What do you think?
Rate this book
Crossroads Queen Side Quest #1
Tea and Tarot: Crossroads Queen Side Quest
She walked away from the life she was born to live. Now she has one chance to build the life she's always wanted.
Indigo Briggs was one of the most feared tarot mages in the business—until a job went wrong and she walked away from it all. Now she's in Fairhaven, a quirky supernatural town with secrets of its own, trying to build something a tea shop, a fresh start, and a life she might actually deserve.
The only problem? Her new venture needs funding she doesn't have.
Enter Boone Fincher—charming, infuriatingly handsome, and in desperate need of a fake fiancée. His father's will requires him to marry a mage with a powerful lineage, and Boone is running out of time. The arrangement is strictly Indy gets the money she needs, Boone gets his inheritance, and when it's over, they part ways.
Simple.
Except nothing about this is simple. Between a blind vampire with unsettling insight, a revenant who likes to lend a hand, a mysterious bone monster that wanders through the crossroads, and a ghost from her old life determined to unravel everything she's built, Indy is starting to suspect the universe has a plan she didn't envision.
Then the past she thought she'd escaped comes looking for her, and Indigo must decide whether she's willing to risk everything for the future she's finally begun to imagine—one that includes a love that was never supposed to be real.
Tea and Tarot is a Crossroads Queen Side Quest Novel—an enchanting cozy urban fantasy standalone with fake dating, witty banter, found family, and the slow-burn realization that happily-ever-afters are worth believing in.
Indigo Briggs was one of the most feared tarot mages in the business—until a job went wrong and she walked away from it all. Now she's in Fairhaven, a quirky supernatural town with secrets of its own, trying to build something a tea shop, a fresh start, and a life she might actually deserve.
The only problem? Her new venture needs funding she doesn't have.
Enter Boone Fincher—charming, infuriatingly handsome, and in desperate need of a fake fiancée. His father's will requires him to marry a mage with a powerful lineage, and Boone is running out of time. The arrangement is strictly Indy gets the money she needs, Boone gets his inheritance, and when it's over, they part ways.
Simple.
Except nothing about this is simple. Between a blind vampire with unsettling insight, a revenant who likes to lend a hand, a mysterious bone monster that wanders through the crossroads, and a ghost from her old life determined to unravel everything she's built, Indy is starting to suspect the universe has a plan she didn't envision.
Then the past she thought she'd escaped comes looking for her, and Indigo must decide whether she's willing to risk everything for the future she's finally begun to imagine—one that includes a love that was never supposed to be real.
Tea and Tarot is a Crossroads Queen Side Quest Novel—an enchanting cozy urban fantasy standalone with fake dating, witty banter, found family, and the slow-burn realization that happily-ever-afters are worth believing in.
Audible Audio
Published September 9, 2026
About the author
Annabel Chase
290 books1,615 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 17, 2026
4.6 out of 5 🌟.
Super cute loving read. This was an audiobook for me- loved the characters
Super cute loving read. This was an audiobook for me- loved the characters
October 1, 2026
I read this book expecting a somewhat predictable romantasy set in the Crossroads Queen universe. The beginning was populated with some familiar characters and a few new ones. The premise was formulaic but made for an enjoyable lightweight read - so far - so good. Then the self analysis, external analysis, amateur psychology struck - a feature that seems to have become increasingly frequent in cosy, magic orientated mysteries' - especially those from across the pond! I appreciate and expect a little self reflection, plus some external feedback - from and aimed at the main protagonist, but when it dominates the active progression of the plot... I read this type of book for escapism pure and simple - the 'real' world needs to take a back seat.
September 20, 2026
I actually found the first 90% to be an ok read. But.... I could barely finish the last 10%. Everything was suddenly resolved like it was a Hallmark movie. Personalities completely changed. The payoff was not worth the effort.
September 25, 2026
I really hope this is just the beginning of more stories like this in the Crossroads series universe. I adore the characters so much.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I absolutely love this story. Tea and Tarot is a side story in Annabel Chase’s completed and fantastic urban fantasy Crossroads Queen series.
It does help to have read that series to have a firm understanding of these characters and a foundation for their histories , the town and world building. Honestly, this makes me want to pick up that series and start over again.
That said, this is a wonderful story. We dive right back into the town and characters by way of the wonderful Tarot Mages we got to know in the Crossroads Queen series.
The fabulous cousins Camryn Sable and Gunther “ Gun” Saxon, and Indigo Briggs, all three former members of La Fortuna, a secret and ancient society of mages skilled in the art of tarot magic. Now along with Claude, the revenant, they are residing in Fairhaven. Cam and Gun are private investigators and , the focus of this story, Indigo, is trying to open a tea shop.
But Indigo is having trouble getting started launching her business. Then another mage appears with a surprise business proposal. Boone Fincher needs a fake fiancée that his strict ill father will approve of so Boone can get his inheritance.
Yes, it’s a fake fiancée trope storyline. And it works so well here. Chase has crafted a wonderful narrative with a great relationship between Indigo and Boone that’s got chemistry, vulnerability and shared background damage.
There’s also a side plot about Indigo’s past history, a dramatic event that comes back to haunt her and how that involves many other important characters from the Crossroads Queen series that just makes this even better and adds layers to Indigo’s story and her future adventures.
I really hope this is just the beginning of more stories like this in the Crossroads series universe. I adore the characters so much.
Highly recommended.
Crossroads Queen (9 book series)
Tea and Tarot: Crossroads Queen Side Quest
Cover design by Jenny Zemanek
Rating: 4.5⭐️
I absolutely love this story. Tea and Tarot is a side story in Annabel Chase’s completed and fantastic urban fantasy Crossroads Queen series.
It does help to have read that series to have a firm understanding of these characters and a foundation for their histories , the town and world building. Honestly, this makes me want to pick up that series and start over again.
That said, this is a wonderful story. We dive right back into the town and characters by way of the wonderful Tarot Mages we got to know in the Crossroads Queen series.
The fabulous cousins Camryn Sable and Gunther “ Gun” Saxon, and Indigo Briggs, all three former members of La Fortuna, a secret and ancient society of mages skilled in the art of tarot magic. Now along with Claude, the revenant, they are residing in Fairhaven. Cam and Gun are private investigators and , the focus of this story, Indigo, is trying to open a tea shop.
But Indigo is having trouble getting started launching her business. Then another mage appears with a surprise business proposal. Boone Fincher needs a fake fiancée that his strict ill father will approve of so Boone can get his inheritance.
Yes, it’s a fake fiancée trope storyline. And it works so well here. Chase has crafted a wonderful narrative with a great relationship between Indigo and Boone that’s got chemistry, vulnerability and shared background damage.
There’s also a side plot about Indigo’s past history, a dramatic event that comes back to haunt her and how that involves many other important characters from the Crossroads Queen series that just makes this even better and adds layers to Indigo’s story and her future adventures.
I really hope this is just the beginning of more stories like this in the Crossroads series universe. I adore the characters so much.
Highly recommended.
Crossroads Queen (9 book series)
Tea and Tarot: Crossroads Queen Side Quest
Cover design by Jenny Zemanek
September 27, 2026
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
IMHO you don't need to read the original series that this standalone is spun off from, but many of those we meet in the series appear so you'll get more from this story if you read Crossroads Queen first.
I really liked the MC.
I really liked the love interest
I adored the dog.
I still really like all the characters from Crossroads Queen and it was great seeing their lives a few years after that series and I really hope to see more standalone books set in Fairhaven.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
IMHO you don't need to read the original series that this standalone is spun off from, but many of those we meet in the series appear so you'll get more from this story if you read Crossroads Queen first.
I really liked the MC.
I really liked the love interest
I adored the dog.
I still really like all the characters from Crossroads Queen and it was great seeing their lives a few years after that series and I really hope to see more standalone books set in Fairhaven.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you read the Crossroads Queen Urban Fantasy Series by Annabel Chase?
WELL, YOU SHOULD, it is amazing!!!!
Tea and Tarot is a new book in the world of the Crossroads Queen, A Side Quest, if you will.
A Cozy Urban Novel with some familiar faces and new ones.
Fake Fiancé, Um YES please!!!!!
Indigo Briggs is the most successful and feared tarot mage, until she retires.
She is in Fairhaven chasing a quieter life with a dream of opening up a tea shop.
Indigo is doing fairly well, except for the funding part.
In comes Boone Fincher, gorgeous and in a high need of a fake fiancé to please his father.
If he marries a mage with a strong line, he will get his inheritance.
If Indigo (Indy) does it, she will have the money she needs and Boone will have the inheritance he wants.
I LOVED this romance, but it is so much more.
Claude, the reverent is back and better than ever, he's a hand by the way, literally.
Lorelei and Kane are in some scenes that I absolutely LOVED revisiting with them.
Again, READ the Crossroads Queen series for more of them.
I love Indy and Boone's chemistry and banter.
Slow burn fake dating, fake fiancé, found family with some of the best world building you will read.
Highly recommend this cozy urban fantasy novel.
You MUST read this!!!!
WELL, YOU SHOULD, it is amazing!!!!
Tea and Tarot is a new book in the world of the Crossroads Queen, A Side Quest, if you will.
A Cozy Urban Novel with some familiar faces and new ones.
Fake Fiancé, Um YES please!!!!!
Indigo Briggs is the most successful and feared tarot mage, until she retires.
She is in Fairhaven chasing a quieter life with a dream of opening up a tea shop.
Indigo is doing fairly well, except for the funding part.
In comes Boone Fincher, gorgeous and in a high need of a fake fiancé to please his father.
If he marries a mage with a strong line, he will get his inheritance.
If Indigo (Indy) does it, she will have the money she needs and Boone will have the inheritance he wants.
I LOVED this romance, but it is so much more.
Claude, the reverent is back and better than ever, he's a hand by the way, literally.
Lorelei and Kane are in some scenes that I absolutely LOVED revisiting with them.
Again, READ the Crossroads Queen series for more of them.
I love Indy and Boone's chemistry and banter.
Slow burn fake dating, fake fiancé, found family with some of the best world building you will read.
Highly recommend this cozy urban fantasy novel.
You MUST read this!!!!
September 30, 2026
Such a Cozy Story About Second Chances
I loved Tea and Tarot. Indigo’s story was so much fun, but what I really loved was how many characters were given the chance to be more than they first appeared. There were so many wonderful little redemption arcs and second chances throughout the book, and by the end I was rooting for people I definitely hadn’t expected to root for.
Indigo and Boone were adorable, and I loved watching their arrangement gradually turn into something real while Indigo built the life she actually wanted. Two of Cups was such a cute business, and I loved watching that dream come together too.
Having Fairhaven as the setting meant getting glimpses of familiar places and characters from Crossroads Queen, which was a really fun bonus without taking the focus away from this new story.
It was funny, warm, romantic, and incredibly satisfying. Everything ended exactly the way I wanted it to, and I closed this one very happy.
I loved Tea and Tarot. Indigo’s story was so much fun, but what I really loved was how many characters were given the chance to be more than they first appeared. There were so many wonderful little redemption arcs and second chances throughout the book, and by the end I was rooting for people I definitely hadn’t expected to root for.
Indigo and Boone were adorable, and I loved watching their arrangement gradually turn into something real while Indigo built the life she actually wanted. Two of Cups was such a cute business, and I loved watching that dream come together too.
Having Fairhaven as the setting meant getting glimpses of familiar places and characters from Crossroads Queen, which was a really fun bonus without taking the focus away from this new story.
It was funny, warm, romantic, and incredibly satisfying. Everything ended exactly the way I wanted it to, and I closed this one very happy.
September 20, 2026
Fairhaven I have missed you
Well when I saw that one of my favourite authors had published a new book, I may have screamed a little.
When I found out we were back in Fairhaven and I could not only read about a new FMC but our old favourites - Lorelei, Jane, Gun, Cam and the rest - I screamed again (hubby was a bit shocked) and my whole weekwnd disappeared i to the La Fortuna and tarot and tea world.
Of course this is a cozy and not as dark as Crossroads Queen (one of the best series ever) but it didn't detract from beautiful storytelling and the wonderful town of Fairhaven. I highly recommend this book!
Well when I saw that one of my favourite authors had published a new book, I may have screamed a little.
When I found out we were back in Fairhaven and I could not only read about a new FMC but our old favourites - Lorelei, Jane, Gun, Cam and the rest - I screamed again (hubby was a bit shocked) and my whole weekwnd disappeared i to the La Fortuna and tarot and tea world.
Of course this is a cozy and not as dark as Crossroads Queen (one of the best series ever) but it didn't detract from beautiful storytelling and the wonderful town of Fairhaven. I highly recommend this book!
October 3, 2026
4.25 stars. Indigo Briggs is a former La Fortuna mage and the cousin of Camryn and Gunther. She moved to Fairhaven to open a tea shop, but is short on cash to open the shop. Enter Boone Fincher. He needs to be engaged to a strong tarot mage so his ailing father will believe his relationship will strengthen the family’s legacy, and Boone will not forfeit his inheritance. If their fake relationship is believed, in return, Boone will assist Indigo financially.
I don’t usually like the fake fiancé plot device, as it has been done many times before. But both Indigo and Boone were so charming and well-matched. Their times together showed a genuine respect and growing affection for each other, which was lovely to watch. And their new companion, Bones, was something else. 🦴
I enjoyed the return to Fairhaven and the Crossroads world very much. TEA AND TAROT even had cameos from most of my favorite characters.
The ending was predictable, but sweet. I loved it! Please, bring more stories from this world!
I don’t usually like the fake fiancé plot device, as it has been done many times before. But both Indigo and Boone were so charming and well-matched. Their times together showed a genuine respect and growing affection for each other, which was lovely to watch. And their new companion, Bones, was something else. 🦴
I enjoyed the return to Fairhaven and the Crossroads world very much. TEA AND TAROT even had cameos from most of my favorite characters.
The ending was predictable, but sweet. I loved it! Please, bring more stories from this world!
October 14, 2026
Cozy indeed!
That was exceptionally hallmark and yet I made it all the way through with only a handful of eye rolls and raised brow moments. I think I have a few books to go before I get to the end of Lorelei’s story and I don’t mind the spoiler that happened by reading this book. Needed a break from the angst.
If you’re looking for ooy gooey, some magic, a whole lot of clearly laid out morals to one relatively short story and very brief plus mild steam then this could be the way to go.
That was exceptionally hallmark and yet I made it all the way through with only a handful of eye rolls and raised brow moments. I think I have a few books to go before I get to the end of Lorelei’s story and I don’t mind the spoiler that happened by reading this book. Needed a break from the angst.
If you’re looking for ooy gooey, some magic, a whole lot of clearly laid out morals to one relatively short story and very brief plus mild steam then this could be the way to go.
October 20, 2026
This was such a cute, fun fall read! 🍂 It had wit, sass, and a fake engagement, which is always a fun combination. But the best part? TAROT woven throughout the entire book! 🔮 As someone who loves all things tarot, this was such a fun element to have infused into the story.
My one wish is that we got a little more background on the mages and their world because I definitely wanted to know more! Maybe more books are on the way? 🤞🏻 I would happily come back for more! ✨
My one wish is that we got a little more background on the mages and their world because I definitely wanted to know more! Maybe more books are on the way? 🤞🏻 I would happily come back for more! ✨
September 17, 2026
A new residents view of Fairhaven
What’s a retired Fortuna Mage going to do to stay out of limelight? Open and tarot and tea shop.
With familiar faces and hands aplenty this book was a perfect return to the crossroads.
Friends, love, enemies and misunderstandings create the best way to spend some reading time.
What’s a retired Fortuna Mage going to do to stay out of limelight? Open and tarot and tea shop.
With familiar faces and hands aplenty this book was a perfect return to the crossroads.
Friends, love, enemies and misunderstandings create the best way to spend some reading time.
September 21, 2026
The Crossroads Queen books were some of my favorite by Annabelle Chase and I was so happy to catch up with all my favorite characters. I love to see them all living their happily ever afters. I enjoyed indigo and Boone story also, but honestly for me, the best part was catching up with all the Fairhaven cast of characters.
September 21, 2026
Annabel Chase Never Disappoints- Love this
As soon as I started reading this I knew nothing else would get done until I finished it. I couldn’t put it down. Loved seeing characters from the Crossroads Queen series, and loved the story itself. You won’t regret reading this, I sure didn’t.
As soon as I started reading this I knew nothing else would get done until I finished it. I couldn’t put it down. Loved seeing characters from the Crossroads Queen series, and loved the story itself. You won’t regret reading this, I sure didn’t.
September 25, 2026
I have read most of Annabel's books and she always delivers a good story and this book doesn't disappoint. It's a bonus that we are back in Fairhaven, a great village and wonderful people. I hope there will be more of these side quests, but I'm probably prejudiced since I have spent most of my life in Eastern PA.
September 25, 2026
Another great read from Annabel Chase
Annabel Chase has an incredible knack for creating characters who stay with you even after you finish a book or the books in a series. I was surprised how much I missed the characters from Crossroads Queen and how happy I was to cross paths with them again. What a wonderful read!
Annabel Chase has an incredible knack for creating characters who stay with you even after you finish a book or the books in a series. I was surprised how much I missed the characters from Crossroads Queen and how happy I was to cross paths with them again. What a wonderful read!
September 26, 2026
Always a win
Loved this one as much as the Crossroads Queen! It was such a nice surprise to see so many of the previous characters. These new MC were lovely, compassionate, with a cute romance. The story is easy going and a nice break from the heavy, intense reads on the market. I love Annabel’s worlds. Keep em coming!
Loved this one as much as the Crossroads Queen! It was such a nice surprise to see so many of the previous characters. These new MC were lovely, compassionate, with a cute romance. The story is easy going and a nice break from the heavy, intense reads on the market. I love Annabel’s worlds. Keep em coming!
September 28, 2026
A Master of her genre!
If you read Annabel Chase it's an amazing read. I have devoured so many of her books and enjoy each new adventure. A different voice that makes love and kindness fun and mandatory. No murder or mayhem just a really great story that will make you laugh, cry (tears of joy) and enjoy every second of your reading adventure!
If you read Annabel Chase it's an amazing read. I have devoured so many of her books and enjoy each new adventure. A different voice that makes love and kindness fun and mandatory. No murder or mayhem just a really great story that will make you laugh, cry (tears of joy) and enjoy every second of your reading adventure!
October 13, 2026
I am a fan of this series, so a new side quest character is great and I loved this story, especially because the fake engagement is quickly real, but neither can admit it until the very end. They manage to sort their lives out, the new tea shop, Boone's father and Indigo's past out.. It is a lovely story, I want more!
September 21, 2026
What a joyous reunion!
Read this in one sitting! What a joy to read, but Annabel's book are always riveting from the first word.
I know authors need to write other stories, but "we" readers do get attached to beloved characters!
Read this in one sitting! What a joy to read, but Annabel's book are always riveting from the first word.
I know authors need to write other stories, but "we" readers do get attached to beloved characters!
September 22, 2026
Tea for two
When you want to start a new life a tea shop isn’t the first thought but adding tarot readings adds intrigue as well as a fake fiancé who is willing to finance the shop.
When you want to start a new life a tea shop isn’t the first thought but adding tarot readings adds intrigue as well as a fake fiancé who is willing to finance the shop.
September 23, 2026
Tea and Tarrot
As with all of Annabel Chase’s book, this one is amazing. Indigo is the one in this side quest and the story is on point and best of all, it has all the characters you come to love and new ones to get to know.
Very cozy while tackling some real issues of life.
As with all of Annabel Chase’s book, this one is amazing. Indigo is the one in this side quest and the story is on point and best of all, it has all the characters you come to love and new ones to get to know.
Very cozy while tackling some real issues of life.
September 25, 2026
Fun and Emotional Wrapped in One
This was such a fun read and tugged at the heart strings as everyone discovered it was okay to not be okay and then learn what the new life looked like. Lots of cute, engaging moments.
This was such a fun read and tugged at the heart strings as everyone discovered it was okay to not be okay and then learn what the new life looked like. Lots of cute, engaging moments.
October 8, 2026
Tea and Tarot
Secrets, danger and attraction. Great story filled with wonderful characters. Humor, new friends and family. A touch of danger. A standalone. Nice to be back in FairHaven. Crossroads Queen is also a great series.
Secrets, danger and attraction. Great story filled with wonderful characters. Humor, new friends and family. A touch of danger. A standalone. Nice to be back in FairHaven. Crossroads Queen is also a great series.
October 19, 2026
Crossroads Queen books Rock.
This is one, hopefully not the last in the series, I loved. The characters are perfectly written. I enjoyed the story and being able to see the other characters further down the story line. Start we the first one and enjoy.
This is one, hopefully not the last in the series, I loved. The characters are perfectly written. I enjoyed the story and being able to see the other characters further down the story line. Start we the first one and enjoy.
October 23, 2026
Great feel good story!
You continue to pull all the right strings to bring a story together! I look forward to reading all of your collections. Just the right amount of everything! Keep writing and I will keep turning the pages.
You continue to pull all the right strings to bring a story together! I look forward to reading all of your collections. Just the right amount of everything! Keep writing and I will keep turning the pages.
October 26, 2026
A very cool spin off from the crossroads queen series
It took me a little while to make the connection, as I think I've missed a few books in the crossroads queen series where this character was introduced but even without the back story I was hooked from the first few pages.
It took me a little while to make the connection, as I think I've missed a few books in the crossroads queen series where this character was introduced but even without the back story I was hooked from the first few pages.
October 30, 2026
Great to be back at the crossroads
Thoroughly enjoyed this little romp back into the crossroads territory. All the characters came together nicely around Indigo and Boone. and I love it when characters find a path to their truth and redemption.
Thoroughly enjoyed this little romp back into the crossroads territory. All the characters came together nicely around Indigo and Boone. and I love it when characters find a path to their truth and redemption.
September 18, 2026
Wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed Tea and Tarot: A Crossroads Queen Side Quest by Annabel Chase. It was wonderful revisiting Fairhaven. I truly hope to see more of these characters
September 19, 2026
Tea and Tarot - a magical combination
A wonderful stand alone story from one of my favourite authors.
As a lover of the cards, the tarot elements were a brilliant addition.
A wonderful stand alone story from one of my favourite authors.
As a lover of the cards, the tarot elements were a brilliant addition.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews