In a 1920s London where magic is mere embers compared to its magical past and spell powders are outlawed, we meet Max Ashford, a government official from an agency tasked with enforcing the ban, and Vesper Holloway, a magical socialite who runs her family's speakeasy. When Max arrives at Vesper's club in time to witness one of the accidents giving the magical clubs a dangerous reputation, they come to an agreement: Max turns a blind eye to this incident in exchange for help from Vesper in solving who is behind the incidents. They'll have to work together despite their different personalities and views on magic, but the chemistry between them is another kind of magic that won't be ignored.

At its core, it's a grumpy/sunshine romance that shines thanks to the author putting in the work and making the characters feel as real and rounded as possible. Both Max and Vesper have many sides that make them who they are and inform their actions, with the reader getting to see all the little details that make them who they are. We meet their families and see how they interact with other people, which makes the many moments we spend with just the two of them have extra depth and emotion. There are entire scenes where I forgot why they were even there, all I wanted was more of them slowly growing closer.

In all honesty, I thought the magic was there mostly as a way to make the plot stand out. The magical potions that create the danger could just as well be liquor during Prohibition in the States. Yet somehow, it works. It helps Waters and the characters point things out that might have been too dark or strong for the sweet romance being told. You can read into it as much or as little as you want and still get quite a story.

It's a sweet and fun romance with hidden depths if you're willing to go there. A solid read, overall.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the magical read!