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The Harwood Spellbook #2.5
Moontangled
Take one ambitious politician and one determined magician with wildly different aims for their next meeting.
Add a secret betrothal, a family scandal, and a heaping of dangerous fey magic in an enchanted wood…and watch the sparks fly!
For just one moonlit, memorable night, Thornfell College of Magic has flung open its doors, inviting guests from around the nation to an outdoor ball intended to introduce the first-ever class of women magicians to society…but one magician and one invited guest have far more pressing goals of their own for the night.
Quietly brilliant Juliana Banks is determined to win back the affections of her secret fiancée, rising politician Caroline Fennell, who has become inexplicably distant. If Juliana needs to use magic to get her stubborn fiancée to pay her attention…well, then, as the top student in her class, she is more than ready to take on that challenge!
Unbeknownst to Juliana, though, Caroline plans to nobly sacrifice their betrothal for Juliana’s own sake – and no one has ever accused iron-willed Caroline Fennell of being easy to deter from any goal.
Their path to mutual happiness may seem tangled beyond repair…but when they enter the fey-ruled woods that border Thornfell College, these two determined women will find all of their plans upended in a night of unexpected and magical possibilities.
Add a secret betrothal, a family scandal, and a heaping of dangerous fey magic in an enchanted wood…and watch the sparks fly!
For just one moonlit, memorable night, Thornfell College of Magic has flung open its doors, inviting guests from around the nation to an outdoor ball intended to introduce the first-ever class of women magicians to society…but one magician and one invited guest have far more pressing goals of their own for the night.
Quietly brilliant Juliana Banks is determined to win back the affections of her secret fiancée, rising politician Caroline Fennell, who has become inexplicably distant. If Juliana needs to use magic to get her stubborn fiancée to pay her attention…well, then, as the top student in her class, she is more than ready to take on that challenge!
Unbeknownst to Juliana, though, Caroline plans to nobly sacrifice their betrothal for Juliana’s own sake – and no one has ever accused iron-willed Caroline Fennell of being easy to deter from any goal.
Their path to mutual happiness may seem tangled beyond repair…but when they enter the fey-ruled woods that border Thornfell College, these two determined women will find all of their plans upended in a night of unexpected and magical possibilities.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2020
About the author
Stephanie Burgis
78 books1,131 followersI grew up in America, but now I live in Wales with my husband, fellow writer Patrick Samphire, our two sons, and our sweet (and extremely vocal) tabby cat, Pebbles. I write fantasy rom-coms for adults (most recently Claws and Contrivances and Good Neighbors) and fun MG fantasy adventure novels, too (most recently The Raven Crown duology). My next series will be the adult romantasy trilogy The Queens of Villainy, published by Tor Bramble, starting in 2025 with Wooing the Witch Queen.
To get early sneak peeks at new stories and novels, sign up for my newsletter here: stephanieburgis.com/newsletter.
To join my Dragons' Book Club and get early copies of every ebook that I put out myself (so, all of my novellas, short story ebooks, etc!), check out my Patreon page, where I also published a series of fantasy rom-coms (Good Neighbors) across 2020-2021.
I only rate and review the books that I like, which is why all of my ratings are 4 or 5 stars.
To get early sneak peeks at new stories and novels, sign up for my newsletter here: stephanieburgis.com/newsletter.
To join my Dragons' Book Club and get early copies of every ebook that I put out myself (so, all of my novellas, short story ebooks, etc!), check out my Patreon page, where I also published a series of fantasy rom-coms (Good Neighbors) across 2020-2021.
I only rate and review the books that I like, which is why all of my ratings are 4 or 5 stars.
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February 3, 2020Finally, Miss Banks and Miss Fennell get their own novella - and it was SO much fun to write! I love these characters and this world. (And I loooove the gorgeous cover by Ravven, too!)
The ebook is available NOW at Amazon, Kobo, B&N, iBooks and Smashwords.
And it's out in gorgeous paperback, too! At the B&N site, you can already see the ebook and paperback editions linked neatly together. Sadly, Amazon hasn't yet worked out that they really are the same book (sigh!), but it is available in both editions there, too. Until that issue gets resolved (within the next day or two, I hope!) you can find the paperback at these separate (from the ebook) URLs on Amazon US and Amazon UK.
I hope you'll all have as much fun reading this story as I did writing it! <3
The ebook is available NOW at Amazon, Kobo, B&N, iBooks and Smashwords.
And it's out in gorgeous paperback, too! At the B&N site, you can already see the ebook and paperback editions linked neatly together. Sadly, Amazon hasn't yet worked out that they really are the same book (sigh!), but it is available in both editions there, too. Until that issue gets resolved (within the next day or two, I hope!) you can find the paperback at these separate (from the ebook) URLs on Amazon US and Amazon UK.
I hope you'll all have as much fun reading this story as I did writing it! <3
May 27, 2020
Moontangled, a novella by Stephanie Burgis, is a beautiful urban fantasy love story.
I was very impressed by the level of description of the world this story was set in. It was written so eloquently and lovely I truly envisioned myself there. It is the story of Juliana, a student of magic and of Caroline, a magical politician and how their love is tested. I was enraptured by the story of their love and the tidbits of prose scattered throughout.
This was my first traipse into the writings of Stephanie Burgis and I look forward to reading the other books in this series, as well as checking out her other books. I would recommend this novella to anyone who is interested in the urban fantasy genre.
Special thanks to #NetGalley and Five Fathoms Press for an electronic ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
I was very impressed by the level of description of the world this story was set in. It was written so eloquently and lovely I truly envisioned myself there. It is the story of Juliana, a student of magic and of Caroline, a magical politician and how their love is tested. I was enraptured by the story of their love and the tidbits of prose scattered throughout.
This was my first traipse into the writings of Stephanie Burgis and I look forward to reading the other books in this series, as well as checking out her other books. I would recommend this novella to anyone who is interested in the urban fantasy genre.
Special thanks to #NetGalley and Five Fathoms Press for an electronic ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
The latest novella in the Harwood Spellbook series has us revisiting Thornfell several months after the events of Thornbound. The talented student mage Juliana Banks is about to see her secret fiancée Caroline Fennell for the first time since then, but their secret relationship appears to be in some trouble. Then an enchanted night and some fae magic put them both in a difficult situation.
This couple are favourites from earlier books and it's great to see them again as well as the rest of the cast. The story continues to be one of quiet revolution and clever people who are not slaves to tradition. I would have liked more of it, but the story is a complete episode in Juliana and Caroline's relationship.
This couple are favourites from earlier books and it's great to see them again as well as the rest of the cast. The story continues to be one of quiet revolution and clever people who are not slaves to tradition. I would have liked more of it, but the story is a complete episode in Juliana and Caroline's relationship.
February 3, 2020
Originally posted to I Should Read That
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am not proud to admit that I let out a little squeak of delight when I found out that Juliana and Caroline were getting their own novella. Their love story and secret engagement has been playing out in the background for too long! I’m a sucker for secret fiances and star-crossed lovers, so I knew I would love this before I even opened it up.
Burgis does a fantastic job of setting up the story with just the right about of yearning, hardheadedness, and miscommunication from our ladies. Throw in some humour, good friends, and a magical wood and you have a perfect romance novella.
I love the setting of these books so much, and with the introduction of new characters in this Moontangled I’m hoping that we get to see more of the students at Harwood College of Magic get their own stories and happily ever afters. Regardless of what happens in the next book in the series, I can guarantee I’ll be devouring it as soon as I am able.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am not proud to admit that I let out a little squeak of delight when I found out that Juliana and Caroline were getting their own novella. Their love story and secret engagement has been playing out in the background for too long! I’m a sucker for secret fiances and star-crossed lovers, so I knew I would love this before I even opened it up.
Burgis does a fantastic job of setting up the story with just the right about of yearning, hardheadedness, and miscommunication from our ladies. Throw in some humour, good friends, and a magical wood and you have a perfect romance novella.
I love the setting of these books so much, and with the introduction of new characters in this Moontangled I’m hoping that we get to see more of the students at Harwood College of Magic get their own stories and happily ever afters. Regardless of what happens in the next book in the series, I can guarantee I’ll be devouring it as soon as I am able.
January 25, 2020
This was a short one. A brief interlude back into the world.
It takes place during one night. Juliana is studying to become a magician. In a world where only men become magicians. She was secretly engaged to Caroline, who wants to become a politician. And a politician can only marry a magician. So if they want to be together, this is the path they must take.
But because of events in book 2 Caroline path to stardom looks grim, and she does not want to take Juliana down with her. Omg people, you are so stupid. If you love each other, then be together! Careers be damned.
I really like the Fae, I want more about them, they are wicked evil.
I can't say a lot other than they will find their way out of darkness. A nice little story.
It takes place during one night. Juliana is studying to become a magician. In a world where only men become magicians. She was secretly engaged to Caroline, who wants to become a politician. And a politician can only marry a magician. So if they want to be together, this is the path they must take.
But because of events in book 2 Caroline path to stardom looks grim, and she does not want to take Juliana down with her. Omg people, you are so stupid. If you love each other, then be together! Careers be damned.
I really like the Fae, I want more about them, they are wicked evil.
I can't say a lot other than they will find their way out of darkness. A nice little story.
February 4, 2020
We've met both Juliana and Caroline before so I'd highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before this novella so that you're familiar with their history. Caroline is an aspiring politician with a bright future ahead of her but only if she follows the tradition of marrying a gentleman magician. The slight hitch in that is that she is madly in love with Juliana and the two are secretly engaged. Juliana was one of the first students to join the first magic school for women, the Thornfell College of Magic. Juliana is sure that if she can just pass her exams and officially be recognised as a magician then her marriage to Caroline can go ahead without ruining Caroline's political chances.
A recent scandal has caused Caroline to start pulling away from Juliana though, so just when they're getting close to achieving their dreams it looks like their relationship may be about to fall apart. Juliana is determined to get their relationship back on track but Caroline is trying to protect Juliana's reputation by keeping her distance. One magical night along with one tricky fae and they will either lose each other forever or find their way back to one another.
I'm so happy that Stephanie Burgis decided to give Juliana and Caroline their own story. I've been rooting for the young couple ever since they were first introduced so it was sad to see their respective careers getting in the way of their relationship. Luckily they're both fighters and once they both figure out what is really important nothing is going to change their minds. Juliana and Caroline are a pretty adorable couple but it was also nice to see how supportive Juliana's classmates as well as her teachers are of their relationship.
A recent scandal has caused Caroline to start pulling away from Juliana though, so just when they're getting close to achieving their dreams it looks like their relationship may be about to fall apart. Juliana is determined to get their relationship back on track but Caroline is trying to protect Juliana's reputation by keeping her distance. One magical night along with one tricky fae and they will either lose each other forever or find their way back to one another.
I'm so happy that Stephanie Burgis decided to give Juliana and Caroline their own story. I've been rooting for the young couple ever since they were first introduced so it was sad to see their respective careers getting in the way of their relationship. Luckily they're both fighters and once they both figure out what is really important nothing is going to change their minds. Juliana and Caroline are a pretty adorable couple but it was also nice to see how supportive Juliana's classmates as well as her teachers are of their relationship.
March 6, 2020
A charming and warm novella (or perhaps novellette?) with themes about healing from past emotional abuse and a f/f love story set in an alternative regency setting. I wish I could give it more stars, but it just felt short and underdeveloped, particularly at the beginning - I wanted more space to settle into the story, to learn the characters. Instead, it felt like the beginning was a summary rather than the story, and the action started already in the middle, never developing enough for the stakes to feel more real.
It's nice enough though! It's just that I would have preferred it to be more developed, longer, more substantial. As is though, a pleasant read, just long enough to read in a single sitting.
It's nice enough though! It's just that I would have preferred it to be more developed, longer, more substantial. As is though, a pleasant read, just long enough to read in a single sitting.
January 22, 2020
Magic! Friendship! Faeries! Dorky lesbians being hopelessly in love! Drama!!!
Another wonderful return to magical Angland, this time focusing on Miss Fennell and Miss Banks – two characters whom I wanted to read more about ever since their first appearance in Snowspelled. Now finally we get their story and it’s everything I could have asked for.
The tumultous events of Thornbound affected their relationship, and now, meeting for the first time in months, sparks fly in more ways then one. While their feelings for each other are never in doubt (at least for the reader, since we follow the plot from both of their perspectives), there are still conflicts between them. Their desire to protect each other also causes quite a bit of crisis that they both have to overcome!
I really like how the author writes loving relationships that still allow for some conflict and strife. The series is full of well-meaning characters who argue and lash out due to their personal hangups and the heroines of Moontangled are no exception. I know a fair few people who hate drama based on miscommunication (or an outright lack thereof), so let me hasten to add that Stephanie Burgis has a very clear-eyed view of the characters’ problems and their need to open up and move beyond their issues is absolutely part of the point. As we find out, both Miss Fennell and Miss Banks grew up in emotionally... neglectful households, and honestly for me their complexes and insecurities felt extremely relatable.
At the same time, the happy ending is never really in doubt, which I appreciated very much. I love characters who are allowed to work through and resolve their issues, and if you add to that the images of friendship among women that this series offers, mutually supportive partnerships, and now a same-gender couple of protagonists who love and desire each other so openly and joyously... squeeing is very much guaranteed. This series is full of tension, but it’s also very warm and sweet, which is a winning combination for me.
The books is not even out yet, but I’m already finding myself dreaming of another installment. The world is certainly open enough and there are enough gaps and loose threads to support other stories in the series. I certainly hope the author will return to it one day, and in the meantime, I might have to start planning a re-read.
Another wonderful return to magical Angland, this time focusing on Miss Fennell and Miss Banks – two characters whom I wanted to read more about ever since their first appearance in Snowspelled. Now finally we get their story and it’s everything I could have asked for.
The tumultous events of Thornbound affected their relationship, and now, meeting for the first time in months, sparks fly in more ways then one. While their feelings for each other are never in doubt (at least for the reader, since we follow the plot from both of their perspectives), there are still conflicts between them. Their desire to protect each other also causes quite a bit of crisis that they both have to overcome!
I really like how the author writes loving relationships that still allow for some conflict and strife. The series is full of well-meaning characters who argue and lash out due to their personal hangups and the heroines of Moontangled are no exception. I know a fair few people who hate drama based on miscommunication (or an outright lack thereof), so let me hasten to add that Stephanie Burgis has a very clear-eyed view of the characters’ problems and their need to open up and move beyond their issues is absolutely part of the point. As we find out, both Miss Fennell and Miss Banks grew up in emotionally... neglectful households, and honestly for me their complexes and insecurities felt extremely relatable.
At the same time, the happy ending is never really in doubt, which I appreciated very much. I love characters who are allowed to work through and resolve their issues, and if you add to that the images of friendship among women that this series offers, mutually supportive partnerships, and now a same-gender couple of protagonists who love and desire each other so openly and joyously... squeeing is very much guaranteed. This series is full of tension, but it’s also very warm and sweet, which is a winning combination for me.
The books is not even out yet, but I’m already finding myself dreaming of another installment. The world is certainly open enough and there are enough gaps and loose threads to support other stories in the series. I certainly hope the author will return to it one day, and in the meantime, I might have to start planning a re-read.
February 5, 2020
maybe i love caroline fennell and juliana banks with my whole heart
Five Reasons You Should Read This Book
Rep: wlw mcs, trans side character
Galley provided by Stephanie Burgis
Five Reasons You Should Read This Book
Rep: wlw mcs, trans side character
Galley provided by Stephanie Burgis
December 3, 2020
[Gifted]
I love this novella series. It's so carefully thought out, with a really interesting take on gender roles in society. I'm a sucker for historical recency magic books, and I've read most of the ones I have found - this is a highlight for me as one of the nicest.
I love this novella series. It's so carefully thought out, with a really interesting take on gender roles in society. I'm a sucker for historical recency magic books, and I've read most of the ones I have found - this is a highlight for me as one of the nicest.
February 8, 2024
If you followed my binge of The Harwood Spellbook series, you might have noticed that I have been slightly excited about getting to this one. Miss Juliana Banks and Miss Caroline Fennel were reoccurring figures in the previous stories and I was really excited to read their love story! Sadly, this is once again a story centered around "breaking up with you for your own good" and even though things get resolved mostly quickly here, I'm still not a fan of the trope, even though so that was fun.
Overall, short, fun, but I definitely felt that Stephanie Burgis can do better...
Overall, short, fun, but I definitely felt that Stephanie Burgis can do better...
November 19, 2020
An adorable f/f romance. Sheer fluffy fantasy cuteness, and I'm not mad at it. This was probably the shippiest of the series for me, which is nice, and it's entirely focused on the romance. I like the plots, but the romance is why I'm here, and I got what I wanted from this one.
March 5, 2020
This is the third novella in the Harwood Spellbook series and stars Juliana Banks who aspires to be one of the first female magicians and Caroline Fennell whose political career has hid a roadblock when her mentor left the field in disgrace.
The two young women had been secretly engaged for a few years as each worked on their own future. Events come together at a party thrown to showcase the new female magicians where Juliana hopes that their secret engagement can become a public one. But Caroline is determined to jilt Juliana - for her own good - because she doesn't want to drag her down because of her tarnished political future.
The fey get involved when the two girls go off the path in a forest controlled by the fey. The two girls have to work together to get themselves free and eliminating the misconceptions both girls hold is a major part of their rescue.
This was an engaging and romantic story.
The two young women had been secretly engaged for a few years as each worked on their own future. Events come together at a party thrown to showcase the new female magicians where Juliana hopes that their secret engagement can become a public one. But Caroline is determined to jilt Juliana - for her own good - because she doesn't want to drag her down because of her tarnished political future.
The fey get involved when the two girls go off the path in a forest controlled by the fey. The two girls have to work together to get themselves free and eliminating the misconceptions both girls hold is a major part of their rescue.
This was an engaging and romantic story.
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed this novella SO MUCH. I've been desperate since Snowspelled came out to learn more about Miss Fennell and Miss Banks and this was so worth the wait! But I think this would still be delightful even without having read the rest of the series.
Moontangled has a bit of everything I love in a romance - angst, yearning, opposites attract, sweetness with an undercurrent of passion, characters who learn and grow together, floofy dresses, dramatic kissing, characters trying to be noble and self-sacrificing, people's elaborate hairstyles falling apart because of all the drama... Plus there were so many lovely little details that made the romance come to life - like the way Caroline loves to listen to Juliana talk about her studies, even when she doesn't understand them herself. But in spite of their obvious deep connection the communication issues they encountered also rang true, and I loved seeing them work through their own secret fears and sadnesses to find a better path together.
Juliana and Caroline are both compelling characters individually too, and I especially loved seeing Juliana finding her niche at Thornfell and in her cohort, making connections and beginning to feel safe, loved and supported in her magical ambitions. I'm so excited to see that community continue to grow as the series does.
I also really loved seeing Cassandra (the main protagonist of the series as a whole) from the point of view of the students - having been with her through her own doubts and insecurities, it's both funny and sweet to see her students in so much awe of her! It's also interesting to see the ripple effect of social change slowly moving outward from the Harwood family - can't wait to see where it goes as the series continues.
In short I adored this - it was a perfect, magical comfort read!
Moontangled has a bit of everything I love in a romance - angst, yearning, opposites attract, sweetness with an undercurrent of passion, characters who learn and grow together, floofy dresses, dramatic kissing, characters trying to be noble and self-sacrificing, people's elaborate hairstyles falling apart because of all the drama... Plus there were so many lovely little details that made the romance come to life - like the way Caroline loves to listen to Juliana talk about her studies, even when she doesn't understand them herself. But in spite of their obvious deep connection the communication issues they encountered also rang true, and I loved seeing them work through their own secret fears and sadnesses to find a better path together.
Juliana and Caroline are both compelling characters individually too, and I especially loved seeing Juliana finding her niche at Thornfell and in her cohort, making connections and beginning to feel safe, loved and supported in her magical ambitions. I'm so excited to see that community continue to grow as the series does.
I also really loved seeing Cassandra (the main protagonist of the series as a whole) from the point of view of the students - having been with her through her own doubts and insecurities, it's both funny and sweet to see her students in so much awe of her! It's also interesting to see the ripple effect of social change slowly moving outward from the Harwood family - can't wait to see where it goes as the series continues.
In short I adored this - it was a perfect, magical comfort read!
Read
February 6, 2020Lovely, gentle f/f romance, with delicious misunderstandings.
February 7, 2020
I wish this had been a little longer, but I really liked the relationship in trouble/working together against a common enemy parts. I hope they keep getting good cameos in whatever works come next in the series.
February 5, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am so happy to continue the Harwood Spellbook series . Moontangled is a novella which is a gift from the author to readers. I would not call it a standalone; you need to read the series to know the characters and what lead the couple to this point. The overall series arc about women practicing magic and various political issues is not really progressed. I hope that continues in the next outing.
Juliana and Caroline have been engaged for some time. Their careers have them in a long distance relationship. Due to politics, they have not announced their plans to marry. The distance has caused them to have insecurities about themselves and their relationship.
For the first time in several months, they will see each other in person. Juliana plans to bring Caroline back warmly into their relationship. Caroline plans to sacrifice her happiness with Juliana to save her from any disgrace. Their argument finds them at the mercy of the fey in the woods.
Moontangled is very short so things go from bad to worse, before they actually make progress. I was thrilled to read more about these two characters. I feel it is a gift to see them work through their emotions to communicate their actual feelings to each other and make a new plan for going forward!
Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I am so happy to continue the Harwood Spellbook series . Moontangled is a novella which is a gift from the author to readers. I would not call it a standalone; you need to read the series to know the characters and what lead the couple to this point. The overall series arc about women practicing magic and various political issues is not really progressed. I hope that continues in the next outing.
Juliana and Caroline have been engaged for some time. Their careers have them in a long distance relationship. Due to politics, they have not announced their plans to marry. The distance has caused them to have insecurities about themselves and their relationship.
For the first time in several months, they will see each other in person. Juliana plans to bring Caroline back warmly into their relationship. Caroline plans to sacrifice her happiness with Juliana to save her from any disgrace. Their argument finds them at the mercy of the fey in the woods.
Moontangled is very short so things go from bad to worse, before they actually make progress. I was thrilled to read more about these two characters. I feel it is a gift to see them work through their emotions to communicate their actual feelings to each other and make a new plan for going forward!
August 12, 2020
Extremely adorable, I ship it, I hope they show up in Harwood books forever.
March 3, 2020
A delightful fantasy about two ladies' love at risk. I read Snowspelled, but not the second Harwood book, yet I had no trouble following things here. I liked both Caroline and Julianna, and the peek into Julianna's magician friends gives me hope they may eventually get their own stories. The conflict here comes mostly from the threat to their relationship, but the addition of outside pressures kept me turning the pages. I like the worldbuilding in this series, and I think this was better than Book 1. Recommended!
February 12, 2020
With big wigs in attendance for a formal ball scheduled at the Thornfell College of Magic, Juliana is excited to finally see the love of her live, and secret fiancee, Caroline. It’s been three months since Juliana and Caroline were together. It was then that Caroline’s aunt was utterly disgraced and cast out of the Boudiccate, shaming Caroline in the process. Since that moment, Caroline has kept a cool distance from Juliana, trying to protect her from the shame of her aunt’s betrayal.
Moontangled reads as a “slice of life,” rather than a full story. We are introduced to both Caroline and Juliana (and discover their secret engagement) earlier in the series. That is where their story begins, so I highly recommend starting with the first book, Snowspelled. Knowing their history is what makes Moontangled fantastic and romantic. Otherwise, I’m afraid the story is too short to fully capture the depth of their love.
I enjoyed returning to the Thornfell College of Magic, even though we don’t spend much time there. Juliana is focused on her magic, just like always, so she nearly forgets the important ball which will bring her true love, Caroline, to her home at the school. It’s Caroline who’s changed, keeping her distance and breaking off her engagement with Juliana. Of course it’s all misunderstandings and miscommunications that drive the pair to this point. The perceived threat of permanent capture by the fae creates tension and heightened emotions, which allows the opportunity for the pair to let out all of their fears and secrets.
Overall, I am so glad the author gave fans this story. But in a way, I wanted more. This world is so magical and fantastical, I want to spend time and enjoy it to the fullest.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Review copy provided by the author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Moontangled reads as a “slice of life,” rather than a full story. We are introduced to both Caroline and Juliana (and discover their secret engagement) earlier in the series. That is where their story begins, so I highly recommend starting with the first book, Snowspelled. Knowing their history is what makes Moontangled fantastic and romantic. Otherwise, I’m afraid the story is too short to fully capture the depth of their love.
I enjoyed returning to the Thornfell College of Magic, even though we don’t spend much time there. Juliana is focused on her magic, just like always, so she nearly forgets the important ball which will bring her true love, Caroline, to her home at the school. It’s Caroline who’s changed, keeping her distance and breaking off her engagement with Juliana. Of course it’s all misunderstandings and miscommunications that drive the pair to this point. The perceived threat of permanent capture by the fae creates tension and heightened emotions, which allows the opportunity for the pair to let out all of their fears and secrets.
Overall, I am so glad the author gave fans this story. But in a way, I wanted more. This world is so magical and fantastical, I want to spend time and enjoy it to the fullest.
My Rating: B, Liked It
Review copy provided by the author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
February 14, 2020
[I received an Advance Reading Copy of this novella via the author’s mailing list in exchange for an honest review.]
I adore The Harwood Spellbook series and I loved seeing more of this f/f couple who have been supporting characters in the earlier books. I found Juliana’s viewpoint in particular very easy to identify with; as always the psychology behind the romance feels very genuine. A lovely magical adventure that warmed my heart - I can’t wait to see what any future books in this universe will have in store!
I adore The Harwood Spellbook series and I loved seeing more of this f/f couple who have been supporting characters in the earlier books. I found Juliana’s viewpoint in particular very easy to identify with; as always the psychology behind the romance feels very genuine. A lovely magical adventure that warmed my heart - I can’t wait to see what any future books in this universe will have in store!
February 6, 2020
Juliana Banks and Caroline Fennell have been secretly engaged for...well, for the last couple books, but there’s one major obstacle to their love. No, not the fact that they’re both women, but the fact that in order to have a successful career as part of the ruling Boudiccate of Angland, Caroline must marry a magician. And until the establishment of the Thornfell (Women’s) College of Magic, only men were magicians. Now that Juliana is a star pupil at Thornfell, why has Caroline grown cold and distant? This is an engaging romance of miscommunication and mistaken self-sacrifice, complicated by a meddling wood-fairy who has her own agenda. A fun and heartwarming romance that pushes all my Regency fantasy buttons. See my review of the entire series so far on my blog.
November 1, 2020
2.5*. I haven't read the other books in the series, but this is a f/f novella and I picked it up on those merits. Can I recommend it? Not really, at least not as a standalone. Most of the wordcount was devoted to either explaining events that I assume took place in earlier books, or over-explaining everything else (the characters' feelings, motives, the scene that passed for plot, etc.). It kind of felt like all climax and no buildup. But I'm giving it an extra half star for this part:
So often, romance is about the BIG SWEEPING FEELINGS and I get it! I totally get that it's all about the DEVOTION and ROMANCE as an all-consuming power! But I prefer my protagonists to resemble real life, sane people, so this acknowledgment that Juliana had a pretty damn good life and a supportive, loving network with or without Romance and was going to move on regardless was an unexpectedly deft touch from a story that was otherwise super not subtle.
If she lost Caroline, it would break her heart. But she would survive and heal, because for the first time ever, she was surrounded by a sisterhood of women who valued her for who she truly was, flaws included.
So often, romance is about the BIG SWEEPING FEELINGS and I get it! I totally get that it's all about the DEVOTION and ROMANCE as an all-consuming power! But I prefer my protagonists to resemble real life, sane people, so this acknowledgment that Juliana had a pretty damn good life and a supportive, loving network with or without Romance and was going to move on regardless was an unexpectedly deft touch from a story that was otherwise super not subtle.
July 8, 2020
The latest instalment in the Harwood Spellbook series, set in an alt-19th C where roles outlined for men and women are strict - men are the magicians, with a reputation to uphold and women are the politicians and leaders, tasked with leading Angland. After months of absence, Juliana, one of the first female magician students, is set to meet her distant fiance, Caroline, a rising politician, at the school's first ball. What follows is epic misunderstandings, noble sacrifices, fey bargains and grand spells. Lovely worldbuilding and loved the passion between Juliana & Caroline. Another charming instalment in Harwood Spellbook series and it was wonderful to see the story of Juliana & Caroline depicted after hints in previous books.
January 10, 2020
Stephanie Burgis’ “Moontangled” novella is just lovely. We finally get the story between Miss Fennell and Miss Banks. One is feeling the consequences from the “Thornbound” revelations and the other is finally finding her family at Thornfell. I loved the portrayal of the students' friendship and how we see their progression from their initial arrival at the school. The fey appear in all their nature – dangerous, creepy and yet vulnerable. This isn’t quite as standalone as other novellas. I’d encourage reading the other books first.
I received a copy of the ARC from the author. I also support them on Patreon.
I received a copy of the ARC from the author. I also support them on Patreon.
March 16, 2020
I really like the characters in this series. The problem is that this is the third book in a row I've read of this series and the plots are essentially the same. Partners don't communicate with eachother, so then they each sacrifice themselves for the other, and a bargain with an elf. The plot would have been a lot better if it wasn't driven by the same old miscommunication.
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January 19, 2020Review to come soon! Sweet, romantic lil' story :)
January 10, 2020
Thanks to Stephanie Burgis for an Advanced Reader's Copy of this lovely novella.
Full review available on my blog: https://inkandplasma.wordpress.com/20...
I really enjoyed this. I read it curled up on the sofa on a chilly afternoon and it was the perfect short, romantic read. I'm usually pretty fussy about my romances, I'm aro and personally I find I'm easy made uncomfortable by over-the-top romance. I didn't get that in this novella, and it meant I could get invested in their relationship.
I think I would have enjoyed this novella more if I'd read the other books. I think technically this can stand-alone, I haven't read either of the Harwood Spell Book series yet and I enjoyed this plenty, but there were definitely parts that would have been clearer if I'd read the rest of the series. I think the ending would have had more impact, and I would have been even more invested in the relationship between Juliana and Caroline. It felt a little bit like reading a fanfiction about characters I didn't recognise (which is something I do more often than you'd expect). That's only a comment on this as a stand-alone though, and I have a feeling that revisiting this once I've read the other stories will have me emotional.
This novella is a snapshot of a troubled moment in their established relationship. I think that added to the fanficcy vibe, but in a good way. Considering this is a novella, it still succinctly introduced the reader to the characters in a way that made me understand their dynamic and their backstories in enough detail to enjoy the story. I also had a grasp on the over-arching world and the way that 19th Century Angland's society worked. Magicians, traditionally male, and politicians, traditionally female, are your typical couple. But our couple flout all their rules. Juliana is in the first class of female magicians, and she and Caroline have been betrothed for three years. Their relationship has been kept secret until now (I love that trope) because of the societal expectations that oppose relationships like theirs, but they're at boiling point now.
This is a romance novella and I'm under the impression that they're together in the later stories, so we're guaranteed our HEA in a way that made me enjoy their miscommunications and misunderstandings an awful lot. I hate that stuff when I don't know how it's going to end, but here I was just enjoying wanting to lovingly knock some sense into both of them.
Full review available on my blog: https://inkandplasma.wordpress.com/20...
I really enjoyed this. I read it curled up on the sofa on a chilly afternoon and it was the perfect short, romantic read. I'm usually pretty fussy about my romances, I'm aro and personally I find I'm easy made uncomfortable by over-the-top romance. I didn't get that in this novella, and it meant I could get invested in their relationship.
I think I would have enjoyed this novella more if I'd read the other books. I think technically this can stand-alone, I haven't read either of the Harwood Spell Book series yet and I enjoyed this plenty, but there were definitely parts that would have been clearer if I'd read the rest of the series. I think the ending would have had more impact, and I would have been even more invested in the relationship between Juliana and Caroline. It felt a little bit like reading a fanfiction about characters I didn't recognise (which is something I do more often than you'd expect). That's only a comment on this as a stand-alone though, and I have a feeling that revisiting this once I've read the other stories will have me emotional.
This novella is a snapshot of a troubled moment in their established relationship. I think that added to the fanficcy vibe, but in a good way. Considering this is a novella, it still succinctly introduced the reader to the characters in a way that made me understand their dynamic and their backstories in enough detail to enjoy the story. I also had a grasp on the over-arching world and the way that 19th Century Angland's society worked. Magicians, traditionally male, and politicians, traditionally female, are your typical couple. But our couple flout all their rules. Juliana is in the first class of female magicians, and she and Caroline have been betrothed for three years. Their relationship has been kept secret until now (I love that trope) because of the societal expectations that oppose relationships like theirs, but they're at boiling point now.
This is a romance novella and I'm under the impression that they're together in the later stories, so we're guaranteed our HEA in a way that made me enjoy their miscommunications and misunderstandings an awful lot. I hate that stuff when I don't know how it's going to end, but here I was just enjoying wanting to lovingly knock some sense into both of them.
April 16, 2022
“If you ever dare try to put me aside for my own good ever again, Caroline Fennell, I will cast a spell to bind you to my side forever, just so I can spend the rest of our lives telling you exactly what I think of that nonsense!”
Moontangled is a charming little sapphic novella set in a regency fantasy setting and brings the best of both worlds—by that I mean that there are women in cute bodices and beautiful gowns and there's magic with woods ruled by fey folk.
The story is focussed on Juliana and Caroline—a magician and a politician respectively, who have been secretly bethrothed to each other for three years now. But their relationship has been fraught with tension and now, meeting after so many months apart, Caroline decides to break off this engagement. Thus ensues a lot of misunderstanding but a timely elfen intervention saves them. Typical idiots in love situation!
Dickinson (2019-2021)
I could not stop thinking about these sequences from Dickinson while reading this book.
I read this novella sheerly because of the f/f romance and I fully fell in love with Caroline and Juliana! Not having read the earlier installments, it's crazy that despite all the details here, it never got confusing for me. I'm also not one for misunderstandings but this story was not about the misunderstanding just for the sake of it, rather it portrayed two mature women in a regressive society who are hopelessly and truly in love each other so very much but doubts and distance and ultimately wanting the better for your love acts as the proverbial red devil on their shoulders.
Their coming apart and coming together; the background story with the fey; the cuteness and love and desire! This was a delightful story! The author has me convinced that Caroline and Juliana were meant to be together!
September 6, 2021
Mild spoilers ahead.
While this was absolutely adorable and I loved that we got more from these two, I just didn't feel like there was as much in this one. The single misunderstanding took up the whole novella and it was a bit frustrating as the constant quick-loop of "I'm not good enough for her", righteous anger, "I love her so much" got repetitive fast. Yeah, I guess that's what a breakup looks like (especially when, like here, neither party wanted it in the first place), but it didn't make for super enjoyable reading.
What plot there was was very easily figured out early on, so there wasn't that to lean on either. From page one you kinda know that the breakup will obviously be reversed by the end, and having that assurance can make for some often much-needed relaxing/fun reading. And it should've. It kind of did? Everything just felt incredibly shallow and almost frustratingly pointless at times. A misunderstanding like that needs a single conversation to reverse (which it did), and I just found myself wishing that it would happen already so I could read something other than two women emotionally and aimlessly running through an enchanted forest.
I also found there wasn't a huge difference in voice between Caroline and Juliana, which I wasn't expecting from Stephanie Burgis. Occasionally I had to check whose perspective I was reading.
Anyway. it was lesbians, it was wholesome, it was feminist, and I love this universe, so still a good time. Just wanted more. Ah, well.
While this was absolutely adorable and I loved that we got more from these two, I just didn't feel like there was as much in this one. The single misunderstanding took up the whole novella and it was a bit frustrating as the constant quick-loop of "I'm not good enough for her", righteous anger, "I love her so much" got repetitive fast. Yeah, I guess that's what a breakup looks like (especially when, like here, neither party wanted it in the first place), but it didn't make for super enjoyable reading.
What plot there was was very easily figured out early on, so there wasn't that to lean on either. From page one you kinda know that the breakup will obviously be reversed by the end, and having that assurance can make for some often much-needed relaxing/fun reading. And it should've. It kind of did? Everything just felt incredibly shallow and almost frustratingly pointless at times. A misunderstanding like that needs a single conversation to reverse (which it did), and I just found myself wishing that it would happen already so I could read something other than two women emotionally and aimlessly running through an enchanted forest.
I also found there wasn't a huge difference in voice between Caroline and Juliana, which I wasn't expecting from Stephanie Burgis. Occasionally I had to check whose perspective I was reading.
Anyway. it was lesbians, it was wholesome, it was feminist, and I love this universe, so still a good time. Just wanted more. Ah, well.
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