Claws and Contrivances by Stephanie Burgis

Synopsis

Passionate, idealistic Rose Tregarth may have been invited into her uncle’s remote home in the heart of Wales as an act of kindness to a poor relation, but it doesn’t take her long to realize that her newly-met family members are eccentric, creative, deeply lovable – and in need of all the help they can get. If the crumbling medieval walls of Gogodd Abbey aren’t to collapse around their heads at any moment, someone will have to step up and take charge of the situation. Fortunately for all of them, Rose has never lacked in determination.

Add in more and more mysteriously appearing little dragons and a threatening new neighbor who could easily star as the villain in one of her aunt’s fabulous Gothic novels, and Rose is soon up to her ears in plots and schemes to save all the people and beasts she’s come to love…with the help of a sweet, baffled dragon scholar whom Rose has swept into a fake betrothal – for purely practical purposes, of course.

With her fierce, loyal heart, Rose is more than ready to take care of everyone around her, dragons and humans alike. However, it may take an act of true magic to clear her eyes to the future – and the gentleman – she desires for herself.

Audiobook Review

4,5 stars

I have a really great time listening to that Regency Fantasy Romance with miniature dragons!

This is charming, never boring and filled with great characters from the ghoulish villain to the charming and caring heroine going through the absent-minded scholar who hides a golden heart and a core of steal!

It is an interconnected standalone series and this time we will follow the second sister, Rose, who has been welcomed in her uncle’s family.

She will soon realize that Gogodd Abbey is filled with love, whimsy and acceptance but if she wants to avoid her dear relatives to have their home falling down on their heads, she’d better come up with a plan.

Soon her plan will get derailed when miniature dragons keep appearing at her place, visibly abused and in need of a rescue. She will enroll dragon scholar Mr Aubrey to protect the poor creatures and thwart the evil villain’s scheme, faking their betrothal to preserve appearances.

Rose excels at managing people and if Mr Aubrey never asked to play the fiancée nor to be distracted from his studies, he’ll surprisingly will go along: “”It’s okay, I don’t mind if she manages me, she’s very good at it.” 

I adored Rose and her big heart, wanting to protect the poor little dragons. It’s swoon worthy, adorable and charming. I can’t wait for the next instalment!

And if you love audiobooks go for it!

Thanks for reading.

Sophie