Review: A Coup Of Tea (Tea Princess Chronicles: Book 1 ) by Casey Blair

Rating: 4⭐️

I will admit that I’ve struggled with this book and rating because I’ve enjoyed so much of this story and characters. It’s got really interesting elements and the makings of a terrific fantasy tale of a young woman who is trying to find her way of service in a tumultuous magical world.

And in many cases it does work. The writing is descriptively detailed, rich in elements and emotional imagery. It’s magical in many respects.

Author Blair sets out a terrific foundation of a kingdom of rulers that’s based around service, an intriguing idea. And it opens up as the fourth daughter of the ruling family is about to enter the ceremony to determine the course of her career and life’s path of service to her family and people of Istalam.

Let’s just say the ceremony doesn’t go as planned. And Princess Miyara finds herself with another life journey in store for her.

One that ends in a small tea shop in the city of Sayorsen which sits on the edge of a cataclysmic event that separates an entire realm of unstable magic. Here Miyara finds her way to her true self, and it’s a beautiful thoughtful and deeply caring journey.

Miyara’s new life involves her working with people of various backgrounds, cultures and traditions, all new to someone of her previous status. As she grows stronger and adapts to her new life, finding new friends of all kinds, witches included, political and social changes start to happen.

Casey Blair’s story incorporates important such elements such as the need for societal change, highlighting the impact of racism, exploitation, environmental degradation, and the importance of service. All that through Miyara, her development, her role in the community and with the family. And her dedication to becoming a Tea Master with the beautiful magical tea ceremony, dragons , and more.

Is it perfect? No there a few odd phrases that don’t make sense here, especially when spoken by a Princess who for most of the story has trouble remembering that “court language “ isn’t common for the type of person she’s trying to portray now.

Here’s a quick example.

“I laugh, a little hysterically. “Thank you for not telling me I’m batty.”

In a strange mystical magical kingdom that sentence and use of batty, especially from a palace princess, feels so much very out of place.

Strange bits of narrative weirdness that jar the reader out of the story.

However, the whole plot and character is marvelous. And as someone who has read ahead, I can say that book 2 is even better.

A definite winner. And another recommendation! A cozy fantasy adventure with a complete set!

Love these covers.

Cover design by Hampton Lamoureux of TS95 Studios

Tea Princess Chronicles:

A Coup Of Tea #1

Tea Set and Match #2

Royal Tea Service #3

Short story sequel:

Saiyana’s Challenge: A Story of the Tea Princess Chronicles

Tales from a Magical Teashop: Stories of the Tea Princess Chronicles

Buy Link

Book 1 of 3: Tea Princess Chronicles

Description

A complete, bestselling cozy fantasy series available to binge now!

“There will always be work for those who know how to listen.”

When the fourth princess of Istalam is due to dedicate herself to a path serving the crown, she makes a choice that shocks everyone, herself most of all: She leaves.

In hiding and exiled from power, Miyara finds her place running a tea shop in a struggling community that sits on the edge of a magical disaster zone. But there’s more brewing under the surface of this city—hidden magic, and hidden machinations—that threaten all the people who’ve helped her make her own way.

Miyara may not be a princess anymore, but with a teapot in hand she’ll risk her newfound freedom to discover a more meaningful kind of power.

A Coup of Tea is the first book of the Tea Princess Chronicles, a cozy fantasy series full of magic tea, found family, and lifting people up even when the odds seem impossible.

Review: Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1) by Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Another new to me author, another urban fantasy universe to explore. Be still my heart. I stumbled across Kenley Davidson when looking for more strong women main characters and found her name among other writers I’ve read and loved (K.M. Shea for example).

Magic Forsaken is the first in Davidson’s The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue urban fantasy series. It’s a direct sequel to The Dragon of 23rd Street , a 3 book series which sets up the world and some of the characters met here.

However, I haven’t read that series and the author does an excellent job in introducing the series foundation, the issues faced, and world building that I felt secure in my understanding of the story and how the characters were able to use their powers and abilities in the magical system.

Raine, a former human and prisoner of a psychopathic Fae Queen who experimented on both humans and paranormals alike, has fled, along with her found family of fellow escaped prisoners,to a refugee/safe city.

Davidson has immediately crafted a group of characters and situations that the reader will empathize with and feel able to relate to. Raine, in her desperation to protect and provide her family for food, shelter and safety is a great figure from the beginning.

And letting her other secrets (as well as those of the small family members) slowly trickle out during the story is perfect for her and the manner in which she has had to live her life.

Callum, the shifter King and his family is another fantastic element. Each of them has a well defined personality and back history, and their relationships feel like a family bonded together.

The mystery and action scenes are well written. The plot is fast moving. There’s a romantic interest but this is a slow burn, with no real sexual content. More magical action scenes and high adventure.

I really enjoyed the energy of the narrative and the characters. Definitely a winner!

Published by: Page Nine Press

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)

Blurb

I used to be human.

Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten…

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Publisher: Page Nine Press
Publication date: December 6, 2024
Language: English
Print length: 410 pages
Book 1 of 3: The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue

A MelanieM Review:For The Win (#lovehim #2.5) by S.M. James

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

He’s been stood up.

It stings more than it should, considering it wasn’t actually a date. But being stranded at a holiday party alone, is one of the most terrifying things Brooks can imagine.

Then he meets the larger than life Darien. He’s cool, fun, and saves Brooks from a night of lurking awkwardly in the corner.

But before Darien can get too flirty, Brooks lays down the law. They’re hanging out as friends. Just friends.

Because Brooks doesn’t date. Ever.

Even though Darien is gorgeous.

Even though he sees through Brooks’s bullshit.

Even though everything about him screams ‘take a chance’.

Brooks made his choice.

This isn’t a date.

Well, if you’ve been following my reviews of this incredible YA series, then you know that, unfortunately as is my wont, I did not read them in the order they were written. Bad me. Mea Culpa. Because they are so much better that way. If (insert duoh here) you read them as the author clearly intended, you pick up on the nuances of each characters back history, their slow to develop relationship with the person they are meant to be with, as well as some of the other personalities that appear throughout the series and in their own stories. More on that below.

But I fell into the #lovehim series by way of that incredibly emotional story In Case You Missed It (#lovehim #3). That would be the one that first introduced me to this author, series, and proceeded to put my heart through an entire gamut of emotions from heartbreak to hope while making me fall deeply in love with these characters and world the author was building.

For The Win (#lovehim #2.5) by S.M. James is a “beginning” story, the how they meet section of one of the main couples in the series. It just so happens to be the story I should have read prior to In Case You MIssed It because all the clues, all the “damnit, really” indications are flowing here. But so are the beautiful writing and relationship dynamics that occur between Brooks and Darien as they meet for the first time. The dialog, the glances, it’s everything.

I think I might have mumbled something about the author giving enough information that you could read the other story as a stand alone. After reading this, I was an idiot. Don’t do that. For The Win is the foundation that In Case You Missed It needs. Just as I have come to realize that this is a pattern the author uses with her other couples. We get a glimpse into their past lives and first meet or section taken from their relationship. Then we get a story that will fast forward it to a “present day” to see where that relationship stands and how the young men are doing in their lives. And, folded in among the real life relationship drama of the current main couple, we get an idea of what our other couples are doing as well.

What can I say? I love this series and characters! It’s realistic in its situations, the characters have depth and remain true to their age and histories. Where needed, and yes, it’s really needed with some of the people here, the author has done the research to make everything feel authentic and believable. So easy to fall in love with all of them and I did.

I have listed all the stories below. Only a couple left to review before I’m out and waiting for the May release. I don’t think I want to be deprived of this series even for a month’s time. So yes, I highly recommend this story and series. Please start with the first one and work your way through. It’s the only way to go.

I will be waiting for the next story to release!

Cover art: Story Styling Cover Designs. Cute, and the tone, style fits and brands the series.

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 40 pages
Published November 28th 2018 by May Books
ASINB07HFVVJSG
Series #lovehim #2.5