Author: C.M. Nascosta
Series: Cambric Creek Series Book #4
Category: Paranormal Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I've loved the world of Cambric Creek created by C.M. Nascosta since the first book of the series, Morning Glory Milking Farm skyrocketed in Booktok popularity. I will admit the series went downhill a notch with the third book, but thankfully the magic is back in the latest installment Two for Tea.
"'Good books. Hot tea. Someone to call me a good girl as they hold me down and fuck me into next month. Maybe one of those little fruit tarts. Hot soup. A pumpkin on my doorstep. Very simple needs.'" Harper
Harper Hollingsworth is having a terrible year, with the death of her father and too many expectations set on her as she starts to come into adulthood as a witch. She is relatable, in that despondent I don't want to have any responsibilities I want to drown in my own sorrow type of way that screams wayward youth. She is desperate to fight her depression but even she can see she needs help, and that type of support isn't ever going to come from her perfectionist mother who sweeps emotions under the rug.
"Grief was a bruise on her heart, but her heart was still capable of doing other things. Depression, on the other hand...depression lied. Depression was that little lizard voice at the back of her consciousness that was always quick to cut her down and remind her of her shortcomings." - Harper
Luckily, a random search to find a quiet space results in the delightful find of Azathé Tea Room and Harper finds herself enchanted with more than just the fabulously gothic decor. Azathé, her shadow love interest, truly helped her to see past her depression and slowly nurtured her soul bit by bit. Their unique relationship lends itself to a more open-minded exploration of sexuality and love that is underappreciated and underrepresented in romance books.
"Attract to parts didn't make any sense to her brain, but attraction to this sinuous, curling voice? Their kindness and knowledge? Their ability to brew a perfect cup of tea?" - Harper
For all the heavy topics in this book, there are light moments that are tons of fun. The outfit of the day segments features in each chapter are inspiring and apropos based on the storyline.
"OOTD: A-line crepe dress with embroidered bib and white collar. Black tights and knee-high boots, because it's motherfucking spooky season."
Mysteriously charming characters seem to find Harper to lift her spirits and help her heal. Holt, the fabulously sketchy feline familiar is wise and sassy beyond his years and I loved how his interactions with Harper give us the impression he knows more about her potential future than she does. Ladybug, who hasn’t always been treated well by other witches but is kind and always helpful.
Harper has a bright future ahead of her, and while it is only hinted at in this book, there is change coming for both her and the witches and familiars of Cambric Creek. Take my advice after reading this book review. Put on some hot water, pick out a nice herbal tea, and snuggle up: you're going to go through this book in one sitting.
Tropes and Themes: Monsters, Bisexual, Witches, Gothic, Depression, Fantasy Romance, Nonbinary, Novella, Praise Kink.
Blurb
The Azathé Tea Room is a strange place, indeed. There are no servers, no menus — do mind our hostess, though, she can get a bit underfoot! Help yourself to a book while you wait, and be sure to shuffle your tarot deck well before placing your order.
Harper Hollingsworth wasn’t looking for a friend. She wanted peace and quiet. Someplace to lose herself in a book and not think about being a misfit; not think about her coven or her disconnect from the craft as her mother taught it, not think about being the odd goth out everywhere she went. She didn't want to think about her lack of magical ambition, as she was regularly told by her mother's poison-tongued familiar, and more than that — she didn't want to feel. Anything.
Companionship wasn’t her aim the day she stepped into the odd little tea room, just off Cambric Creek’s bustling Main Street. She wanted to settle into the shadows and get lost there, and if she had to talk to anyone, it would be to herself.
She didn’t expect the shadows to talk back.
To the strange, seldom seen owner of one of Cambric Creek's oddest businesses, tea is more than just a beverage. They take pride in both their blends and their unorthodox method of teasing out the order each guest needs to sate more than their thirst. Azathé brews more than a fine cup of tea — they steep the smell of memories, the anticipation of the future, pain and loss, hope and longing, an elixir of health and comfort and feeling in every cup. Residing unseen in the shadows gets a bit lonely at times, an undignified emotion for one as old as themselves, and so they have made it their business to get to know their unwitting neighbors one cup of tea at a time. Guests may not know what to expect when they step over the shop's threshold, but the owner guarantees they will feel something before they leave.
The shadowy proprietor of the Azathé Tea Room isn’t content to watch Harper sink into depression day after day within the walls of their establishment. Once they intervene, Harper is drawn into their world of oddity and emotions, where the darkest shadows can reside in the light, and even the most mildly macabre witch can find her place.
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