Potions and Prejudice Book Review

“You think I care about some stupid curse? I can survive you being cursed. What I can’t survive is a life without you.”

Draven Darkstone

Synopsis

Witch hates warlock.

Warlock hates witch.

Warlock falls for witch.

. . . Things get very, very complicated.

Elspeth Moonflower just wants to cast a spell. Unfortunately, that’s impossible due to a curse her grandmother cast that forces every witch in her family to marry before using magic. As a result, Elspeth and her sisters are outcasts, helping their mother run her traveling apothecary shop—while she complains that her daughters are all magicless spinsters.

When their cart breaks down and strands them in the charming village of Thistlegrove, Elspeth’s older sister meets a handsome warlock who’s smitten. If only the warlock’s best friend wasn’t completely insufferable. Draven Darkstone is broody, arrogant, wealthy—a perfect example of why Elspeth never wants to marry. But for the sake of her sister, she needs to be nice.

Which is hard when all Draven does is glower at her. It’s even harder when the glowering turns to longing glances. It’s downright impossible when he kisses her.

Little does Elspeth know, the line between love and hate just got thinner.

The low-stakes fantasy of Legends and Lattes meets the romance of Bridgerton in Potions & Prejudice, a spicy cozy fantasy romance with a grumpy sentient cottage, an anxious miniature dragon, and all the cottagecore vibes.

REVIEW

Tee Harlowe’s Potions and Prejudice was adorable. Imagine Pride and Prejudice but with potions, magic, cottagecore vibes, and a tiny anxious dragon named Edgar—yeah, it’s as cute as it sounds.

I was instantly hooked. The pacing is perfect; nothing drags, and I never felt lost or rushed. The main characters (Elspeth and Draven) are in their 30s, and their connection is so well done (both emotionally and physically). It’s got that warm, slow-burn tension but also real depth, which made all the swoony moments hit even harder. I actually also really liked the side characters as well (yes, even Mrs. Moonflower—aka “Mrs. Bennet”).

And even though the story is obviously a nod to Austen’s work, the magical twist on Austen’s world feels original and alive without losing that familiar charm. This is the kind of book you curl up with on the couch during a rainy day or take on a picnic during a warm, sunny day. It’s quick, cozy, a little spicy, and totally delightful. Highly recommend if you love magical small towns, soft romance, and anything Austen-adjacent with a fantasy twist. 10/10 would move into Thistlegrove tomorrow!

Expected publication date is 3 June 2025.