Book: Potions & Prejudice by Tee Harlowe
Reviewed by Suzy Wickedly Good Reads
Rating: 4/5
If Charmed met Pride & Prejudice and added a curse of bound witch powers, grumpy/sunshine romance, and a pocket-sized dragon (with absolutely no idea that he's supposed to be an apex predator)- you'd get Potions and Prejudice. This was such a sweet, cozy little fantasy romance!
Elspeth is the eldest daughter in a family of witches and has essentially become the head of her family since her father disappeared years ago. There's just one rather large problem: their magic has been bound by an accidental curse (Grandma was on her deathbed and a bit confused!) Unlike most witches on the run stories, in this land being without magic is apparently a crime. So, Elspeth, her mother, and her sisters have spent years constantly on the move.
When they finally settle in Thistlegrove and open a small food-cart-style business serving soups, they begin to find something they haven't had in a long time- a sense of peace, belonging, and community.
Enter Draven Darkstone. Grumpy, broody, and somehow constantly crossing paths with Elspeth, Draven provides some wonderfully awkward and funny moments as their relationship develops. (I am an absolute sucker for grumpy/sunshine, so naturally I was here for it.)
But we need to discuss the REAL scene-stealer...
EDGAR.
This pocket-sized dragon stole my heart. 😂 He's basically the Cowardly Lion in dragon form and occasionally needs to be reminded that he is, in fact, an apex predator. I would happily read an entire book about Edgar's adventures. He is too cute and provides comedy to many scenes.
The story is short, sweet, funny, cozy, and still gives you some open-door spice along with the romance. I also really enjoyed the family dynamic between Elspeth and her sisters. I'm hoping this is the beginning of a series because I would LOVE to see each sister eventually get her own story. A fun, magical little read perfect for anyone who likes cozy fantasy romance, witches, grumpy/sunshine, found community, and tiny dragons who haven't quite figured out how to dragon yet.