Frost & Fae Bargains

The Charmed Leaf Legacy #3.5

by Rachel Morgan

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy

238 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2026

About the author

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, a young science graduate named Rachel found that the real world wasn't a place she wanted to inhabit all the time. So she decided to escape into the magical realms that had occupied her mind since childhood.

Armed with a vivid imagination, Rachel spends her days conjuring up fantastical worlds filled with adventure, romance, and plot twists, where readers can escape the real world along with her.

Rachel lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her husband, two little wildlings, and three fur-babies.

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Reviews

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

*laugh-sobs*
I love this series with every fiber of my being. I’m so obsessed, it’s unhealthy. Even though this book didn’t center around the Rowanwoods, I was utterly sucked in. Bastian’s and Aveline’s chemistry was just off the charts (like usual with the characters in this series). The banter was to die for. So many times I caught myself grinning giddily and laughing hysterically.
Guess that is what happens when the charmer meets the “dull” lady.
Every time I read a Charmed Lead Legacy book, I am teleported to another world that has become so dear to me. I am looking forward to Kazarian’s story in July and Rosavyn’s in November.
And even though the synopsis has yet to be released, “Rosavyn and Hadrian will be a thing in book 5!” I yell as the garden gnomes and sprites drag me into a white padded room.

[Nicola Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Rachel,
Please send your grocery list. I’m sure it will be whimsical too.
Kind Regards 🤭

——————

I’ve already read and thoroughly enjoyed the first three books in the Charmed Leaf Legacy Series so when I heard we were getting a surprise prequel I was excited and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

It was filled with little moments and quotes that made me clutch my pearls and wiggle my toes in my proverbial lace up boots. (I mean “there you are”, any Howl girly’s dream)

Aveline and Bastian stole my heart almost immediately and watching their story unfold with little dashes of magic that doesn’t overwhelm the story and set in the wondrous winter season, wrapped it in the perfect package.

[Vee Bee 🐝 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Rachel Morgan’s writing, and this one is no different. The flow of dialogue, realizations of truth, yearning, the TOUCH, and flirtatious conversation, UGH! So good. This book shows the competitive edge both characters have, a lot like Deals and Dream Spells. The soft side of Bastian is literally the cutest thing EVER! How he’s so attentive, so direct, and YEARNING! THEN reading Aveline’s perspective and her yearning got me doing cartwheels. These two characters are so sweet. The balance they both bring to each other is amazing. They have such good chemistry and have a knowing what the other needs.
The setting in the book is wintertime, where snow is falling and cheeks are rosy, sooo romantic. This is such an easy read and an easy 5 stars ⭐️

[JG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE how this author writes! Such good banter!

This is such a cute story. Aveline and Bastian are a favorite couple for sure. 😍

I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Ida-Marié Van Der Merwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Rachel doesn’t miss!

The banter, the competitiveness and our female main character’s magic wraps it all up in one box of 5 stars. 🌟

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so so beautiful. I just love Rachel's writing. Like you cannot remove the smile from my face while reading her books.

The banter and flirting is always so so good. Like I get butterflies in my stomach 🫠🫠🫠. I just always melt when they confess their feelings.

I loved how Bastian provoked Aveline to climb out of her shell or mask if you will.

The late night library visits. The frost pixie, hearth sprites.

Rachel just knows how to create this beautiful whimsical world. And I loved that we got to experience a winter full of magic and colour.

The painting scene had me blushing 😊 ☺️.

Thank you for this beautiful story Rachel ❤️ 💕

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more stars I would. I love these books (Charmed Leaf Legacy) so incredibly much and these books have been the highlight of my reading in the last 6 months. I was so excited for this one to come out and it felt like forever to wait for it, but the wait was so worth it. Rachel Morgan's storytelling feels so effortless and beautiful, her writing just flows and always feels "right" to me, and her characters are really lovable and I liked the redemptive arc for the MMC in this one. I know I'll be coming back to this book to reread again and again! I can't wait for the series to finish up!

[Lienkie's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I loved this cosy fae, regency romance. I felt like I could relate to the characters and sympathize with their struggles. The growth in each character was evident and I loved that they "grew" together and developed their romance by being their true selves with each other. I would've loved to see more of Basrian's internal struggles. The "bargain" they made was cute but I thought it happened very early on in the story, however, it makes sense because of everything that happened afterwards so in the end, it does fit in perfectly 🩵

[Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frost & Fae Bargains is as enchanting and fun as every other story in the Charmed Leaf Legacy series. I absolutely loved the banter between Bastian and Aveline, the way they brought out the most authentic versions in each other and the way they grew to deeply care. The Winter Revels was such a fun setting for this one. Loved meeting favorite characters again, especially Lady Rivenna. I swear that woman knows everything!

5 stars simply for the high enjoyment level of this book.

[Elle Thurman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately or fortunately, I do love me a silly-little-19th-century-inspired-courtships-of-honor-and-utmost-propriety-etc. book where the people fall in love in a week and they’ve barely touched hands and had merely a conversation or two about their struggles. Which I was about to say is unrealistic, at least for the falling in love in a week part, but that would be quite hypocritical (I knew I loved my husband on our first date; I digress).

[Tyralle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series, even more so that I have now finally watched Bridgerton. Its such a magical story. I didn't like Bastian at first, but he definitely more than grew on me. I couldn't stand Ava's grandmother, however the mvp? The damn Pixies. They were everything. Overall, really good story, as expected.

[Elizabeth Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m glad what was supposed to be a short side story spiralled into this. The world of the Charmed Leaf Legacy books is such a sweet and cozy one. The wintry setting added a fun new element, and it was interesting to see some of the main characters before their stories began. I really enjoyed Ava and Bastian as main characters. I wish we had been able to see more of what Bastian was able to do with his magic after finding more purpose/confidence in himself. However, since this wasn’t originally intended to be a full book, I can understand why that wasn’t included.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did a really stupid thing, I started reading this book just before 10pm, do not make the same mistake, you won't be able to sleep until you've read it to the end....This entire series wrapped me up in a cosy, whimsical blanket I didn't want to relinquish. This author's writing style is so uniquely...may I use the word adorable? Because, yes, every book she writes IS adorable, her characters are adorable, the world she plonks me in is adorable and, like the previous books in this series, I just wanted to hug the book, the characters, the author! Ms Morgan imbues me with such joy each time I read any of her books, I'm ready to do a happy dance when I finish! But now to the why she has this effect on me...

Bastian Blackbriar is reneging on his duties, according to his quite vocal mother that is. By now, he's supposed to be, at the very least, betrothed, if not married. But he's not in a hurry, he's young, he wants to enjoy life before committing. However, mother dearest reminds him that he HAS to court a certain young lady, Lady Aveline Thornhart, who, as it so happens, is attending a prestigious event held by a prestigious family. The Thornhart's themselves are prestigious and their magic is what his mother covets; the raw magic that the Thornhart's possess. Not in an evil manner, she takes the responsibility of keeping the magic lines powerful all too seriously.

Although Bastian's cousin, Hadrian tells him, “Not all of us consider commitment a terminal illness.” Bastian sees a noose around his head and his ankle and his wrists, an unbreakable shackle he would avoid at all costs. For now. Mama has an agenda to strengthen their family name and their magic, thus elevating them in society. But comply he will, on his terms. And that, to him, meant sabotage from the onset. The lady in question, Aveline, is in a conundrum of her own. After her disastrous coming out last season, her strong-willed grandma is pushing her to be courted by Jasvisn, grandson of her greatest rival/friend. Yes, Lady Aramind and Lady Rivienna, were friends, ARE friends, just have a friendly competition going on, kinda... I'd almost forgotten HOW much I adore Lady Rivienna, and loved her even more as she offered extremely sage advice later on in the book. The appearance of Bastian and Hadrian puts paid to that scheme except, now the meticulously banter takes centre stage, with Bastian poking at all of Aveline's insecurities, riling her up, and she trying to be the epitome of decorum and proprietary.

The banter right off the bat was hilarious, Bastian not holding back one iota, much to the dismay of Hadrian, sees right through Aveline's carefully crafted words and promptly asks, "forgive me—do you have any opinions that haven’t been pre-approved for polite company, or shall I simply consult the manual?” Aveline HAD been trained to be as amenable as possible, bland, and respectful. Her opinions were of little matter, what mattered was that she present herself with no visible emotions, to be conversational, to be a lady offering the "correct" answers. Rather dull indeed. Something Aveline detested doing and Bastian's preconceived opinion, solidly confirmed. These are so different, yet so alike. He's flamboyant, he's a flirt, he rarely takes anything seriously and his easy charm could melt an iceberg. He hides behind a huge wall, a facade firmly erected, one no one can shatter, where he nurses his feelings of inadequacy, his feelings of unworthiness. She, distraught at the events from her coming out, hides behind her wall of brainless, emotionless facade. Neither of them is truly what they present. Ms Morgan's conveying it all is exemplary.

I can't express how much I loved these characters! How much I loved this book! But my word, I wanted to box Bastian's ears when he provoced Aveline, nudging her with his amplifying magic, when she could barely contain it! And his baiting continues, until his guilt prompts him to end it. But another scheme is lurking in Bastian's head and this time, I wanted to smack my lips to his forehead and hug him! Rachel spun all of this immaculately, from the feelings of despair exuding from both Bastian and Aveline, to the utter delight I had, at THEIR utter delight and achieving a cease fire, a mutually beneficial one. My mouth curled into a smile and stayed there, getting bigger and bigger with each passing antic and I was infused with warmth from my head right down to my toes. I loved both these characters from incept but very quickly got to adore them. Ms Morgan gave me the whole enchilada, nuanced, painted with care, she draw their personalities meticulously. He, with his amplifying magic, is always the bridesmaid, never the bride, or I should say, always the bestman, never the groom. His magic makes everyone shine, he's pretty invisible. She, exhausted by containing her magic, a magic so uncontrolled if let loose, calls to her, constantly. Heck, just thinking about it I'm exhausted for Aveline!

Finally, finally, able to take a breather, Aveline's relief was like a balm on my own soul. The banter was brilliance personified, from the entire cast of characters but it was the verbal rallies Aveline and Bastian had which made me giggle. I was so vested in them, probably more than is healthy but I blame the author for giving them such panache, making them 2 characters who tugged at my heart, made me smile, had me laughing out loud. Bastian changed tactics and slowly coaxed the hidden Aveline to appear and she *gasp* started having fun! Their... understanding... becomes comfortable, then it evolves to a genuine pleasurable experience, except, this was not what was expected from Aveline. Just seeing their emotions surfacing, trying to suppress them, made me want to howl at the injustice!

There's the most adorable frost pixie who is very opinionated, she has followed Bastian and gives him a run for his money! Her messages on windows, just hilarious! And it takes this tiny tot to get Bastian to acknowledge certain truths. Oh, and Hadrian made me snort laugh with his questioning Aveline about her gloves and about a book she was raving about...you HAVE to read this book to understand why... yet again, a stroke or genius by the author. As for Hadrian, HE is pure joy! His mere presence in this book was heavenly! And you know what else Rachel does to perfection? Miscommunication, the assumptions of her characters, of what they perceive as truth, is so plausible it dupes me, nevermind the characters themselves. The romance is toe curlingly awesome, super clean but she still captures all the yearning, all the angst, all the feels, so much so, the butterflies in my stomach just couldn't settle! The HEA couldn't be more beautiful if an enhancing spell had been cast, although, Ms Morgan must possess loads of magic within her to make me devour every book she writes! Loved it? Heck no! I ADORED this book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute I just about had a giggle fit over it. I adore the chemistry between Bastian and Aveline so much. Rachel Morgan is extremely talented at crafting characters that feel very well realized, with insecurities and hang ups that are poignant and feel extremely relatable. All 4 of these Charmed Leaf Legacy books I have read have left me feeling seen in some capacity - each character has something they struggle with, and it always strikes a chord for me. This story - a novella really - strikes the nail on the head again.

Frost & Fae Bargains is a forced proximity romance following side characters that are briefly mentioned in the main series, Aveline Thornhart and Bastian Blackbriar. Their story is our first non-Rowanwood romance set within this world, and it’s just as good as the main series. Morgan does a great job at fleshing out the winter traditions of the higher echelons of Fae Society, and crafts a delightfully cozy winter read that glitters like snow.

I really appreciate how Bastian and Aveline’s struggles are very nearly mirrors of each other: he, the disappointing second son who is never good enough, and Aveline, who is made to stifle her real personality as much as possible. Both of them hide behinds facades, and it is the slow melting of their masks that makes this story so well plotted and engaging to read. You truly end up rooting for both of them, because it is so clear that they are drawn to each other like magnets because of how much they are kindred spirits.

Something I have appreciated about this series is how extremely character driven it is, owing to the fact that there is never real high stakes. It’s a cozy regency inspired setting, and as such the characters have to be the driving force for the narrative to be engaging. This is Rachel Morgan’s greatest strength. Her dialogue craft is excellent - she’s very good with banter and chemistry and it’s something I always look forward to with this series.

That said, something I would like to see with the remaining Charmed Leaf Legacy titles we are to receive later this year is perhaps a little bit more world building. I adore this series; I have loved every single title I have read within it. I want to know more about this world we get snatched glimpses of more and more with every book, so I am hoping Kazrian and Rosavyn’s stories deliver in this regard.

This series has shaped up to be one of my favorite indie series I have read, and I highly recommend it for those readers who want a change of pace with a swoony-not-spicy romance.

[Brittany Rolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, another winner for Rachel. The love I have for the series is SO much. I love the world and the characters she’s created. This was such a fun surprise book & I loved going back in time a bit and seeing some of our beloved characters before they met their match. 🥹

I was captivated quickly by the story between Bastian & Aveline. Rachel once again writes the most delicious tension and swoon that will give you one million butterflies and you’ll be soaking up every single moment! I was giggling and kicking my feet over subtle looks & hand brushes 🤭

Bastian has this carefree attitude about him, but you could also tell very quickly that there was more beneath it. Aveline was the most prim & proper, until she met Bastian and slipped and showed her true colors (pun intended!), which intrigued Bastian!

The story woven throughout this was filled with hope & accepting who you are and being yourself wholly & completely. Bastian saw through the facade that Aveline had up and saw her tenacity & competitive side, and he often pushed her to show that side of herself. He showed her there was nothing wrong with who she was. I loved watching him help her believe it! And how he helped her with her magic?! Doing it anytime she needed & doing it without even thinking. He was just always aware of her needs, and always listening.

And she did the same for Bastian. He often felt second best, but she showed him he wasn’t. That he had just as much to offer as any other eligible man. That his magic wasn’t just to boast others up, that it could truly help others!

And Aveline’s Magic?! It sounded so beautiful. I could picture it so vividly in my head. I felt like I was transported to another world as she’d describe it!

Ok this is the longest review ever, but I just loved this book SO much!!

[Mariette De kock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frost & Fae Bargains by Rachel Morgan

📚Bonus book in The Charmed Leaf Legacy series

🎨️ Regency-inspired setting
🩵Fake courtship
🎨️️Forced proximity
🩵He falls first
🎨️️ Bonus book
🩵 light, cozy fantasy
🎨️️ swoony, no-spice romance
🩵 standalone

The book follows Lady Aveline Thornhart and Lord Bastian Blackbriar as they both attend the Rowanwood Midwinter Revels. Ava’s grandmother wants her to be on her best and most ladylike behaviour, especially after last Bloom season’s magical display ended in a disaster. Bastion’s mother is trying to get him to settle and give their family a better magical position in society. She thinks Lady Ava will make the perfect wife. Ave is on her best behaviour and Bastian is doing everything to sabotage the courtship.

This is a close door romantasy (Romance & fantasy) with fae, magic and banter. It is describe as “A Cozy Fantasy Romance”. This couldn’t be more true! I absolutely loved this story. I loved everything about it. The fashion, the courtships, the traditions and the romance.

The charmed leaf series is a favourite and this book is an excellent edition. It's so easy and intriguing that I read it in a day. The atmosphere is magically and mystically.

Ave and Bastian story is everything you want in a book. Enemies to friends to lovers , the banter and forced proximity . Bastion brings out the best of Ava. He helps her in more way than one. Ava sees past Bastion’s performance and see the real him. They are perfect for each other.

It is amazing to have a smut free series that doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. Rachel Morgan’s writing is amazing and so far I have loved all her books that I have read. I can’t wait to continue the series.

#Reading #bookstagrammer#review #southafricanauthor #kindle

[Ashten Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW TIME: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, "Frost & Fae Bargains" by @authorrachelmorgan ! The most recent in the world of the Charmed Leaf Legacy series (but time wise set right before book one Temptests and Tea Leaves.) It was a grand time just like all the books leading up to this one! I loved the whimsical christmas festivities vibe in this one... very cozy and lots of vivid detail/a fun read! This one spoke to me personally as I have struggles similar to both the FMC and MMC in feeling either not enough or too much simultaneously. There was a little side kick frost faerie in the story and she is spunky, hilarious, attentive, and everything a fun side kick should be! I love that the book ended with the FMC and her grandmother finding mutual ground and healing in thier differences. As always the romance was divine. We start out as mutual enemies to lovers turned partners in crime driving each other mad but by the end they are full of yearning, swoon worthy pining, and sweet touches of affection/kisses only. A 1 on my SPICE SCALE🌶️, because while there was absolutely 0 spice or language, there is detailed descriptions (in the end of the book in one scene) of desire and what it's making them feel. Rachel has done it again!! **To read this free copy latest installment of The Charmed Leaf series, go to Rachel's website now and sign up for her newsletter! She'll send you an email with links to all her bonus content as this is a standalone bonus story. ** #charmedleafseries #faeregencyromantasy #rachelmorganreads #whimsicalwinterreads #frostandfaebargains happy reading!! LINK: https://join.rachel-morgan.com/frost

[Ulrike · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is expected to suppress her creative magic and present herself as the perfect lady in order to attract a respectable suitor. He, in turn, is supposed to court her—yet he seems far more interested in teasing her and drawing her out of her shell. When Bastian Blackbriar and Lady Aveline Thornhart meet during the twelve-day Midwinter celebration at the Rowanwood family's country estate, sparks and misunderstandings are inevitable.
To escape the scrutiny of their relatives, they agree to pretend an interest in one another. But the more time they spend together, the more genuine their feelings become.
Witty banter, lovable and eccentric characters, and moments filled with honesty, joy, and warmth make this a thoroughly enjoyable read. I especially loved the way Bastian and Aveline truly see one another and offer each other support and encouragement. While I appreciated the fact that everything works out in the end, the resolution felt a little too neat and idealised to be entirely believable.
All in all, Frost & Fae Bargains is a charming cosy fantasy romance that is light, entertaining, and easy to enjoy.

[Hilary Parr · Rating 5 out of 5]

-He falls first
-Funny pixie sidekicks
-Winter, cozy vibes
-Growing in self-worth
-SWOONY spice-free romance

Squealing. Kicking my feet.
The TENSION in this one!! Holy cow, who knew painting could be so intimate and romantic. BUT completely spice-free! But still packed full of swoon and tension.

Rachel is truly one of the best writers I have stumbled upon in a long time. So many of her lines are quotable, memorable, and full of wit. She is a phenomenal writer of banter and spice-free romance. But she nails the whimsy and humor side as well.

Just like with Aurelise, I really connected with Aveline. As someone who has been told they are "too much," her story resonated with me. I was cheering her to stand her ground and be who she really is from the beginning.
Bastian was once again a great MC. He falls first is quickly becoming one of my favorite tropes. He loved her so tenderly and so unabashedly. Rachel is once again making it impossible for a real man to ever measure up! :)

[Mizza_CeramanReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a surprise and a half, because I stumbled across it thanks to one of my friends liking a promotional reel made by the author. As someone who hates smut, and has been looking for cosy, non-smut romantasy that isn’t just YA.

This was perfect; with the winter here in Melbourne, a hot chocolate and my fuzzy bathrobe, this delightful book had me squirming in my chair with the giggles, and my dad kept asking me what I was laughing and smiling about! So of course, I went and bought the three main books that are out right away!!!!

The characters definitely made this whole book, and got 5 stars from me. The plot, 4 stars, since I didn't really understand what all the opposition from grandma was about. It just didn't make sense, especially how quickly she caved in at the VERY end, after doing all the stupid things she did to force Aveline away from Bastian. And the world-building felt a bit weak for me, so 3 stars; however, I'm sure this will change in the actual books!

Overall, 4 stars!!!

[Acadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🌶️.5/3 | clean but steamier than the others
This was really cute, and a perfect Christmas read (except it's May and 80 degrees lol). I loved Bastian and Aveline's dynamic and character growth. While I didn't adore this book in the same way as the first three, I'd still read it again.

What I really love, about this entire series, is the depth the characters have. Each character struggles with something real and relatable. In this particular book, Bastian struggled with self worth/comparing himself to others, and Aveline with being herself and not putting on a face. Each characters' growth was something I could relate to in some way, which makes Rachel Morgan's books all the more enjoyable.

I am truly loving Morgan's books in this Charmed Leaf Legacy series, and I look forward to reading the next two that have yet to be released.

[Blitheroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure, unspiced perfection. I have no notes.

Aveline is introduced to us as a perfect debutante, poised and graceful and utterly boring. Her grandmother has tasked her with playing it safe to mend her reputation after a disastrous recoloring incident so she can secure her future husband.

Bastian is careless and uncaring, completely allergic to commitment. His mother wants an advantageous marriage while he just wants to enjoy the Revels. This is where their bargain comes in!! But he finds his inner golden retriever energy for Aveline.

This book is like a Hallmark Christmas movie (it's even set in winter!!) But with some magic thrown in. Just....a dreamy, romantic feel-good story!

[tracy ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ · Rating 3 out of 5]

another sweet and cozy addition to the rachel morgan-verse 🥹🫶🏼✨

3 ⭐️ bc while i found bastian & aveline’s relationship to be sweet, it didn’t quite tickle my brain the way jasvian & iris and ryden & aurelise did. given that the author’s note states this couple is “most similar” to evryn & mariselle, it actually makes a lot of sense that i didn’t really care for bastian & aveline that much. i did enjoy watching two people who felt like misfits find solace and companionship in each other though. the way they both made each other feel as if they were appropriately enough and never lacking was cute though!!

but like also pls no more evryn content he is the worsttttttt. when i say i like the charmed leaf legacy characters, i mean it like

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Giddy giggles*
It's hard to explain how much I love this series. Frost & Fae Bargains is a lovely little addition to this charming Regency/fae world, and takes places during a winter house party to boot!
I loved seeing Bastian fall slowly, and unknowingly, in love with Avaline. I loved watching Avaline finding reasons to trust him, and open up. To me, this was more about Bastian maturing than Avaline coming into her own - the idea that anyone could expect to go through an entire married life together and never be themselves with their husband is crazy. But for Bastian...this was beautiful. I loved it! 5 stars, will definitely read again.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book, set in the old mannerisms of a London like feel. The book is linear as it follows a group of society men, socialites and some of thier relations at a swanky extended event called the Winter Revels. Bastian Blackbriar is tasked with finding a wife, a specific wife to strengthen family connections. Lady Aveline is under the critical eye of her grandmother, tasked with being the perfect lady, no exceptions. Well, you know what happens, these two meet and the fun begins for us! I can't forget the Frost Pixie who writes messages on windows- just the best! Loved the tone, feel, and plot of this book!

[Lucie De Courcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar addition to the Charmed Leaf Legacy series!
This book was a lovely prequel novel to the main series and can be read as a standalone.
If you enjoy romances sparked from a deal to avoid family pressure, this is the one for you.
It has humour, charming characters, lovely cozy magic and just the right amount of tension.

A regency romance with a touch of magic and a beautiful wintery setting.
No spice. Immaculate vibes.
Could read a million of these books and never get tired of this world Rachel Morgan has created!

[Makenzie Hinkemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thousand stars!! The charmed leaf series has been on my TBR since Tempests and Tea Leaves made its debut. I finally took the time to read them and devoured every last one in two weeks. I was so excited when I found out we were getting a spin off before book four and it did. Not. Disappoint!!

I loved every second of Aveline and Bastian blooming romance. From them ice skating on the lake to the painting room….😏😏

Absolutely fabulous book and I hope we get another twenty books in the charmed leaf series!😍😍

P.S. Silently dying for Hadrian.

[Savana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to the Charmed Leaf Legacy is an easy read with all of the swoon and tension set in the Regency era. There were many a moment of me kicking my feet and giggling at the banter and tension.

Aveline and Bastian’s relationship starts out as a misunderstanding between them but then builds with forced proximity and an arrangement to ward off family members (very similar to Evryn and Mariselle). Absolutely in love with them!

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Also, justice for Rosdrian. IYKYK

[Marce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course these was going to be amazing and enchanting again oh how I wish these books gained the popularity and recognition it deserves. These book was so cozy and lovely the chemistry between Aveline and Bastian was so good I couldnt stop smiling with them too.
The little pixies, gnomes all of these cute creatures are perfect they make these story so much fun and surely a hug to the soul in these corrupted world.
To read these books makes me feel safe from the reality thank you author for these gift.💕❄️✨

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author never disappoints and this latest book is a wonderful cozy fantasy romance. Avaline and Bastian are fantastic characters, who create a fake relationship to appease their families but plan to go their separate ways, only things don’t quite go to plan. It was a joy to watch them fall slowly in love as they did not expect it and become so much more than they thought they could be. It’s magical, it’s fun and it’s totally swoon worthy and I loved it!