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Starling Island #1
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary
The first in a BRAND NEW cosy fantasy series from Jessica Thorne, nominated for European Science Fiction Society's 2026 Hall of Fame Award as best author.Perfect for fans of A. T. Qereshi, T J Klune and Sarah Beth Durst.Every lost soul can find a home on Starling Island…
When apothecary Portia Starling clashes with the Academy, she knows exactly how it will end. With her family’s notorious reputation, someone has to take the blame – and it’s going to be her. So, reluctantly, she retreats to Starling Island – a place she hasn't considered home in years – to await news of her future.
Noah Turner has always dreamed of travelling north to study the great dragons of Elanholm. However, as a vet with no magic, funding his research feels impossible. But when an opportunity arises to help at Iris Starling’s dragon sanctuary, he can’t afford to turn it down. If he can prove himself there, he might finally reach his dream.
Portia and Noah immediately dislike one another. Noah assumes Portia is an entitled Academy poser, collecting dragons as a trend, while Portia finds him bossy and overbearing. But with the lives of the poor, sickly rescue dragons on the line, can they see past their differences?
The first in a page-turning new fantasy series, full of heart, humour and healing. Perfect for fans of A. T. Qereshi, T J Klune and Sarah Beth Durst.
When apothecary Portia Starling clashes with the Academy, she knows exactly how it will end. With her family’s notorious reputation, someone has to take the blame – and it’s going to be her. So, reluctantly, she retreats to Starling Island – a place she hasn't considered home in years – to await news of her future.
Noah Turner has always dreamed of travelling north to study the great dragons of Elanholm. However, as a vet with no magic, funding his research feels impossible. But when an opportunity arises to help at Iris Starling’s dragon sanctuary, he can’t afford to turn it down. If he can prove himself there, he might finally reach his dream.
Portia and Noah immediately dislike one another. Noah assumes Portia is an entitled Academy poser, collecting dragons as a trend, while Portia finds him bossy and overbearing. But with the lives of the poor, sickly rescue dragons on the line, can they see past their differences?
The first in a page-turning new fantasy series, full of heart, humour and healing. Perfect for fans of A. T. Qereshi, T J Klune and Sarah Beth Durst.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2026
About the author
Jessica Thorne
14 books266 followersRuth Frances Long / Jessica Thornewrites romance and fantasy from the heart which often strays into weird and wonderful liminal places. She works in a specialized library of rare & occasionally crazy books.
As Jessica Thorne she writes adult fantasy women’s fiction, which wanders from Space Opera to time travel to epic fantasy, including The Lost Queen trilogy (A Touch of Shadows, A Kiss of Flame and A Crown of Darkness), The Water Witch, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Lost Girl’s of Foxfield Hall, The Queen’s Wing, The Hollow King duology (Mageborn and Nightborn). The Stone’s Heart was nominated for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Fantasy novel of the year in 2020. Her Irish gothic romance Wildewood came out in January 2026 and her new series with Boldwood begins in Autumn 2026 with The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary, followed by The Magical Emporium by the Sea in Spring 2027.
As Ruth Frances Long she writes fantasy, often about scary fairies. In 2015 she won the European Science Fiction Society Spirit of Dedication Award for Best Author of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy for A Crack in Everything. Her latest series Feral Gods, an adult fantasy trilogy from Hodderscape featuring “an alternate-Renaissance fantasy world and inspired by the early days of printing in Europe” begins with The Book of Gold, continues with The Lore of Silver (November 2025) and finishes with The God of Bronze (November 2026).
The Book of Gold was longlisted for the 2025 BSFA award and was selected for the Locus Recommended Reading List for 2024.
Ruth was nominated for the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) 2026 Hall of Fame Awards as Best Author but alas, didn't win.
As Jessica Thorne she writes adult fantasy women’s fiction, which wanders from Space Opera to time travel to epic fantasy, including The Lost Queen trilogy (A Touch of Shadows, A Kiss of Flame and A Crown of Darkness), The Water Witch, The Bookbinder’s Daughter, The Lost Girl’s of Foxfield Hall, The Queen’s Wing, The Hollow King duology (Mageborn and Nightborn). The Stone’s Heart was nominated for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Fantasy novel of the year in 2020. Her Irish gothic romance Wildewood came out in January 2026 and her new series with Boldwood begins in Autumn 2026 with The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary, followed by The Magical Emporium by the Sea in Spring 2027.
As Ruth Frances Long she writes fantasy, often about scary fairies. In 2015 she won the European Science Fiction Society Spirit of Dedication Award for Best Author of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy for A Crack in Everything. Her latest series Feral Gods, an adult fantasy trilogy from Hodderscape featuring “an alternate-Renaissance fantasy world and inspired by the early days of printing in Europe” begins with The Book of Gold, continues with The Lore of Silver (November 2025) and finishes with The God of Bronze (November 2026).
The Book of Gold was longlisted for the 2025 BSFA award and was selected for the Locus Recommended Reading List for 2024.
Ruth was nominated for the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) 2026 Hall of Fame Awards as Best Author but alas, didn't win.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 12, 2026
I loved this book! It was so cute with the teacup dragons! I would love to see this book be made into a movie, there could be some great visuals.
Anyway, the main characters are Portia and Noah, who have a bit of a love-hate relationship at times. They end up working together at the teacup dragon sanctuary to find a cure for an issue that the dragons are having with their scales. There is also the issue of Portia being suspended from the Academy and she is concerned about being kicked out. There are a few other sub-plots and a battle of good and evil too.
The writing style was really engaging, it really clicked with me and I enjoyed reading it. The plot interested me, and the descriptions of the teacup dragons and their behaviours was just lovely. I also loved Portia’s family and their strong relationships with each other. I definitely want to read the next book in the series.
It’s not a light-hearted book, but I would consider it to be in the cozy fantasy genre. I think people who enjoy a bit of cuteness as well as some serious plot lines would enjoy this book. I definitely recommend reading it if it sounds like your kind of book.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.
Anyway, the main characters are Portia and Noah, who have a bit of a love-hate relationship at times. They end up working together at the teacup dragon sanctuary to find a cure for an issue that the dragons are having with their scales. There is also the issue of Portia being suspended from the Academy and she is concerned about being kicked out. There are a few other sub-plots and a battle of good and evil too.
The writing style was really engaging, it really clicked with me and I enjoyed reading it. The plot interested me, and the descriptions of the teacup dragons and their behaviours was just lovely. I also loved Portia’s family and their strong relationships with each other. I definitely want to read the next book in the series.
It’s not a light-hearted book, but I would consider it to be in the cozy fantasy genre. I think people who enjoy a bit of cuteness as well as some serious plot lines would enjoy this book. I definitely recommend reading it if it sounds like your kind of book.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC received from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for honest review.
⚡REVIEW⚡
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary is a delightful, gentle story that warmed my heart - and turned out to be the perfect palate cleanser after a tougher read. I do not say that to take anything away from this book - it just slotted in perfectly and put a smile on my face.
I'm fairly certain that Portia Starling is a Taurean. She is stubborn, fiery, and very passionate about the things that matter to her. So when she spots a Teacup Dragon being horribly mistreated, she rears up, and ends up suspended from the Academy and her dream job, with a new bond to a dragon, Jade. Whilst on the ferry back to Starling Island, home of the Teacup Dragon Sanctuary run by her Great-Aunt Iris, a man accuses her of poor treatment of Jade, and there is another clash. When she gets to the island and realises Noah is the new vet at the sanctuary, she knows she has to put it behind her, and work with him. When a disaster strikes, Portia sees more magic than she's ever been privy to before, and it deepens her bond with all the dragons on the island. But it also triggers romantic feelings for Noah. Portia's tendency to flare up (in her defence, she does it for the right reasons!) sees more trouble and strife, when it comes to her relationship with Noah but also when the socialite attempts to enact revenge, before an unexpected reveal sees the day saved. Portia has a keen sense of justice, and her life has been a series of wrongs, so it is little wonder she gets so passionate in her chase to be proven correct. She is also always first to expect the worst - again, understandably so considering her life until that point.
We don't get a great deal from Noah's POV, but what we do get is usually an exposure for a key plot point. Noah is keen to save money whilst working for Iris as a vet, to enable him to search Elanholm, origin of the huge dragons that have since disappeared without a trace, leaving only their teacup sized cousins. He has no magical ability, so he struggles with the magic of the Starlings, not able to see or understand what is happening. He provides a good balance for Portia's impulsivity, wanting stronger evidence based tests in opposition to Portia's reliance on the feel of her magic. There is a shock later in the story, when a shock alliance is discovered, but Noah's loyalties see him in as much trouble as Portia. His love for dragons is rewarded in ways he doesn't expect after making a decision on his future. When it comes to her, he's head over heels, but their tendency to make assumptions and their matching fire when it comes to welfare of dragons mean their path does not run smoothly.
I absolutely loved the personalities that Jessica Thorne managed to cram into the Teacup Dragons, particularly Jade. It made the strength of their bonds with the Starling family, and Noah very clear, whilst demonstrating the difference when it came to Portia. It highlighted the depth of her connection to the magic on Starling Island, and their feelings for her - despite her insistences that she wanted nothing to do with the Teacup Dragon Sanctuary upon her arrival. Their love for her, and her love for them, is grown due to her connection with that magic, and their delightful character traits emphasise this beautifully.
The villain of this book is not a nefarious outsider, or an evil genius, but instead, a vapid socialite who has the ear of the Queen. Her villainy is all based around power imbalance in society, and her insistence on destroying the Starling family, who are already in a precarious position thanks to disaster after disaster. I'm not sure yet if this is a thread that will be picked up throughout the series (I do hope so, as I think there is a wider conspiracy to uncover!). She does some incredibly awful things towards the end of the book, and I just don't think she's capable of working alone. I look forward to reading on!
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary is a gentle novel, full of whimsy and warmth. It rolls from peak to gentle peak, before a crescendo towards the end that sees secrets spilled, dreadful actions, and a reveal that changes everything for the series as it continues. I am excited to see what comes next for Seb, the protagonist of the follow up to this book - another character wronged by the aristocracy he should be a part of. I'm hoping Milo, Portia's research partner and once in some sort of situationship with Seb, features in this one, as there is a lot of unfinished business there! This is the perfect book to pick up after a stressful day, or after a heavy book, to reset and leave you beaming. Excellent work!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
⚡REVIEW⚡
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary is a delightful, gentle story that warmed my heart - and turned out to be the perfect palate cleanser after a tougher read. I do not say that to take anything away from this book - it just slotted in perfectly and put a smile on my face.
I'm fairly certain that Portia Starling is a Taurean. She is stubborn, fiery, and very passionate about the things that matter to her. So when she spots a Teacup Dragon being horribly mistreated, she rears up, and ends up suspended from the Academy and her dream job, with a new bond to a dragon, Jade. Whilst on the ferry back to Starling Island, home of the Teacup Dragon Sanctuary run by her Great-Aunt Iris, a man accuses her of poor treatment of Jade, and there is another clash. When she gets to the island and realises Noah is the new vet at the sanctuary, she knows she has to put it behind her, and work with him. When a disaster strikes, Portia sees more magic than she's ever been privy to before, and it deepens her bond with all the dragons on the island. But it also triggers romantic feelings for Noah. Portia's tendency to flare up (in her defence, she does it for the right reasons!) sees more trouble and strife, when it comes to her relationship with Noah but also when the socialite attempts to enact revenge, before an unexpected reveal sees the day saved. Portia has a keen sense of justice, and her life has been a series of wrongs, so it is little wonder she gets so passionate in her chase to be proven correct. She is also always first to expect the worst - again, understandably so considering her life until that point.
We don't get a great deal from Noah's POV, but what we do get is usually an exposure for a key plot point. Noah is keen to save money whilst working for Iris as a vet, to enable him to search Elanholm, origin of the huge dragons that have since disappeared without a trace, leaving only their teacup sized cousins. He has no magical ability, so he struggles with the magic of the Starlings, not able to see or understand what is happening. He provides a good balance for Portia's impulsivity, wanting stronger evidence based tests in opposition to Portia's reliance on the feel of her magic. There is a shock later in the story, when a shock alliance is discovered, but Noah's loyalties see him in as much trouble as Portia. His love for dragons is rewarded in ways he doesn't expect after making a decision on his future. When it comes to her, he's head over heels, but their tendency to make assumptions and their matching fire when it comes to welfare of dragons mean their path does not run smoothly.
I absolutely loved the personalities that Jessica Thorne managed to cram into the Teacup Dragons, particularly Jade. It made the strength of their bonds with the Starling family, and Noah very clear, whilst demonstrating the difference when it came to Portia. It highlighted the depth of her connection to the magic on Starling Island, and their feelings for her - despite her insistences that she wanted nothing to do with the Teacup Dragon Sanctuary upon her arrival. Their love for her, and her love for them, is grown due to her connection with that magic, and their delightful character traits emphasise this beautifully.
The villain of this book is not a nefarious outsider, or an evil genius, but instead, a vapid socialite who has the ear of the Queen. Her villainy is all based around power imbalance in society, and her insistence on destroying the Starling family, who are already in a precarious position thanks to disaster after disaster. I'm not sure yet if this is a thread that will be picked up throughout the series (I do hope so, as I think there is a wider conspiracy to uncover!). She does some incredibly awful things towards the end of the book, and I just don't think she's capable of working alone. I look forward to reading on!
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary is a gentle novel, full of whimsy and warmth. It rolls from peak to gentle peak, before a crescendo towards the end that sees secrets spilled, dreadful actions, and a reveal that changes everything for the series as it continues. I am excited to see what comes next for Seb, the protagonist of the follow up to this book - another character wronged by the aristocracy he should be a part of. I'm hoping Milo, Portia's research partner and once in some sort of situationship with Seb, features in this one, as there is a lot of unfinished business there! This is the perfect book to pick up after a stressful day, or after a heavy book, to reset and leave you beaming. Excellent work!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ebook ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. *If I could do partial stars here, I would rate this at 3 1/2 stars.
This is a new cozy fantasy series feature tiny teacup dragons! I love a good cozy fantasy, but I confess I had some mixed feelings about this one.
The positives:
The teacup dragons were so much fun, and I loved Jade's connection to Portia. There's a lot of lore and dragon backstory to be explored, and I think it's really neat. I liked the solution to some of the dragon health issues, and learning about the sanctuary and teacup dragons was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the magic system, what we learned of it so far,
The romance between Portia and Noah was very sweet. The spicy scene was rather random in a "everybody likes a bit of spice these days, right?" way, but it was ok. I preferred those times when they were working together and connecting, but it also would have been really sweet to see them spend non-working time just getting to know one another.
The students, Felicity and Maxim, stole the show in the brief scenes they were in - they need their own book. And Gilden definitely needs more scene time. He was fantastic.
The negatives:
Portia's family was rather selfish and mean. I think the author meant to portray a teasing, "always speaks their mind but lovingly" family, but it didn't come across that way as a reader. They were dismissive of her 12 years of hard work, ignored her grief over what she'd lost, and overrode all of her objections and struggles because how dare she leave their super special magical island to do her own thing. Or at least that's how it came across. With most of her siblings, their first reactions are to yell at her, and that's really not ok.
Which leads to the second negative - I actually think the book was too short. I think it would have been drastically improved by additional scenes that expanded the family connections, the romance, and the mystery/politics.
All that said, I would like to read more in this world, and it looks like we might be getting Seb's story next? He was my favorite secondary character (and one of the nicer family members), so I'm hoping his story is a good one.
This is a new cozy fantasy series feature tiny teacup dragons! I love a good cozy fantasy, but I confess I had some mixed feelings about this one.
The positives:
The teacup dragons were so much fun, and I loved Jade's connection to Portia. There's a lot of lore and dragon backstory to be explored, and I think it's really neat. I liked the solution to some of the dragon health issues, and learning about the sanctuary and teacup dragons was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the magic system, what we learned of it so far,
The romance between Portia and Noah was very sweet. The spicy scene was rather random in a "everybody likes a bit of spice these days, right?" way, but it was ok. I preferred those times when they were working together and connecting, but it also would have been really sweet to see them spend non-working time just getting to know one another.
The students, Felicity and Maxim, stole the show in the brief scenes they were in - they need their own book. And Gilden definitely needs more scene time. He was fantastic.
The negatives:
Portia's family was rather selfish and mean. I think the author meant to portray a teasing, "always speaks their mind but lovingly" family, but it didn't come across that way as a reader. They were dismissive of her 12 years of hard work, ignored her grief over what she'd lost, and overrode all of her objections and struggles because how dare she leave their super special magical island to do her own thing. Or at least that's how it came across. With most of her siblings, their first reactions are to yell at her, and that's really not ok.
Which leads to the second negative - I actually think the book was too short. I think it would have been drastically improved by additional scenes that expanded the family connections, the romance, and the mystery/politics.
All that said, I would like to read more in this world, and it looks like we might be getting Seb's story next? He was my favorite secondary character (and one of the nicer family members), so I'm hoping his story is a good one.
September 6, 2026
3.75⭐️
Okay so if I had to pick a cozy fantasy place to live, I think Starling Island might be the new top of the list. This book was sooooo incredibly cute, and I absolutely adored the setting and the magical world that was woven.
Obviously our standout star character had to be Jade, she took my entire heart and I now want a Teacup dragon of my own, in fact, I want a whole flight of them. I might actually just want to be great aunt Iris and live in the castle on Starling Island in the orangery, I think that might be the best life to live.
The whole plot following Portia looking after Jade and the other dragons truly was so good, I enjoyed it so much seeing her learning more about the magic and harnessing it while also creating such a beautiful bond with Jade, and there was more action than I expected in this book, and it definitely kept me invested. Noah was a good character too, and it was nice seeing his views change as well as the book went on.
Now, it’s rare that I say this, but I think this book could have done with being a bit longer because the relationships between characters felt rushed or not as real as they could have been. I found myself actually just hoping Portia and Noah stayed as friends because it was very wishy-washy with a “I dislike you. No wait I like you. No I dislike you.” Over and over again to the point I didn’t believe they actually could truly like each other, and maybe if this book was longer their relationship could have been shown to progress more organically than it did. I also felt we could have found out more about Portia’s siblings and the family dynamic, because at points Portia spoke of them in her internal monologue like she had had a massive falling out with them but then they meet in person and it was actually all okay, so I was just sometimes a little confused. And it’s not like I would have complained about being in this world for another hundred pages to see these developments better, because I was obsessed with this world.
It looks like there’s gonna be a book two so I absolutely will be continuing this series when it comes out.
Thank you to Net Galley for the arc! All views are my own.
Okay so if I had to pick a cozy fantasy place to live, I think Starling Island might be the new top of the list. This book was sooooo incredibly cute, and I absolutely adored the setting and the magical world that was woven.
Obviously our standout star character had to be Jade, she took my entire heart and I now want a Teacup dragon of my own, in fact, I want a whole flight of them. I might actually just want to be great aunt Iris and live in the castle on Starling Island in the orangery, I think that might be the best life to live.
The whole plot following Portia looking after Jade and the other dragons truly was so good, I enjoyed it so much seeing her learning more about the magic and harnessing it while also creating such a beautiful bond with Jade, and there was more action than I expected in this book, and it definitely kept me invested. Noah was a good character too, and it was nice seeing his views change as well as the book went on.
Now, it’s rare that I say this, but I think this book could have done with being a bit longer because the relationships between characters felt rushed or not as real as they could have been. I found myself actually just hoping Portia and Noah stayed as friends because it was very wishy-washy with a “I dislike you. No wait I like you. No I dislike you.” Over and over again to the point I didn’t believe they actually could truly like each other, and maybe if this book was longer their relationship could have been shown to progress more organically than it did. I also felt we could have found out more about Portia’s siblings and the family dynamic, because at points Portia spoke of them in her internal monologue like she had had a massive falling out with them but then they meet in person and it was actually all okay, so I was just sometimes a little confused. And it’s not like I would have complained about being in this world for another hundred pages to see these developments better, because I was obsessed with this world.
It looks like there’s gonna be a book two so I absolutely will be continuing this series when it comes out.
Thank you to Net Galley for the arc! All views are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🐉☕️ The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary by Jessica Thorne ☕️🐉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this one! 💕 And thank you for sending it to me directly — I was SO excited to read it!
I love a cute dragon book, and cozy fantasy with a dragon sanctuary?! UGH. PERFECTION.
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary was exactly the kind of cozy, magical read I needed. I loved getting transported to Starling Island and meeting all the adorable little rescue dragons. Honestly, the dragons alone had me completely sold.
Portia and Noah were also SO much fun. These two do NOT get along when they first meet, and I loved watching all that irritation slowly turn into something more. 😂 The enemies-to-lovers tension was cute, and I really enjoyed seeing them put their differences aside to help the dragons.
The sanctuary itself was definitely one of my favorite parts. There’s something so comforting about a place dedicated to rescuing sickly and unwanted dragons and giving them somewhere safe to belong. 🥹 It gave the story such a warm found-family feeling.
I also really liked that both Portia and Noah have their own dreams and struggles. Portia is dealing with her family's reputation and everything that comes with being connected to the Academy, while Noah is trying to prove himself and get closer to his dream of studying dragons. Watching their paths come together made the story even more enjoyable.
There were a few slower moments for me, but honestly, this is a cozy fantasy, so I didn't mind taking my time with it. I was there for the dragons, the magical island, the romance, and ALL the cozy vibes. 😂
Overall, The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary was adorable, magical, heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted from a cozy fantasy. I absolutely loved the rescue dragons and the feeling of finding a home with people who understand you.
Cute dragons + cozy fantasy + magical sanctuary + enemies-to-lovers + found family? YES. GIVE ME ALL OF IT. 🐉☕️💕
I NEED MORE TEACUP DRAGONS IN MY LIFE.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this one! 💕 And thank you for sending it to me directly — I was SO excited to read it!
I love a cute dragon book, and cozy fantasy with a dragon sanctuary?! UGH. PERFECTION.
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary was exactly the kind of cozy, magical read I needed. I loved getting transported to Starling Island and meeting all the adorable little rescue dragons. Honestly, the dragons alone had me completely sold.
Portia and Noah were also SO much fun. These two do NOT get along when they first meet, and I loved watching all that irritation slowly turn into something more. 😂 The enemies-to-lovers tension was cute, and I really enjoyed seeing them put their differences aside to help the dragons.
The sanctuary itself was definitely one of my favorite parts. There’s something so comforting about a place dedicated to rescuing sickly and unwanted dragons and giving them somewhere safe to belong. 🥹 It gave the story such a warm found-family feeling.
I also really liked that both Portia and Noah have their own dreams and struggles. Portia is dealing with her family's reputation and everything that comes with being connected to the Academy, while Noah is trying to prove himself and get closer to his dream of studying dragons. Watching their paths come together made the story even more enjoyable.
There were a few slower moments for me, but honestly, this is a cozy fantasy, so I didn't mind taking my time with it. I was there for the dragons, the magical island, the romance, and ALL the cozy vibes. 😂
Overall, The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary was adorable, magical, heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted from a cozy fantasy. I absolutely loved the rescue dragons and the feeling of finding a home with people who understand you.
Cute dragons + cozy fantasy + magical sanctuary + enemies-to-lovers + found family? YES. GIVE ME ALL OF IT. 🐉☕️💕
I NEED MORE TEACUP DRAGONS IN MY LIFE.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a self-proclaimed dragon super fan, I was absolutely thrilled to pick up this cozy fantasy! 🐉✨
What it’s about:
Portia is our FMC, determined to enhance her apothecary skills at the prestigious Academy—an establishment that has historically snubbed her family. After a chaotic run-in with Virginia, an abusive Teacup Dragon breeder with elite connections, Portia is placed on temporary leave. She retreats home to Starling Island, where her great-aunt Iris runs a Teacup Dragon Sanctuary. Together with Noah, the infuriating yet handsome sanctuary vet, Portia stumbles upon a universal restorative potion that could redeem her family name. But with Virginia’s ongoing schemes and heavy self-doubt, the path forward is anything but easy.
Why I loved it:
Relatable FMC: Portia is incredibly driven and relatable. She wants to get ahead but constantly faces unfair obstacles beyond her control.
Enemies-to-Lovers: The romance with Noah was fantastic! I loved watching him set aside his pride to truly recognize Portia's immense skill and heart.
The Family Dynamics: Portia’s family added so much warmth to the story. I honestly wish we got even more of them! There is a lot left up in the air regarding her brother Seb and his relationship with Milo, so I really hope that gets explored in a sequel.
The Ending: No spoilers, but a surprise reveal at the end completely made the book for me as a dragon lover! 🤫
If you are looking for a cozy, heartwarming read packed with adorable dragon companions, I’d definitely recommend this one. ☕️🩹
Huge thank you to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review! 🙌
What it’s about:
Portia is our FMC, determined to enhance her apothecary skills at the prestigious Academy—an establishment that has historically snubbed her family. After a chaotic run-in with Virginia, an abusive Teacup Dragon breeder with elite connections, Portia is placed on temporary leave. She retreats home to Starling Island, where her great-aunt Iris runs a Teacup Dragon Sanctuary. Together with Noah, the infuriating yet handsome sanctuary vet, Portia stumbles upon a universal restorative potion that could redeem her family name. But with Virginia’s ongoing schemes and heavy self-doubt, the path forward is anything but easy.
Why I loved it:
Relatable FMC: Portia is incredibly driven and relatable. She wants to get ahead but constantly faces unfair obstacles beyond her control.
Enemies-to-Lovers: The romance with Noah was fantastic! I loved watching him set aside his pride to truly recognize Portia's immense skill and heart.
The Family Dynamics: Portia’s family added so much warmth to the story. I honestly wish we got even more of them! There is a lot left up in the air regarding her brother Seb and his relationship with Milo, so I really hope that gets explored in a sequel.
The Ending: No spoilers, but a surprise reveal at the end completely made the book for me as a dragon lover! 🤫
If you are looking for a cozy, heartwarming read packed with adorable dragon companions, I’d definitely recommend this one. ☕️🩹
Huge thank you to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review! 🙌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Plot and Vibe Summary
Exiled from her Academy due to family politics, Portia Starling returns home to Starling Island and teams up with Noah, a magicless veterinarian caring for tiny rescue dragons. The vibe is a deeply comforting, low stakes cozy fantasy centered on healing, community, and slow burn romance.
What Worked
The magical creatures stole the show for me. The descriptions of the sick little teacup dragons being nursed back to health were absolutely precious and heartwarming. I also loved the dynamic between Portia and Noah. Their initial clashing felt very organic, and watching them slowly learn to trust each other while managing the sanctuary felt earned. The magical apothecary element combined with veterinary science added a really unique layer to the world building.
Final Thoughts
This is an absolute must read for fans of cozy fantasy who just want to escape into a world of tiny dragons and sweet romance. It is a beautiful start to a new series, and I cannot wait to return to Starling Island in the next installment.
Book Breakdown
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, grump meets sunshine, small town fantasy, workplace romance
Spice Level: Sweet romance with minimal spice, mostly behind closed doors
Trigger Warnings: Past family neglect, illness of animals, grief
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGally for sending an ARC or advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Exiled from her Academy due to family politics, Portia Starling returns home to Starling Island and teams up with Noah, a magicless veterinarian caring for tiny rescue dragons. The vibe is a deeply comforting, low stakes cozy fantasy centered on healing, community, and slow burn romance.
What Worked
The magical creatures stole the show for me. The descriptions of the sick little teacup dragons being nursed back to health were absolutely precious and heartwarming. I also loved the dynamic between Portia and Noah. Their initial clashing felt very organic, and watching them slowly learn to trust each other while managing the sanctuary felt earned. The magical apothecary element combined with veterinary science added a really unique layer to the world building.
Final Thoughts
This is an absolute must read for fans of cozy fantasy who just want to escape into a world of tiny dragons and sweet romance. It is a beautiful start to a new series, and I cannot wait to return to Starling Island in the next installment.
Book Breakdown
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, grump meets sunshine, small town fantasy, workplace romance
Spice Level: Sweet romance with minimal spice, mostly behind closed doors
Trigger Warnings: Past family neglect, illness of animals, grief
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGally for sending an ARC or advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"When you protect the least of us, you invite the respect of all."
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book!
I absolutely adored this book. It was the perfect cozy, whimsical read and gave me all the warm, magical feelings I was hoping for.
I loved Portia and her journey, especially watching her realize that she doesn't have to fix all the problems her ancestors created. She gets to choose her own path and, most importantly, learn that being exactly who she is, is okay. That message really resonated with me. Watching Portia's bond with Jade grow, and all of the teacup dragons were such a treat. They brought so much charm and personality to the story, and I would happily spend my days surrounded by tiny dragons.
I also loved Noah and his journey of learning that sometimes even the best-laid plans change. I appreciated his strong morals and how deeply he cared for the people he loved.
This book was cozy, magical, heartfelt, and just plain delightful. I loved my time at the sanctuary and with these characters.
Now I just need book two, please!
If you love cozy fantasy, found family, romance, and adorable magical creatures, definitely add this one to your TBR.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book!
I absolutely adored this book. It was the perfect cozy, whimsical read and gave me all the warm, magical feelings I was hoping for.
I loved Portia and her journey, especially watching her realize that she doesn't have to fix all the problems her ancestors created. She gets to choose her own path and, most importantly, learn that being exactly who she is, is okay. That message really resonated with me. Watching Portia's bond with Jade grow, and all of the teacup dragons were such a treat. They brought so much charm and personality to the story, and I would happily spend my days surrounded by tiny dragons.
I also loved Noah and his journey of learning that sometimes even the best-laid plans change. I appreciated his strong morals and how deeply he cared for the people he loved.
This book was cozy, magical, heartfelt, and just plain delightful. I loved my time at the sanctuary and with these characters.
Now I just need book two, please!
If you love cozy fantasy, found family, romance, and adorable magical creatures, definitely add this one to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not going to lie - I had pretty high hopes for this book. I'm a sucker for a book that has dragons, but make it a cozy book? I'm all over it. That said, I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as I thought I would. I gave it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I loved how Jade and Portia bonded - I thought it was really sweet and heartwarming. Also, who doesn't want to bond with a dragon of any size? If I'm being honest, that's probably where the things I loved really ended. The romance between Portia and Noah seemed to escalate quickly, which was interesting considering they don't really have a lot of meaningful interactions. Let's not get started on the sex scene - that was completely out of left field, and the story could have done without.
It also felt like the book jumped around a lot; there were a lot of characters introduced who were integral to the story, and I wish the whole system of magic had been more fleshed out along with the history of Portia's family and how they got to where they were.
All in all, the story was mostly easy to read, and I overall enjoyed myself.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved how Jade and Portia bonded - I thought it was really sweet and heartwarming. Also, who doesn't want to bond with a dragon of any size? If I'm being honest, that's probably where the things I loved really ended. The romance between Portia and Noah seemed to escalate quickly, which was interesting considering they don't really have a lot of meaningful interactions. Let's not get started on the sex scene - that was completely out of left field, and the story could have done without.
It also felt like the book jumped around a lot; there were a lot of characters introduced who were integral to the story, and I wish the whole system of magic had been more fleshed out along with the history of Portia's family and how they got to where they were.
All in all, the story was mostly easy to read, and I overall enjoyed myself.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary was such a cute and cozy fantasy read. The combination of a magical island, a dragon sanctuary, a little mystery, and romance made this a really easy book to settle into.
I really enjoyed Portia’s story and watching her return to Starling Island and reconnect with her family while figuring out what she actually wants for herself. Her relationship with Jade was definitely one of my favorite parts. Jade was such a fun little character, and the teacup dragons added so much charm to the story. 🐉
I also liked the worldbuilding, especially the mix of magic, potions, dragon lore, and the different perspectives of people with and without magic. There was enough mystery and adventure to keep the story moving while still maintaining that cozy atmosphere.
The romance between Portia and Noah was probably the part I connected with the least, but I still enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they spent more time together.
Overall, this was a sweet, whimsical read with a fun magical world, lovable dragons, and plenty of cozy vibes. I’m definitely interested in seeing where the series goes next. 4.5⭐
Thank you to Jessica Thorne, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Pub. date: Sep. 14th 2026
#TheTeacupDragonSanctuary #NetGalley
I really enjoyed Portia’s story and watching her return to Starling Island and reconnect with her family while figuring out what she actually wants for herself. Her relationship with Jade was definitely one of my favorite parts. Jade was such a fun little character, and the teacup dragons added so much charm to the story. 🐉
I also liked the worldbuilding, especially the mix of magic, potions, dragon lore, and the different perspectives of people with and without magic. There was enough mystery and adventure to keep the story moving while still maintaining that cozy atmosphere.
The romance between Portia and Noah was probably the part I connected with the least, but I still enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they spent more time together.
Overall, this was a sweet, whimsical read with a fun magical world, lovable dragons, and plenty of cozy vibes. I’m definitely interested in seeing where the series goes next. 4.5⭐
Thank you to Jessica Thorne, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Pub. date: Sep. 14th 2026
#TheTeacupDragonSanctuary #NetGalley
September 13, 2026
If you love the warm, soulful fantasy of A.T. Qureshi, T.J. Klune and Sarah Beth Durst, you’re going to adore Starling Island ✨
Portia Starling knows how this goes – clash with the Academy, and with her family’s rocky reputation, she’s the obvious one to take the fall. So she heads back to the island she hasn’t called home in years, waiting to hear what punishment they’ll hand down.
Noah Turner has spent forever dreaming of studying Elanholm’s magnificent dragons, but as a magic-free vet, getting the chance feels impossible. So when a spot opens up at Iris Starling’s dragon sanctuary, he jumps at it – it could be his one shot to make his dream real.
Naturally, they rub each other up the wrong way straight away. Noah writes Portia off as some privileged Academy type treating dragons like a hobby; Portia thinks he’s stubborn, overbearing and way too quick to judge. But these are fragile, sick rescue dragons relying on both of them – and they’ll have to let go of their first impressions if they want to keep them safe.
Full of heart, gentle humour and so much healing, this is such a promising start to a brand new series.
Portia Starling knows how this goes – clash with the Academy, and with her family’s rocky reputation, she’s the obvious one to take the fall. So she heads back to the island she hasn’t called home in years, waiting to hear what punishment they’ll hand down.
Noah Turner has spent forever dreaming of studying Elanholm’s magnificent dragons, but as a magic-free vet, getting the chance feels impossible. So when a spot opens up at Iris Starling’s dragon sanctuary, he jumps at it – it could be his one shot to make his dream real.
Naturally, they rub each other up the wrong way straight away. Noah writes Portia off as some privileged Academy type treating dragons like a hobby; Portia thinks he’s stubborn, overbearing and way too quick to judge. But these are fragile, sick rescue dragons relying on both of them – and they’ll have to let go of their first impressions if they want to keep them safe.
Full of heart, gentle humour and so much healing, this is such a promising start to a brand new series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a beautiful, unique and delightful story! When I first saw a post about this book I knew it was a perfect book for me and I was right ♡
I was hooked from the beginning and if you know my reviews, cute animal companions are one of my absolute favourites and there was a whole bunch of them! Little dragons who fit around a teacup - I mean come on, that's a dream! If they were real, I would lay the world out for them and would do anything for them! I would be their pet and servant to command.
The romance story started with a situation that didn't ignite the right kind of sparks from her. But the cute story that unfolds between them is great. I loved that their relationship grew through arguments, sweet moments, caring and bad situations.
All the secrets and mysteries are intriguing and I have to read every book of this interconnected standalone series to learn them all!
If you are looking for a cosy and captivating read with tiny dragons and a beautiful love story and a great family, you found it!
I was hooked from the beginning and if you know my reviews, cute animal companions are one of my absolute favourites and there was a whole bunch of them! Little dragons who fit around a teacup - I mean come on, that's a dream! If they were real, I would lay the world out for them and would do anything for them! I would be their pet and servant to command.
The romance story started with a situation that didn't ignite the right kind of sparks from her. But the cute story that unfolds between them is great. I loved that their relationship grew through arguments, sweet moments, caring and bad situations.
All the secrets and mysteries are intriguing and I have to read every book of this interconnected standalone series to learn them all!
If you are looking for a cosy and captivating read with tiny dragons and a beautiful love story and a great family, you found it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Libro.fm for the gifted copy!
This was a cozy fantasy full of adorably tiny dragons. Portia Starling retreats to her home on Starling Island after unexpectedly creating trouble at the Academy. Back on the island, she spends time with vet, Noah Turner who has spent time researching dragons. While their personalities initially clash, they soon join forces to help save the teacup dragons.
I loved the little teacup dragons and dragons in this story. Jade was my favorite dragon, and her connection to Portia was so interesting! There was a touch of mystery included. Watching Portia and Noah grow closer as they worked to figure out why the dragons were sick and how they could heal them was so sweet. They definitely took some time to connect with one another and allowed their romance to grow over time. I do wish that background info had been shared about Portia's family and the history of the island and that the magic system had been explained a bit more. Even without those elements being fully developed, I really enjoyed this world and would love to explore it more!
This was a cozy fantasy full of adorably tiny dragons. Portia Starling retreats to her home on Starling Island after unexpectedly creating trouble at the Academy. Back on the island, she spends time with vet, Noah Turner who has spent time researching dragons. While their personalities initially clash, they soon join forces to help save the teacup dragons.
I loved the little teacup dragons and dragons in this story. Jade was my favorite dragon, and her connection to Portia was so interesting! There was a touch of mystery included. Watching Portia and Noah grow closer as they worked to figure out why the dragons were sick and how they could heal them was so sweet. They definitely took some time to connect with one another and allowed their romance to grow over time. I do wish that background info had been shared about Portia's family and the history of the island and that the magic system had been explained a bit more. Even without those elements being fully developed, I really enjoyed this world and would love to explore it more!
September 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Portia & Noah 🐉✨
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into this charming yet magical world of teacup dragons, hidden secrets, and unexpected danger. Portia is determined, caring, and willing to fight for the creatures she loves—even when it puts her own future at risk. When she returns home to her island, the last thing she expects is to be working alongside Noah… someone she immediately clashes with. 😅
Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was so much fun! The tension, bickering, and gradual connection between them made me want to keep turning the pages. Add in an enchanting dragon sanctuary, mysterious magic, and twists I did not see coming, and this book became such an entertaining read. 🐲💫
I loved the balance of cozy fantasy vibes with higher-stakes moments, heartfelt family connections, and just enough romance. If you enjoy magical creatures, island settings, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers romance, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up!
I cannot wait for the next book! 💜
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into this charming yet magical world of teacup dragons, hidden secrets, and unexpected danger. Portia is determined, caring, and willing to fight for the creatures she loves—even when it puts her own future at risk. When she returns home to her island, the last thing she expects is to be working alongside Noah… someone she immediately clashes with. 😅
Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was so much fun! The tension, bickering, and gradual connection between them made me want to keep turning the pages. Add in an enchanting dragon sanctuary, mysterious magic, and twists I did not see coming, and this book became such an entertaining read. 🐲💫
I loved the balance of cozy fantasy vibes with higher-stakes moments, heartfelt family connections, and just enough romance. If you enjoy magical creatures, island settings, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers romance, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up!
I cannot wait for the next book! 💜
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
A charming series opener set on a family run dragon sanctuary full of teacup sized dragons, whimsical and full of heart. Portia is easy to root for, especially in her fierce advocacy for the sanctuary's sickly dragons and her determination to hold her prickly, dismissive family together. Her slow thaw with Noah, the dragon loving vet convinced she's just another Academy poser, builds nicely from bickering into something sweeter as they team up to save the dragons in their care. The dragon lore and worldbuilding are genuine standouts, inventive and magical, and side characters like Felicity, Maxim, and Gilden steal every scene they're in. The pacing moves quickly, which leaves the family history, romance, and wider mystery wanting a bit more, but the cozy atmosphere and romance carry make it flow. A wholesome, feel good start to a series with plenty of charm and an adorable cast of dragons.
A charming series opener set on a family run dragon sanctuary full of teacup sized dragons, whimsical and full of heart. Portia is easy to root for, especially in her fierce advocacy for the sanctuary's sickly dragons and her determination to hold her prickly, dismissive family together. Her slow thaw with Noah, the dragon loving vet convinced she's just another Academy poser, builds nicely from bickering into something sweeter as they team up to save the dragons in their care. The dragon lore and worldbuilding are genuine standouts, inventive and magical, and side characters like Felicity, Maxim, and Gilden steal every scene they're in. The pacing moves quickly, which leaves the family history, romance, and wider mystery wanting a bit more, but the cozy atmosphere and romance carry make it flow. A wholesome, feel good start to a series with plenty of charm and an adorable cast of dragons.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is such a cosy read perfect for autumn, with the book giving me such a warm feeling throughout the story.
I loved the special bond between Portia and Jade and the ways in which their connection grew throughout the book. The teacup dragons was such an interesting addition to the story, with Jade being my favourite dragon.
Portia’s journey though finding herself was very enjoyable to read and the ways in which she discovers that she can be herself was very relatable.
Noah’s deeply caring personality was a great addition to this story, with his and Portia’s strong morals surrounding the treatment of the teacup dragons being greatly appreciated.
Overall, this was an enjoyable cosy fantasy romance that had the perfect amount of adorable dragons.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc, I really enjoyed my time at the sanctuary and I can’t wait to continue this story.
I loved the special bond between Portia and Jade and the ways in which their connection grew throughout the book. The teacup dragons was such an interesting addition to the story, with Jade being my favourite dragon.
Portia’s journey though finding herself was very enjoyable to read and the ways in which she discovers that she can be herself was very relatable.
Noah’s deeply caring personality was a great addition to this story, with his and Portia’s strong morals surrounding the treatment of the teacup dragons being greatly appreciated.
Overall, this was an enjoyable cosy fantasy romance that had the perfect amount of adorable dragons.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc, I really enjoyed my time at the sanctuary and I can’t wait to continue this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC for review, thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.
This is the definition of a cosy fantasy - I mean, who doesn't want to be surrounded by tiny dragons? I want my own now.
I loved both Portia and Noah, the journies they went on individually were really heartfelt but together, they are an absolute dream. Although it escalated quickly, the romance between them was a nice touch and definitely contributed to that cosy feel.
Also had a soft spot for Seb, I wish there were more to his story but can only hope there's more to come for him in the next book.
It's giving small town series vibes, but the fact that it's a fantasy gives it such a different feel so it isn't just the same as all the rest - I hope that continues throughout the series (however many books there may be) because I'm enjoying it so far.
If you're a dragon lover, of any size, you'll definitely enjoy this book!
This is the definition of a cosy fantasy - I mean, who doesn't want to be surrounded by tiny dragons? I want my own now.
I loved both Portia and Noah, the journies they went on individually were really heartfelt but together, they are an absolute dream. Although it escalated quickly, the romance between them was a nice touch and definitely contributed to that cosy feel.
Also had a soft spot for Seb, I wish there were more to his story but can only hope there's more to come for him in the next book.
It's giving small town series vibes, but the fact that it's a fantasy gives it such a different feel so it isn't just the same as all the rest - I hope that continues throughout the series (however many books there may be) because I'm enjoying it so far.
If you're a dragon lover, of any size, you'll definitely enjoy this book!
September 16, 2026
I love this book! The teacup dragons are ADORABLE, but they are also well intergrated into the fantasy world, so they're not just a cutesy addition. The world is well realised and believable. I especially liked the contrast between the rule obsessed and stifling academy and the more laissez faire atmosphere of Starling Island.
Portia is wonderfully prickly. It's nice to see a 'difficult woman' as a heroine (she's not 'difficult' she's just very good at what she does and impatient with idiots who can't keep up). Noah is very sweet and exactly what she needs. I also liked the secondary characters.
The baddie was believable too - rather than being an all powerful big bad, she's the kind of petty, small minded bully that you could easily encounter in real life!
I enjoyed this cosy fantasy so much. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I read an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Portia is wonderfully prickly. It's nice to see a 'difficult woman' as a heroine (she's not 'difficult' she's just very good at what she does and impatient with idiots who can't keep up). Noah is very sweet and exactly what she needs. I also liked the secondary characters.
The baddie was believable too - rather than being an all powerful big bad, she's the kind of petty, small minded bully that you could easily encounter in real life!
I enjoyed this cosy fantasy so much. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
I read an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC.
First of all, this cover is absolutely gorgeous and I love the cute mini dragons. Second, I am going to need a teacup dragon and a job at the sanctuary. This book was everything. It was sweet, cozy, and a bit romantic. I love Portia and Noah and how they care for the teacup dragons. Portia especially has a special relationship with Jade and Jade is an adorable, fiesty, and strong little teacup dragon. I loved every scene that included Jade and I wanted more and more of her to show up even though she shows up quiet a bit. I also liked how the sanctuary treats the teacup dragons humanly and personally wish that they continue to be the sanctuary that they are. Overall, this was a cute and cozy read, and if you like dragons and are looking for something a bit different, you need to read this book ASAP.
First of all, this cover is absolutely gorgeous and I love the cute mini dragons. Second, I am going to need a teacup dragon and a job at the sanctuary. This book was everything. It was sweet, cozy, and a bit romantic. I love Portia and Noah and how they care for the teacup dragons. Portia especially has a special relationship with Jade and Jade is an adorable, fiesty, and strong little teacup dragon. I loved every scene that included Jade and I wanted more and more of her to show up even though she shows up quiet a bit. I also liked how the sanctuary treats the teacup dragons humanly and personally wish that they continue to be the sanctuary that they are. Overall, this was a cute and cozy read, and if you like dragons and are looking for something a bit different, you need to read this book ASAP.
August 27, 2026
★★★★☆
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary by Jessica Throne is a charming and imaginative read with a cozy atmosphere and plenty of magical moments. I especially enjoyed the adorable dragons and the sense of wonder throughout the story. The characters were engaging, and the sanctuary itself was such a fun setting to explore.
My biggest wish was for more insight into why her family was so hostile and dismissive of her endeavors and dreams. I felt that exploring that family dynamic more deeply would have added another layer of emotional depth to the story and helped me better understand their behavior.
Overall, it was a delightful and heartwarming read, and I enjoyed the cozy fantasy atmosphere and magical creatures. A lovely choice for readers looking for a feel-good adventure with plenty of charm.
The Teacup Dragon Sanctuary by Jessica Throne is a charming and imaginative read with a cozy atmosphere and plenty of magical moments. I especially enjoyed the adorable dragons and the sense of wonder throughout the story. The characters were engaging, and the sanctuary itself was such a fun setting to explore.
My biggest wish was for more insight into why her family was so hostile and dismissive of her endeavors and dreams. I felt that exploring that family dynamic more deeply would have added another layer of emotional depth to the story and helped me better understand their behavior.
Overall, it was a delightful and heartwarming read, and I enjoyed the cozy fantasy atmosphere and magical creatures. A lovely choice for readers looking for a feel-good adventure with plenty of charm.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a wonderful cozy read. And I really like that the FMC is strong, independent, and yet has flaws. She isn’t waiting for someone to save her all the time or becomes someone else because there is an attractive man around, as in some books. Love how she keeps moving forward even when she feels her world is falling apart. She has an amazing, even though a bit unique family.
The idea of a world of teacup sized dragons is amazing and as someone who has been involved animal rescue, I adored how passionate Portia is about saving the little dragon that comes into her life, and how the family is devoted to rescue and care of the teacup dragons.
Story is steadily paced and characters well developed and, I just enjoyed the journey of the story. Was like wrapping in a cozy blanket after a hard day. I hope to read more of this world.
Arc read
The idea of a world of teacup sized dragons is amazing and as someone who has been involved animal rescue, I adored how passionate Portia is about saving the little dragon that comes into her life, and how the family is devoted to rescue and care of the teacup dragons.
Story is steadily paced and characters well developed and, I just enjoyed the journey of the story. Was like wrapping in a cozy blanket after a hard day. I hope to read more of this world.
Arc read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for the advanced copy of the book.
This was a cute romance story with a bit of mystery thrown in.
Portia Starling is a professor who ends up suspended after rescuing a Teacup dragon from a nasty old wealthy woman Portia ends up heading home to work at her great aunt's dragon sanctuary.
She ends up continuing her research and bonds with the new vet.
The book is the perfect length, with lots of action happening near the end. Watching Jade's personality come out in certain scenes stole the show for me. I loved her!
I did find it a bit icky that she describes the s^x scene as "making love", when they had only known each other for a short time, and they hadn't really expressed any interest in each other before that scene.
If you like magic and dragons with some love and mystery thrown in the plot, this is the book for you.
This was a cute romance story with a bit of mystery thrown in.
Portia Starling is a professor who ends up suspended after rescuing a Teacup dragon from a nasty old wealthy woman Portia ends up heading home to work at her great aunt's dragon sanctuary.
She ends up continuing her research and bonds with the new vet.
The book is the perfect length, with lots of action happening near the end. Watching Jade's personality come out in certain scenes stole the show for me. I loved her!
I did find it a bit icky that she describes the s^x scene as "making love", when they had only known each other for a short time, and they hadn't really expressed any interest in each other before that scene.
If you like magic and dragons with some love and mystery thrown in the plot, this is the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** ARC Review ***
Cozy fantasy. A magical island. A little bit of academia, found love, and dragons.
But wait—tiny dragons. Tiny, adorable, basically-petsized dragons. Honestly, what more do I need?
I loved escaping to Starling Island and getting lost in a story that combines a cozy island setting with a dragon sanctuary, a little mystery, romance, and lots of wonderfully cute teacup dragons. It's warm, whimsical, and exactly the kind of low-stakes fantasy that makes me want to curl up on the couch and disappear into another world for a while.
Sweet, magical, and comforting—and yes, I would now like my own teacup dragon, please. <3
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Cozy fantasy. A magical island. A little bit of academia, found love, and dragons.
But wait—tiny dragons. Tiny, adorable, basically-petsized dragons. Honestly, what more do I need?
I loved escaping to Starling Island and getting lost in a story that combines a cozy island setting with a dragon sanctuary, a little mystery, romance, and lots of wonderfully cute teacup dragons. It's warm, whimsical, and exactly the kind of low-stakes fantasy that makes me want to curl up on the couch and disappear into another world for a while.
Sweet, magical, and comforting—and yes, I would now like my own teacup dragon, please. <3
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I could happily have read this in a day if I didn't have to work.
The cosy vibes were immaculate while the book deals with some deeper themes without being too heavy.
For a book that's under 300 pages, it packs a lot in: an intricate world, different types of magic, dragon mythology, class systems, complicated family dynamics and some sweet romance.
This is what I have wanted from so many other cosy dragon books recently. While it is cosy, it still explores a lot and includes great character growth.
I'm so glad it's going to be a series as every character was fun and interesting, so I can't wait to find out more about them.
This was exactly the book I needed.
I could happily have read this in a day if I didn't have to work.
The cosy vibes were immaculate while the book deals with some deeper themes without being too heavy.
For a book that's under 300 pages, it packs a lot in: an intricate world, different types of magic, dragon mythology, class systems, complicated family dynamics and some sweet romance.
This is what I have wanted from so many other cosy dragon books recently. While it is cosy, it still explores a lot and includes great character growth.
I'm so glad it's going to be a series as every character was fun and interesting, so I can't wait to find out more about them.
This was exactly the book I needed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cozy fantasy world; an island full of magic (and relatives), lovely mini dragons, academic pressures and a bit of romance. The imagery that the island and its mini dragons created was lovely, intriguing and magical.
However, the story felt like it was moving a bit too fast for my taste, I would have liked more of everything: more family history background, more time for the romantic story and more time for the magical mystery. Portia and Noah seemed like an interesting couple, but I was left wanting more, to care more.
Thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early reader copy!
However, the story felt like it was moving a bit too fast for my taste, I would have liked more of everything: more family history background, more time for the romantic story and more time for the magical mystery. Portia and Noah seemed like an interesting couple, but I was left wanting more, to care more.
Thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are in the mood to read a cozy, cute, fantasy then this book is perfect! This book was full of vivid imagery, magic and mini teacup sized sweet/chaos dragons. The story takes place on Starling Island at a dragon rescue sanctuary located in a families home that's also a castle.
The book was wholesome, fun, and I fell in love with the tiny dragons! It ultimately is about a family pulling together to protect the dragons from a few nefarious people and plots. The book had some quirky surprises and kept me entertained. I will continue with this series!
Thank you Boldwood and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
The book was wholesome, fun, and I fell in love with the tiny dragons! It ultimately is about a family pulling together to protect the dragons from a few nefarious people and plots. The book had some quirky surprises and kept me entertained. I will continue with this series!
Thank you Boldwood and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I took a leap and treaded on new efforts in this review process. So, truly, thank you.
This book was absolutely adorable. I will admit, I am not the target audience for the “cozy fantasy” but throw in some dragons & tiny ones & I’m interested— willing to give it a shot.
As cute as this story was, I found myself dragging myself through for a good portion of the middle— however, at about the 80% mark things picked back up and I was all grins and smiles. If you want a feel good book, that’s low stakes I would recommend giving this a try.
I will rate this a 2.75-3.00
This book was absolutely adorable. I will admit, I am not the target audience for the “cozy fantasy” but throw in some dragons & tiny ones & I’m interested— willing to give it a shot.
As cute as this story was, I found myself dragging myself through for a good portion of the middle— however, at about the 80% mark things picked back up and I was all grins and smiles. If you want a feel good book, that’s low stakes I would recommend giving this a try.
I will rate this a 2.75-3.00
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley and Boldwood Books publishing for this arc.
i’m always a sucker for a book with dragons and i’m thrilled that this one really got every mark. cute dragons, charming characters, and magic galore in this beautifully told story of family and standing up for what’s right. i was so interested in the dragons rights aspect and how hard Portia fought for their wellbeing. she’s passionate about not only them, but also about getting her family back on track. it was very eldest sister vibes and i related so much to her. i can’t wait to read more of this series and exploring more of the island.
i’m always a sucker for a book with dragons and i’m thrilled that this one really got every mark. cute dragons, charming characters, and magic galore in this beautifully told story of family and standing up for what’s right. i was so interested in the dragons rights aspect and how hard Portia fought for their wellbeing. she’s passionate about not only them, but also about getting her family back on track. it was very eldest sister vibes and i related so much to her. i can’t wait to read more of this series and exploring more of the island.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastically adorable cozy dragon fantasy. I think this is the third or fourth I've read recently. What can I say, I like books that bring joy. This dragged a little in the middle and there's a decent amount of internal monologuing but the two character POV was excellent and the action scenes make the twists and turns of the story even more fun. I desperately want a teacup dragon of my own. I loved the FMC (there's one scene in particular that will have even the most jaded reader cheering.) And the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC is apparent from their first meeting.
Thank you to Boldwood books and Netgalley for my gifted EARC.
Thank you to Boldwood books and Netgalley for my gifted EARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley for sending me this book.
A cozy read featuring an apothecary professor and a veterinarian who specializes in dragons. Both heading to the same location, the dragon sanctuary. Fall into the magic with cute little dragons and a mystery waiting to be uncovered.
The perfect YA book, suitable for older teens (high school age and up) . It focuses heavily on the plot with elements of the characters relationships. If you are looking for your next read, here it is! You don't want to miss the adventure! Releases September 14th.
Enemies to lovers
Titled professor x vet
Dragons
Sanctuary
Entitled court
Mystery
Cozy read
A cozy read featuring an apothecary professor and a veterinarian who specializes in dragons. Both heading to the same location, the dragon sanctuary. Fall into the magic with cute little dragons and a mystery waiting to be uncovered.
The perfect YA book, suitable for older teens (high school age and up) . It focuses heavily on the plot with elements of the characters relationships. If you are looking for your next read, here it is! You don't want to miss the adventure! Releases September 14th.
Enemies to lovers
Titled professor x vet
Dragons
Sanctuary
Entitled court
Mystery
Cozy read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews