Potion master Brooklynne Belle thought she’d left heartbreak behind—until her former professor shattered her heart and used it as an ingredient in one of his deadly brews. So when her sister’s boyfriend, the Governor’s son, plans to propose, Brooklynne braces for a quiet celebration. But before love can bloom, she’s kidnapped by the Black Bird Coven, a group of rogue witches determined to bring down the government.
Enter Drake the city’s most notorious playboy and elite magical detective. His charm masks a deadly secret—and Brooklynne is driving him wild in ways he never expected. Forced to work together to unravel the coven’s dark schemes and an underground potion ring, their chemistry sizzles even as danger closes in.
Every clue draws them deeper into a world of forbidden magic and hidden agendas. Drake’s secret could destroy them both—but their growing desire may be the only thing that keeps them alive.
Packed with suspense, forbidden romance, and high-stakes magic, this urban fantasy romance delivers thrilling adventure and sizzling chemistry for fans of witches, magical intrigue, and dangerous love.
This was a great easy read to break up one of the more in depth epic fantasy series I tend to read. This catered more to my personal background in LE and the ideas in the story were new. I enjoyed to new take on integrating the modern world to magic and potions. Really enjoyed the banter between rhe characters and look forward to the next in the series. I liked that it wrapped up the immediate story that started the book but the overlying theme which is what I think the series is going to run with is still there and still worth reading g more about. Overall a very enjoyable read and break up of other series if your reading those and need a brain break. Happy reading g everyone!
The Apothecary's Dark Fate is a really fun and at times action-packed tale of a girl trying to find and save her missing sister.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are likable and make you really care what happens to them. Brooklynne is a brave and feisty character, but it doesn't really feel forced like it can sometimes be when an author is writing a strong woman character. Drake seems kind of like a typical smug strong guy, but there's much more than what's on the surface. He's written to have dark secrets that endanger him and anyone who knows about them, which makes it hard for him to open up to anyone. This combined with Brooke's own fear of heartbreak make them an unlikely pair - but one that you really enjoy to read about.
The story itself is enticing and interesting throughout. For the majority of the book, when they're looking for Melanie, you're kept in the dark as to where she is, which makes the mystery feel realistic. The Black Bird Coven is an interesting villain - one that has an undefined level of power that I'm looking forward to being explored in other books.
I do wish the relationship between Brooke and Drake had slowed down at times. I'm a sucker for a slow-burn and this one took a giant leap about halfway through the book and then never slowed down. Other than that, the relationship is complex and well-written, with both of them being scared to make the necessary sacrifices in order to have a deeper connection.
I felt some moments were a little cheesy - nothing extreme, just some cheesy dialogue and events that went a little too smoothly or were predictable.
Other than those very small critiques, I really enjoyed the book and thought it had some really unique aspects. The author did a great job of creating a world that I look forward to exploring in a second book.
Thank you to the author for my advanced reader copy of The Apothecary's Dark Fate. I'm writing this review willingly!
A steamy, thrilling, gem of an urban romantasy. A magical city, a mortal with a talent for potion making, a warlock with a deadly secret, and a missing girl that may be the unwitting spark that reveals an underground revolution. This book had all the hallmarks of a romantasy thriller with whimsical touches like self mixing cauldrons and wrinkle reducing tonics for an heiress with a team of body guards. Brooklynne and Drake were a team set toward disaster but ended up working together just right. He reminded me of early Detective Stabler from Law&Order SVU, who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to solve a case. And Brooklynne was so totally relatable to the college heartbreak, the mixed feelings toward her ex, and the loyalty to her friends and little sister. Book two looks like it’ll promise more of the same heat, danger, and magical twists. I can’t wait to read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Magic, danger, and a love that could kill…
I'll give it 3.75 stars.
The world-building of this story was cool! I really liked the magic system, and the tension between the government and the magic community. There's so much potential here, I really hope the author expands more on this aspect of the story in the next books.
Although, it really shows it's the first book of a series, it was a bit rushed but it was still fun to read.
It has a few spicy scenes between the main characters. I'd rate it 3 out of 5🌶️ of spiciness.
Overall, if you're looking for a light read and a series starter, this book is for you!
Let me tell you, I thought I knew where this book was going, and, spoiler alert, I didn't. You won't either. I loved it so much. Brooklynne is an undercover baddie! Who knew she was capable of so much!
Seriously, this author did a great job creating her world, without making the book too wordy if you get my drift. The details are there, but it's not over done. It flows beautifully, and based off my read, I don't see any left over plot holes. It's beautifully tied up. I highly recommend this read!!
Wow! What a book. Love Drake and Brooklynne together. You can tell he’s a magic man used to getting his way, but she knows how to knock him down a peg. Lots of banter and heat. Will reread! Is the next book them or a new couple??
From the first page, I was hooked. It is not easy to blend mystery with fantasy but Sarah nailed it. I was immediately rooting for Drake and Brooklynne to get together. Will he help save her sister? Will she finally break down and date Drake? Read it and find out. I cannot wait for part two!!
This book was not at all was I was expecting! The author did a fantastic job of drawing you in and keeping you captivated! I DEVOURED this book! I can’t wait for the next one to come out!.