Walt, investigate murders and mysteries.
The author takes us on an adventure into the woods, to town with a hidden identity and even to court.
There is disability rep, romance, magical creatures, and tea. I particularly liked the humor and the narrator's notes included. Some of them made me chuckle out loud or bring a smile to my face. Toast the dragon is the cutest!
I loved this book and can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
Read this if you like
🫖 Cozy mystery/fantasy
🫖 Magic
🫖 Dragons
🫖 Found family
🫖 Friendship
🫖 Debut indie author
🫖 Historical mystery
🫖 Banter
🫖 Magic objects/talismans
Many thanks to the author for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2024
“She imagined how simple a matter the concealment of the shooting would be. Nature would lend a hand. For though field dragons were generally herbivores, they had been known to partake of the occasional stray deer or unfaithful husband.”
Domesticated dragons?! Banter?! A witty FMC? I’m in! I’d like to climb inside this book and live in it, but I know that’s not possible so I’ll settle for waiting for another book by K. Starling. I’m glad I discovered cozy fantasy books and this one is so fun & imaginative. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough. 😭 I loved the relationship between Penelope and her uncle and Penelope and Walt. The ending of this is just *chef’s kiss.* Toast, you have my heart, you scalywag.
Domesticated dragons?! Banter?! A witty FMC? I’m in! I’d like to climb inside this book and live in it, but I know that’s not possible so I’ll settle for waiting for another book by K. Starling. I’m glad I discovered cozy fantasy books and this one is so fun & imaginative. My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough. 😭 I loved the relationship between Penelope and her uncle and Penelope and Walt. The ending of this is just *chef’s kiss.* Toast, you have my heart, you scalywag.
July 16, 2024
I love everything about this book.
The characters were authentic and engaging. I love the Penelope and her faithful assistant, Walt. They are women of substance with fantastically entertaining personalities.
There's some great deaf representation (the author has a deaf child).
The dragons and magic were whimsical and entertaining.
The mystery was well plotted to keep you guessing.
I am thrilled that this is the first in the series and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were authentic and engaging. I love the Penelope and her faithful assistant, Walt. They are women of substance with fantastically entertaining personalities.
There's some great deaf representation (the author has a deaf child).
The dragons and magic were whimsical and entertaining.
The mystery was well plotted to keep you guessing.
I am thrilled that this is the first in the series and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2024
Do you love a cozy mystery? Maybe a regency inspired fantasy world? A young woman determined to make her own way in the world? Then you need to check out Talismans, Teacups, and Trysts.
I had a lot of fun reading this, and it made for a great vacation book. Perhaps a bit twee at times, this was really just a feel good story. Starling introduced a lot of unique secondary that I hope we get to see more of as the series continues.
I had a lot of fun reading this, and it made for a great vacation book. Perhaps a bit twee at times, this was really just a feel good story. Starling introduced a lot of unique secondary that I hope we get to see more of as the series continues.
July 20, 2024
A book that makes you wish you lived in that world, are you telling me dragons are like pets? And they help pull carriages? I’m sold, sign me up, send me there!
Are you a fan of regency, murder mysteries, and DRAGONS? This book scratches an itch that I didn’t even know existed.
I cackled along with Penelope and Walt— they are hilarious and their dialogue is laugh out loud (I got a few stares in the park while reading this but it’s all worth it). I was totally sucked in by their friendship and banter.
A beautiful melding of fantasy elements— a dragon named Toast, superstar women friendships, and a beautiful found family— with sign language representation! What more could you possible want?
You absolutely need to read this, one of my favourite reads.
Cannot wait for the next one!
Are you a fan of regency, murder mysteries, and DRAGONS? This book scratches an itch that I didn’t even know existed.
I cackled along with Penelope and Walt— they are hilarious and their dialogue is laugh out loud (I got a few stares in the park while reading this but it’s all worth it). I was totally sucked in by their friendship and banter.
A beautiful melding of fantasy elements— a dragon named Toast, superstar women friendships, and a beautiful found family— with sign language representation! What more could you possible want?
You absolutely need to read this, one of my favourite reads.
Cannot wait for the next one!
July 11, 2024
Mystery, murder, magic, oh my!
This book was such a delight! 5 ⭐️
Some small Spoilers below***
Think Sherlock Holmes, if he and Watson were cunning females, full of the same wit, banter, and art of deduction! Add a Bridgerton-esque setting and wait… dragons!! It was so refreshing to read
A whodunnit full of whimsy!
Penelope and Walt were fantastic characters! Between their antics, charms, and conversation, I was smiling the entire time. I love a friendship filled with mayhem 😊
Penelope is a super smart super sleuth! She uses her magical gifts (shhhh they’re a secret) to detect others using magic and listen the story of inanimate objects! She’s a Sniffer and Listener. People also use magical talismans and charms to do anything from hide a bald spot to change their entire appearance! Penelope uses them frequently in her sleuthing to adopt different personas and get the tea! Figuratively and literally! Everyone’s always drinking tea!
Walt is her pipe smoking, spoon stealing sidekick! Between posing as her employer or getting into fights at the gambling club (she kicks all the men’s asses), she is quite a firecracker in her own right!
Together they must solve the mystery of the missing daughter, who is feared to have disappeared and eloped with a mystery man. All is not as it seems as bodies start appearing and Penelope finds more questions than answers.
Honestly, so cute! I got lost in the mystery, the language, the banter! For a debut book, this was stellar! I can’t wait for more in this series (please please)!
I also really love the dragons Toast, Cerberus, and Ambrose. And Ben the Yeti, very fun characters!!
This book was such a delight! 5 ⭐️
Some small Spoilers below***
Think Sherlock Holmes, if he and Watson were cunning females, full of the same wit, banter, and art of deduction! Add a Bridgerton-esque setting and wait… dragons!! It was so refreshing to read
A whodunnit full of whimsy!
Penelope and Walt were fantastic characters! Between their antics, charms, and conversation, I was smiling the entire time. I love a friendship filled with mayhem 😊
Penelope is a super smart super sleuth! She uses her magical gifts (shhhh they’re a secret) to detect others using magic and listen the story of inanimate objects! She’s a Sniffer and Listener. People also use magical talismans and charms to do anything from hide a bald spot to change their entire appearance! Penelope uses them frequently in her sleuthing to adopt different personas and get the tea! Figuratively and literally! Everyone’s always drinking tea!
Walt is her pipe smoking, spoon stealing sidekick! Between posing as her employer or getting into fights at the gambling club (she kicks all the men’s asses), she is quite a firecracker in her own right!
Together they must solve the mystery of the missing daughter, who is feared to have disappeared and eloped with a mystery man. All is not as it seems as bodies start appearing and Penelope finds more questions than answers.
Honestly, so cute! I got lost in the mystery, the language, the banter! For a debut book, this was stellar! I can’t wait for more in this series (please please)!
I also really love the dragons Toast, Cerberus, and Ambrose. And Ben the Yeti, very fun characters!!
July 20, 2024
Are you looking for an amazing cozy mystery with a bit of fantasy? So this book is perfect for you! It surprised me, in a really good way, of course! I didn't that had much of high expectations, I hoped for a light book to read, and found so much more!
With a vibe that mixed Enola Holmes with magic and dragons (and some other fantastic creatures), it hooks us from the beginning, as we first see a kind of espionage going on, and of course we want to know everything that's been seen, heard and all!
Penelope solve some "cases" for ladies, a few missing people here, other few investigations there, and curious as she is, se end up founding herself investigating a case very atypical for her, and this after founding a b0dy.
Since the very beginning we can see how strong and independent Penelope is, that she is not the typical lady (even if only under-the-table and in disguise) she is very smart and tends to use very creative meanings to the ends she wishes. Alongside her friend Walt, she loves a great adventure!
You will be enchanted with this story, as it have a lot about family and friendship, a lot of cute little dragons and a very particular dragons that wins our hearts!
With a vibe that mixed Enola Holmes with magic and dragons (and some other fantastic creatures), it hooks us from the beginning, as we first see a kind of espionage going on, and of course we want to know everything that's been seen, heard and all!
Penelope solve some "cases" for ladies, a few missing people here, other few investigations there, and curious as she is, se end up founding herself investigating a case very atypical for her, and this after founding a b0dy.
Since the very beginning we can see how strong and independent Penelope is, that she is not the typical lady (even if only under-the-table and in disguise) she is very smart and tends to use very creative meanings to the ends she wishes. Alongside her friend Walt, she loves a great adventure!
You will be enchanted with this story, as it have a lot about family and friendship, a lot of cute little dragons and a very particular dragons that wins our hearts!
July 12, 2024
Heroine Penelope Sedgewick, despite being an heiress, exudes Enola Holmes vibes defying societal norms to investigate private matters for ladies with her humorous and loyal sidekick, Walt. Think a cozy mix of Downtown Abbey and Sherlock Holmes infused with the cutest, dedicated dragons, magic, intrigue, and downright joy! Friends, there is also representation of sign language among the characters!
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
How incredibly lucky am I to have stumbled upon two beautifully written novels in a row that made me want to hug books! lol
This charming, witty, magical, hilarious, and heartwarming novel is filled with magnificent prose and unforgettable characters. Written by K. Starling, it features interjections from a mysterious and humorous narrator that had me laughing out loud.
K. Starling showcases a clever way with words, avoiding clichés and crafting memorable phrases. There's a paragraph where she describes a lump in Penelope's throat as a rising tightness that she humorously schedules to revisit in the future—pure brilliance!
I can't recommend this debut novel enough. It's a perfectly cozy fantasy that's great for magical realism and fantasy beginners alike and is beyond enjoyable for readers of all kinds!
𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
How incredibly lucky am I to have stumbled upon two beautifully written novels in a row that made me want to hug books! lol
This charming, witty, magical, hilarious, and heartwarming novel is filled with magnificent prose and unforgettable characters. Written by K. Starling, it features interjections from a mysterious and humorous narrator that had me laughing out loud.
K. Starling showcases a clever way with words, avoiding clichés and crafting memorable phrases. There's a paragraph where she describes a lump in Penelope's throat as a rising tightness that she humorously schedules to revisit in the future—pure brilliance!
I can't recommend this debut novel enough. It's a perfectly cozy fantasy that's great for magical realism and fantasy beginners alike and is beyond enjoyable for readers of all kinds!
July 19, 2024
A captivating, cosy adventure following Miss Penelope Sedgewick's investigations into various matters involving baronets, a Viscount, an elopement, and a dead maid. The characters are unique and well-thought out. Penelope is a delightfully smart, strong lady that could easily give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money. The blending of Regency society with magic is superb. The detail given to how magic is viewed by society, the relationships between dragons and the natural world and humans, the bustling of the high street and market; all combine to paint a vivid backdrop to the story. I've fallen in love with Alderwood and can't wait to see what comes next. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a cosy mystery, strong female characters, or a wonderfully woven fantasy in a Regency setting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2024
This one is outside of my normal genres but I follow K. Starling in Threads and have been excited about the release of this story since I first learned about it— and it did not disappoint. I love the dragons so much and again, because of interacting with the author on Threads, I now know my own pet dragon would be named Capers, but I digress.
The narrator as a character is wonderful. The strong, witty female lead is brilliant. The writing is delightful, quirky, engaging, and magical. Just like with this one, I will preorder both the kindle edition and the signed copy of the sequel because I’ll definitely be reading the next one as soon as it is released.
The narrator as a character is wonderful. The strong, witty female lead is brilliant. The writing is delightful, quirky, engaging, and magical. Just like with this one, I will preorder both the kindle edition and the signed copy of the sequel because I’ll definitely be reading the next one as soon as it is released.
August 19, 2024
Cozy mystery and cozy fantasy fans will unite and adore this tale centered around quirky and lovable characters. If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes/Enola Holmes, I’d also highly recommend you check this novel out. You’ll find yourself loving the Penelope and Walt dynamic.
The witty writing style along with Penelope’s own unhinged internal dialogue inserted made it a fun and unique read for me. The details and descriptions are well thought out and build this magical Regency era vibe. I mean come on, a dragon named Toast 🍞? who can’t love that 🥹.
The witty writing style along with Penelope’s own unhinged internal dialogue inserted made it a fun and unique read for me. The details and descriptions are well thought out and build this magical Regency era vibe. I mean come on, a dragon named Toast 🍞? who can’t love that 🥹.
July 20, 2024
This book was so whimsical and cozy. Magic, mystery, tons of wit- set in the regency era. It kind of reminded me of a dramatic clue type-vibe. The writing was beautiful, the characters were so interesting, and unique. I also loved all of the narrator notes to the reader and felt they always brought a little more humor to the scene.
If you are a fan of cozy fantasy, murder mystery, or regency-- this is the book for you.
NOTE: There are pet dragons (!!!!!!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you are a fan of cozy fantasy, murder mystery, or regency-- this is the book for you.
NOTE: There are pet dragons (!!!!!!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2024
This was a fun and quirky book to read. I was highly impressed with the set up of the book which is fully unique and so much fun. The narrators note at the beginning truly started off the book fun and exciting. I absolutely loved how unique the experience where the narrator would pop in randomly with side notes and explanations. I also, loved the character notes at the beginning to give me a heads up of who to expect in the book. This was a fun and cozy fantasy book to read. The characters were all so different and interesting to read about. I especially loved Toast and would love to see more of Toast.
July 1, 2024
If Lady Whistledown turned her pen towards cozy fantasy with dragons this would be the result. A pure delight to read, Penelope and Walt a crime fighting duo are fiesty, strong personalities and will never be forgotten.
I fell in love with the quirky fantastical storytelling, the dragons especially Toast and the immersive, vibrant world building.
I look forward to more.
I fell in love with the quirky fantastical storytelling, the dragons especially Toast and the immersive, vibrant world building.
I look forward to more.
July 18, 2024
A Regency with a twist!
There be dragons! And their pets too. This is a wonderful lighthearted mystery with great characters. Penelope Sedgewick and her family are eccentric and highly intelligent. Penelope has a secret life helping women with their problems including cheating husbands. Her Uncle is being accused of a murder he did not commit. It’s up to Penny and her female assistant Walt to help, along with a dragon and a Bigfoot.
Rena F.
There be dragons! And their pets too. This is a wonderful lighthearted mystery with great characters. Penelope Sedgewick and her family are eccentric and highly intelligent. Penelope has a secret life helping women with their problems including cheating husbands. Her Uncle is being accused of a murder he did not commit. It’s up to Penny and her female assistant Walt to help, along with a dragon and a Bigfoot.
Rena F.
August 9, 2024
4.5
- the coziest historical/mystery/fantasy there ever was
- if Sherlock was written by India Holton
- FMC is a high society lady and secretly a sleuth who needs to solve two murders that have fallen into her lap
- secret magical abilities, dragons, yetis, and warm cups of tea (both literal and metaphorical)
- an overall joy
- the coziest historical/mystery/fantasy there ever was
- if Sherlock was written by India Holton
- FMC is a high society lady and secretly a sleuth who needs to solve two murders that have fallen into her lap
- secret magical abilities, dragons, yetis, and warm cups of tea (both literal and metaphorical)
- an overall joy
October 28, 2024
Charming
This book is a cozy mystery with a fantasy setting, and it serves all of those descriptors well! Medium-paced, delightful details on each page, very creative with the dragon lore, and the magical abilities are different than I usually see.
All in all, a great cozy read!!
This book is a cozy mystery with a fantasy setting, and it serves all of those descriptors well! Medium-paced, delightful details on each page, very creative with the dragon lore, and the magical abilities are different than I usually see.
All in all, a great cozy read!!
January 19, 2025
Charming and delightful cozy fantasy
July 11, 2024
4.5 stars
The writing, characters, and whimsical fully developed world really elevate this cozy fantasy. I love the dragons, and the main leads not afraid to get in a fight. I only wished there was more! A magical reading experience, with more plot than some similar titles in the genre.
The writing, characters, and whimsical fully developed world really elevate this cozy fantasy. I love the dragons, and the main leads not afraid to get in a fight. I only wished there was more! A magical reading experience, with more plot than some similar titles in the genre.
July 16, 2024
No words can explain how happy I am to read this book, so cozy! It’s different from the books I am reading. It’s such a fun read, enjoyable characters and creative plot! Amazing!
June 21, 2024
I loved the strong female characters in this book, the banter, and the quotes to start each chapter! My poor family kept being subjected to out of context quotes. 😆
I’m going to be a watching for a book 2!
I’m going to be a watching for a book 2!
July 9, 2024
TALISMANS, TEACUPS, AND TRYSTS — In a reimagined regency world filled with dragons, magic, and intrigue, heiress Penelope Sedgwick defies convention by working in secret as a private investigator.
📖 What You’ll Find Inside
- Cozy fantasy world 🌿
- Bridgerton 🤝 Miss Marple
- Here there be dragons! 🐉
- Secret magic✨
🤍 What I Loved
- A cozy fantasy world that felt immersive, layered, and just incredibly fun. 🌾
- All of the magic creatures and magical abilities. 🫶
- The emphasis on familial relationships and friendships. 🍀
- THE CHARACTERS: From the main duo to the side characters, each one felt fully formed and fit perfectly within the story. ☕️
- Toast the Forest Dragon(!!!)🍃
💬 What Didn’t Work For Me
- The narrator’s interjections, author’s notes, and epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter made the book feel somewhat fussy and overwritten.
- So many thoughts and feelings that can apparently be communicated with a shrug.
📖 What You’ll Find Inside
- Cozy fantasy world 🌿
- Bridgerton 🤝 Miss Marple
- Here there be dragons! 🐉
- Secret magic✨
🤍 What I Loved
- A cozy fantasy world that felt immersive, layered, and just incredibly fun. 🌾
- All of the magic creatures and magical abilities. 🫶
- The emphasis on familial relationships and friendships. 🍀
- THE CHARACTERS: From the main duo to the side characters, each one felt fully formed and fit perfectly within the story. ☕️
- Toast the Forest Dragon(!!!)🍃
💬 What Didn’t Work For Me
- The narrator’s interjections, author’s notes, and epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter made the book feel somewhat fussy and overwritten.
- So many thoughts and feelings that can apparently be communicated with a shrug.
July 4, 2024
This book is a blend of a female Sherlock Holmes, even with her own Watson, with magic and mystical creatures all within one cozy book!
I absolutely loved it. The wit was incredible, and the Narrators interruptions made me giggle.
This is a fantastic book for mystery lovers who also love magic and magical creatures!
I absolutely loved it. The wit was incredible, and the Narrators interruptions made me giggle.
This is a fantastic book for mystery lovers who also love magic and magical creatures!
August 8, 2024
This book was delightfully cozy, witty, and charming. The cover drew me in and I was not at all disappointed. Read this.
June 8, 2024
Anyone who is in their Bridgerton era or enjoys cozy fantasy and Agatha Christie should read this book. Smart, witty, multifaceted heroine? She's there! Magic that's familiar but also unexpected and clever? It's there! A glorious cast of side characters? Well written deaf representation and use of sign language? Dragons?? All there!!
This book was a delight from beginning to end. I'm already looking forward to the rest of the series.
This book was a delight from beginning to end. I'm already looking forward to the rest of the series.
July 16, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This very cozy, very cute story gave me countryside Ebola Holmes vibes (minus most of the fighting). The MC heiress detective is clever and spunky. Surprisingly, the narrator stole the show for me. There are little narrator blurbs throughout the story that offer insights laced with wit. I throughly enjoyed my time with this read and fully recommend checking it out!
This very cozy, very cute story gave me countryside Ebola Holmes vibes (minus most of the fighting). The MC heiress detective is clever and spunky. Surprisingly, the narrator stole the show for me. There are little narrator blurbs throughout the story that offer insights laced with wit. I throughly enjoyed my time with this read and fully recommend checking it out!
June 5, 2024
Perfect for fans of regency, Jane Austen banter, sassy women, smart af women, more banter, Yetis, dragons, magic & mayhem. K Starling has created a world that's filled with magic & fantasy creatures living in a regency era & I'm here for every second. I loved the FMC, Penelope, who is wicked smart & a little peculiar. Her & Walt (a spoon klepto & best friend) are hilarious together. An overall excellent mystery romp that enjoys a red herring or twelve. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
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