josie_bookstagram 's review for:

Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story by Laura M. Drake, J. Ann Curtis, Michelle Cowart, Rebecca Yockey

5.0

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"I wasn’t sure what it said about me that I was asking for an orchid’s opinion, but I’d always loved plants." 🪴

I had such a delightful time reading Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story!  From the very first page, I was charmed by the cozy mystery vibes mixed with a clever Jane Austen-style retelling.  Laura M. Drake’s writing is exactly the kind of witty, engaging prose I adore, and she seamlessly blends classic romance sensibilities with whimsical magical elements.

This novella felt both familiar and refreshingly new.  The characters are wonderfully well-drawn, and I loved seeing the Austen-inspired personalities navigate a world where potions, spells, and fantasy twists are part of everyday life.  The plot is cleverly constructed with just the right amount of intrigue, keeping me guessing while still feeling cozy and satisfying.

The story’s tropes are everything I could hope for in a fantasy-meets-classic romance:

✨ Regency Retelling / Classic Literature Inspiration

✨ Cozy Mystery / Whodunit Elements

✨ Magical Realism / Fantasy Twist

✨ Enemies-to-Lovers / Romantic Tension

✨ Witty Banter / Clever Dialogue

✨ Small-Town / Close-Knit Community

Even as a short read, it packs a punch of charm, magic, and clever plotting.  I finished it with a smile, already looking forward to what the authors will conjure up next in this whimsical universe.  This novella is a perfect treat for fans of Austen, fantasy, and cozy mysteries alike.