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A Spot of Tea and Sorcery #2

A Spot of Tea and Sorcery - Volume 2

A pink unicorn with an accusing stare.
A determined mistletoe with a grudge.
With such enemies at every turn,
can a former dark sorcerer and a fugitive tea witch
survive the holiday season with their hearts intact?

Having spent the last two years on the run, Luna Talbot is relieved to finally have some stability in her life. Mr. Grimm has given her just honest work at his flower shop, access to the miraculous Garden, and opportunity to explore her gifts as a tea witch. For the first time in she can’t remember how long, Luna feels as though she belongs somewhere.

But is it too good to last?

After all, Officer Ward continues to show her particular attention, and Luna cannot say for certain if his interest is in her or in the sorcerer’s mark on her wrist. Also, shadowy figures haunt the edges of her awareness. Any day now, Luna fears her secret past will catch up with her, forcing her to flee into the night and vanish without a trace.

In the meanwhile . . . what is she supposed to do about these delicate new feelings which seem to be rising in her heart for her buttoned-up, shy, and sweetly-considerate employer? Will an unexpected shift in their dynamic spoil everything between them?

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2026

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About the author

Sylvia Mercedes

50 books2,426 followers
Hi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. You get my novel, Song of Shadows, for FREE when you sign up!

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5 stars
163 (46%)
4 stars
121 (34%)
3 stars
62 (17%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Wild.
198 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2026
2- 2.5 stars

Second in the series and zero progress with the storyline. Over 400 pages between the two books and no forward movement? The MCs are still dancing around how they feel about each other, and while Nigel is sweet in many ways, he's wishy washy in other ways. This wishy washy man was a bad ass, dark sorcerer? I found it harder to believe that the longer I read.

Luna's piousness and always wondering what the Aunts would say about her thoughts and behavior feels way too church indoctrination to me. This aspect of her character became a real turn off, timid indoctrinated women just aren't my forte.

There's no momentum to this story at all. No sense of direction either. I said it with the first book and it still feels true: This reads like a dragged out Kindle Vella far more than an actual series.
Profile Image for Maria Elena | pagesofmaria.
869 reviews235 followers
July 30, 2026
I think I loved this volume even more than the first!

The slow burn is still slow burning, and we get some really great moments in this second volume. There is the Saint Jollify’s Fair, where the shenanigans with Ward the charming Wardsman who we met in Volume 1, and Bryony, Luna’s lively roommate, did nothing but prove two things about my favorite yearner, Nigel Grimm: he only has eyes for Luna, and he’s determined to suffer silently on the sidelines to see her happy. My favorite moment however was at the very end of the book, where we see Nigel nurse Luna back to health! Nigel Grimm, former dark sorcerer, took this task with the utmost seriousness, and he was so adorable while doing so. This man is becoming the love of my life.

In this volume we also meet Nigel’s brother, which not only added some more backstory for Nigel, but also gave us some important information that sheds a bit of light on Luna’s secret. The plot thickens.

Thank you again to the author for gifting me an eARC. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for em_readsallday.
185 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2026
Easy 5⭐️. Love, adore, obsessed with these books. The YEARNING in this volume is top tier. On the edge of my seat for volume 3.
Profile Image for Abigail Schumacher.
348 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2026
DNF - not a fan of the miscommunication and the fact that she spent the whole time at the fair with another dude and he spent it with her very suggestive roommate
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
40 reviews21 followers
May 18, 2026
I was so excited for this continuation of the story and I was not disappointed. We are starting to see more yearning and Luna questions the attention of her boss. Nigel starts to show hints of his attraction. Heading about how innocent and delicate Luna is and everyone is attracted to her is getting old.
Profile Image for Giulia Politi.
25 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2026
Non pensavo che il secondo volume mi sarebbe potuto piacere più del primo, ma così è stato. Qui iniziamo davvero ad entrare nel pieno della storia di Nigel e Luna, e l'autrice è riuscita in pieno a catturare quella sensazione da "sit-com" : la storia si sviluppa in "mini saghe" quasi, prima c'è il festival, poi una visita da Tu-sai-chi, e si finisce con "l'episodio natalizio" ( meno spoiler possibili ). Ma quello che mi ha colpito in particolare è quanto mi sia ritrovata risucchiata nelle vicende e nei personaggi, soprattutto Nigel. Era veramente tanto tempo che non piangevo leggendo un libro, ma lo struggimento di Nigel mi fa vibrare l'anima in una maniera incredibile. Mi sono ritrovata a ridere, piangere e sussultare per la sorpresa. Continuo a straconsigliare la serie soprattutto ai VERI fan dello slow burn e yearning.
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I didn't think I'd end up loving the second book even more than the first, but that's exactly what happened.
This is where we truly dive into Nigel and Luna's story, and the author absolutely nails that cozy sitcom feeling. The story unfolds in what almost feels like a series of mini-arcs: first the festival, then a visit from You'll-Know-Who, and finally the "Christmas episode" (keeping spoilers to an absolute minimum).
What struck me the most, though, was how completely I got pulled into the story and its characters—especially Nigel. It's been a very long time since a book made me cry, but Nigel's heartbreak and longing resonated with me in a way that's hard to describe. I found myself laughing, crying, and literally gasping in surprise.
I can't recommend this series enough, especially if you're a true fan of slow-burn romance and intense yearning.
Profile Image for Sarah Jane.
356 reviews10 followers
May 12, 2026
🫖🎄A Spot of Tea and Sorcery ☕️ Volume 2 🎄🫖

🫖 This instalment picks up where part 1 left off. Nigel the retired dark sorcerer runs the flower part of The Arcane Bouquet while Luna sells her teas. With Green Yule just around the corner, a festival is just the thing to lift everyone’s spirits. But Luna finds herself unintentionally attending with her roommate Bryony, her boss Nigel, and the handsome wardsman Officer Ward. Luna and Nigel are developing feelings for each other but will they ever do anything about it??🎄

🫖 These books are just so cute! It’s like watching a magical version of Cranford or All Creatures Great and Small. I’m so excited to spend a lot more time in this charming, whimsical neighborhood of the city of Ballycastle. Luna and Nigel are into each other but they both have their reservations about making any kind of move. Still, the signs are there that they truly belong together! (Nurse Nigel is my new favourite Nigel!) I loved having them thrown together with two outside love interests because a) it was funny and b) it’ll make it that much more satisfying when they do finally admit their feelings! 😍 Also this one has some really interesting storylines and threads that continue to build!🎄

Thank you so much to the author and Luna Blooms for the eARC!!

❓QotD: I’m looking for spicy recs! Gimme something MEGA spicy! Or just your current read!

🫖 I paired this novella with The Yule Witch blend from In The Spirit of Nature. Lots of apple, clove and cinnamon!
170 reviews
May 22, 2026
Excellent Series!

I just love this new series by Sylvia Mercedes. It is a sweet combination of “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them” (except with plants, lolol!), Sylvia’s own “The Scarred Mage of Roseward” (personal favorite) and her own fantastic wordsmithing telling of an entirely new story. For me, personally, I love the overtones of the Scarred Mage in this book. I was deeply sorry that he was killed off in a sequential book series and, for me, this is a bit of a revival for his type of character. Nigel Grimm exhibits all of the tragic angst of a broken mage who thought he was choosing a right path for himself yet found out in the end that it was the worst one. But he is trying to recover and become a better man even though he is scarred enough on the inside that he doesn’t think or know that maybe he is deserving of redemption, forgiveness and happiness. He is the very picture of a truly repentant soul. Enter the catalyst for all of that, Miss Luna Talbot, a bright sunny little shop girl tea witch who may be more than she appears! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book as the relationship between these two lonely souls unfurls. Though not a “steamy” book it is definitely a slow burn romance that is actually highly sensual and definitely romantic. So if you’re looking for a “hot sweaty bodies” book this series may not be your “cup of tea” (wink! wink!) but it is imminently readable and will keep you riveted to the story as it slowly unfurls.
Profile Image for Shawna Z.
729 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2026
Oh, no! It’s Green Yule time (Christmas) and Mr. Nigel Grimm is certainly a grouch about it. He has a personal vendetta against a mischievous bit of mistletoe that is helping customers find a bit of sparkle in the season, his brother, Fabian, has finally found him and is insisting he should have access to Garden for a most nefarious purpose, and Luna’s attraction to Wardsman John Ward drives Nigel into a tailspin when Luna accepts an invitation for a date after an accidental almost kiss between happens between Nigel and Luna!

The stakes are getting higher now. We’ve further hints of what Luna is running from, and threats from Fabian about the Brotherhood add a new dimension to the storyline. The upcoming holiday is stressing Nigel out as he hates everything about the season, but Luna’s love for Green Yule and its celebration of the Green Mother is forcing him to make an exception.

When Luna’s mild cough turns into something more dire, Nigel is forced to face the fact that this isn’t a mere crush, but that he is in love with his lovely shop assistant. But could she ever come to care for her shy boss if she knew just how dark of a sorcerer he once was and the threat he still holds should he ever falter?

It’s Yuletide in the Arcane Bouquet… time to prepare yourself for festive feelings, Yuletide carols, a bit of deck the holly and a plethora of cinnamon and peppermint tea blends now all the rage in our favorite tea, oops! I mean flower, shop.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,915 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2026
The bumbling romance continues (and I mean that in the most positive way) Luna and Nigel are so prim and proper that it seems they’ll never confess their attraction to one another. Meanwhile, the “godlike” Ward is smitten with Luna and he believes her hesitation in reciprocating his interest is just because of the way she was brought up. This is probably true as the same quirk interferes with hinting about her feelings to Nigel.

Ward seems like a nice guy but I hate when he shows up because I want Nigel and Luna to get together. Luna’s roommate may have other ideas.

Green Yule is celebrated much like Christmas with holiday music and special food and decorations. Nigel is not a fan. He is besieged by a roaming mistletoe that appears above his customers, causing much merriment and good cheer. He vows this will be the last year it plagues him. Speaking of plagues, Nigel’s brother shows up with an unthinkable request.

Luna’s scraping to get by is more apparent during the winter with her thin coat and boots stuffed with cardboard. It’s a wonder she doesn’t freeze to death. Her landlady is about as greedy and unlikeable as a person can be.

Poor Nigel keeps overhearing conversations giving him a very discouraging outlook for any kind of romance with Luna. And so it goes.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
109 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2026
If you haven't read Volume 1, you shouldn't read this.

No spoilers :)

I think of these books as similar to episodes of a tv show. Things happen, things slowly move forward, but you have to wait until the next episode for more.

Volume 2 starts in the Autumn season and goes through Winter, including their holidays. Holidays always make stories like this seem even more cozy. This volume is a bit longer than Volume 1 which is part of the reason I rate it higher, although I still got disappointed when it ended. Please note the actual volume 2 ends on page 265 followed by an excerpt from volume 3.

Volume 2 follows Nigel and Luna during a few significant events. It was intriguing and gave us some more info on each of their backstories while still leaving some mystery. There is also some danger lurking as they encounter someone (part of a group actually) that has nefarious plans. Nigel has some big revelations which lead to some excellent chapters. He's also consciously trying to be a better person then he once was. Luna is still pretty heavily guarded, and still full of secrets. I have a bit of an idea of what some of Luna's secrets may be but right now it's just a guess (and I won't spoil it here).

I'm still enjoying the series and the characters a lot so yes I give this 5 stars and I'm off to get volume 3!
Profile Image for Haley Nick.
39 reviews
May 11, 2026
I did not think it was possible to love this story more than I already do, but once again, Sylvia wielded her sorcery for Volume 2! I am so glad that all of these volumes are releasing rapidly because I cannot wait to read the rest of this cozy series!

Both Nigel and Luna's poor timing in this volume leads to the most delicious of hijinks! And I knew from the moment Bryony was introduced that she was absolutely going to cause Luna to be in quiet hysterics over Nigel. Nigel's jealousy too, over Officer Ward winning Luna her adorable unicorn had me laughing so hard!

Those two are adorable together and some of the things that are said and done in this book had me laughing, in tears, and grateful that I have someone like Nigel to take care of me as he did Luna. I hope that Luna sees just how much Nigel went above and beyond for her in this book because the way he takes her words to heart at the end - I cried. The slow burn is slow burning so hard with this series!!

I was unable to put this book down once I started - I could not tear my eyes away from my kindle. They were glued and entranced until the story's finale.

Profile Image for Kiana.
659 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026
Volume 2 of A Spot of Tea and Sorcery is even more cozy than the last with festival rides, cold winder days, and glowing tension.

While reading this book, I had the intense desire to grab a hot chocolate, warm up under my covers and just read. We are introduced to the season of Green Yule (Christmas esentially) and we get all the warmth that comes with that season. In this one we are introduced to many secrets unveiled with the dark lurking at the corners, despite the warm atompshere.

We are pulled in two directions, all the time with this volume. Both characters second guessing themselves, saying things they don't mean, and oh man, being the reader was it hard, but the tension. Oh the tension!! The tension was beautiful. In this one as well we have the antics of the viscious tiger lilies, and with mischevious mistletoe, will people come out unscathed?

If you want to experience in Christmas in Spring this is the one for you, I was IMMERSED.

Thank you to Sylvia Mercedes for the free book.
Profile Image for Elissa.
6 reviews
May 11, 2026
I absolutely DEVOURED this the second I woke up to see if it had dropped. Vol 1 was everything and more and Vol 2 did not disappoint! It had me both in tears, stitches, and on the verge of total and complete lament for dear Nigel. Its adorably cozy while maintaining that charming suspense of build up that I'm dying to read more about in regards to the deeper layers of the storyline.

The characters are obscenely charming, unique, and wonderfully addictive. Nigel is darling and Luna is so ridiculously relatable and adorable. The setting is absorptive enough to bring you in, the prickly situations are so fun and all the magic just keeps you curious to see what pops up next!

I couldn't put this book down and I'm desperate for Vol 3 to drop already. It was a small mercy that I only found this book three days ago, read Vol 1 in one day then devoured the novella in between (Thank the Green Mother for that!lol.) and spent day three rereading for the blessed drop of Vol 2.

Now my only disappointment is waiting for the next installment!
Profile Image for Eli McKeever.
9 reviews
June 8, 2026
I am very happy that I received this book as an ARC in exchange of my honest review, because I’ve been reading Sylvia’s work for some time now and her writing style is right up my alley.

A Spot of Tea and Sorcery is a SIX volume serial, with a 1930s-inspired setting, but still a FANTASY world. Full of forbidden magic, high romance (low spice), and cozy quirks very much akin to The Office, Gilmore Girls, and Frasier.
It gives all of the homey, comforting, yearning that my nervous system needs right now!

Ok onto the Volume 2 review:

I was so happy to be back in this world after finishing Vol 1. These characters are so well thought out and honest to who they are, even if we got a Yule story at the end of Spring irl, is still so cozy and makes me want to read it again when the right season comes around. Without giving away any spoilers, we get a town fair!!! And a lot of new developments that are more story than plot driven but I’ve telling my friends that this serial could easily be a BBC miniseries, and that’s how I’ve been enjoying it.
Profile Image for Bess.
1,045 reviews
May 25, 2026
4.5 stars
Second episode could be better than the first. I'm absolutely loving this series! It reads just like a sitcom. More Deb, more plant shenanigans, more of everything!
Nigel is turning out to be such a softie, and I'm here for it!
Luna is just as sweet as ever. She is still visited by Office Ward. The stakes are getting higher and hotter here!
We even get to meet Luna's illustrious roommate, Bryony (not the first Bryony I've read this year). She is out for kicks!
Content: beware of swooning (a sweet, toe-curling kiss!), mild adult language, some seriously slow burn longings & yearnings, all the feels, and a somewhat hidden, yet always on the peripheral, shadows lurking. The mystery is interwoven amongst the fabric of a very cozy story. To find it, we might have to start pulling strings!
I hope beyond hope, this stays low-spice! It's just the sweetest tea I've ever drunk. And it's turning out to be highly addictive!
Profile Image for Kessa Turnbull.
408 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2026
How did we go another entire book with so little plot advancement?

They still haven't trusted each other with their secrets. Certainly no advancing in the relationship, despite them both clearly having feelings. Still have Ward complicating matters even though she doesn't seem that into him. This whole book just seemed to be filler. Lovely filler, charming and enjoyable to read, but it was just disappointing that we didn't actually advance the plot at all. If anything, we've regressed, since they're now both committed to a fraternal relationship, and she's still planning to run away in the next few weeks or months. I hope we don't have to wait until the last book for EVERYTHING to move on.
Profile Image for Lynn.
49 reviews
May 7, 2026
The yearning was signed, sealed, and delivered in this one 😭

The coziness continues in this holiday tea shop edition! The yearning was promised and really delivered in this one, so much so I need the next installment of awkward Nigel and blushing Luna asap!

The plot details and foreshadowing sprinkled into each book are so enticing. I’m even more invested after this one to see where this is headed, it’s an interesting mix of light hearted plot with heavy dark backstory that is slowly working its way to the forefront. (Dark Nigel flare up moments were chefs kiss but you didn’t hear that from me 👀)

Thank you so much to Sylvia Mercedes and the team for the ARC!
Profile Image for Whitney M..
110 reviews24 followers
June 24, 2026
While the coziness of the shop continues in this volume it definitely leans more on the relationship between the characters.
Luna likes both men and is struggling with what to do with that.
I would have liked to get into the magic and the overall plot of the series and see some action but I know these are short and it will be spread across the series.
Overall I liked it. It still had the cozy vibes and some magic. Their relationship is growing slowly.

I will continue the series to see what happens. I believe it is a novella series with rapid release so I’m sure I won’t have long to wait.

*Thank you to the author for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Chiara | wordsbychiara.
767 reviews350 followers
July 31, 2026
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. Opinions are my own.

Luna and Nigel’s story continues with moments filled with misunderstandings, fun shenanigans, and characters both old and new that come between them. But what I loved the most is the final beats of this volume, in which Nigel finds himself taking care of a bedridden Luna. The level of care and dedication he showed were adorable! We also discover new information about Luna’s secret, which leads the story in very interesting directions that could cause some major conflict between Nigel and Luna in future volumes.

Rating: 4.5 stars
9 reviews
May 23, 2026
Don't mind me just re-reading the lonely garret scene over and over and pining for our poor Nigel!

Seriously though... it's a rare book that I finish and can't bear to put down...so I go back and re-read favorite scenes. The moment Nigel grabs her... The moment alone, after he turns off the lights in the garret.... If you've read it...you know what I mean! It's...

How does this author do this?

These books are taking their place on the top shelf for me for SURE. One of those rare reads that makes me question if other 5-star reviews should be downgraded in light of this one!
Profile Image for Jenny.
534 reviews7 followers
June 30, 2026
The story is told through a dual POV by our MCs Luna and Nigel. We also got to see more from Officer Ward. Luna and Nigel continue to develop feelings for one another, but neither is quite ready to take the plunge. I did love that we got to see additional love interests for each of them and hownit just added to the angst/yearning between Luna and Nigel. This is definitely a true slow burn.

This series has just the right blend of cozy and whimsical. I will always adore all the sentient plants especially the mischievous mistletoe.

Thank you Sylvia for the digital arc.
Profile Image for Courtney.
171 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2026
I love it! It’s the coziness like Dream Harbor books, the romantic/friendship tension of Luke and Lorelai, paired with the prim proper MMC like Mr. Carson in Downton Abbey, and a FMC that reminds of Lou from “Me Before You”.
The tension between these two UGH! It’s sooooo good! So many moments of like come on guys pay attention! TALK to each other! :) They are both harboring big secrets and don’t want to shatter their harmonious set up.
Grumpy X Sunshine
MMC yearning in spades
He Falls First and Harder
Subtle Touches
Sentient Garden
All the Tea
Profile Image for Andra.
1,188 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
Volume 2 of A Spot of Tea and Sorcery collection

A whimsical bouquet of coziness, magic, and swoon-worthy moments to entice the reader to enjoy a cup of tea while delighting in the romance within the pages of this book. It delivers all the emotions and left me craving more. Pure sweetness pours along every page, and I'm loving the relationship between Nigel and Luna. Can hardly wait to see what happens next.

"I just want her to be happy. That's all. Just let her be happy. And safe."
864 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
May 4, 2026
I enjoyed reading the latest piece of the story. I felt a lot of emotions throughout the various ups and downs of the narrative, but in general, I'm really feeling bad for poor Nigel Grimm. I'm really hoping he can catch a break soon.

I'm not much of a fan of Officer Ward, but I understand that he adds friction to the story.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
12 reviews
June 8, 2026
I fully enjoyed the continuation of this series! The tension between Luna and Nigel is so thick!!!! Yet neither one is admitting their feelings out loud and only causing one misunderstanding after another along with rationalizing away intentions of each other's actions. It is driving a wedge between their relationship and causing it to not develop into more than good friends.

I cannot wait for when they will finally talk about the elephant-size feeling between them.
Profile Image for La La.
204 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2026
This series is probably as wholesome as you can get and for the most part I think it’s great. Mainly because I love the characters and the world building and the magical elements are super fun.
Nigel Grimm is down Bad for Luna and it’s insane the lengths he will go to keep her happy and safe.
But Luna is playing a double fiddle and is entertaining Mr ward as well which I don’t love tbh.
Like she might be naive but surely she isn’t that unaware right?!
Profile Image for emmy.
265 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐

I'm obsessed with this series rn. I am so invested in these characters and their story. I'm so excited for book 3. I'm really liking the pacing of each book so far. I mean, the first two for sure could be easily be pushed into one book, but having this format makes it feel more accessible to readers who are getting back into the groove of reading. It's a nice little break from my more dense books that I'm reading outside this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews