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Calatini Tales #1
The Enchanted Bird
Calatini is a world suffused with magic. But strong spells come with high prices...
Wren prefers a simple life of writing, reading, and volunteering at the orphanage to fashionable parties and balls at court. If she attends at all, it's because Hawke, the best friend she's secretly loved forever, convinces her. So when she learns his mother has arranged his marriage, she knows she must act. All she desires is a single night in Hawke's arms, so though she distrusts magic, Wren turns to a witch to create the perfect masquerade disguise infused in an enchanted bird.
Lord Beza—Hawke, to his friends—is a notorious rake, but he can't stop thinking about the mysterious lady who seduced him at the summer masquerade then disappeared. Fortunately, she left behind a clue: a small enchanted bird. And his clever best friend Wren will surely help him in his search—after all, wouldn't she want him to find love?
Never having dreamt Hawke would hunt for her, Wren is desperate to convince him to forget his "mysterious" lady—otherwise the enchanted bird will extract a growing price from them both. But their night of passion is impossible for either of them to forget...
The Enchanted Bird is heartwarming, Regency-inspired fantasy romance at its finest, perfect for readers of Olivia Atwater's Regency Faerie Tales series, Miss Newbury's List, and Grace Burrowes' Rogues to Riches series of historical romance novels.
Wren prefers a simple life of writing, reading, and volunteering at the orphanage to fashionable parties and balls at court. If she attends at all, it's because Hawke, the best friend she's secretly loved forever, convinces her. So when she learns his mother has arranged his marriage, she knows she must act. All she desires is a single night in Hawke's arms, so though she distrusts magic, Wren turns to a witch to create the perfect masquerade disguise infused in an enchanted bird.
Lord Beza—Hawke, to his friends—is a notorious rake, but he can't stop thinking about the mysterious lady who seduced him at the summer masquerade then disappeared. Fortunately, she left behind a clue: a small enchanted bird. And his clever best friend Wren will surely help him in his search—after all, wouldn't she want him to find love?
Never having dreamt Hawke would hunt for her, Wren is desperate to convince him to forget his "mysterious" lady—otherwise the enchanted bird will extract a growing price from them both. But their night of passion is impossible for either of them to forget...
The Enchanted Bird is heartwarming, Regency-inspired fantasy romance at its finest, perfect for readers of Olivia Atwater's Regency Faerie Tales series, Miss Newbury's List, and Grace Burrowes' Rogues to Riches series of historical romance novels.
386 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 26, 2021
47 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Dotterer
10 books23 followersA lifelong creator of her own bedtime stories, Katherine Dotterer writes cozy tales of fantasy romance inspired by Regency England. Born and raised in Maryland, she still lives there in an almost cottage surrounded by trees. When not writing, she enjoys reading anything she can find, singing in local choruses, hiking in nearby parks, watching the wildlife outside her windows, and cuddling her cats. Visit her at KatherineDotterer.com to learn about her book releases, read her many book extras, and sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 5, 2023
'The Enchanted Bird' by Katherine Dotterer is book 1 of the Calatini Tales series, a regency/fantasy series with a different couple taking centre stage in every book. 'The Enchanted Bird' is the story of Wren and Hawke, best friends who have forever been in love with each other but thought that the other was uninterested. Thinking that Hawke is due to be betrothed to another woman, Wren turns to magic to give herself the courage to seduce Hawke without him knowing that it's her.
This book is preceded by book 0.5, 'The Spellbinding Courtship' which sets up the world and introduces the characters who will make up the couples in books 1-4 (and possibly beyond). However, 0.5 was much briefer than the following books and the couples featured in the main books are much more fleshed out and interesting. Wren and Hawke are no exception - they are really well suited, their romance is really well written and they are both interesting individually as characters which is something book 0.5 lacked. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers trope here, and a lot of time was spent showing us how good friends they were rather than just telling us.
While 0.5 functions as the introduction and set up to the future couplings, books 1-4 seem to operate concurrently, so whichever book you start with within those will give you a complete story plus hints about the other book's storylines. I read in the following order: 0.5, 3, 1 (with book 2 still to read). As a result, I knew the ending of 'The Enchanted Bird' from reading book number 3, 'The Secret Soulbond'. However, knowing what would happen to Hawke and Wren didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story in any way. In fact, I was really looking forward to seeing where the sections of story from book 3 would intersect. To have all these storylines running at the same time as each other must have taken a lot of planning up front to make sure all the timelines matched up, particularly the interactions between the main characters from the various books, and I bet there's a lot that will make sense in future books once we get to see inside the head of other characters, such as Kit who acts as an antagonist in books 1 and 3.
For me, this was another really successful story in the Calatini Tales series. If any readers started with 0.5, 'The Spellbinding Courtship', but didn't feel connected to the couple, I definitely think it's worth progressing to the main books in the series which feature more connected couples, more focus on the fantasy elements of the world and more depth to the characters individually.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from BookSirens, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
This book is preceded by book 0.5, 'The Spellbinding Courtship' which sets up the world and introduces the characters who will make up the couples in books 1-4 (and possibly beyond). However, 0.5 was much briefer than the following books and the couples featured in the main books are much more fleshed out and interesting. Wren and Hawke are no exception - they are really well suited, their romance is really well written and they are both interesting individually as characters which is something book 0.5 lacked. I really enjoyed the friends to lovers trope here, and a lot of time was spent showing us how good friends they were rather than just telling us.
While 0.5 functions as the introduction and set up to the future couplings, books 1-4 seem to operate concurrently, so whichever book you start with within those will give you a complete story plus hints about the other book's storylines. I read in the following order: 0.5, 3, 1 (with book 2 still to read). As a result, I knew the ending of 'The Enchanted Bird' from reading book number 3, 'The Secret Soulbond'. However, knowing what would happen to Hawke and Wren didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story in any way. In fact, I was really looking forward to seeing where the sections of story from book 3 would intersect. To have all these storylines running at the same time as each other must have taken a lot of planning up front to make sure all the timelines matched up, particularly the interactions between the main characters from the various books, and I bet there's a lot that will make sense in future books once we get to see inside the head of other characters, such as Kit who acts as an antagonist in books 1 and 3.
For me, this was another really successful story in the Calatini Tales series. If any readers started with 0.5, 'The Spellbinding Courtship', but didn't feel connected to the couple, I definitely think it's worth progressing to the main books in the series which feature more connected couples, more focus on the fantasy elements of the world and more depth to the characters individually.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from BookSirens, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 3, 2025
This was one friends-to-lovers story that would have happened much sooner had the two love-stricken main characters just been honest to each other about their feelings. Then again I suppose that is part of the story's charm in this book, especially when the reluctance to convey one's true feelings for the other was in fear that doing so would harm their lifelong friendship. Looking at it that way makes me understand the characters' choices. I empathized with Wren when she told Hawke that a friendship with him was better than nothing at a time when she truly believed there could never be more between them. If only she'd known sooner how he'd been in love with her all this time!
My only qualms about this book was that i felt the story was drawn out a bit longer than I thought was necessary. Perhaps i was just eager to get to the point when Wren's scheming would finally come to light that I skimmed the parts about Wren's plays. Though those did show the rather endearing camaraderie between Wren's and Hawke's kin. And, as the book also hinted at the intriguing connection burgeoning between two side characters that is to be the focus of the next book in the series, that definitely made me curious as to how their story would play out.
I received a free review copy of this book. I offer this review voluntarily.
My only qualms about this book was that i felt the story was drawn out a bit longer than I thought was necessary. Perhaps i was just eager to get to the point when Wren's scheming would finally come to light that I skimmed the parts about Wren's plays. Though those did show the rather endearing camaraderie between Wren's and Hawke's kin. And, as the book also hinted at the intriguing connection burgeoning between two side characters that is to be the focus of the next book in the series, that definitely made me curious as to how their story would play out.
I received a free review copy of this book. I offer this review voluntarily.
August 28, 2025
I loved this book. First of all, I loved the characters, both main and supporting. I loved how they interacted and blended, how much a reader got to know them and their impulses throughout the book. Which is why I am soooo excited and cannot wait to read all of the following books. I enjoyed the will they/won’t they dynamic of the main couple, but am also looking forward to an enemies turned lovers dynamic I anticipate in the coming sequels.
Another element I really appreciated is the mixture of magic and fantasy, this book features everything - from elves and fae to dragons and manticores, and it was lovely to have it all mixed together, once you get a little used to it.
The language is smooth and not at all stilted, and the banter between the MMC and his parents is a lovely addition.
The only reason I couldn’t bring myself to give the book five stars is because of the ending, which was just a little too cheesy and repetitive for my taste, I probably would’ve enjoyed a bit more drama.
Other than that I can wholeheartedly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys low steam buddy romances, set in a well-rounded fantasy world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another element I really appreciated is the mixture of magic and fantasy, this book features everything - from elves and fae to dragons and manticores, and it was lovely to have it all mixed together, once you get a little used to it.
The language is smooth and not at all stilted, and the banter between the MMC and his parents is a lovely addition.
The only reason I couldn’t bring myself to give the book five stars is because of the ending, which was just a little too cheesy and repetitive for my taste, I probably would’ve enjoyed a bit more drama.
Other than that I can wholeheartedly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys low steam buddy romances, set in a well-rounded fantasy world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2024
Having now read all currently available books in this series, I can say "The Enchanted Bird" is my favorite. Wren and Hawke's friendship is endearing to me. I enjoyed their banter and obvious regard for each other even while I eagerly anticipated the moment they would reveal their true feelings. The pacing in this book felt well-balanced between Hawke's search for his masquerade lady, Wren's struggles with the consequences of her spell, and the growing attraction between the two. I appreciated the links interspersed within the story to provide a guide to the many magical elements for those who might not be accustomed to the Calatini world. As with the other two books, I appreciated that scenes of intimacy were handled tastefully.
October 7, 2025
Hawke and Wren (both are types of birds if you didn’t catch that) are lifelong friends who haven’t become romantically involved due to a misunderstanding. I loved these characters so much that when I finished the book, I started to miss them. The author has created such endearing characters in this series that you can’t help but want to learn more about them. There are lots of Easter eggs the author has included throughout the book to expand the reading experience. I can’t wait to read about the love interest for King Devon in book 2.
July 29, 2025
I have really enjoyed this enchanting story. Hawk and Wren's story is so heartwarming. Hawk is protective, attentive and dedicated and Wren is sweet, caring and determined. It has fun banter you wont want to miss. A Magical fantasy world set in the regency era with low spice. This is a unique and engaging book. The book also has links to dive deeper into the story which is a first for me to see in a book but I think its a really neat addition to the book.
November 28, 2023
That was an interesting story.
In "The Enchanted Bird" we are introduced to the world of historical romance with a magical twist.
The worldbulding in this story is very good. The magical system perfectly fitted into the English society. It made sense.
The story itself was interesting with very unlike characters. If for a change you want to read a book where the FMC is morally gray than you might consider this book. The thing that she did...! OMG! Horrible! And I loved that the author was consistent with her creation.
My only disappointment is that it seems like something is happening in the story but in retrospect not really. At times the story is stretched around events that aren't moving the plot further.
And with that being said, it is a good book, but at times boring.
I actually want to read the rest of the series at one point. I am curious of the next love stories.
In "The Enchanted Bird" we are introduced to the world of historical romance with a magical twist.
The worldbulding in this story is very good. The magical system perfectly fitted into the English society. It made sense.
The story itself was interesting with very unlike characters. If for a change you want to read a book where the FMC is morally gray than you might consider this book. The thing that she did...! OMG! Horrible! And I loved that the author was consistent with her creation.
My only disappointment is that it seems like something is happening in the story but in retrospect not really. At times the story is stretched around events that aren't moving the plot further.
And with that being said, it is a good book, but at times boring.
I actually want to read the rest of the series at one point. I am curious of the next love stories.
January 27, 2026
Great fantasy!
The Enchanted Bird has a great deal of paranormal fantasy even though it’s loosely based during the regency era. The two MCs were supposed to be best friends but failed miserably at communicating. I enjoyed the story and plan to read book 2 in this series.
Purchased from Amazon
The Enchanted Bird has a great deal of paranormal fantasy even though it’s loosely based during the regency era. The two MCs were supposed to be best friends but failed miserably at communicating. I enjoyed the story and plan to read book 2 in this series.
Purchased from Amazon
March 31, 2025
Middle was way too long and wordy. Enjoyed the beginning and ending though.
September 20, 2025
A sweet, romance read, in a regency-esque fantasy land. If you’re looking for light, easy escapism, and you like that historical era and fantasy, its a nice one - like fantasy Bridgerton.
November 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Cozy friends to lovers, though it felt a little dragged out to me. If I’m honest I very quickly found “t’was” (and the other variations) tiresome. This was worth a try and the blurb for the next book sounds good!
Cozy friends to lovers, though it felt a little dragged out to me. If I’m honest I very quickly found “t’was” (and the other variations) tiresome. This was worth a try and the blurb for the next book sounds good!
June 6, 2023
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for an ARC of this book. I received a copy for free and was invited to share my honest opinion.
What I liked:
- friends to lovers
- Dual POV
- Rehearsing for a play within the book. It felt very reminiscent of regency-written novels and I appreciated this
- The main characters, Hawke and Wren are endearing and engaging and I wanted things to work out for them!
What I didn’t:
- Again there was overuse of “‘twas” etc as in the first book. I didn’t notice it so much this time but I think I’ve become desensitised! A particular standout sentence in this regard was:
“Twouldn't be trifling since I'd know 'twas counterfeit”. It sounds very stilted and awkward and not regency at all.
- the made-up words got a bit tiresome. Particularly as most of the time there seemed no purpose to them; spelling it shokolat doesn’t make it different to chocolate. This is definitely a personal preference thing though!
- Because of the nature of the story, the steamy rendezvous happened at the start, which did mean the tension kind of dropped off after that. It wasn’t boring, but obviously that part is usually the climax that is built up to at the end. Having said that, I still enjoyed it, it just didn’t work as well for me as the storylines that build up in that way.
- The initial premise didn’t quite work given the social expectations on Wren - it seemed too much of a leap to suggest she’d desperately want to seduce and sleep with Hawke before he was married off, given how this would impact her social standing. It would have been beyond scandalous! I thought her parents’ reactions at the end were pretty tame too - if this is supposed to really be regency inspired they’d have been absolutely mortified! The repeated references to contraceptive charms felt a bit odd too, particularly with regard to the regency-inspired side of things. It felt too modern and a bit out of place.
- There seemed to be a lot of repetition of the key facts/feelings, as if the author didn’t want you to forget, which annoyed me a bit.
Overall I did enjoy this book. The main characters felt real and relatable and I think it’d be hard not to like Wren. I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed throughout the book. I’d say it’s definitely a series more for fantasy fans than regency fans, though!
What I liked:
- friends to lovers
- Dual POV
- Rehearsing for a play within the book. It felt very reminiscent of regency-written novels and I appreciated this
- The main characters, Hawke and Wren are endearing and engaging and I wanted things to work out for them!
What I didn’t:
- Again there was overuse of “‘twas” etc as in the first book. I didn’t notice it so much this time but I think I’ve become desensitised! A particular standout sentence in this regard was:
“Twouldn't be trifling since I'd know 'twas counterfeit”. It sounds very stilted and awkward and not regency at all.
- the made-up words got a bit tiresome. Particularly as most of the time there seemed no purpose to them; spelling it shokolat doesn’t make it different to chocolate. This is definitely a personal preference thing though!
- Because of the nature of the story, the steamy rendezvous happened at the start, which did mean the tension kind of dropped off after that. It wasn’t boring, but obviously that part is usually the climax that is built up to at the end. Having said that, I still enjoyed it, it just didn’t work as well for me as the storylines that build up in that way.
- The initial premise didn’t quite work given the social expectations on Wren - it seemed too much of a leap to suggest she’d desperately want to seduce and sleep with Hawke before he was married off, given how this would impact her social standing. It would have been beyond scandalous! I thought her parents’ reactions at the end were pretty tame too - if this is supposed to really be regency inspired they’d have been absolutely mortified! The repeated references to contraceptive charms felt a bit odd too, particularly with regard to the regency-inspired side of things. It felt too modern and a bit out of place.
- There seemed to be a lot of repetition of the key facts/feelings, as if the author didn’t want you to forget, which annoyed me a bit.
Overall I did enjoy this book. The main characters felt real and relatable and I think it’d be hard not to like Wren. I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed throughout the book. I’d say it’s definitely a series more for fantasy fans than regency fans, though!
June 26, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So I have to admit I'm slightly disappointed in the execution of this one, mostly because I thoroughly enjoyed Selena and Aragon (for the most part) in the prequel.
The world is still amazing and I love the way magic is incorporated - and I WILL be reading forward, absolutely. I'm invested in this family as well as the king, their cousin, so I want to know what's going on with the other side characters and such.
I just couldn't get on board with Hawke and Wren.
Mostly Wren, however, because she seemed to be so negative and so run-Hawke-into-the-ground all the time. I don't understand why, because it's not like she's a stranger to the world they live in, she would have anticipated and known that once he hit a certain age (or they did really) as the son of a duke he was going to be attending events and whatnot, and not just spending time with her and whatever she had chosen. In fact, her situation was very much more bizarre because even if she were her family's heiress, that legacy should have been passed down to someone, no? So her parents just letting her do her own thing didn't ring as true to this pseudo-Regency inspired world, in a way.
And I don't know, she just didn't strike me as a strong enough heroine because she believed everybody around her everything they said, which literally started the entire problem for her - because she was, for some reason, hurt that Hawke supposedly kissed someone else before kissing her, at fifteen.
Her head was by far too much in the clouds to make her believable, so instead she unfortunately turned out slightly childish and immature, and I'm not really sure what Hawke saw in her to be honest.
I gave it three stars because I enjoy everything else surrounding these two, but they as the center stage couple just didn't do it for me, unfortunately.
So I have to admit I'm slightly disappointed in the execution of this one, mostly because I thoroughly enjoyed Selena and Aragon (for the most part) in the prequel.
The world is still amazing and I love the way magic is incorporated - and I WILL be reading forward, absolutely. I'm invested in this family as well as the king, their cousin, so I want to know what's going on with the other side characters and such.
I just couldn't get on board with Hawke and Wren.
Mostly Wren, however, because she seemed to be so negative and so run-Hawke-into-the-ground all the time. I don't understand why, because it's not like she's a stranger to the world they live in, she would have anticipated and known that once he hit a certain age (or they did really) as the son of a duke he was going to be attending events and whatnot, and not just spending time with her and whatever she had chosen. In fact, her situation was very much more bizarre because even if she were her family's heiress, that legacy should have been passed down to someone, no? So her parents just letting her do her own thing didn't ring as true to this pseudo-Regency inspired world, in a way.
And I don't know, she just didn't strike me as a strong enough heroine because she believed everybody around her everything they said, which literally started the entire problem for her - because she was, for some reason, hurt that Hawke supposedly kissed someone else before kissing her, at fifteen.
Her head was by far too much in the clouds to make her believable, so instead she unfortunately turned out slightly childish and immature, and I'm not really sure what Hawke saw in her to be honest.
I gave it three stars because I enjoy everything else surrounding these two, but they as the center stage couple just didn't do it for me, unfortunately.
May 26, 2024
Updating this review with thoughts as I read.
Well so far I like it much better than the Selena Aragon fiasco. However I’m only on page 48 and the author has already used the word tingle. That’s not looking promising as it was used about every 4-5 pages in the last book and drove me crazy. Well up to 7 times by page 55. Looks like it’s still the favorite word. Super annoying. I REALLY wish she’d forget the word tingle, tingling, or any other variant exists. Not as bad as the first book but it IS still very annoying. This book in general was a lot better than the first. I liked the characters Hawke and Wren better. While totally oblivious they were much more real than Selena and Aragon were. It still had a little too much filler, the day to day minutiae could have been reduced. But the story was engaging and the characters much more likable. And the romance while still sweet was much more believable (disguise spell aside). I’ll definitely be looking for the next one after this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well so far I like it much better than the Selena Aragon fiasco. However I’m only on page 48 and the author has already used the word tingle. That’s not looking promising as it was used about every 4-5 pages in the last book and drove me crazy. Well up to 7 times by page 55. Looks like it’s still the favorite word. Super annoying. I REALLY wish she’d forget the word tingle, tingling, or any other variant exists. Not as bad as the first book but it IS still very annoying. This book in general was a lot better than the first. I liked the characters Hawke and Wren better. While totally oblivious they were much more real than Selena and Aragon were. It still had a little too much filler, the day to day minutiae could have been reduced. But the story was engaging and the characters much more likable. And the romance while still sweet was much more believable (disguise spell aside). I’ll definitely be looking for the next one after this.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2022
This is such a lovely, sweet story molded from a time long bygone. Truly a fantasy romance inspired by Regency England.
In Calatini, magic is used every day, and an enchantments can change everything, but strong spells come with a price as Wren is about to find out.
There are some inconsistent parts like Wren and Hawke being able to spend time alone without worry about it raising eyebrows yet the worry that somehow Hawkes mom or even Kit could push Hawke to marry Kit. Or them being the very best friends telling and keeping each other’s secrets yet being oblivious to the most important one.
Nevertheless, for anyone who loves a sweet, chivalrous story with a bit of magic woven in, this one’s for you! I’d give it 3.5 ⭐️ stars ✨
Thank you, Katherine Dotterer, for this advance review copy for which I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In Calatini, magic is used every day, and an enchantments can change everything, but strong spells come with a price as Wren is about to find out.
There are some inconsistent parts like Wren and Hawke being able to spend time alone without worry about it raising eyebrows yet the worry that somehow Hawkes mom or even Kit could push Hawke to marry Kit. Or them being the very best friends telling and keeping each other’s secrets yet being oblivious to the most important one.
Nevertheless, for anyone who loves a sweet, chivalrous story with a bit of magic woven in, this one’s for you! I’d give it 3.5 ⭐️ stars ✨
Thank you, Katherine Dotterer, for this advance review copy for which I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2022
I need to come up with another word to describe this author's work other than "charming". The story was charming - a sweetly different rendition of "Cinderella", using glamours and bird statues instead of disguises and glass slippers. There is still lots of fuss, bother and confusion in a generally historically accurate version of Regency English high society with dashes of magic to add savour. The only thing I missed was Catalini's version of Gretna Green. I particularly appreciated the various hooks for future stories the author hinted at. I am looking forward to the next book already.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2023
I loved this story! I love regency romances, and this is even better because it’s got magic! It’s a lovely friends to lovers romance. Wren and Hawke are the best of friends, though Wren has been secretly in love with Hawke for ages. I enjoyed their banter and friendship and how it grew into romance. The story is well written and engaging and it was hard to put down. I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 3, 2023
I loved this book. Wren and Hawke (love the play on the names) are wonderful characters. Their story was well written, the world building was very well done and I enjoyed the fact that the love scenes were tastefully written. Overall, this was a sweet friends to lovers story that was wonderfully written.
January 1, 2024
The enchantment continues in this next in series with a masquerade ball a bit like Cinderella and the payment magic exacts similar to The little Mermaid. Two people whose love is constant even after someone’s cruel manipulation. Enjoyable read where true love is the real magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2023
Overall this was a pretty interesting book and a good addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews