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jassmine 's review for:
Claws and Contrivances
by Stephanie Burgis
"You said you weren't in talking about people, only dragons!" Rose said in a desperate whisper. "Remember?"
"No, I said I prefer to converse only about topics that I find interesting."
This was very much a needed read at the time I picked this up. It was just completely bonkers and convoluted and I seem to be living for that lately (see my recent read of Something Fabulous). This sealed my fate with Stephanie Burgis and send me on a frantic read through her [b:Snowspelled|34913546|Snowspelled (The Harwood Spellbook, #1)|Stephanie Burgis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1499436670l/34913546._SY75_.jpg|56176342] series (which was both great and disappointing) and I'm sure I will be reading more from her in the future.
We already met Mr Aubrey in [b:Scales and Sensibility|56919261|Scales and Sensibility (Regency Dragons, #1)|Stephanie Burgis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633651207l/56919261._SY75_.jpg|89012879] and I wasn't honestly sure how he'll fare as love interest, but it turns out Stephanie Burgis has a way of writing scholarly and absentminded heroes (if you liked Mr Aubrey as Love interest, do read [b:Spellswept|36655733|Spellswept (The Harwood Spellbook, #0.5)|Stephanie Burgis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536399258l/36655733._SX50_.jpg|58430351], you are going to love Jonathan Hardwood, even though he's not quite as absentminded). He's nerdy and very distractable which leads to hilarious situations in the beginning, but slowly you get to see him changing, paying attention to Rose - even if she herself doesn't quite see it! I really loved how gentle and not forceful he was, yet stating clearly what he wanted - and yet she manages to misinterpret his words! That was a bit frustrating, but Rose's obtuseness where Mr Aubrey is concerned aside, she was an amazing protagonist. Struggling with figuring out what it was that she wanted from life and trying to take care of everyone. The romance between them was quite sweet and I loved it and the loving completely bonkers family dynamics around them were priceless. It might be a bit too much for some readers, but I love funny and ridiculous books, so it was pretty perfect for me!
Important note though... this isn't a [b:Northanger Abbey|50398|Northanger Abbey|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388201718l/50398._SY75_.jpg|4039699] retelling... It's advertised as such and it does have some themes in common, but the characters and story lines are completely different, which was a little disappointing. [b:Scales and Sensibility|56919261|Scales and Sensibility (Regency Dragons, #1)|Stephanie Burgis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633651207l/56919261._SY75_.jpg|89012879] was very loose and creative retelling, but still retelling - because the characters were really similar to their inspirations and the elements were in place. Here, not so much... it's fine, just don't expect Northanger - although there are some gothic ruins and imaginations involved...
This is a book that requires a bit specific taste and won't be for everyone, I really enjoyed it though and would recommend! Also dragons!
4,5⭐ + there is a bonus epilogue if you subscribe to Burgis's newsletter.
P.S. There is a sapphic romance on the side and that honestly made me want this book to be just about Georgie and her lady love! You can't include butch character and not expect me to become distracted!