Have you ever wanted to dive into the world of Jane Austen, only you wish it were fantasy and maybe a bit more like Bridgerton? That’s what it felt like when I read Tempests and Tea Leaves by Rachel Morgan and I was absolutely delighted.
This book follows Iris, a half-human, half-fae woman who is debuting her magic of paper folding for the Bloom Season. When she runs afoul of Lord Jasvian Rowanwood, Iris is certain that her prospects are diminished. Then, she is taken on as an apprentice by Lady Rivenna Rowanwood, matron of the Rowanwood family and proprietress of The Charmed Leaf tea house. And now Jasvian must share a study with Iris until the end of the season.
I think the world of this series is so cozy and delightful. Every detail is a bit magical and well crafted and I felt fully immersed there. I love the little details and how they flow with the story, making everything just that much more magical. The characters, too, are supremely well crafted. Their emotions are intense and real and feel completely relatable, even when it’s to do with something as unfamiliar as magical ability.
The romance was sweet and fun, with just the right amount of banter to fall into the rivals-to-lovers trope, which is so entertaining when properly executed. I will say that the third act breakup felt a bit rushed, but the reunion was superbly well done, so I didn’t mind too much.
Charming, entertaining, and delightfully cozy, this is a story that is perfect for these cold winter days by the fire.
