Lemon Tea and Library Dragons: A Cozy Fantasy Romance

by Emma St. Clair

When you want to read about dragons who guard a library instead of doing battle--dragons that might curl up in your lap like a house cat while you’re reading a book--welcome to Castle Briar.

The castle is cursed, but to stay safe, you only need to follow three simple rules:
Be in your room before nightfall
Don’t enter the cursed count’s wing of the castle
And do NOT let the dragons out of the library

Unfortunately, Mirabella’s curiosity is stronger than her need to abide by the rules.

After being traded as a servant to the reclusive count of Castle Briar to pay off her father’s debts, she fully expects to be scrubbing floors or--please, stars, no--chamber pots.

But from the moment a gilded carriage arrives at her cottage (making her stepsisters seethe with jealousy), Mirabella is treated more like a princess than a servant. She's given an opulent bedroom, fine gowns, and exquisite meals served on gold-rimmed china.

The only thing withheld from her are answers.

How did the count come to be cursed by the fae?
What manner of beast is he?
Where are the servants who cook her meals and clean her room?

And what will happen if she breaks not one but all three rules?

The longer she stays at the castle, the more infuriating--and alluring--she finds the count, whom she's spoken with but never been allowed to see.

The count may think he’s lost his humanity, but Mirabella is certain he’s wrong. And she's determined to break the curse … no matter the cost. Even if it's her heart.

Lemon Tea and Library Dragons is a no spice cozy fantasy romance with a hefty dose of autumn core wrapped up in a Beauty and the Beast retelling bow. Set in a lush fantasy world, you'll get low stakes, library dragons, found family, and the swoony romance and romcom humor you’ve come to expect from USA Today Bestselling author Emma St. Clair.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy, Romantasy, Clean Romance, Retellings, Cozy Fantasy

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2026

About the author

Emma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)

Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante

You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.

Reviews

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I'll be the first to admit- I'm not a big fantasy reader. I'll pick one up here and there, but it's definitely not my go-to genre. I do, however, love Emma St. Clair's books and will read anything she decides to write... including this cozy fantasy romance! Again, being that this isn't my typical genre, it did take me a little bit to get fully immersed in the story and wrap my head around the curses and the dragons of it all, but once I did? My goodness, I could not put this one down! I love Beauty and the Beast, so I think that familiarity of the story definitely helped to draw me in. I loved seeing all of the nods to a story I already loved... but while they were evident, there were also many twists that made this story uniquely its own as well. And of course, we get that same humor and swoon that I love in Emma St. Clair's romcoms... just with some extra added magic. If you're looking for a story that is whimsical and cozy that will have you dreaming on your own sky library, this is certainly one to check out.

Lemon Tea and Library Dragons is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫑: kisses only
🤬: none

Such a fun, cozy fantasy book! I loved all of the little bread crumbs we get from fairytales we know and love, and the author’s signature humor mixed with heart. Let me just tell you, my absolute favorite part of this book was the Skybrary… so whimsical and dreamy.

This is not an epic fantasy with tons of world building, but I think that’s where this book’s charm lays. It’s the coziest, sweetest book that you can sit and enjoy. It made me smile and just FEEL GOOD, which I think we all need from time to time.

If you’re looking for an easy read that will make you relive your childhood princess fantasies then this one is for you. 💖

[୨ৎ Tiff ୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not even exaggerating when I say that this has been my favorite Emma St. Clair book to date, & that’s saying a whole heck of a lot because I love her books! Lemon Tea & Library Dragons was nothing short of an actual masterpiece and I was absolutely OBSESSED. It had me in a chokehold from the very start and I hated having to put it down! I do believe she’s found her calling in the fantasy genre, but it was full of everything we love about her books! A swoony, sweet, beautiful, and utterly emotional romance story — this is one for the ages!

I absolutely ADORED Lucian, Silas, and Mirabella from the beginning! Mira & Percy’s (iykyk) story was so beautiful, it literally made me tear up multiple times. I saw a lot of myself in Mira, the good and the bad, and it just made me feel so seen. & Lucian is one of my all time favorite book boyfriends, he is PERFECT! Do yourself a huge, huge favor and read this baby when it releases, you won’t regret it!

🔮 beauty & the beast retelling
🔮 he’s cursed
🔮 bookworm fmc
🔮 grumpy x sunshine
🔮 closed door
🔮 ALL THE TENSION
🔮 slow burn
🔮 cozy fantasy romance
🔮 found family

6⭐️

🫶🏼 thank you Emma for the gifted copy!

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

A sweet and cozy story.

Full review to come soon!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exactly as described—oh so cozy, and I loved it. This is a Beauty and the Beast re-telling and it had its own fantasy tale. It’s always so fun to have our childhood classics retold with a little twist on the magic.

I loved our main characters but how can I not talk about the adorable dragons in this one? They added the sweetest little bit of whimsy. I also loved all the side characters that brought this book together. I found myself really wanting to visit this castle and especially the skybrary!

All in all if you love re-tellings of fairytales with some added whimsy you are in for a treat. This was everything I wanted it to be and so much more.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

CW: closed door (kisses only), cruelty by family members.

[Stephanie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness!!! I was so excited to be part of the Emma St. Clair ARC team for her debut into the realm of romantasy. Just like always, she delivered something so incredibly fun. This was like if all of the best parts of Beauty and the Beast and Ella Enchanted came together to make something entirely new, hilarious, sweet, and deeply moving. With just enough realism to mix with the fantasy, I found myself turning page after page to see when Mirabella would get her “Aha” moment, and when she would get her happily ever after with the man of her choice.

I am not going to go into too many details, because I feel like I could spoil it if I say too much more beyond the fact that the book blurb gives just the right amount of information. (I can also add that my inner Whovian started at one point to internally yell “Don’t blink!”😉)

You can grab your copy today and enjoy something truly special!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elena Gerrald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute cozy fantasy, beauty and the beast retelling! It was fun, charming, whimsical, easy to follow- (not a crazy amount of world building), and a great group of characters!

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful! Charming and cozy and fun, I had the best time reading it!

I always love bookish heroines, and Beauty and the Beast fairytale retellings are my favorite retellings. I loved the way Emma St. Clair changed things and made it her own story, and I also had fun spotting things I recognized from the Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Also, library dragons?? Sign me up!

I’ve been looking forward to this fairytale retelling, and I would love to read more retellings by Emma St. Clair! She always writes delightful books, and this is a new favorite for me!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dusty Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical. 💕

[Betsy And The Books · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

🍋🫖Quotes📚🐉
The air holds the crispness of a green apple, and I draw in a deep breath, feeling like I’m standing on autumn’s doorstop. Though I love the peak of autumn when the trees are all color and glory, I prefer the cusp of autumn when we get hints of the season to come.
Maybe I’m simply a person who savers anticipation almost as much as the arrival of whatever I’m anticipating. Because I’ve found that so often, disappointment follows hope.

“Perhaps it’s time you change the way you think about yourself,” the count says. “And what you deserve.”
“Only if you’ll agree to do the same.”
There is a pause. “And once again, you push.”
“I have no plans of stopping.” Not until he believes in and regains his humanity.
“I hope you don’t. I like that about you,” making me smile.
“Oh, and Mirabella? Whatever you do, don’t let the dragons out of the library.”

Books everywhere. A tall shelf nearby has a ladder with wheels.
And the smell…it’s the perfect bookish scent. It’s paper, leather, and something inexplicable that I only find in bookshops or libraries. I like to think of it as the smell of a story.

Alone.
He doesn’t say the word, but I hear it as surely as though it echoed along the stone floor. I also hear how much it costs him to essentially admit that he’s desperately lonely, longing for companionship. The ache in my chest spreads until I feel it everywhere. If I thought he’d let me, I would part the dresses, step right through the wardrobe, and wrap my arms around him—no matter what kind of creature he is or how fearsome he might look.

“Because that’s what love is: knowing not only the best but the worst of another person, and choosing them anyway.”



🍋🫖My Thoughts📚🐉
This is Emma St Clair’s first dip in the cozy fantasy genre as she typically writes romcoms and this was so cute! I was simply drawn into this world and its characters! It feels so cozy, whimsical, and enchanting I didn’t want it to end!

I loved the inclusion of little Easter eggs or references to other fairytales, movies, or tv shows. I didn’t get them all while reading so I love that she included all those at the end in case you don’t. She tells you about it in an authors note in the beginning of the book and I had so much fun trying to find them while I was reading.

I loved Mirabella and felt so bad for her the way her family treated her. I was thinking sometimes girl how can you not see that or figure it out (IYKYK) but the twist about that totally got me and I was like okay that makes sense now. I loved Bertie and how Mirabella found a mother figure in her. All of their little moments had me tearing up! The count was so mysterious and I was so intrigued by him the whole time. When Mirabella touches him without seeing him and she doesn’t “shutter at his paw” I was literally hearing the beauty and the beast music in my head. Also the library dragons and when Solomon follows Mirabella out of the library and becomes her companion! I was dying of cuteness. The skybrary had me simply enchanted and I loved how fantastical it was! It left me wishing I could visit it myself!

Overall Emma takes The Beauty and The Beast fairytale and puts a unique spin on it and simply makes it her own. I can’t wait for more books in this series!

🍋🫖Thank you Emma St Clair for sending me an e-book to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.📚🐉

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reader’s Notes:

*Series or Connected Books?* 1st of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone

*Point Of View:* Mirabella

*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* there are about 2 mentions of characters cursing without using words on page

*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses & a make-out or two

*Things To Know:*

–there are some attacks and/or creatures seen by characters from the fae realm

-it is mentioned that the count of Castle Briar has many rumors told about him & his form since being cursed

Review:

This was a really cute and cozy Beauty and the Beast retelling! It drew me in from the start and I had so much fun trying to figure out why the count was cursed as well as a few other things that came up in the story. I also loved getting to know Mirabella and the cast of characters she’s surrounded by in the count’s castle! I especially enjoyed Mirabella’s banter with the count and seeing her getting comfortable around him and his staff. I also loved the cook’s stubbornness towards Mirabella in cooking and other things.

I am so excited that there will be more books coming that are set in this world! I’m very curious what kind of creatures and situations we’ll encounter!

Summary:

When Mirabella Costas is traded away to be a servant to the count of Castle Briar, she expected to be given work to do. But instead, from the very moment she’s picked up, Mirabella finds herself being treated like a guest of the count. She is sure that the count’s servants must be mistaken, yet Mirabella finds it hard to get any answers from them or the count about her situation let alone theirs with the curse that’s supposedly on Castle Briar and it’s count. The only thing she is given is a few rules for living in the castle: be in your room before nightfall; do not enter the count’s wing of the castle; and you can’t see the count without something hiding him from view. But Mirabella isn’t one to let her curiosity go.

The longer Mirabella stays in Castle Briar, the more questions she gains. And when the questions grow too interesting, Mirabella finds herself searching for the answers no one else will give her. And in the process, she just may have to break the rules she’s been given…

*I voluntarily read & reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions presented here are my own.*

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and cozy fairytale inspired story, this was so fun to read! I was so excited for Ms. St. Clair’s entry into this genre and it was a lovely read.
Mirabella was so much fun! I loved her kindness and determination, as well as her intelligence and love of reading. She found herself in a difficult situation being sent to pay off her father’s debt and suddenly at a mysterious cursed castle. Mira found herself treated as a princess, but the secrets and rules of the castle quickly become more intriguing, especially as she interacts with the mysterious count, who she has never been allowed to see. Mira was curious and empathetic. She was drawn to the count and the quirky inhabitant of the castle. Soon, she was determined to break the curse.
Mira was such a wonderful narrator and I loved exploring the mystery of the castle with her! The castle was amazing and I loved all the magic of it! The library dragons were adorable and I loved all the inhabitants of the castle! They added such a lively element to the world and I loved how Mira connected with them. The count was really interesting and I loved getting to know him through Mira’s eyes. He had a lot of secrets and felt like hi had lost his humanity. The slow-burn romance was so sweet to read and I really felt for Mira as she was torn throughout the story. The castle had become a safe place for her and I loved seeing her grow there.
The story was inspired by Beauty and the Beast and I loved the fantasy setting with some modern-ish humor and references. It definitely had the flavor of Ms. St. Clair’s romcom with its quirky character and humor. The cozy vibe was also so fun and I loved the relatively low-stakes feeling. This was a wonderful read that is perfect for the fall! It is a cozy romantasy with magical curses, some innuendo, and only kisses.
I received an ARC.

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You were born a man, and it’s only the curse that has changed you … physically. Which means, at heart, you still are a man.”

I don’t ever read fantasy. Like, ever! However, if Emma St. Clair writes a book, I WILL be reading it, no matter what genre it is, and I’m SO glad I read this one! It’s been described as a “cozy fantasy,” and it was just that! It was a lovely retelling of *Beauty and the Beast*, with a touch of fantastical creatures and whimsical elements that I absolutely loved!

Mirabella, oh sweet Mirabella! Bless her clumsy, unlucky little heart! She was so sweet and kind despite her often unfortunate circumstances. She truly was a beauty! And the count, Lucian, with his amazing voice that captivated Mirabella and his kind heart despite the curse he was under! I loved how he and Mirabella bantered during their maze talks and how much he wanted her to be happy!

So many fun side characters too: Bertie, Silas, Hugo, Cedric, and more!!

I don’t want to give too much away, so you’ll just have to read it for yourself and discover all the things to love!

Favorite quotes:

“I can’t even say what my dream would be. Unless reading all day could somehow become a valid occupation.”

“Of course, you’d choose the maze as a meeting place.” “We might as well enjoy the weather before the cold sets in,” he says. “I rather like autumn. And the maze has almost become … our place, has it not?”

“Because that’s what love is: knowing not only the best but the worst of another person, and choosing them anyway.”

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The stubbornness and resistance to receiving help is all man. I've been around enough men to make note of the obstinance that seems to be a formative part of their makeup. And that ignoring it is often the best course of action.
So, I forge ahead."

"He may have lost hope, but I will hold mine tightly enough for the both of us."

"Because that's what love is: knowing not only the best but the worst of another person, and choosing them anyway."

I absolutely loved this one! Emma St. Clare made her first foray into cozy fantasy seamlessly and I enjoyed every minute. I hope she writes more!

This one is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and is a tale as old as time, but with delightful and unique twists involving fae curses, quirky characters, dry humor and an emphasis on identity and healing. I loved how the characters Mirabella and the cursed count Lucian wrestle with and confront the lies regarding the identity and judgements others have given them, helping each other to remember who they truly are and what they are worthy of.

This was wonderfully atmospheric, romantic and fun. I found myself thoroughly engrossed and delighted at every turn. There were a few reveals that I found to be obvious but then there were some twists - even regarding the reveals - that I didn't see coming. If you enjoy cozy fantasy, fairytale retellings, quirky humor, and swoony romance the definitely pick this one up!

[Caren | Hopefulwords · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.

She has done it again!!! New genre, but that same amazing creativity with which she twists events in a new way! It’s part of the reason why she’s one of my favorite authors. Loved it!

Somehow the story feels both fresh and nostalgic, having the feel of a classic fairytale with some brilliant twists. I loved reading it—the story kept my attention while also allowing me to relax and just enjoy it. This novel is heel kicking, squealing with delight, must-tell-others good!

Ahh, the count’s voice! Let’s just say how it’s described reminds me of a movie I saw a long time ago. In a very good way, just in case you’re wondering. I love the way his and Mirabella’s interactions are written!

Ooh, and the side characters come alive on page with their unique traits!

This story feels warm and familiar with the author’s wonderful writing style, yet also like an incredible, cozy adventure! It’s brilliant! Like a new version of your favorite chocolate that you didn’t know you needed.

I can’t wait for the next one!

💜Favorite Bits:
Hugo (he deserves an “Everyone’s Favorite Ogre” mug)
The fresh twists to Beauty and the Beast
Scenes with the main characters
The count has a heart of gold
The way he takes care of her
Her tenacious attitude
The skybrary!!

Content:
Cozy Kingdom Tales: Book one
Cozy Fantasy
Beauty and the Beast Retelling
Magic: No on-page incantations.
Intimacy level: Kisses Only
Language: No profanity
Violence

[Berly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a kisses only cozy fantasy romance. It looks to be the first in the Cozy Kingdom Tales series, which seems to be based on fairy tales.

This story had very strong Beauty and the Beast vibes. The whole story seemed to play out like a Disney movie. There are quirky characters and enchantments.

I don't normally visualize a stroy in my head as I am reading. And while I didn't have super clear details, I probably saw more scenes in my head in this book than any other I've read in a very long time or maybe ever. In my head this had a very Regency Era vibe to it. Probably because of my love for historical romance.

I loved Solomon most, but all the characters were super likeable. The story itself it pretty predictable, but that in no way affected my enjoyment. Perhaps it was even increased because I wanted to see how Emma St Clair was going to make the expected happen in an unexpected way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I don't read books with spells or magic and supernatural elements. But I do watch Disney movies. This is what that felt like.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Emma St. Clair for awhile now and I love her romcoms, but I am also a huge fantasy lover, so I was excited when she announced her cozy fantasy!

I wasn't quite sure what to expect, with this being a new genre, but Emma writes the best love stories, with the best characters, so I knew it would be great.I loved it even more than I thought I would!!

This was so cozy and fun! I loved the fresh take on Beauty and the Beast. The library was the best fictional library I have ever read and I will always be obsessed with dragons.

Overall, this was such a fun world to escape into! This is the perfect book to enjoy while snuggled up on a cool fall day, with a warm cup of tea. I only wish I'd had some lemon tea available to sip while reading.

I'm so excited that there's going to be a second book and that I'll be able to escape back into this world again! Can't wait!

Thank you so much to Emma St. Clair for the opportunity to read and review early!

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

“My stepsisters make pointed jokes about me being cursed. I prefer to think of myself as mildly clumsy with a hefty dose of bad fortune. Cursed sounds so … dramatic.”

I’m not a big fan of fantasy books. But I am a big fan of Emma St. Clair, and this book sounded good, so I gave it a chance. And I’m glad I did! To me it’s more fairy tale than what I typically think of when I hear fantasy, which I know some people may think they are the same thing, but they are different in my mind! This book has humor, suspense, mystery, and romance - all of my favorites! It also has mythical creatures, magic, and an amazing library! I loved reading Mirabelle’s story! I’m looking forward to the next one! Whether fantasy is your typical genre or not, I hope you take a chance on Lemon Tea and Library Dragons!

[Aprilslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO CUTE! I absolutely love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and this was perfection. The whimsy, the fairytale touches. I loved the little bits of magic. It was fun to read an Emma St. Clair book, but in a different genre. Her same fun, quirky personality, but just a little different. I want more in this series. And also I was a skybrary and library dragons of my own. I loved all the little nods to other fairytales and fables. And Veronica Mars, of course, because Logan and Veronica for always.

This was so sweet and fun and the perfect light fantasy so someone who doesn’t want to slog through a ton of world building, but wants a world that is full of magical creatures and tea that never grows cold.

*I was sent a copy of this book by the author. All my opinions are my own.

[Haven Hoopes · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Such a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling with its own spin! It is so cozy and light while also delving into personal growth. I loved the found family aspect and found the side characters just delightful. I’ve loved all of Emma St Clair’s books I’ve read so far including this one!

I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t say too much more but this what just what I needed and it made me smile many many times. I can’t wait to read more and I hope we get more of this fantasy world!

A few of my favorite things:
- Bertie
- The Skybrary
- The maze conversations
- He protects her
- Book/movie/song references
- Her lack of a sense of direction (I relate)
- His intentionality

[Cameron Charping · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

It is cozy season, and @kikimojo has given us a new cozy fantasy to read. Finding out it was a Beauty and the Beast type of story, I was all in. While definitely cozy, Emma’s gift of humor continues to be so pleasantly present. The characters are wonderful. Mira is so quipy, and I loved her time in the maze. I too am geographically challenged and could relate. lol. The romance is wonderful as always with great yearning and tension. Truly all of the character are so wonderful and fun through out the story. But I think Bertie is my favorite.

Thank you so much @kikimojo for the gifted e-copy. Can’t wait for my trophy copy to come in!!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemon Tea and Library Dragons is an interesting start of a new series. Ms. St. Clair proves she is just as gifted a storyteller in this new to her genre as in her usual works. I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Ms. St. Clair brings us the addition of library dragons, missing servants, and more. Fantasy and fairy tale retellings are not my favorite genre, but I found this whimsical take to be a true delight. I loved Mira's interactions with Lucien's horse. There are many things I could say but I feel that they might be spoilers. Just get the book and set aside plenty of time to lose yourself in this most remarkable world.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of fantasy romance, but if Emma St Clair writes a book, it is an auto read for me. This story was so fun, delightful, light and whimsical. A Beauty and the Beast retelling with a bit of a twist. A beautifully written story that I will recommend to my friends and family. I loved the characters in the castle; I loved the reason she was asked to go live in the castle. I loved this quote. “Because that’s what love is: knowing not only the best but the worst of another person and choosing them anyway.” A fabulous story that you will want to add to your TBR, I can’t wait for the next book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a fantasy fan. But Emma St. Clair is one of my auto read authors so when she announced this book, I knew I was going to read it no matter what.

And oh my gosh was it worth the stretch! Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales and not only is there a library to beat all libraries, but there are also dragons! Mirabella is an absolute delight as a heroine and the Count is every broody, grumpy trope’s dream. I absolutely loved this book and I squealed when I saw there will be a book two!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely delightful cozy fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was a departure from Emma St. Clair’s typical genre but stayed true to her ability to develop wonderful characters and storylines. I loved the additions of things like the Skybrary and dragons and her own spin on the Beauty and the Beast elements. Mirabella was a delight whose courage came through in her kindness toward others. Lucian was beastly only in appearance, and the supporting characters were so much fun. I was so excited to see the next book in the series already up for pre-order.

[Sarah Lepper · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is a great, cozy fantasy. It is a bit of a “Beauty and the Beast” re- telling with a few twists, the fae, some very friendly dragons, and an unhealthy family of origin. I love the many details Emma St. Clair wove throughout the castle and the castle grounds, the setting is done so well, especially the description of the different parts of the “Skybrary” *chefs kiss*. The chemistry between Mirabella and The Count is so delightful and there were so many wonderful secondary characters. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh Beauty and the Beast retelling

I don’t even know where to start! Retellings are always tricky for me because they are usually kinda the same. This is not one of those books! Get ready to dive into a cozy fantasy with a few twists. Mirabella is a delightful heroine, getting into all kinds of unexpected situations and the Beast is just so grumpy and perfect for her! They are the perfect grumpy/sunshine couple. Lots of wonderful banter, cozy heat and no spice!

[Allie Moore · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was a super cute read! It was predictable, but still interesting and fun. The plot is very much familiar, but there was enough different with the characters and the setting that there was enough to capture my interest. I thought the dragons and all of the creatures were interesting, as well as some of the twists and intricacies of the curse(s). Overall, a great read that was perfect for a autumn day.

[Karen B · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Cozy and magical, this light fantasy takes the best of beloved fairytales and mixes them with dragons that guard libraries and cursed castles. Sent to be a servant for the aloof, beastly owner of the estate, Mirabella finds herself treated more like a a princess who gets to her curiously reign. This was immersive read with a whimsical world, animated characters and creatures, with hints of romance too. What a great introduction into a new genre by this author!
Thanks to the author for the eARC

[Shannon Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five big glowing stars for Emma's first (to my knowledge) fairytale story!

Was it a Beauty and the Beast retelling? Yes.

Did that, in many ways, make me already know how the story would go? Also, yes.

But did I love every minute? YES!

I loved the cast of characters, the Skybrary, the dragons and, of course, Lucien 🩷

Emma did a great job with all of it and I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment in the series!!