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Flos Magicae #4
Of Socialites and Prizefights
She needs a woman's kiss to break her curse.
When Deepa Patel rejects the wrong man, he curses her: every night, she will transform into a wild animal until her curse is broken by true love’s kiss. The problem is twofold. One: Deepa needs her nights to seduce shallow men into spending money on her—money she desperately needs to buy herself and her mother a better life. Two: she doesn’t believe in love. She’s never met a man she wanted to keep longer than a week, never mind forever.
She never considered her true love might be a woman.
Roz is unlike any of Deepa’s past suitors. She’s working class, with a nose that’s been broken at least once, courtesy of an underground boxing club. And she makes Deepa feel lighter and softer than she ever thought possible. But Roz can’t afford to give Deepa the life of luxury she craves.
Meanwhile, Deepa is posing as a wealthy nobleman's fiancée. There’s no love between them, but his lifestyle is everything she’s ever wanted. Caught between a real relationship and a loveless fake one, Deepa has to choose: give up on her dreams for a chance at true love, or make her dreams come true but stay cursed forever.
Of Socialites and Prizefights is a butch/femme sapphic novel in the Flos Magicae series, a collection of queer romances set in an alternate 1920s world with magic. All the stories are standalones and can be read in any order.
When Deepa Patel rejects the wrong man, he curses her: every night, she will transform into a wild animal until her curse is broken by true love’s kiss. The problem is twofold. One: Deepa needs her nights to seduce shallow men into spending money on her—money she desperately needs to buy herself and her mother a better life. Two: she doesn’t believe in love. She’s never met a man she wanted to keep longer than a week, never mind forever.
She never considered her true love might be a woman.
Roz is unlike any of Deepa’s past suitors. She’s working class, with a nose that’s been broken at least once, courtesy of an underground boxing club. And she makes Deepa feel lighter and softer than she ever thought possible. But Roz can’t afford to give Deepa the life of luxury she craves.
Meanwhile, Deepa is posing as a wealthy nobleman's fiancée. There’s no love between them, but his lifestyle is everything she’s ever wanted. Caught between a real relationship and a loveless fake one, Deepa has to choose: give up on her dreams for a chance at true love, or make her dreams come true but stay cursed forever.
Of Socialites and Prizefights is a butch/femme sapphic novel in the Flos Magicae series, a collection of queer romances set in an alternate 1920s world with magic. All the stories are standalones and can be read in any order.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2025
20 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Arden Powell
26 books429 followersArden Powell (they/them) is a Canadian author and illustrator with stories in Lightspeed Magazine, Baffling Magazine, and Haunt Publishing, and whose books include The Faerie Hounds of York, The Bayou, the Flos Magicae series, and their short story collection, The Carnelian King and Other Stories. A nebulous entity, they live with a senior rescue hound and an exorbitant number of houseplants, and enjoy the company of both.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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January 31, 2024My first read of 2024 is also my first published book of the year! I've actually read it about a dozen times now, but I'm only counting it once. ARCs are already out in the world, and the book itself comes out on Feb 7th.
This is my first sapphic novel, which is exciting and nervewracking, and I love it a lot (now that I'm finally done working on it, thank god). If you liked Sebastian in A THIEF AND A GENTLEMAN, I think you'll like Deepa Patel. I enjoyed writing her, anyway, with all her hunger and misguided beliefs.
A note for the queer history buffs: Roz is referred to in-text as a butch a few times, though that term wasn't around in the 1920s. But I like it, so I'm calling it a by-product of the alternate-magic-universe of the series' setting.
Happy reading! <3
This is my first sapphic novel, which is exciting and nervewracking, and I love it a lot (now that I'm finally done working on it, thank god). If you liked Sebastian in A THIEF AND A GENTLEMAN, I think you'll like Deepa Patel. I enjoyed writing her, anyway, with all her hunger and misguided beliefs.
A note for the queer history buffs: Roz is referred to in-text as a butch a few times, though that term wasn't around in the 1920s. But I like it, so I'm calling it a by-product of the alternate-magic-universe of the series' setting.
Happy reading! <3
April 24, 2024
She had always been a huntress. She was too hungry — for money, for power, for status — to ever think of herself as prey.
This was delightful! I'm so glad that I remembered that this series existed, and so glad that the author wrote an f/f installment in it. Deepa and Roz made my heart so happy, and I continue to love the simple whimsy of this magical historical world. This is the seventh book in a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone (though there are references and appearances by characters from other books, which I really enjoyed). All you need to know for the setting is that it's historical, magic exists, and everyone knows about it. Deepa is a dancer and performer who dreams of building a lavish life for herself and her mother, and she relies on the gifts and patronage of all the men who are besotted with it. A spurned lover curses her, and to break it, she needs true love's kiss, and after meeting Roz, she starts realising that salvation might come from a woman, and not a man.
Roz made her want to lay herself bare like a butterfly pinned to a board and invite countless hours of worshipful study. Because when Roz looked at her so intently, it meant she was allowed to look back.
A LOT about this worked for me. I always say this, but it always makes me feel bad when in books (or any type of media) a character who wants money is always vilified or made out to be a bad person. When that is not the case! Wanting or needing money is an absolutely neutral thing! And I loved that Deepa never really had to compromise on that. She doesn't want to be self-sufficient; she doesn't want to just scrape by. She's created a dream and a goal for herself where she wants to eventually keep herself and her mother in luxury, and if other people see her as a gold digger, well, that's their problem. It was just so refreshing to see a main character like this. I have to admit, for this to have been an absolutely perfect romance for me, a few things would have to be written differently, but I'm still glad to read about this kind of character.
“Love is a choice you make every day.”
I loved Roz even more, possibly?? Debonair, dashing, strong, service butch of my dreams. (Literally.) I absolutely loved that she was so down to earth, working class, a simple woman through and through, but she still found ways to treat and spoil Deepa, in the ways that matter. Her absolute devotion to service, and doing things simply for the purpose of making Deepa happy, in all the little ways she could... swoon. Short worshipful butches will save the world. (Side note: GOD I love a short butch/tall femme pair.) And I love that it wasn't all one-sided, and Roz got taken care of too. There was so much devotion between them, so much quick and seemingly innate understanding. I ate it up! Not a lot of time passes in the book, and this is one of the rare situations where that didn't bother me, because I was totally swept away by the romance. I always love a queer awakening narrative, and Deepa's was fun because of how pragmatic she was about it, how she embraces and eventually allows herself to be hungry for Roz like anything else in her life.
“I don’t think I’ve ever missed anyone before. But you’re under my skin, and I like having you there. I don't really want to dig you out.”
The plot was fun; I always love shapeshifters, especially cat shifters. I love how Deepa adapted to it, but I also loved her rage, and the ways the story let her express it. I also really enjoyed Roz's storyline with the prizefighting, (all those descriptions about how strong she was *__*) and being a mechanic, and just how she made life work for her in a society that doesn't prioritise women like her. The curse plotline wasn't exactly surprising, but it still managed to move in some directions I wasn't expecting, and I loooooved the ending. Deeply swoony. This was a single POV romance, and I always like those, when done well. Seeing Roz purely through Deepa's eyes made me fall even more in love with her. (And the little epilogue from Roz's perspective was fun too.)
Overall, I really loved this. Something about Powell's writing is so cosy and relaxing, and I fell hard for these women. At some point I really want to go back and catch up on this series.
Love felt like something she needed to woo, inviting it into her life one step at a time.
February 17, 2024
4⭐
Flos Magicae is one of my favourite series, and the newest sapphic installment is a fine addition to it, though not close to being the best. The story starts out very strongly but doesn’t quite hold up until the end, resulting in a minor disappointment. Still, this is very much an enjoyable Flos Magicae story.
The protagonist Deepa is very focused on money, which is understandable through the struggles of her family and the lack of prospects for her station and gender. She’s charming men to provide her with expensive gifts and doesn’t really believe in love. I found her interesting, though I feel that perhaps her journey to self-discovery and change was a bit too fast, as was the romance.
The best thing in this book are the many lovely, competent women. We meet several from the earlier Flos Magicae books. Deepa’s love interest is a new character: butch Roz, who is not high society or able to provide Deepa with riches. I really liked Roz and I thought there was good chemistry between the main characters. I felt the infatuation, but the progression to love still seemed rather quick. I wish the time span of the story was stretched a bit.
Once more we get to see some new aspects of the magic in this alternative world: curses and shapeshifting, while also working with charms and returning a bit to dreamwalking. I enjoyed the magic and all the great women. There was also many wonderfully humorous moments, though this wasn’t a full on comedy. I didn’t completely love the romance. I need disclose that I do prefer romantic pairings between men and enbies generally, so that might influence my opinion here. I’ve yet to find a lesbian love story I would have loved to bits.
Big thanks to the author for the ARC!
Flos Magicae is one of my favourite series, and the newest sapphic installment is a fine addition to it, though not close to being the best. The story starts out very strongly but doesn’t quite hold up until the end, resulting in a minor disappointment. Still, this is very much an enjoyable Flos Magicae story.
The protagonist Deepa is very focused on money, which is understandable through the struggles of her family and the lack of prospects for her station and gender. She’s charming men to provide her with expensive gifts and doesn’t really believe in love. I found her interesting, though I feel that perhaps her journey to self-discovery and change was a bit too fast, as was the romance.
The best thing in this book are the many lovely, competent women. We meet several from the earlier Flos Magicae books. Deepa’s love interest is a new character: butch Roz, who is not high society or able to provide Deepa with riches. I really liked Roz and I thought there was good chemistry between the main characters. I felt the infatuation, but the progression to love still seemed rather quick. I wish the time span of the story was stretched a bit.
Once more we get to see some new aspects of the magic in this alternative world: curses and shapeshifting, while also working with charms and returning a bit to dreamwalking. I enjoyed the magic and all the great women. There was also many wonderfully humorous moments, though this wasn’t a full on comedy. I didn’t completely love the romance. I need disclose that I do prefer romantic pairings between men and enbies generally, so that might influence my opinion here. I’ve yet to find a lesbian love story I would have loved to bits.
Big thanks to the author for the ARC!
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February 9, 2024Oof. I was really excited for this book but I can't write a proper review because I really, really loved Roz but really, really hated Deepa. The way she increasingly got on my nerves as the book progressed... They had sizzling chemistry, but I had trouble rooting for them as a couple when Deepa kept treating Roz terribly. Even the happy ending didn't feel entirely right; I thought their very serious conflicts with each other were just pushed aside rather than legitimately compromised... That said, it's excellently written and perfectly paced. Despite being fade to black it was quite sexy, fun, and a genuinely good addition to the series. A quick read that I devoured in one night. I just could not stand the MC lol
February 10, 2024
I received an advance copy via the authors newsletter for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
I’ve had Arden Powell’s books on my radar for a while, but it took lesbians for me to finally break the seal 😂 as soon as I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I knew I couldn’t wait to read Of Socialites and Prizefights. This ended up being such a perfect, fun read and now I want to go back to other Flos Magicae books to meet all the characters in their own stories. Deepa is always on the lookout for ways to further herself, in no small part because she wants to give her mother everything she believes she deserves. She’s also got a great community of friends who, when she’s cursed to become a leopard at midnight, decide the solution is for her to try women because she’s never been interested in men anyway. The very first night she meets Roz, a mechanic by day and boxer by night, and the attraction is immediate, but all the kisses they share aren’t breaking the curse, which just reinforces for Deepa that love is just a romantic fairytale and not for her. Watching their relationship develop and the ways they support each other as their own person was so delightful and I really loved how accepting and loving the world felt, at least in Deepa’s circle. Her mother is also a delight and really does deserve the world. Just, all around this perfectly hit the spot and I had a lot of fun with Deepa and Roz, and now I want to dive into Powell’s backlist.
I’ve had Arden Powell’s books on my radar for a while, but it took lesbians for me to finally break the seal 😂 as soon as I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I knew I couldn’t wait to read Of Socialites and Prizefights. This ended up being such a perfect, fun read and now I want to go back to other Flos Magicae books to meet all the characters in their own stories. Deepa is always on the lookout for ways to further herself, in no small part because she wants to give her mother everything she believes she deserves. She’s also got a great community of friends who, when she’s cursed to become a leopard at midnight, decide the solution is for her to try women because she’s never been interested in men anyway. The very first night she meets Roz, a mechanic by day and boxer by night, and the attraction is immediate, but all the kisses they share aren’t breaking the curse, which just reinforces for Deepa that love is just a romantic fairytale and not for her. Watching their relationship develop and the ways they support each other as their own person was so delightful and I really loved how accepting and loving the world felt, at least in Deepa’s circle. Her mother is also a delight and really does deserve the world. Just, all around this perfectly hit the spot and I had a lot of fun with Deepa and Roz, and now I want to dive into Powell’s backlist.
July 4, 2024
The Flos Magicae series are historical romantasy set in a 1920's world with various couples but Of Socialites and Prizefights is the first to feature a main sapphic couple so it's of course the first one I've read. Our main character is Deepa, a dancer at a club known for charming men and breaking their hearts. A scorned lover curses her to basically do a Swan Lake : she's turned into an animal after sundown until she gets a true love's kiss. Unable to break her curse, Deepa and friends meets the handsome Roz at a lesbian bar and she's immediatly charmed by this butch boxer. The conversations are immediatly flirty and the two women have a lot of chemistry.
Roz is a great butch love interest, charming and competent.
I had assumed from previous visuals that the Flos Magicae series was set in the late 19th century and later saw that it was the 1920's but the book is weirdly modern and it's hard to pinpoint the time period from book context.
The curse is a bit gimmicky and not much is done with Deepa's leopard form and then we get the second plot line that creates the third act conflict so it kinda felt like all over the place. I know the curse was a device for the love story but still
Roz is a great butch love interest, charming and competent.
I had assumed from previous visuals that the Flos Magicae series was set in the late 19th century and later saw that it was the 1920's but the book is weirdly modern and it's hard to pinpoint the time period from book context.
The curse is a bit gimmicky and not much is done with Deepa's leopard form and then we get the second plot line that creates the third act conflict so it kinda felt like all over the place. I know the curse was a device for the love story but still
March 1, 2024
Another really fun, creative, and enjoyable Flos Magicae read! The dynamic between Deepa and Roz was really well done and felt unique in a lot of ways, and I loved that Roz as a butch woman got to be seen as sexy and desireable. Also thought the curse and that play on fairytale "true love" was a lot of fun and overall well executed. I struggled some with Deepa as a character just bc her fixation on wealth and status just didn't connect with me personally, and it felt like a bit of a flat sense of motivation and character development at times. But i otherwise did enjoy her character and the Indian elements and descriptions connected to her. As always, really enjoyed the writing style, world building, and interconnection of the characters from the rest of the series (even if there were times they did feel a little shoehorned in). That said, I will happily keep reading this series as long as the writer keeps writing it bc i can trust by now that it will end up being a unique, queer read that I'll have fun reading.
February 10, 2024
4.5/ 5
Why haven’t I read more of this authors books already!! So queer, so diverse, so well-written! I absolutely couldn��t put this down and loved it from start to finish. It felt fast-paced and romantic, but also intricate and well-crafted. I can’t wait to read more.
PS. I am so weak for old-school butches like Roz, hotdamn
Why haven’t I read more of this authors books already!! So queer, so diverse, so well-written! I absolutely couldn��t put this down and loved it from start to finish. It felt fast-paced and romantic, but also intricate and well-crafted. I can’t wait to read more.
PS. I am so weak for old-school butches like Roz, hotdamn
September 19, 2025
Okay, so, I liked everything about this book except for two things.
The first is Roz. She's fine. I mean, don't get me wrong, she's a fine character. But, for a romance book, I have to at least feel a little of the attraction. I don't have to want to romance them, but I have to feel a little bit of it. I usually do, honestly. Even if they are very much not my type (like Alphonse) I can at least get the vibe enough to enjoy it. Not only is Roz very much not my type (I'm MUCH more attracted to the femme side of the butch/femme dynamic - or, you know, an actual character instead of a trope (because, after all, the first and only (so far) f/f romance in this series has to be described in terms of stereotypes when none of the m/m romances were (which I am not feeling pleased with to start with) (and I am also not feeling pleased with the fact that the next book is a butch lesbian and a non-binary romance and that is giving me some unpleasant vibes right from the start) of which they did, maybe try to do, but Roz is a type and Deepa is a type) what's even worse than that is the second issue I had:
I didn't like the romance. (The only good thing that has come out of it is the fact that I now know why the previous book didn't work for me when, by rights it should have. And that's largely the same issue I had here.) To me this book feels way to much like differences too big to compromise on. I'm not say it is, and these girls sure don't seem to think so (which I'll get to in a moment) but the differences are not shallow, they are basic personality traits (which, also, came up in the previous book) that I don't see how they can really work. Also, this book feels very...sexually charged like, all the time. Possibly more than all the others. (There were bits in the rest that were that way, sure, especially the last two, but I don't remember them being quite this constant.) Finally. From what I hear, it is somewhat accurate, but... (romance spoilers)
If you know me AT ALL, you know I love a slow burn. This is not that. This isn't even as slow burn as the rest of the books in the series (except maybe The Botanist's Apprentice, because that was majorly fast burn as well) (and The Bachelor's Valet doesn't count because it is borderline slow burn). Like I said: hear it's accurate. Don't like it anyway.
(Honestly, yeah, this review is a mess, and I am just sorely disappointed. This series has had a few brilliant moments for me, but this one is not it.)
Other than all that... Deepa's good. I like her character. She's a little more mercenary than I like, but she's still likable and understandable. (And, also, MUCh more my type, if I can be that shallow.)
The first is Roz. She's fine. I mean, don't get me wrong, she's a fine character. But, for a romance book, I have to at least feel a little of the attraction. I don't have to want to romance them, but I have to feel a little bit of it. I usually do, honestly. Even if they are very much not my type (like Alphonse) I can at least get the vibe enough to enjoy it. Not only is Roz very much not my type (I'm MUCH more attracted to the femme side of the butch/femme dynamic - or, you know, an actual character instead of a trope (because, after all, the first and only (so far) f/f romance in this series has to be described in terms of stereotypes when none of the m/m romances were (which I am not feeling pleased with to start with) (and I am also not feeling pleased with the fact that the next book is a butch lesbian and a non-binary romance and that is giving me some unpleasant vibes right from the start) of which they did, maybe try to do, but Roz is a type and Deepa is a type) what's even worse than that is the second issue I had:
I didn't like the romance. (The only good thing that has come out of it is the fact that I now know why the previous book didn't work for me when, by rights it should have. And that's largely the same issue I had here.) To me this book feels way to much like differences too big to compromise on. I'm not say it is, and these girls sure don't seem to think so (which I'll get to in a moment) but the differences are not shallow, they are basic personality traits (which, also, came up in the previous book) that I don't see how they can really work. Also, this book feels very...sexually charged like, all the time. Possibly more than all the others. (There were bits in the rest that were that way, sure, especially the last two, but I don't remember them being quite this constant.) Finally. From what I hear, it is somewhat accurate, but... (romance spoilers)
If you know me AT ALL, you know I love a slow burn. This is not that. This isn't even as slow burn as the rest of the books in the series (except maybe The Botanist's Apprentice, because that was majorly fast burn as well) (and The Bachelor's Valet doesn't count because it is borderline slow burn). Like I said: hear it's accurate. Don't like it anyway.
(Honestly, yeah, this review is a mess, and I am just sorely disappointed. This series has had a few brilliant moments for me, but this one is not it.)
Other than all that... Deepa's good. I like her character. She's a little more mercenary than I like, but she's still likable and understandable. (And, also, MUCh more my type, if I can be that shallow.)
February 7, 2024
Of Socialites and Prizefights is the fourth book in Arden Powell's Flos Magicae series, but don't let that put you off if you haven't read any of the earlier books, the beauty of this series is that they don't necessarily have to be read in order, so any book works as a jumping on point, and I defy you to read one and not want to read more of the series.
The intriguing title refers to our two main characters, Deepa Patel an entertainer who is willing to do whatever it takes to capture and keep the interest of society so that she can provide for herself and her mother and give them both a better standard of life, and Roz, a mechanic who works in her family's business but has a side line as an amateur boxer. When Deepa crosses the wrong man and is cursed for her troubles she needs to find true love's kiss to break the spell, the last thing she ever expected was to fall for a woman, even one as striking as Roz. Torn between her more mercenary nature and the growing feeling she is developing for Roz, the situation is even more complicated by the opportunity of a life time, becoming a fake fiancee for a wealthy nobleman , the very thing she thought she wanted all along... plus of course there is still the small matter of that pesky curse to deal with .
I love the glamorous and exciting alternative version of the 1920s that the author has created in this series and this latest instalment is no different with its evocative descriptions of Deepa's beautiful and occasionally magical outfits, which contrasts with the visceral almost brutal descriptions of Roz's fights. I really loved both characters and was absolutely rooting for them to succeed, almost as much as Deepa's mother I think, the chapter where she is introduced to Roz was one of my favourites and her warm acceptance of their relationship, despite it being different from what she had clearly imagined for her daughter was just such a comforting and heart warming moment.
As I said before, don't be afraid to start with this book, you'll meet several of the couples from other books in the series as secondary characters here, and the author has very helpfully included a guide to which characters feature in each book in the series, so if you have a particular favourite you'll know which book to pick up next...I have a sneaking suspicion it might be all of them.
I read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author, all opinions are my own.
The intriguing title refers to our two main characters, Deepa Patel an entertainer who is willing to do whatever it takes to capture and keep the interest of society so that she can provide for herself and her mother and give them both a better standard of life, and Roz, a mechanic who works in her family's business but has a side line as an amateur boxer. When Deepa crosses the wrong man and is cursed for her troubles she needs to find true love's kiss to break the spell, the last thing she ever expected was to fall for a woman, even one as striking as Roz. Torn between her more mercenary nature and the growing feeling she is developing for Roz, the situation is even more complicated by the opportunity of a life time, becoming a fake fiancee for a wealthy nobleman , the very thing she thought she wanted all along... plus of course there is still the small matter of that pesky curse to deal with .
I love the glamorous and exciting alternative version of the 1920s that the author has created in this series and this latest instalment is no different with its evocative descriptions of Deepa's beautiful and occasionally magical outfits, which contrasts with the visceral almost brutal descriptions of Roz's fights. I really loved both characters and was absolutely rooting for them to succeed, almost as much as Deepa's mother I think, the chapter where she is introduced to Roz was one of my favourites and her warm acceptance of their relationship, despite it being different from what she had clearly imagined for her daughter was just such a comforting and heart warming moment.
As I said before, don't be afraid to start with this book, you'll meet several of the couples from other books in the series as secondary characters here, and the author has very helpfully included a guide to which characters feature in each book in the series, so if you have a particular favourite you'll know which book to pick up next...I have a sneaking suspicion it might be all of them.
I read and reviewed an ARC provided by the author, all opinions are my own.
February 9, 2024
Another charming historical-fantasy-romance in Arden Powell's delightful Flos Magicae series! In this one, we get to know Deepa, a nightclub singer and the socialite of the title, who's been cursed by a spurned suitor. The curse, which transforms her into a wild cat every night, can only be broken by true love's kiss. Too bad Deepa's never met a man she could imagine falling in love with - so maybe it's time she consider a woman, instead...
I've enjoyed all the stories in this series, which play in a sparklingly magical version of the 1920s, and while this one is a little lighter on the comedic hijinks some of the earlier stories have offered, it does have some particularly beautiful passages, whether describing Deepa's gorgeous enchanted frocks, a nighttime romp in cursed form, or a swoon-worthy bath.
Deepa is a compelling and fun character, glamorous and ambitious and determined, and though we don't get to know Roz as thoroughly, she makes a great counterpart to Deepa. Their conflict feels earned and true to their established characters - Deepa dreams of financial security (and more than mere security) for herself and her mother, while Roz, a mechanic and underground boxer, can only offer love in a cottage, without the luxury Deepa longs for. And, despite a plot that feels a bit whittled down in places, it's all an enjoyable and worthwhile setup for the story's central question, what does true love really mean - and what is it worth?
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I've enjoyed all the stories in this series, which play in a sparklingly magical version of the 1920s, and while this one is a little lighter on the comedic hijinks some of the earlier stories have offered, it does have some particularly beautiful passages, whether describing Deepa's gorgeous enchanted frocks, a nighttime romp in cursed form, or a swoon-worthy bath.
Deepa is a compelling and fun character, glamorous and ambitious and determined, and though we don't get to know Roz as thoroughly, she makes a great counterpart to Deepa. Their conflict feels earned and true to their established characters - Deepa dreams of financial security (and more than mere security) for herself and her mother, while Roz, a mechanic and underground boxer, can only offer love in a cottage, without the luxury Deepa longs for. And, despite a plot that feels a bit whittled down in places, it's all an enjoyable and worthwhile setup for the story's central question, what does true love really mean - and what is it worth?
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 12, 2024
ARC Review
Deepa makes her living dancing and charming expensive gifts out of gentlemen admirers, vicariously enjoying the high life while squirreling away enough to keep herself and her aging mother secure fir the future. Her plans are going well until an she rebuffs an admirer who takes it too far and he lays a curse on her that can only be broken by true love's kiss. Deepa's passion for her gentlemen is always in proportion to their gifts, and she has always supposed that love is for other people, and she has no idea what to do, until her friends suggest that perhaps she's looking for love in the wrong places.
Roz is an auto mechanic who moonlights as a boxer. She has a solid career she enjoys, a comfortable if frugal lifestyle, and an unbroken winning streak in the ring. All she lacks is someone to share it with. The gorgeous dancer she met at the club seems like the best thing that's everyone happened to her, but Deepa wants a life of champagne and caviar, and all Roz has to offer is beer and potatoes. And her heart.
This is a butch/femme sapphic romance set in an early 20th century London with magic. The major characters from previous books make appearances or get mentions, but a new reader could start on this volume with no trouble.
Deepa makes her living dancing and charming expensive gifts out of gentlemen admirers, vicariously enjoying the high life while squirreling away enough to keep herself and her aging mother secure fir the future. Her plans are going well until an she rebuffs an admirer who takes it too far and he lays a curse on her that can only be broken by true love's kiss. Deepa's passion for her gentlemen is always in proportion to their gifts, and she has always supposed that love is for other people, and she has no idea what to do, until her friends suggest that perhaps she's looking for love in the wrong places.
Roz is an auto mechanic who moonlights as a boxer. She has a solid career she enjoys, a comfortable if frugal lifestyle, and an unbroken winning streak in the ring. All she lacks is someone to share it with. The gorgeous dancer she met at the club seems like the best thing that's everyone happened to her, but Deepa wants a life of champagne and caviar, and all Roz has to offer is beer and potatoes. And her heart.
This is a butch/femme sapphic romance set in an early 20th century London with magic. The major characters from previous books make appearances or get mentions, but a new reader could start on this volume with no trouble.
May 17, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
I adore Arden Powell's Flos Magicae world, and this was a nice departure from the rich and privileged couplings.
Deepa relies on the gifts of her suitors to fund her dreams for the future (including providing her mother with a house all of her own). Love is the furthest thing from her mind until she is cursed by a frustrated man who can't take no for an answer. Her only way back to normal? Having true love's kiss.
The romantic interest Roz is a working class woman who fixes automobiles during the day and boxes in an underground club at night - she's certainly a departure from previous partners in the series, and I loved her characterization. She's giving, open, honest, and up front - plus super strong and badass.
I did find the plot less interesting on the whole, and the ending was very quick so it fell a little flat. It was still a good read though and a fun part of this ever growing series.
I adore Arden Powell's Flos Magicae world, and this was a nice departure from the rich and privileged couplings.
Deepa relies on the gifts of her suitors to fund her dreams for the future (including providing her mother with a house all of her own). Love is the furthest thing from her mind until she is cursed by a frustrated man who can't take no for an answer. Her only way back to normal? Having true love's kiss.
The romantic interest Roz is a working class woman who fixes automobiles during the day and boxes in an underground club at night - she's certainly a departure from previous partners in the series, and I loved her characterization. She's giving, open, honest, and up front - plus super strong and badass.
I did find the plot less interesting on the whole, and the ending was very quick so it fell a little flat. It was still a good read though and a fun part of this ever growing series.
December 30, 2024
This was a really enjoyable book! I loved the animal charging magic and the sapphic nature! I loved Deepa and thought that she was an amazing character and I loved the gentle romance with Roz that was handled with care and affection as well as a deep understanding of relationships and giving each other the space they need. I liked how this book had a solid plot alongside the romance and that both were fleshed out to perfection. I loved seeing characters from the previous books and found this book to be the highlight of my afternoon! 4⭐️
February 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. I love how much we get to see characters from past novels and this side of the magical world that we only glimpsed in past books. Deepa is a lot of fun, especially as a character realizing in adulthood that they aren't straight. I loved Roz as well since we don't get to see much butch rep, especially in historical(ish) fiction. I can't wait for the next one after the hints dropped in this book about other characters.
September 19, 2025
An interesting historical urban fantasy
I really liked Deepa, she’s is an engaging, interesting and endearing character and Roz is just lovely. I always love a historical lesbian romance and this was an interesting urban fantasy environment and I am pretty exclusively interested in lesbian romances where one or both are gender nonconforming. I loved the sweet butch/femme dynamic between Deepa and Roz.
I really liked Deepa, she’s is an engaging, interesting and endearing character and Roz is just lovely. I always love a historical lesbian romance and this was an interesting urban fantasy environment and I am pretty exclusively interested in lesbian romances where one or both are gender nonconforming. I loved the sweet butch/femme dynamic between Deepa and Roz.
July 2, 2024
A fascinating (gay) take on many classic fairy tale elements, from the cursed beast to true love's kiss, set in a magical and racially diverse version of 1920s London. I thought the love interest character was a skosh "too perfect" at times and that the third-act breakup relied a little too heavily on miscommunication. Otherwise, a delightful read.
December 24, 2025
Cute! Roz and Deepa have a dynamic that is simultaneously sizzling and also really steady. I think I'd crush on both of them in real life. I do feel like the central difference in priorities between them blows over kind of easily and the true love comes rather quickly, but also I don't see any other way, and it's sweet like this.
July 1, 2025
Roz is an absolute sweetheart in words and actions, and a great love interest. Deepa...idk. Mama Patel though was a gem. Overall had some sweet and fun moments, but the resolution at the end fell a little flat.
February 11, 2024
A great representation of sapphic romance, and a kind narrative. Just perfect for a rainy weekend.
May 27, 2024
I love this series, and this one has so many of the people I've adored from the earlier stories!
September 8, 2025
I really liked Deepa's character but Roz never really came off the page for me. She wasn't exactly perfect, but close enough that her character wasn't as interesting to me as Deepa.
February 26, 2024
Low relationship angst
Magic, including a curse
Sexual awakening
Bitch/femme
Single third person pov
Charming and uncomplicated, as expected. Deepa had to grow quite a bit but she managed to keep me entertained from beginning to start, flaws and all. Roz was strong, patient, and competent, some of my favorite things in a partner.
I like the universe these characters exist in and I was happy to see some previous characters show up as side characters. I also liked the side characters we met along the way. I didn't mind the conflict but was underwhelmed by the late blooming sexual awakening, although I dislike unnecessary angst so I guess it's preferable to other possibilities. Honestly, I don't usually enjoy butch/femme pairings because of how certain characters are portrayed (usually a very dominant personality that's supposed to be sexy rather than aggressive). I liked this one! The boxing is hot and omg Roz has no idea how unbelievably capable she is. Competency is one of my favorite qualities- Roz is definitely a woman I'd like to meet. Deepa was pretty self centered but somehow I didn't mind..? Idk, she entertained me so I could forgive her few follies. Both women were kind and that's probably why I enjoyed this story so much. The magic was there, too, so this hit a lot of my buttons.
Plus, shout-out for a non-ABO Shifter book. Yeeees!
*3rd attempt at this review so I apologize if it doesn't make much sense. Goodreads has done me wrong this month.
Magic, including a curse
Sexual awakening
Bitch/femme
Single third person pov
Charming and uncomplicated, as expected. Deepa had to grow quite a bit but she managed to keep me entertained from beginning to start, flaws and all. Roz was strong, patient, and competent, some of my favorite things in a partner.
I like the universe these characters exist in and I was happy to see some previous characters show up as side characters. I also liked the side characters we met along the way. I didn't mind the conflict but was underwhelmed by the late blooming sexual awakening, although I dislike unnecessary angst so I guess it's preferable to other possibilities. Honestly, I don't usually enjoy butch/femme pairings because of how certain characters are portrayed (usually a very dominant personality that's supposed to be sexy rather than aggressive). I liked this one! The boxing is hot and omg Roz has no idea how unbelievably capable she is. Competency is one of my favorite qualities- Roz is definitely a woman I'd like to meet. Deepa was pretty self centered but somehow I didn't mind..? Idk, she entertained me so I could forgive her few follies. Both women were kind and that's probably why I enjoyed this story so much. The magic was there, too, so this hit a lot of my buttons.
Plus, shout-out for a non-ABO Shifter book. Yeeees!
*3rd attempt at this review so I apologize if it doesn't make much sense. Goodreads has done me wrong this month.
November 15, 2025
fuck, i love butches. yes, that's the review.
March 2, 2024
Maybe 3.5. I just didn't care for Deepa's shallowness and materialism - I get it, but I didn't care for it. I did like the later-in-life exploration of her sexuality though.
June 27, 2025
10/10
I enjoyed this book so much I've already picked up a physical copy for my sister's birthday. Every time I think I can't like this series more, the next book proves me wrong
I enjoyed this book so much I've already picked up a physical copy for my sister's birthday. Every time I think I can't like this series more, the next book proves me wrong
June 3, 2024
Favorite quotes:
“It’s a vulnerable thing, I’ll give you that,” said Roz. “Opening yourself up to love. I can see why you wouldn’t want it.” “What does that mean?” “Just don’t think you much enjoy being vulnerable, that's all.”
“Love is a choice you make every day"
"A friend told me very recently that love isn't like fate, or magic. It's a choice you make, and have to keep making every day. Someone else told me it was ridiculous to choose some gossamer-spun, imaginary future over the one I can actually hold and touch. So, this is me choosing you in every circumstance.”"
“True love doesn’t just come out of nowhere. It needs some time to build up.”
“It’s a vulnerable thing, I’ll give you that,” said Roz. “Opening yourself up to love. I can see why you wouldn’t want it.” “What does that mean?” “Just don’t think you much enjoy being vulnerable, that's all.”
“Love is a choice you make every day"
"A friend told me very recently that love isn't like fate, or magic. It's a choice you make, and have to keep making every day. Someone else told me it was ridiculous to choose some gossamer-spun, imaginary future over the one I can actually hold and touch. So, this is me choosing you in every circumstance.”"
“True love doesn’t just come out of nowhere. It needs some time to build up.”
January 4, 2025
This is the first book I've read in this series, but it works well as a stand alone. I enjoyed the romance and liked the historical setting with fantasy elements. It was a cute love story with a satisfying and practical ending, where I think both Roz and Deepa got what they wanted despite having very different goals for the future.
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