Aurelia has no desire to take polite society by storm. As long as she has a friend by her side and a book in hand, she is perfectly content to linger on the edges of the ballroom. She certainly has no intention of joining the admiring throng around the Earl of Windward, the capital’s most eligible bachelor.
But ignoring the Earl’s captivating smile proves easier than ignoring the magnificent pegasus he rides. After one look at the regal creature, Aurelia cannot ignore the danger threatening the royal pegasus herd—even if it means a closer association with the dangerously handsome Earl.
Helping save the herd shouldn’t put her heart in too much danger—as long as she reminds herself she has no interest in charming flirts and the Earl has no interest in bookworms. Any interest he might show in her is purely pegasus related…isn’t it?
This cozy fantasy romance, filled with regency vibes and fantasy creatures, can be read in one sitting.
Melanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels. She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
This short sweet novella is everything you need in a cozy fantasy with a dash of regency on the side. I think what really makes this story shine is the magical creatures. Why can’t they be real? The romance is just as sweet. A great read for one sitting. I really hope that Phoebe gets her own story!
Recommended reading age (12 yrs+) No spice (just kisses) No explicit language use G Rated violence/gore ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️super cute novella
Violence: A young animal gets trapped in a crevice. A girl gets scrapes and bruises from climbing.
Sexual: A character is described as a charming flirt. Characters note physical features like eyes, smiles, and such. Butterflies in the stomach feeling of attraction described. Swoony on the mouth kisses. Leaning heads on shoulders and holding hands.
At just over 100 pages, this was a sweet cozy fast read. Especially if, like me, you love animals. Especially mythical ones.
This first novella (of many to come I hope) is set in a fantasy kingdom with regency rules and vibes. There are earls and kings and nobility, a "season" where they all get together, and marriage is foremost in the minds of all the ladies to see themselves well situated.
But then there are the adorable mythical creatures. Some I've heard of, and some I believe were made up by the author? Peagsi feature the most in this, but there are also creatures called Oncaryx and vendrillon, which I hope to see more of as well as the mentions of griffins. The best part is that all these creatures are sentient and intelligent...and able to bond with a human of their choice, becoming a life-long companion and friend.
Who wouldn't want that?!
Aurelia is a bookworm that makes friends with a fellow book lover in her first season in the capital. She is also desperately trying to avoid the Earl of Windward, a charming flirt who also earned the name The Pegasus Tamer for saving the King's herd of pegasi. When Aurelia sees her first peagsus, she's enamoured. When she finds out the king's herd is ill, she's determined to help. The problem is...the Earl is also determined to do anything possible to save them. We readers all know where that will end. Hehehe.
If you need a cute quick read that will give warm-happy feels with mythological animal companions, this is the perfect novella for you. Highly recommend!
This was a nice, sweet read! Since it’s intended to be cozy and short, I won’t complain about it being that, although I hoped for a longer story in this world, as I liked it so much. I just had a few unanswered questions that tempered my enjoyment a bit. I will definitely read the next book, though — Cellier is a favorite author!
*Series or Connected Books?* 1st of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
*Point Of View:* Aurelia
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* None!
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
–nothing I noted!
Review:
It’s been a little bit since I had the chance to catch up on my reading of Melanie Cellier’s books, but this book made it so easy to at least get one in!
I loved the sweet and cozy vibes of the Wynkara world! It was so cute to meet some of the magical/fantasy creatures and how they interacted with humans. I loved getting to know Aurelia, her new friend, Aurelia’s love interest, and the pegasi especially.
I’m excited to see what the next book in the series will be like!
Summary:
Aurelia is more content staying on the outskirts of society’s balls with her friend and a book rather than being someone with attention on her. She especially doesn’t want to follow the crowd of adoring women throwing themselves at the Earl of Windward. He might be the most eligible bachelor this season, but he certainly seems to know it and like the crowd.
The only thing Aurelia likes about the earl is his work with the royal pegasi. Pegasi are magnificent creatures and Aurelia would love to find out more about them. But when she discovers an unknown sickness ails the royal pegasus herd, Aurelia finds herself working with the Earl of Windward to try and fix it. His attention to her ideas is only for the pegasus herd, it’s not about her. After all, he said he doesn’t like bookworms…
4.5 stars. Clean cozy fantasy combines with an AU Regency setting in this new lovely romantic Novella. The world is populated by mostly normal people and magical creatures - including some animals who can shapeshift into various objects. Sometimes they bond with a human (they can speak too but rarely do unless it's to their person). This is the first book in a new series set in the fantasy country of Wynkara and it's a great start. Aurelia is a bookworm who is not really into high Society events but has to go to the capital city and take part in the season this year. Like me she carries a book with her wherever she goes - just incase!! (even if it's to a ball!) - I love that! The only thing that catches her attention more than her books are the various magical animals, especially the Pegasi.. and reluctantly the handsome Earl of Windward who rides one. He is popular and usually surrounded, but thankfully he is not what he seems and I really like how he turns out. The two are thrown together in an adventure when the pegasi at the palace need help. Phoebe is also an interesting character and I'd like to know more about her in future adventures. Bramble is adorable! I would have given 5 stars if it was full length so the characters could be more rounded out and we'd see more interactions between them, but it was fun and sweet, heartwarming and just the thing to relieve a stressy day. I'll happily be reading the rest of the series when they are published.
This was such a cute little read. It’s short, easy to get through, and has that light, charming fantasy feel with just enough romance to keep it sweet. The best way I can describe it is Bridgerton meets fantasy, with books, society vibes, and a pegasus thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed the overall atmosphere and how easy it was to sink into. My only complaint is that because it’s a novella, I wanted a little more time with the characters and the romance. It wraps up pretty quickly, and I definitely could have stayed in the story longer. I’d recommend it if you want something light, cozy, and magical without committing to a huge fantasy epic. It’s a perfect little palate cleanser between heavier reads.
The story is rather sweet though, because it is a novella, it moves rather quickly, as does the plot development.
I really enjoyed the fantastical creatures… I am a big fan of Jeff Wheeler, so this was a perfect fit for me.
Of course, I wish that it hadn't been such a quick read because I really liked Aurelia, Danton and Phoebe; but the author creates a well developed and engaging story that took about an hour to read. However, short, it was time well-spent--and entertaining.
Magical creatures, likable characters, and some excitement… A perfect combination.
Cute and cozy regency-style romance in a fantasy world with magical creatures that bond with humans?! Yes please! It’s very well-written, I adored the characters and the glimpses at the world, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. My only gripe? I wish it was a full length story! I enjoyed it so much that I want more time with the characters (although it’s admittedly perfectly contained as is).
Well, that was adorable, though I'm sad it wasn't the same Aurelia I remember so vividly
To be fair, I think she was written by a different author. And it's a nice change to be releasing novellas instead of novels. Much easier to fit in around my exploding schedule. It needs pictures, though!
The Bookworm and the Pegasus is a sweet fun adventure. A great happily ever after when you need one to come quickly. There is adventure, regency social scene, no spice romance, pegasi, and a fantastical creature made for book lovers named Fable. Aurelia is creative, kind, and easy to root for. Altogether another delightful book from Melanie Cellier.
My biggest complaint is that I wish it was a full length book and not a novella. That being said, I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more in this world. Highly recommend for a cute, cozy, quick read. Excellent for sitting down with a cuddly blanket and a mug of something warm and delicious.
This tale is absolutely delightful. It is tightly woven, and the characters are perfect, from the bookwyrm to the fellow bookwyrm that you just knew was somehow related to the drop dead gorgeous Earl. The pegasus stuck in the mountain crevis was her own special kind of character. I easily fell in love with Bramble! I urge you to enjoy yourself with this novella.
Danton and Aurelia are characters that I fell in love with. I just enjoyed their interactions. How fun to read a world with Pegasus. Melanie Cellier's characters are always engaging and their story keeps your attention. I read this in one sitting as it was just so good. Great for all ages! Just amazing clean story.
Danton and Aurelia are characters that I fell in love with. I just enjoyed their interactions. How fun to read a world with Pegasus. Melanie Cellier's characters are always engaging and their story keeps your attention. I read this in one sitting as it was just so good. Great clean story appropriate for all ages. There is just the right amount of whimsy.
I picked it up on a whim and it was so cute, magical, and fast-paced! Perfect book for someone who loves fantasy, but maybe wants a bite-sized romance. Loved the story, it didn't feel rushed and I think the romance was well developed even for such a short book.
This is a cute little novella. It’s light and fun, without a great deal of depth in regard to plot, characters, or the romance. I loved the mix of regency and fantasy, though, and all the mythical creatures.
Content: There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to a lightly descriptive kiss. There are mythical creatures, but no magic. There is no message of faith or God.
What can I say… this novella was super cute and sweet. The romance was absolutely precious, the kind that makes you smile without even realizing it. And the fantastical creatures? I loved every single one — they added so much charm and whimsy to the story.
It’s a clean read that would be perfect for teen readers or anyone who wants something light, magical, and heartwarming.
So happy Melanie Cellier is writing in this genre!
This book is a cozy regency story with fantasy elements. Honestly, what else could you wish for, except maybe the story being a bit longer. It was charming and sweet, and I’m excited to read more in this world!
I really enjoyed the world and characters in thisnovella. The MMC wasn't my cup of tea, but he wasn't a bad character, I just prefer my male leads with a little more of an edge. A cozy read you can knock out in an afternoon from an author who writes great books, can't ask for more.
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this really wonderful book down! I will be reading the next book in this really wonderful series!
This is story quick book but didn't lack anything from the length. Auriela and Danton are good together and her insight into others is very mature. The problem isn't unreasonable and the solution made sense. I'd read another of these just for the fluffy fun of it.
Only read this because it was a kindle unlimited option that checked a box for a reading challenge but it was honestly a lovely little story! Super quick read, regency era romance meets fantasy. And who doesn’t love a Pegasus? Adorable read.
Books and horses, family and friends, intelligence and adventure. Melanie Celliers has crafted a fascinating story with real people. I thorpughly recommend it.