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Enchanted, Inc. #3
Damsel Under Stress
To-do: Stop the bad guys. Rescue the wizard. Find the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve.
At last, Owen Palmer, the dreamboat wizard at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has conjured up the courage to get Katie Chandler under the mistletoe at the office holiday party. But just when it looks like Katie has found her prince, in pops her inept fairy godmother, Ethelinda, to throw a wand into the works. Ethelinda’s timing couldn’t be worse. A plot hatched by MSI’s rogue ex-employees, Idris and his evil fairy gal pal Ari, threatens to expose the company’s secrets–and the very existence of magic itself. Even worse, it could also mean the end of Katie’s happily-ever-after.
Now Katie and Owen must work side by side (but alas, not cheek to cheek) to thwart the villains’ plans. Braving black-magic-wielding sorceresses, subway-dwelling dragons, lovelorn frog princes, and even the dreaded trip to meet Owen’s parents at Christmas, Katie and her beau are in a battle to beat Idris at his own sinister game. All mischief and matters of the heart will come to a head at a big New Year’s Eve gala, when the crystal ball will drop, champagne will pour, and Katie will find herself truly spellbound.
At last, Owen Palmer, the dreamboat wizard at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has conjured up the courage to get Katie Chandler under the mistletoe at the office holiday party. But just when it looks like Katie has found her prince, in pops her inept fairy godmother, Ethelinda, to throw a wand into the works. Ethelinda’s timing couldn’t be worse. A plot hatched by MSI’s rogue ex-employees, Idris and his evil fairy gal pal Ari, threatens to expose the company’s secrets–and the very existence of magic itself. Even worse, it could also mean the end of Katie’s happily-ever-after.
Now Katie and Owen must work side by side (but alas, not cheek to cheek) to thwart the villains’ plans. Braving black-magic-wielding sorceresses, subway-dwelling dragons, lovelorn frog princes, and even the dreaded trip to meet Owen’s parents at Christmas, Katie and her beau are in a battle to beat Idris at his own sinister game. All mischief and matters of the heart will come to a head at a big New Year’s Eve gala, when the crystal ball will drop, champagne will pour, and Katie will find herself truly spellbound.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2007
85 people are currently reading
1766 people want to read
About the author
Shanna Swendson
40 books1,133 followersOnce upon a time ...
A little girl learned to amuse herself by making up stories in her head. She turned everyday activities into exciting adventures, and she made up new adventures for characters from her favorite movies, TV shows and books. Then one day she realized that if she wrote down those stories, she'd have a book! But that was crazy, she thought. Real people don't become novelists. That was like deciding you were going to be a movie star. You couldn't just go and do it.
But, it turns out, you can, and she did. She realized her dream of becoming a novelist and seeing her stories in bookstores.
And then she started to wig herself out by writing about herself in the third-person.
This is her story.
The Novelist's Journey
As I said above in that bit of silliness, I've always been a writer at heart. My favorite way to play was to create stories and act them out with my Fisher-Price people, my Barbie dolls or myself and a box of play clothes. If none of those things were available, I could just sit and make up stories in my head. I occasionally got into trouble for being a little too creative, such as the time when I embellished a bit on my kindergarten experiences (where's the dramatic hook in coloring, cutting out and pasting?).
When I was in seventh grade and a bit old for Fisher-Price people, Barbie dolls or the dress-up box, I started writing these stories down in spiral notebooks. Later, I found an old manual typewriter, taught myself to type, then wrote a lot of first chapters of novels on it. I still hadn't figured out how to actually be a working novelist who gets paid for writing (finishing a book instead of writing a lot of first chapters might have been a good start), so when it came time to go to college, I went to journalism school at the University of Texas. While getting my degree in broadcast news, I managed to structure a curriculum that might also help me in my real career plans. I took fencing (which I thought would be useful for writing fantasy novels), an astronomy course on the search for extraterrestrial life (in case I wanted to write science fiction), psychology, interpersonal communication, and parageography (the geography of imaginary lands).
I got serious about pursuing my novel-writing ambitions soon after I got my first job in public relations (TV reporting, it turns out, would have taken away from my writing time) when I started joining local writing organizations and reading books on how to write a novel. Then I took the big step of registering for a writing conference. With the registration fee, you could enter two manuscripts in a contest that went with the conference. I figured if I was paying that much money, I'd get the most out of it, so I wrote two entries. At the conference, I met a real, live editor, who encouraged me to submit, and one of my entries won the science fiction/fantasy category of the contest. I hurried to finish the novel the editor had asked for, then mailed a proposal.
She ended up rejecting the book, but encouraged me to keep trying. I ended up selling that novel elsewhere, then sold two more books to that publisher before I had another idea for that original editor. That book ended up selling, and then one more.
And then I hit the wall. Due to a number of circumstances, some of which weren't my fault and some of which were, I didn't sell anything else for eight years. But then I had the idea that became Enchanted, Inc., I wrote it, sold it, and here I am.
Other Life Stuff
I think I need to get a few more hobbies or something else going on in my life that isn't related to reading or writing because currently my bio in my books is shorter than the "about the typeface" section. Yes, a typeface has a more interesting life than I do.
When I'm not writing, I'm most often reading. Otherwise, I enjoy watching science fiction TV shows and then discussing them on the Internet, working crossw
A little girl learned to amuse herself by making up stories in her head. She turned everyday activities into exciting adventures, and she made up new adventures for characters from her favorite movies, TV shows and books. Then one day she realized that if she wrote down those stories, she'd have a book! But that was crazy, she thought. Real people don't become novelists. That was like deciding you were going to be a movie star. You couldn't just go and do it.
But, it turns out, you can, and she did. She realized her dream of becoming a novelist and seeing her stories in bookstores.
And then she started to wig herself out by writing about herself in the third-person.
This is her story.
The Novelist's Journey
As I said above in that bit of silliness, I've always been a writer at heart. My favorite way to play was to create stories and act them out with my Fisher-Price people, my Barbie dolls or myself and a box of play clothes. If none of those things were available, I could just sit and make up stories in my head. I occasionally got into trouble for being a little too creative, such as the time when I embellished a bit on my kindergarten experiences (where's the dramatic hook in coloring, cutting out and pasting?).
When I was in seventh grade and a bit old for Fisher-Price people, Barbie dolls or the dress-up box, I started writing these stories down in spiral notebooks. Later, I found an old manual typewriter, taught myself to type, then wrote a lot of first chapters of novels on it. I still hadn't figured out how to actually be a working novelist who gets paid for writing (finishing a book instead of writing a lot of first chapters might have been a good start), so when it came time to go to college, I went to journalism school at the University of Texas. While getting my degree in broadcast news, I managed to structure a curriculum that might also help me in my real career plans. I took fencing (which I thought would be useful for writing fantasy novels), an astronomy course on the search for extraterrestrial life (in case I wanted to write science fiction), psychology, interpersonal communication, and parageography (the geography of imaginary lands).
I got serious about pursuing my novel-writing ambitions soon after I got my first job in public relations (TV reporting, it turns out, would have taken away from my writing time) when I started joining local writing organizations and reading books on how to write a novel. Then I took the big step of registering for a writing conference. With the registration fee, you could enter two manuscripts in a contest that went with the conference. I figured if I was paying that much money, I'd get the most out of it, so I wrote two entries. At the conference, I met a real, live editor, who encouraged me to submit, and one of my entries won the science fiction/fantasy category of the contest. I hurried to finish the novel the editor had asked for, then mailed a proposal.
She ended up rejecting the book, but encouraged me to keep trying. I ended up selling that novel elsewhere, then sold two more books to that publisher before I had another idea for that original editor. That book ended up selling, and then one more.
And then I hit the wall. Due to a number of circumstances, some of which weren't my fault and some of which were, I didn't sell anything else for eight years. But then I had the idea that became Enchanted, Inc., I wrote it, sold it, and here I am.
Other Life Stuff
I think I need to get a few more hobbies or something else going on in my life that isn't related to reading or writing because currently my bio in my books is shorter than the "about the typeface" section. Yes, a typeface has a more interesting life than I do.
When I'm not writing, I'm most often reading. Otherwise, I enjoy watching science fiction TV shows and then discussing them on the Internet, working crossw
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
November 18, 2008
Loved it! One of the comments about the book is that it is like Harry Potter grown up and I can't agree more. The magical feeling along with an almost innocence even when involved in dangerous circumstances. There were so many parts that I loved, but I think the dragons were really great. There were only two sad things about the books - that it ended and then the way that it ended. I trust that Katie is just taking a break for a little while and she and Owen will be back together soon. I hope so because I couldn't stand to read another book if they are apart. They are just too great together. And perhaps I'm a little bit in love with Owen myself.
July 21, 2008
Literally read this book in one day. I am very tired because I couldn't put it down but...I hate how it ends but there is hope because there is another book in the series. I really liked this one. Especially because of what happens at the end of the last book. It does have quite a few twists but also has an annoying "Fairy Godmother" who I wanted to deck. She kept messing up EVERYTHING!!!
December 5, 2008
Katie and Owen decided to pick up right where the last book ended. they barely have enough time to date things, because its back to business almost immediately, which could a damper on the romance before it evens gets started.
This series is one my all time favs. I read it about every year or so for fun.
This series is one my all time favs. I read it about every year or so for fun.
January 4, 2008
I am so pissed that this series will end after the next book. I have fallen in love with Katie and Owen. I love the fairy god mother in this book. I love how she always messes up everything. I love that Owen is always the night in shining armour.....dragons in New York City????
March 28, 2008
this is a very good book you see its another shanna swendson book I like them alot. this is about katie chandler who works for enchanted inc a magic company who are trying to put the evil doers idris and ari before its to late. I was so into this book i basically read this in like a day.
March 31, 2008
Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!
July 31, 2008
The third of the 4 book series and very well done.
November 25, 2008
Well worth the wait!! Excellent!!
April 14, 2009
Fun and bitter sweet. I am on to the next one.
December 28, 2008
Very cute series, magical but not over the top.
I liked the 2nd book even better than the 1st.
I liked the 2nd book even better than the 1st.
September 12, 2008
3rd in the series it's a fun quick read.
May 30, 2017
Sorry book #3 really lost me. It was all over the place. And once again we have Katie keeping something from Owen that she should have told him. And we have the dumbest reason ever that ends up sending Katie off to a different place. I started to be able to call out the plot in this book and that's never a good thing.
Katie and Owen are finally together. They have the lamest dates ever (I said it) with making out here and there. Katie gets a fairy godmother in this one. And apparently it's the same one that helped (badly) Cinderella out. I wish that the book had focused on that more since I think it could have been funny to find out more about the fairy godmother and her terrible plots to get people together. Katie loses her immunity (a freaking gain) in this one, but on purpose and someone also gets possessed (don't ask).
The only reason that I gave this book 2 stars was that we finally get some backstory on Owen and his adopted parents in this one. I wish that Katie and Owen had visited with them longer. Everything else in this book was a snooze. There is once again the lamest magical fight in this one and at this point I don't see why anyone is worried about Merlin. He just seems to sit around and does some rah rah nonsense here and there
Katie and Owen are finally together. They have the lamest dates ever (I said it) with making out here and there. Katie gets a fairy godmother in this one. And apparently it's the same one that helped (badly) Cinderella out. I wish that the book had focused on that more since I think it could have been funny to find out more about the fairy godmother and her terrible plots to get people together. Katie loses her immunity (a freaking gain) in this one, but on purpose and someone also gets possessed (don't ask).
The only reason that I gave this book 2 stars was that we finally get some backstory on Owen and his adopted parents in this one. I wish that Katie and Owen had visited with them longer. Everything else in this book was a snooze. There is once again the lamest magical fight in this one and at this point I don't see why anyone is worried about Merlin. He just seems to sit around and does some rah rah nonsense here and there
February 4, 2008
Leaves you hang pretty good at the end. I can't wait for the fourth book. Still fun, still romantic, still magical!
October 12, 2009
Really starting to lose my patience with Katie. Once again, we seem to have a series heroine who learned nothing from her previous mis-adventures.
Throw in a slightly confusing but predictably batty fairy godmother, recurring appearances by the bad guy, and pretty much a rehash of the end of the last book, and you have this one. But without the plot device of enchanted shoes, so not even a shopping scene in this one. This books's one saving grace was a Christmas visit to Owen's foster parents, but even there the potential for plot and advancement were left by the wayside in favor of....I don't even know in favor of what.
I read on Ms. Swendson's website that her book sales had declined precipitously in this series since Enchantment, Inc, and she blamed illegal downloading of ebooks for the lack of sales. She also noted that she had plans for a five-book series (or more), but the publisher couldn't see the point in fronting up the money to publish the fifth one. I strongly recommend that she take a hard look at her story, rather than blame phantom book pirates.
For one thing, I can't believe anyone with the ability to illegally download books would bother downloading any but the first of these.
One more to go.
Can anyone recommend another series? One where the girl doesn't toss out her storyline after the first book?
Throw in a slightly confusing but predictably batty fairy godmother, recurring appearances by the bad guy, and pretty much a rehash of the end of the last book, and you have this one. But without the plot device of enchanted shoes, so not even a shopping scene in this one. This books's one saving grace was a Christmas visit to Owen's foster parents, but even there the potential for plot and advancement were left by the wayside in favor of....I don't even know in favor of what.
I read on Ms. Swendson's website that her book sales had declined precipitously in this series since Enchantment, Inc, and she blamed illegal downloading of ebooks for the lack of sales. She also noted that she had plans for a five-book series (or more), but the publisher couldn't see the point in fronting up the money to publish the fifth one. I strongly recommend that she take a hard look at her story, rather than blame phantom book pirates.
For one thing, I can't believe anyone with the ability to illegally download books would bother downloading any but the first of these.
One more to go.
Can anyone recommend another series? One where the girl doesn't toss out her storyline after the first book?
June 17, 2010
Once again Shanna Swendson has quenched my thirst for a fun flirty read! Damsel Under Stress is just as good as its predecessors. In the third installment of the series, there is more romantic drama/turmoil in Katie and Owen's newly burgeoning relationship. This gives the novel a more serious and substantial plot than the previous two and lends a certain atmospheric quality to the story, turning an otherwise light and fluffy read into a meaningful book. Katie and Owen have always faced adversity (mostly in the form of magic,) but in Damsel Under Stress we find that along with a deepening relationship, there are other obstacles to overcome.
Damsel Under Stress leaves the reader unsure of an ultimate happy ending. From the way events transpire in book 3, there is no telling what will happen to Katie in book 4. Despite feeling a bit cheated by the unhappy ending in Damsel Under Stress, I will continue on to see just what will happen. Shanna Swendson has created characters that I truly care about - I won't give up on them.
Damsel Under Stress leaves the reader unsure of an ultimate happy ending. From the way events transpire in book 3, there is no telling what will happen to Katie in book 4. Despite feeling a bit cheated by the unhappy ending in Damsel Under Stress, I will continue on to see just what will happen. Shanna Swendson has created characters that I truly care about - I won't give up on them.
June 28, 2010
I love this entire series! Katie, our heroine, is very likable and Owen is incredibly adorable. I guarantee you'll fall in love with him. This book in particular had a lot going on because of the developing romance, the problems brought on by the bad guys and the annoyances of a certain new character. We get to see more of why we like Katie so much, she's not your typical damsel in distress and can handle things herself. Again, I love these books and would definitely recommend to others!!
December 24, 2015
I'm really enjoying this series. Not since Jennifer Estep's Bigtime superhero romance books have I torn through a set of books so quickly, and with so much enjoyment. I think this book was a huge turning point for Katie, who actually showed she had grown up some and could make the tough choices by the end of the book. Reading the next one already...
March 26, 2013
I was actually tempted to take this one down a star for the use of the oldest, tiredest, most predictable plot line known to romantic storytelling:
I almost didn't think the spoiler alert was necessary--if you can't see that ending coming from fifteen hundred miles away, you've been living under a rock. Two things ultimately save the star: (1) it is the nature of this plot line to resolve itself eventually, and (2) it gets resolved in the next book. I checked. The only thing worse than using this tired plot line is dragging it out forever. TV shows have been killed that way. Here's hoping for a little more creativity in the next three books, please.
I almost didn't think the spoiler alert was necessary--if you can't see that ending coming from fifteen hundred miles away, you've been living under a rock. Two things ultimately save the star: (1) it is the nature of this plot line to resolve itself eventually, and (2) it gets resolved in the next book. I checked. The only thing worse than using this tired plot line is dragging it out forever. TV shows have been killed that way. Here's hoping for a little more creativity in the next three books, please.
January 21, 2016
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this one. I’m still enjoying the series and the book totally ended where I want to run out and grab the next installment. This story had the same feel as the first two books and kept me turning the pages. It had a few twists along the way and even introduced a few new characters that I really liked. There are a few inconsistencies with magic that don’t make sense, and I kind of have to turn off my analytical brain and just enjoy the story (can’t really give any example without giving away spoilers).
I was really frustrated with the relationship of Owen and Katie (which was probably the authors intent). In this installment they are *finally* and item, but you’d hardly tell by the way they act with one another. There disastrous dates make for interesting reading, but did get a little old after awhile. I suppose it’s a good set up for the next book, but I still would have liked a little more romance in their romance. Owen comes across cold and disinterested most of the time, and Katie is always rationalizing his behavior. They just don’t act like a new couple in love, even though they claim to be. And their conversations and dialog really left me wanting for more. I suppose all the mayhem around them could have something to do with that.
They still have enough chemistry to keep me interested and the story is still a lot of fun. I really enjoy the series, its a fun break from reality.
I was really frustrated with the relationship of Owen and Katie (which was probably the authors intent). In this installment they are *finally* and item, but you’d hardly tell by the way they act with one another. There disastrous dates make for interesting reading, but did get a little old after awhile. I suppose it’s a good set up for the next book, but I still would have liked a little more romance in their romance. Owen comes across cold and disinterested most of the time, and Katie is always rationalizing his behavior. They just don’t act like a new couple in love, even though they claim to be. And their conversations and dialog really left me wanting for more. I suppose all the mayhem around them could have something to do with that.
They still have enough chemistry to keep me interested and the story is still a lot of fun. I really enjoy the series, its a fun break from reality.
December 31, 2009
This is the third in the series of books about Katie, who started her series with Enchanted, Inc.. At the end of the last book, Once Upon a Stilettos, Katie had finally gotten together with Owen her crush. So, this book they are in that trying to figure out their relationship and are still trying to save the world, or at very least the magical one.
Through this book they have to deal with a meddling fairy god mother, meet the parents round 2 (Katie meeting Owen's foster parents) and are still dealing with Idris, the easily distracted but mastermind who could reveal the whole magical world to the rest of the world. The book is set with the holiday's happening, christmas and new years eve, so it was kind of funny I was reading it over christmas.
I am enjoying this series. I actually finished this book and headed straight to the library to get the last book that has been written in this series. I am not sure how this one would stand up on it's own, but in the series I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a different type of book, urban fantasy with a bit of a chick lit twist, I would defiantly suggest this book.
Through this book they have to deal with a meddling fairy god mother, meet the parents round 2 (Katie meeting Owen's foster parents) and are still dealing with Idris, the easily distracted but mastermind who could reveal the whole magical world to the rest of the world. The book is set with the holiday's happening, christmas and new years eve, so it was kind of funny I was reading it over christmas.
I am enjoying this series. I actually finished this book and headed straight to the library to get the last book that has been written in this series. I am not sure how this one would stand up on it's own, but in the series I really enjoyed it. If you are looking for a different type of book, urban fantasy with a bit of a chick lit twist, I would defiantly suggest this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2009
The third installment in a very fun, entertaining, clean series. The story gets a little crazier in this book as Katie gets deeper into the magical world and her relationship with Owen becomes more serious. Of course, the ending left me hanging and now I've got to get my hands on the next book...
January 12, 2009
Another great read, although I admit I don't like the ending. Also, Katie inability to trust anyone is frustrating... however I did love every second of the novel and can't wait to read the fourth...
February 6, 2020
Meeting Owen's parents, Gloria & James, was a treat. I really liked Gloria, but I hoped for a better bond between her and Katie - something subtle, but meaningful. A heart-felt "thank you" note from Katie would've been a good idea when she got home. Rocky & Rollo were a fun addition and the dragons were inspired.
Once again, Katie Chandler displays her total lack of common sense. We watch our insightful, yet stupendously half-witted heroine doing her best to help the good-guys and the opposition at the same time. Our lovable little dimwit somehow manages to tilt the scales in favor of the good-guys. As her fairy godmother wreaks havoc trying to help, poor Owen is trying fathom how it fits into the evil schemes of Phelan Idris. Despite the many flaws in logic (see spoiler notes), this book was still very good. Since that sort of thing normally turns me off completely, it's a testament to the quality of the book if I can overlook it. I'm looking forward to reading Don't Hex with Texas next.
On a side note, it's nice Rod is dropping the charm spells and making an effort with his grooming. Katie's positive feedback also provides a gradual assist.
NOTES FROM MY 2nd READING:
Originally, I said "the second book (Once Upon Stilettos) was a tad bit slow, but Damsel Under Stress has a much better pace." I don't see that this time around (about the pace being slow in book #2).
Another point I disagree with is my characterization of Katie as a "half-witted heroine." I understand her thought better this time around. Perhaps it's as I said before that I've read a lot of female authors in the last 2 1/2 years and that may have changed my perspective.
This time around, I saw only two flaws that I previously identified. The restaurant and the justification for removing Katie's magic immunity. Although HUGE flaws, this book was good enough to overcome them. My 5-star rating stays the same.
Once again, Katie Chandler displays her total lack of common sense. We watch our insightful, yet stupendously half-witted heroine doing her best to help the good-guys and the opposition at the same time. Our lovable little dimwit somehow manages to tilt the scales in favor of the good-guys. As her fairy godmother wreaks havoc trying to help, poor Owen is trying fathom how it fits into the evil schemes of Phelan Idris. Despite the many flaws in logic (see spoiler notes), this book was still very good. Since that sort of thing normally turns me off completely, it's a testament to the quality of the book if I can overlook it. I'm looking forward to reading Don't Hex with Texas next.
On a side note, it's nice Rod is dropping the charm spells and making an effort with his grooming. Katie's positive feedback also provides a gradual assist.
NOTES FROM MY 2nd READING:
Originally, I said "the second book (Once Upon Stilettos) was a tad bit slow, but Damsel Under Stress has a much better pace." I don't see that this time around (about the pace being slow in book #2).
Another point I disagree with is my characterization of Katie as a "half-witted heroine." I understand her thought better this time around. Perhaps it's as I said before that I've read a lot of female authors in the last 2 1/2 years and that may have changed my perspective.
This time around, I saw only two flaws that I previously identified. The restaurant and the justification for removing Katie's magic immunity. Although HUGE flaws, this book was good enough to overcome them. My 5-star rating stays the same.
June 28, 2010
Can't get enough of this series! Cute, fun read with really lovable characters. The ending will make some not so happy but that's why there's a fourth book! Recommend this book and series to anyone interested in a good, cute read that will make smile throughout. :)
March 21, 2016
I think that ending just ruined this book for me.
Hopefully it gets better in the next.
Hopefully it gets better in the next.
May 31, 2017
I skipped a lot and I don't feel like I missed anything. It was slow paced and everyone was acting dumb. It's not exciting enough!
I don't know if I'd continue with the series or not!
I don't know if I'd continue with the series or not!
April 10, 2018
Not as good as the first two in the series. This one was a bit too over-the-top silly.
July 2, 2019
Fabulous, romantic, funny, and the world's worst fairy godmother.
May 29, 2020
3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the book but not as much as the first 2. Plenty of ‘laugh out loud’ moments though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews