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Thoroughly Disenchanted
A weekend away that has lasted a century. True love's kiss can't break this spell ... A cosy, romantic fantasy mystery for all fans of Rebecca Ross, Legends and Lattes and Assistant to the Villain.
A hundred years ago, Genevieve and Oliver spent an amazing weekend together in Riverswood manor. They wished they could stay there forever ... and then their wish come true.
Blessed with immortality but trapped for eternity, the two former lovers are now thoroughly tired of one another's company. Then, one dark and stormy night, a stranger called Ella arrives with a cheery disposition and a secret that could be the key to their salvation. With the help of Ella and the return of their best friend, Fionn, Genevieve and Oliver learn more about Riverswood's tangled history.
If they can come to terms with their own feelings, and the truth that has kept them locked away, they might stand a chance at breaking this curse. True love certainly hasn't worked.
A hundred years ago, Genevieve and Oliver spent an amazing weekend together in Riverswood manor. They wished they could stay there forever ... and then their wish come true.
Blessed with immortality but trapped for eternity, the two former lovers are now thoroughly tired of one another's company. Then, one dark and stormy night, a stranger called Ella arrives with a cheery disposition and a secret that could be the key to their salvation. With the help of Ella and the return of their best friend, Fionn, Genevieve and Oliver learn more about Riverswood's tangled history.
If they can come to terms with their own feelings, and the truth that has kept them locked away, they might stand a chance at breaking this curse. True love certainly hasn't worked.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2024
25 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Almond
2 books22 followersAlexandra writes mostly cosy fantasy, with a bit of contemporary romance on the side. Her debut novel THOROUGHLY DISENCHANTED won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel 2024.
She lives and works on Bunurong land in Melbourne (Naarm) with her tennis-ball obsessed Labrador, Captain. Before turning her hand to writing, previous roles included stablehand, clown, HR assistant, flower buyer, procurement manager, cleaner and human-centred designer, which is her current day job. She might have included footballer on that list if the AFLW had arrived three decades earlier; and if she had any ability. She likes trains, books, dogs and cups of tea. Her favourite colour is green.
She lives and works on Bunurong land in Melbourne (Naarm) with her tennis-ball obsessed Labrador, Captain. Before turning her hand to writing, previous roles included stablehand, clown, HR assistant, flower buyer, procurement manager, cleaner and human-centred designer, which is her current day job. She might have included footballer on that list if the AFLW had arrived three decades earlier; and if she had any ability. She likes trains, books, dogs and cups of tea. Her favourite colour is green.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 23, 2024
My favourite part about this book is the immortal dog. Also the random backyard cricket scene (which has no bearing on the narrative) was a surprisingly fun addition.
Other than that, I couldn’t make it through this without audio-booking it. The premise sounded new and unique to me- and I froth an Australian setting every now and then. However, it doesn’t read as a ‘mystery’ so much as it reads as ‘characters sit around table and discuss how to solve a problem’. Sometimes they go outside to try solve the problem.
The magic itself is just- I’ll say it- boring. Overall,
it’s gonna take a lot for someone to convince me that ‘cozy fantasy’ doesn’t = boring fantasy. If you like reading about characters who are really good at chores, and talk a lot about how much they love each other, you’ll love it.
Theres also a flying pocket square.
Other than that, I couldn’t make it through this without audio-booking it. The premise sounded new and unique to me- and I froth an Australian setting every now and then. However, it doesn’t read as a ‘mystery’ so much as it reads as ‘characters sit around table and discuss how to solve a problem’. Sometimes they go outside to try solve the problem.
The magic itself is just- I’ll say it- boring. Overall,
it’s gonna take a lot for someone to convince me that ‘cozy fantasy’ doesn’t = boring fantasy. If you like reading about characters who are really good at chores, and talk a lot about how much they love each other, you’ll love it.
Theres also a flying pocket square.
December 25, 2025
A whimsical, romantic fantasy story, with mysterious elements.
I was drawn to this book by gorgeous cover and the very unique premise – A hundred years ago, Oliver and Genevieve spent an amazing weekend together in Riverswood Manor and wished to stay longer, until their wish came true…
Blessed with immortality, but trapped for eternity, the two former lovers are now tired of each other. Then one dark and stormy night, a stranger named Ella arrived with a secret that could be the key to their salvation. They must unravel the tangled history of Riverswood Manor, come to terms with their own feelings, and the truth that has kept them locked away…
This was a cosy read, with a brilliantly unique premise, and an interesting exploration of confinement.
I am curious to see what Australian author, Alexandra Almond writes next.
3.5 stars (rounded up)
I was drawn to this book by gorgeous cover and the very unique premise – A hundred years ago, Oliver and Genevieve spent an amazing weekend together in Riverswood Manor and wished to stay longer, until their wish came true…
Blessed with immortality, but trapped for eternity, the two former lovers are now tired of each other. Then one dark and stormy night, a stranger named Ella arrived with a secret that could be the key to their salvation. They must unravel the tangled history of Riverswood Manor, come to terms with their own feelings, and the truth that has kept them locked away…
This was a cosy read, with a brilliantly unique premise, and an interesting exploration of confinement.
I am curious to see what Australian author, Alexandra Almond writes next.
3.5 stars (rounded up)
December 7, 2024
Well wasn’t this the cosiest little fantasy romance!
This was such a comforting read that made me feel all the good feelings and warm from within. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to pick up and read and has the most endearing characters that will live rent free in your mind long after finishing it. I really enjoyed this one.
If him enjoy cosy fantasy you need to pick up Thoroughly Disenchanted!
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia @harlequinaus @harpervoyageraus for my review copy!
This was such a comforting read that made me feel all the good feelings and warm from within. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to pick up and read and has the most endearing characters that will live rent free in your mind long after finishing it. I really enjoyed this one.
If him enjoy cosy fantasy you need to pick up Thoroughly Disenchanted!
Thank you so much to @harpercollinsaustralia @harlequinaus @harpervoyageraus for my review copy!
November 29, 2024
I really loved this! The characters were all very loveable but complex at the same time, and the plot was a perfect mix of suspense and humour.
Read the whole book in two sittings, just could not put it down!
Read the whole book in two sittings, just could not put it down!
August 19, 2025
Unfortunately this did not give me the cozy fantasy vibes I was looking for. I just felt like this book was trying to be so fun and quirky that the narrative just took random tangents that added nothing and just made me frustrated waiting for the plot to move on.
I also felt no attachment to the characters and the conclusion was pretty unsatisfying.
Honestly I was bored for most of the book, and should have DNF'd at 40% when I first thought it might not be for me.
I also felt no attachment to the characters and the conclusion was pretty unsatisfying.
Honestly I was bored for most of the book, and should have DNF'd at 40% when I first thought it might not be for me.
Read
November 13, 2024This book is the definition of a comfort read. Riverswood manor and Almond’s cast of characters glow with the same warm depth of detail and loveability that shines from every page. Across a narrative that sprawls like the halls and rooms of Riverswood, Thoroughly Disenchanted revels in the power of belonging, both to people and to place.
If you are on the hunt for a cozy, contemporary fantasy with a love story that foregrounds friendship (and more than a dash of heartwarming queer romance), then this is the story for you.
If you are on the hunt for a cozy, contemporary fantasy with a love story that foregrounds friendship (and more than a dash of heartwarming queer romance), then this is the story for you.
December 7, 2024
A fun read with a mystery that keeps you guessing and turning the pages. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 18, 2024
✨ thoroughly disenchanted review✨
Oh. My. Gosh. This story was full of twists and turns in the cosiest way possible! I LOVED IT. 😍
This story is a magical mystery, following Oliver and Genevieve who have been cursed to not only immortality, but also to never leave Riverswood manor.
BUT the house is full of magic! It provides for them, helps them find things they need/want, keeps them comfortable, brings them visitors only on a stormy night.
Which brings them Ella, a bubbly, charismatic woman who somehow also possesses a form of magic (yet she doesn’t know it.)
The cast is complete with a flamboyant, gay best friend Fionn (who happens to also be immortal but can leave the manor.)
I loved that the book was set in Australia and it kept me on my toes right until the very end! I wanted to just keep reading to discover the magic’s secrets and how the characters were going to solve the puzzle of their life🥰
Tropes:
✨ cosy fantasy/ low stakes
🩷 lovers to friends
✨ best friends to lovers
🩷 sentient magic
I adored this book and would definitely recommend it! Thank you to the publisher for an ARC to review.
Oh. My. Gosh. This story was full of twists and turns in the cosiest way possible! I LOVED IT. 😍
This story is a magical mystery, following Oliver and Genevieve who have been cursed to not only immortality, but also to never leave Riverswood manor.
BUT the house is full of magic! It provides for them, helps them find things they need/want, keeps them comfortable, brings them visitors only on a stormy night.
Which brings them Ella, a bubbly, charismatic woman who somehow also possesses a form of magic (yet she doesn’t know it.)
The cast is complete with a flamboyant, gay best friend Fionn (who happens to also be immortal but can leave the manor.)
I loved that the book was set in Australia and it kept me on my toes right until the very end! I wanted to just keep reading to discover the magic’s secrets and how the characters were going to solve the puzzle of their life🥰
Tropes:
✨ cosy fantasy/ low stakes
🩷 lovers to friends
✨ best friends to lovers
🩷 sentient magic
I adored this book and would definitely recommend it! Thank you to the publisher for an ARC to review.
January 10, 2025
It was really good, it eased you in without fully dumping lore you needed to know before getting the plot, it was weaved in effectively.
I really liked it. It was sweet and romantic not just between characters but also with the setting of the story which was really nice to read
I really liked it. It was sweet and romantic not just between characters but also with the setting of the story which was really nice to read
December 19, 2024
Audio book listen
was hooked pretty quickly
The coupling was a shock in a good way
Honestly could of kept listening. Wish the story didn't stop. Whole. Some!!!!
was hooked pretty quickly
The coupling was a shock in a good way
Honestly could of kept listening. Wish the story didn't stop. Whole. Some!!!!
February 14, 2025
I'm not particularly picky and don't mind cosy fantasy but this felt like junior fiction with adult themes 🫤
August 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️½
What’s not to love about an immortal dog? 🐕✨ That alone almost guaranteed my attention. I also appreciated the LGBTQIA+ representation and the way friendship, courage, and being true to yourself were at the heart of the story. The Australian setting and a magical house made for a cosy backdrop, and the M/M romance added warmth.
But… this was one of those times where the blurb and the book felt like strangers at a party. The premise was intriguing, yet much of the plot unfolded in a single location, giving it more of a magical escape room vibe than a sweeping fantasy. Oliver’s narration often read like an unfiltered stream of consciousness, and for reasons I can’t quite pin down, I never fully warmed to Ella or Genevieve.
Still, there’s a charm in the whimsy and the quiet magic of Riverswood Manor, especially for readers who enjoy contained settings, character dynamics, and the idea of curses that can only be broken by more than just love. And of course… there’s a very good boy who just won’t quit 🐾.
What’s not to love about an immortal dog? 🐕✨ That alone almost guaranteed my attention. I also appreciated the LGBTQIA+ representation and the way friendship, courage, and being true to yourself were at the heart of the story. The Australian setting and a magical house made for a cosy backdrop, and the M/M romance added warmth.
But… this was one of those times where the blurb and the book felt like strangers at a party. The premise was intriguing, yet much of the plot unfolded in a single location, giving it more of a magical escape room vibe than a sweeping fantasy. Oliver’s narration often read like an unfiltered stream of consciousness, and for reasons I can’t quite pin down, I never fully warmed to Ella or Genevieve.
Still, there’s a charm in the whimsy and the quiet magic of Riverswood Manor, especially for readers who enjoy contained settings, character dynamics, and the idea of curses that can only be broken by more than just love. And of course… there’s a very good boy who just won’t quit 🐾.
June 17, 2025
I confess to mixed feelings about this book although I have given it four stars because I enjoyed the overall concept and the way Ms Almond wove together a few different ideas - the Spirit of Place and its relation to Magic; what if we get our hearts desire ?; the business of immortality ; how to live if you are stuck on “an island”; everyday Magic in life including when we charm or influence others; escape room theory and of course friendship, love and an obligatory evil sorcerer who was also an old white male misogynist with no redeeming features. I also liked the way life choices were discussed, and the difference between wanting a settled comfortable everyday life and seeking freedom, travel and adventure.
But it was a bit slow and dragged at times so I wasn’t entirely satisfied and kept wanting a bit more. I will be keen to see what the author does next.
But it was a bit slow and dragged at times so I wasn’t entirely satisfied and kept wanting a bit more. I will be keen to see what the author does next.
May 26, 2025
It was very fun to read a cosy Australian fantasy set in the great state of Victoria. One particularly nasty visitor accuses the main characters "..of being 'pawns of Dictator Dan' when they refused to join in lambasting the COVID lockdowns." IYKYK. Gotta love a regional reference.
Wolf the dog and The Magic were my favourites.
The romance here is important but not central as the fantasy /mystery plot is so the Legends and Lattes comp on the blurb seem apt (though I think this novel would be classified as low fantasy versus high for LAL?). I could not pick who would pair up romantically for many pages in so that was fun!
Wolf the dog and The Magic were my favourites.
The romance here is important but not central as the fantasy /mystery plot is so the Legends and Lattes comp on the blurb seem apt (though I think this novel would be classified as low fantasy versus high for LAL?). I could not pick who would pair up romantically for many pages in so that was fun!
January 12, 2025
It does not take long to become immersed in a world of gentleness and beauty with characters who are both likeable and interesting. A lovely summer read.
January 26, 2025
This “fantasy” although was more a mystery with a touch of magic unfortunately wasn’t for me I think the main problem was that as fantasy is an escape for me, when they make the fantasy world set in Australia it is just too close to home and weird
Read
March 16, 2025A book that is hard to categorise, part mystery, part fantasy, it’s thoroughly readable and enjoyable. Living side by side for almost a century Genevieve and Oliver's life has become predictable, broken only by occasional visits from Fionn. The arrival of Ella is a catalyst for change, and as usual change comes at a price.
January 1, 2025
Alexandra Almond's debut novel, Thoroughly Disenchanted, is a gem. The story immediately drew me in with its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and mystery. The characters are vibrant and well-developed, especially Genevieve and Oliver, whose complex dynamic kept me hooked throughout. The arrival of Ella adds an exciting twist, and her presence breathes life into their world. The setting of Riverswood Manor is richly described, making it easy to immerse yourself in its atmosphere. This book is a perfect balance of heartwarming moments and captivating intrigue. I'm really eager to see and read whatever Almond writes next.
January 1, 2025
I LOVED this book!
I was hooked from the first page. I found the characters engaging and realistic. I could identify with each of them and felt they maintained their personalities throughout.
I loved the magical theme. I loved the way the story evolved, how Belle arrived and how Fionn is able to come and go.
When reading, I tend to visualise the settings, the people, the environment. I found I could do this easily, with this book. I felt their frustration and hope; there were times when I felt I was living vicariously through them!
I couldn't put this down. Thoroughly recommended.
I was hooked from the first page. I found the characters engaging and realistic. I could identify with each of them and felt they maintained their personalities throughout.
I loved the magical theme. I loved the way the story evolved, how Belle arrived and how Fionn is able to come and go.
When reading, I tend to visualise the settings, the people, the environment. I found I could do this easily, with this book. I felt their frustration and hope; there were times when I felt I was living vicariously through them!
I couldn't put this down. Thoroughly recommended.
February 21, 2025
I didn’t love this one. To be honest I found the magic in this quite boring. I struggled to engage with the characters and the storyline. It felt a bit all over the place. If I wasn’t listening to the audiobook this would’ve been a DNF.
March 27, 2025
3.5/5 🌟
This tantalising novel blends magic, mystery, and wonderful relationships in a charming setting. The story is of Genevieve and Oliver, living an isolated life at Riverswood Manor of self-sufficiency and watching the passage of time. Learning of their immortality only adds another fascinating level to this story. With the arrival of the mysterious Ella, the trio, and later joined by Fionn, they set out to unravel the magic that has brought them together... and why. This novel surveys the power of friendship, love, and destiny, with true feelings among the characters adding emotional depth, all with an element of suspense.
Whilst I found the concept of this novel brilliant, I struggled a bit at times and felt it was a bit wordy.
This tantalising novel blends magic, mystery, and wonderful relationships in a charming setting. The story is of Genevieve and Oliver, living an isolated life at Riverswood Manor of self-sufficiency and watching the passage of time. Learning of their immortality only adds another fascinating level to this story. With the arrival of the mysterious Ella, the trio, and later joined by Fionn, they set out to unravel the magic that has brought them together... and why. This novel surveys the power of friendship, love, and destiny, with true feelings among the characters adding emotional depth, all with an element of suspense.
Whilst I found the concept of this novel brilliant, I struggled a bit at times and felt it was a bit wordy.
December 16, 2024
Throughly Disenchanted was indeed a cozy fantasy that explored themes of relationships, place and identity. This novel kept me turning the page wanting to know what was going to happen.
I loved how because the characters were stuck in a cursed mansion together, their relationships were explored on a deeper level. For me, these characters felt real and relatable.
Without spoilers, I also enjoyed the concept of magic within this novel. It was creative and new, I have not seen the concept of magic been explored in this way before and I loved it. Especially the connection between magic and place.
In addition, the romantic relationships within this novel was done tastefully. While this is a novel for adults, the more mature scenes did not overwhelm or take away from the rest of the story. I am glad this is the case because I believe what was there contributed to the exploration of relationships between characters.
I could probably talk for the rest of the day about this novel and everything I loved about it. But what you should know is that I really liked it and it was a fabulous debut novel. I am excited to reread this novel when my TBR is slightly shorter but for now, you will find me daydreaming about the beauty of Riverswood Manor. I am looking forward to hopefully reading Alexandra’s future novels.
I loved how because the characters were stuck in a cursed mansion together, their relationships were explored on a deeper level. For me, these characters felt real and relatable.
Without spoilers, I also enjoyed the concept of magic within this novel. It was creative and new, I have not seen the concept of magic been explored in this way before and I loved it. Especially the connection between magic and place.
In addition, the romantic relationships within this novel was done tastefully. While this is a novel for adults, the more mature scenes did not overwhelm or take away from the rest of the story. I am glad this is the case because I believe what was there contributed to the exploration of relationships between characters.
I could probably talk for the rest of the day about this novel and everything I loved about it. But what you should know is that I really liked it and it was a fabulous debut novel. I am excited to reread this novel when my TBR is slightly shorter but for now, you will find me daydreaming about the beauty of Riverswood Manor. I am looking forward to hopefully reading Alexandra’s future novels.
June 22, 2025
With echoes of Sleeping Beauty being locked away from the world for 100 years, a distinctly Australian setting, and a modern take on happily-ever-after Thoroughly Disenchanted is a cosy Australian take on fairy-tale romance.
In 1921, Gen, Oliver, Fionn and Henry went for a weekend stay at Riverswood manor. For them it was a celebration and a goodbye to mark the end of their university days and the start of their adult lives. Henry is eagerly looking forward to marriage with his sweetheart. Fionn is a conflicted gay man who is being asked to conform to family pressures. Henry has all but given up on his unrequited feelings for Gen and is nervously determined to make a start on his career in India. Gen is determined to escape the confines of social expectations and make a new start in Europe where she would be allowed to be more than just a dutiful daughter or faithful wife.
A séance and an unexpected tryst later have an unexpected magical result: A century later Gen and Oliver are still living in Riverswood - trapped and eternally youthful and very thoroughly sick of each other!
The arrival of Ella at their door one stormy night might be the key to freedom, but only if they can wade through the past first.
This is absolute in the cosy fantasy end of the spectrum and if you enjoyed "Legends & Lattes" by Baldree or "The Spell Shop" by Durst or "The Teller of Small Fortunes" by Leong this book should be on your radar. There were a few moments when the plot meandered a little which caused me frustration but this is the first book by Alexandra Almond and overall I enjoyed premise and execution. Placing the story in rural Australia gave if a unique style that is hard to find in fantasy (where even Australian authors often choose traditional European or American settings - I don't know if this is driven by traditional fantasy imagery or marketing?). I want to see where Almond will take us next. This book could be self contained or we might get further adventures of Gen, Ella, Oliver and Fionn, either way I am here for the magic.
In 1921, Gen, Oliver, Fionn and Henry went for a weekend stay at Riverswood manor. For them it was a celebration and a goodbye to mark the end of their university days and the start of their adult lives. Henry is eagerly looking forward to marriage with his sweetheart. Fionn is a conflicted gay man who is being asked to conform to family pressures. Henry has all but given up on his unrequited feelings for Gen and is nervously determined to make a start on his career in India. Gen is determined to escape the confines of social expectations and make a new start in Europe where she would be allowed to be more than just a dutiful daughter or faithful wife.
A séance and an unexpected tryst later have an unexpected magical result: A century later Gen and Oliver are still living in Riverswood - trapped and eternally youthful and very thoroughly sick of each other!
The arrival of Ella at their door one stormy night might be the key to freedom, but only if they can wade through the past first.
This is absolute in the cosy fantasy end of the spectrum and if you enjoyed "Legends & Lattes" by Baldree or "The Spell Shop" by Durst or "The Teller of Small Fortunes" by Leong this book should be on your radar. There were a few moments when the plot meandered a little which caused me frustration but this is the first book by Alexandra Almond and overall I enjoyed premise and execution. Placing the story in rural Australia gave if a unique style that is hard to find in fantasy (where even Australian authors often choose traditional European or American settings - I don't know if this is driven by traditional fantasy imagery or marketing?). I want to see where Almond will take us next. This book could be self contained or we might get further adventures of Gen, Ella, Oliver and Fionn, either way I am here for the magic.
August 27, 2025
I had to force myself through this book because I wanted to know what was up with the magic, just to get to the end and it be that?? Very anticlimactic in the end.
I didn't realize it was solely from Oliver's pov. Considering the blurb says it's about BOTH of them being stuck in the house for 100 years i assumed it would be dual pov. Either way that wasn't too bad. Nowhere in reviews, the blurb or anything does it say it's a MM romance book which there's nothing wrong with but not my usual cup of tea so 1/3 the way through the book when it started happening it was like oh? okay?
The first half is so slow and boring, nothing really happens, then there's a few chapters of interesting bits and then back to boring. There's no real doing or things going on, I'd say 80% of the book is them sitting around talking about what's happening, 15% them moving to another room in the house to talk about what's happening and 5% random people showing up in a storm.
The writing was certainly a choice as well. characters having huge run on sentences that start off bullying/being mean or angry to then being all "oh i'm sorry that was mean" then going on to talk about things that have nothing to do with the overall conversation.
Genevieve was just a raging bitch 90% of the time, i get you're fed up with being stuck in the house but attacking everyone over it constantly and taking zero accountability for her own part in the wish??
I did think the ending was cute though how Fionn and Oliver stayed in the house to live together and Genevieve and Ella traveled.
I didn't realize it was solely from Oliver's pov. Considering the blurb says it's about BOTH of them being stuck in the house for 100 years i assumed it would be dual pov. Either way that wasn't too bad. Nowhere in reviews, the blurb or anything does it say it's a MM romance book which there's nothing wrong with but not my usual cup of tea so 1/3 the way through the book when it started happening it was like oh? okay?
The first half is so slow and boring, nothing really happens, then there's a few chapters of interesting bits and then back to boring. There's no real doing or things going on, I'd say 80% of the book is them sitting around talking about what's happening, 15% them moving to another room in the house to talk about what's happening and 5% random people showing up in a storm.
The writing was certainly a choice as well. characters having huge run on sentences that start off bullying/being mean or angry to then being all "oh i'm sorry that was mean" then going on to talk about things that have nothing to do with the overall conversation.
Genevieve was just a raging bitch 90% of the time, i get you're fed up with being stuck in the house but attacking everyone over it constantly and taking zero accountability for her own part in the wish??
I did think the ending was cute though how Fionn and Oliver stayed in the house to live together and Genevieve and Ella traveled.
March 22, 2025
⭐️3⭐️
Thoroughly Disenchanted
Plot:
A hundred years ago, Genevieve and Oliver’s dream weekend at Riverswood manor became a curse, trapping them in immortality. With help from a stranger named Ella and their friend Fionn, they uncover a way to break the curse—if they can face their past and their feelings.
My Thoughts:
It is what it is and … it isn’t good.
The whole plot and creativity behind the plot was absolutely amazing and so unique. The actually pay off wasn’t good. If a book mentions Justin Bieber more than once, I’m out.
I barely understood what was going on most of the time. There was so much dialogue and barely any description of where they were. Which is probably due to the setting not changing the whole time in the book. Things just happened out of no where. I was struggling to get through this and would have easily DNF if I was a person who DNF books. I also wanted to see how it plays out because surely it all made sense at the end… right?
“It made perfect and logical sense” …. Umm did it?
I know I few people who really enjoyed reading this! So if you are looking for a cozy fantasy book with very little world building this may just be for you.
Thoroughly Disenchanted
Plot:
A hundred years ago, Genevieve and Oliver’s dream weekend at Riverswood manor became a curse, trapping them in immortality. With help from a stranger named Ella and their friend Fionn, they uncover a way to break the curse—if they can face their past and their feelings.
My Thoughts:
It is what it is and … it isn’t good.
The whole plot and creativity behind the plot was absolutely amazing and so unique. The actually pay off wasn’t good. If a book mentions Justin Bieber more than once, I’m out.
I barely understood what was going on most of the time. There was so much dialogue and barely any description of where they were. Which is probably due to the setting not changing the whole time in the book. Things just happened out of no where. I was struggling to get through this and would have easily DNF if I was a person who DNF books. I also wanted to see how it plays out because surely it all made sense at the end… right?
“It made perfect and logical sense” …. Umm did it?
I know I few people who really enjoyed reading this! So if you are looking for a cozy fantasy book with very little world building this may just be for you.
January 30, 2025
This one is marketed as a cosy fantasy, but I find the description of magical realism to be more realistic. While it explores the bonds of their curse and how they can escape it, what you'll find is more of a slice of life book with immortal characters who become a found family.
As they try and figure out the answers for how to escape the manor they're trapped in, they build a bond with each other filled with love and friendship. There's romantic love, friendship love, but also a magical bond that extends beyond love. The book explores the complex codependent relationship between Genevieve and Oliver, and also past flames, and a new person that enters their life.
There's a wonderful gay relationship here, one that I didn't expect going in thinking that Gen and Oliver were a couple. It's more of a friends turned lovers kind of deal, which was adorable.
Magic ends up being a character in the book, and I found the way it was explained to be quite simple and straightforward. If you're looking for answers for how the magic is there and why they're immortal, you'll be sorely disappointed.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As they try and figure out the answers for how to escape the manor they're trapped in, they build a bond with each other filled with love and friendship. There's romantic love, friendship love, but also a magical bond that extends beyond love. The book explores the complex codependent relationship between Genevieve and Oliver, and also past flames, and a new person that enters their life.
There's a wonderful gay relationship here, one that I didn't expect going in thinking that Gen and Oliver were a couple. It's more of a friends turned lovers kind of deal, which was adorable.
Magic ends up being a character in the book, and I found the way it was explained to be quite simple and straightforward. If you're looking for answers for how the magic is there and why they're immortal, you'll be sorely disappointed.
I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2025
A strange, magical house. A couple trapped there for a century. Flashbacks, mysterious visitors, and a not-so-cozy forced proximity that doesn’t end in romance—at least, not how you expect.
This book was totally different from my recent reads in the best way. It had that quirky, offbeat charm, with a dose of eerie magic that left me guessing. The found family vibes were strong, even if the characters weren’t always easy to love (looking at you, Genevieve—still not sure why you bugged me, but you did).
BUT. I was a little thrown by the timeline jumping around at the start (hello, confusion).
The magic had such an interesting presence—it wasn’t your typical flashy fantasy stuff—but I really wanted more of it. What is the magic? How does it work? We got hints, but it never fully came together. And the big “battle” moment? Super rushed after all that build-up. I wanted more drama!
Also, the ending. Technically finished, but emotionally? Spiritually? Existentially? Unfinished. No closure for this reader.
Still, I had fun with it. Weird, whimsical, and kind of haunting in its own way.
This book was totally different from my recent reads in the best way. It had that quirky, offbeat charm, with a dose of eerie magic that left me guessing. The found family vibes were strong, even if the characters weren’t always easy to love (looking at you, Genevieve—still not sure why you bugged me, but you did).
BUT. I was a little thrown by the timeline jumping around at the start (hello, confusion).
The magic had such an interesting presence—it wasn’t your typical flashy fantasy stuff—but I really wanted more of it. What is the magic? How does it work? We got hints, but it never fully came together. And the big “battle” moment? Super rushed after all that build-up. I wanted more drama!
Also, the ending. Technically finished, but emotionally? Spiritually? Existentially? Unfinished. No closure for this reader.
Still, I had fun with it. Weird, whimsical, and kind of haunting in its own way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2025
A bit of light entertainment, fairy tale, fantasy, call it what you will, & I'm surprised it doesn't have an LGBT tag because that's where the romance is. I enjoyed the magic of the place & Wolf, the immortal dog: if I was going to live forever it would be relief if my pets' lives were extended too.
Oliver & Genevieve have been stuck in Riverswood for a hundred years when Fionn & Ella join them to try to break the curse. The characters are so careful of each others feelings as to be stultifying at times, so I didn't find them very interesting. Part of the fantasy seems to be that these 1920s university students were incredibly modern in thought & attitude - uhuh! The only leaven is Great Uncle Jack who got them into this fix in the first place, however, he is only in it briefly & is merely portrayed as a cipher, a bad-tempered, nasty old man with no depth, so didn't lift the tale much. Given that the Magic needing emtns & flings to operate, you'd expect to find a bit more of it floating about, but we mostly just get luurvve.
Sweet & fun, easy to read, if a tad wishy-washy with little substance. Definitely not the type of fairy tale that the Grimm brothers turned out. 3.5★
Oliver & Genevieve have been stuck in Riverswood for a hundred years when Fionn & Ella join them to try to break the curse. The characters are so careful of each others feelings as to be stultifying at times, so I didn't find them very interesting. Part of the fantasy seems to be that these 1920s university students were incredibly modern in thought & attitude - uhuh! The only leaven is Great Uncle Jack who got them into this fix in the first place, however, he is only in it briefly & is merely portrayed as a cipher, a bad-tempered, nasty old man with no depth, so didn't lift the tale much. Given that the Magic needing emtns & flings to operate, you'd expect to find a bit more of it floating about, but we mostly just get luurvve.
Sweet & fun, easy to read, if a tad wishy-washy with little substance. Definitely not the type of fairy tale that the Grimm brothers turned out. 3.5★
January 21, 2025
I was thoroughly disenchanted in the airport bookshop, in the midst of a trip that had turned from a one and a half hour flight into a 24 hour marathon. So it’s not surprising that the title of this book leapt out at me. As usual, the blurb on the back doesn’t exactly describe the exact premise or plot of the book, but I enjoyed the more nuanced and complex relationships developed around the central questions of how you would co-exist with only one other person in your life for one hundred years; and why did this happen? If I was discussing this book with someone who read it, I could be more open about the things that I thought were original and refreshing in the solution of the mystery. I appreciated the relatable mix of the fantasy underlying the everyday, getting on with life reality but perhaps you might be disappointed as a reader if you were expecting something far more epic and other-worldly.
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