I was obsessed with “wrong number text fics” on AO3 (I actually still am) and I was very excited to see that concept in book form but this didn’t really have the same magic as the fics do. Everything about this just needed a little more; little more explanation, little more pizazz, little more plot.

I think the letters are where it’s losing me. A lot of them were just kind of describing their day to day business and they were not that exciting. It’s cool to see them slowly turn to affection but then when they realize it’s each other in real life (in which they do not really get along) it’s just like oh cool nice.

I get the comp to divine rivals since it’s almost the exact some plot, but idk where Emily Wilde came from.

This was fun and really sweet but no part of it really stood out. Would recommend this if you’re new to the trope of secret letter coupling but I feel I didn’t love it enough to continue this series.

I really like this in audio and think it actually would be preferred. The female narrator does a great job with all the voices. The male narrator has a nice voice but I’m not sure it really fits the cozy tone of the book (would still recommend giving this a try).

Thank you to Netgalley and Hay House/Bita Behzadi for an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

#LettersfromtheLastApothecary Tressport Magic Book 1 by #BitaBehzadi is a workplace Romantasy w/ natural magic & a world in shift, causing a lot of problems. #E.M.Wylde & #SamaraNaeymi perform the two viewpoint characters for #PenguinRandomHouse | #HayHouse LLC, each w/ their own strengths, bringing to life the side characters & the world they inhabit. Thank you #NetGalley for the opportunity to review the e-audio ALC. #BookSky

I went into this one blind mostly, knowing only that it's rival coworkers to lovers, and for that I am always down.

I love that aspect, and I love the aspect of falling in love through anonymous letters.
This was super slow to start, however and I almost dnf, but decided to keep going and it was around 40% that I really got into it.

I would recommend it, just push through!

Thanks to Hay House and NetGalley for this free ARC of the audiobook.

Imagine your anonymous academic pen pal that you’ve fallen in love with is now your new contentious coworker that you can’t stop bickering with. The setting is magical realism meets the turn of the century, all in an apothecary. Not only are they trying to get into a magical Master’s program and fighting to save the apothecary from bankruptcy, but there’s also a murder mystery wrapped up in the mafia.

The female character is relatable in a world of misogyny and career struggles. I’m not sure I totally fell in love with the MMC as the FMC did, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless. He grows in his character development, going from surly to loving of his coworker as he begins to put together the pieces.

The two narrators of the audiobook are wonderful in conveying the emotions of the two characters. I think this is absolutely worth a listen!

3.5⭐️
This was a really unique and enjoyable audiobook!

Set at the turn of the 20th century in a fictional city, this story covered a complex and changing fantasy world. The worldbuilding was thorough and the magic system was distinctive.
I absolutely loved that it dove into the intersections of misogyny and religion, magic, education, science and interpersonal relationships.
I also really appreciated how complex the characters were. Everyone had unpleasant traits to balance out the good; they made mistakes, reacted poorly, or lashed out at people they love. We saw great representation of complicated relationships between friends and family members, too.

I felt like the romance fell just a bit flat for me. We had two timelines: the first via letters, the second in the present storyline. The first timeline wasn’t complete (meaning we weren’t reading ALL of their letters, just a sampling) which would work perfectly if it was providing support and context to the second timeline. However, the first timeline did all the heavy lifting in terms of establishing their feelings for each other. The second timeline was actively counteracting it, which was part of the fun… but we never saw them fall in love in the second timeline, so much as just have the sudden realization that they were supposed to be in love because of the first timeline… where we ALSO didn’t really see them fall in love so much as just announce it.
That made the romantic plotline feel a little flimsy.

Overall, though, I had a really good time listening to this book. The narrators both did a great job and I’m looking forward to what this author does in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the Advanced Listener Copy.

This was such a cozy read. I read this for the vibes but stayed for the characters. I adored the way the letters were written between the characters. We got to see them slowly fall in love through letters but loathe each other in person.

The audiobook was excellent. E.M. Wylde and Samara Naeymi were great narrators. It was such a great listen. I highly recommend checking out the audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bita Behzadi, and Hay House LLC for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars
I enjoyed listening to the audio of Letters from the Last Apothecary. It was a unique fantasy setting with historical fiction vibes. Josie helps organize things in Aufidius’w apothecary shop. She’s opinionated & need the job. He’s grumpy & needs the help. In person, they don’t get along that well. However, unknown to them, they’re also secretly writing anonymous letters to each other. Their romantic connection blossoms in these letters, which leads to the inevitable tensions as both realities collide. I always like epistolary novels & felt the letters were quite well integrated into the story.
*Thanks to Penguin Random House & NetGalley for the free copy

4⭐

Josie Pinova doesn’t believe in fate—until fate seems to believe in her. Aufidius Reid doesn’t believe in luck—and Josie feels like the worst kind. In the shop, they clash. On the page, they fall in love.

I enjoy novels with letters involved. It shows how two people can drastically change how the talk to people when they are vulnerable and open. This is a cozy book with a lot of character growth. Both Josie and Reid are drastically different people through the events of the novel.

There is a strong found family in the book that greatly smooths out the edges of Reid. In the same vein Josie's large family helps her think through things when she is usually a bit more spontaneous.

This is a slice of life book that gets pushed forward with a mystery plot. The mystery plot does not feel too pressing for a bit of time. When the mystery becomes more prominent, it dominated the plot. I enjoyed the mystery plot since not too many things are going on, but I can see some people not enjoy the addition to the plot. It was overall an enjoyable read that I went into blind, and I think that was a great way to fall into this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, epistolary romance, how much I adore you! This was another great example of why I do.

Following Reid and Josie, two people aspiring to get into the Institute of Magic and to finally fulfill their passions, the story unfolds as they anonymously exchange letters, starting with them bonding as university hopefuls and eventually developing feelings for each other.

Let me just say: this was so cute! I am not the biggest dual POV fan, but because the book is interspersed with the main characters' own letters to each other, I thought their different viewpoints enhanced the story very well.

Josie and Reid are two characters who immediately make a bad impression on each other when they meet for the first time, with Reid being annoyed and slightly intimidated by Josie’s expertise and by how well she gets along with his boss, who he’s always felt a little distant from, and Josie being put off by his stand-offish behavior around her. The story did a perfect job of illustrating why these two would never suspect that they're each other’s secret letter writer.

As a heroine, Josie was solidly written, and I liked how this book incorporated her struggles as a woman in a historically inspired world that is very misogynistic, as well as the scrutiny she faces because of an ethnic background that makes her place in society even more precarious.

The book explores a similar theme with Reid, who himself is of a mixed heritage and also has to deal with the otherness and classism of the academic spaces he wants to belong to.

While I did think the book’s slice of life vibes and the day-to-day apothecary happenings were quite fun to follow in the beginning, I also thought the book suffered from feeling a little stretched out and slow until the mystery plot in the latter half unfolded, which reawakened my excitement and interest. Coupled with an ending that felt like it wrapped the story up in a neat way, this really did work for me!

🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
⭐ Listener Rating: 5/5
This is one of those books I think benefits heavily from being listened to in audiobook form! The two narrators were perfect for their respective characters, and I loved listening to them read the letters that preceded each chapter. Because this is a slower story, the audiobook really was a perfect companion to have on during walks and quieter moments!



Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ALC.

Fantasy
Cozy romance
3rd Person POV

Dual narration - E.M. Wylde & Samara Naeymi
Great narrators.

This one took me a few chapters to adapt to as I do not usually enjoy the third person POV however the story did draw me in. I found the story to be interesting and it kept me entertained while listening. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing this book to life. A good cozy fantasy read.

I absolutely loved Letters From the Last Apothecary! It has the cozy charm of the movie You've Got Mail mixed with a little murder mystery twist, which made it such a fun and refreshing read.

It was a fast listen, easy to get pulled into, and the characters were so lovable. I especially enjoyed the unique magic system, it added such a fresh layer to the story and made the world feel even more special.

This is the perfect palate cleanser between heavier, more emotional books. Cozy fantasy, a touch of mystery, and just the right amount of magic. It was exactly what I needed and can't wait to get a copy of this book to add to my cozy fantasy shelf.

Oh my gosh, this is absolutely the best audiobook I’ve listened to all year!

Premise: “You’ve Got Mail,” but magic users in 1905. Both characters are struggling with gender roles related to their magic, trying to find their way in the world, and butting heads as unbeknownst coworkers. And of course they come together to solve a mystery, save the day, and fall in love!

The characters were beautifully developed and fully fleshed out in a very satisfying way. MMC Reid is prickly (but never ventures into full asshole territory) due to his childhood as an orphan. FMC Josie is stubborn because she’s always been different from others in her family. They grate on each other, but the book avoids the “MMC is a jerk just for the sake of the grumpy/sunshine trope” which I personally hate. The dramatic irony is thick, but never dips into secondhand embarrassment, and it’s incredible to see the character development from both MC’s.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding as well, particularly the magic system. “High” magic (structured spells) and “owl magic (spontaneous) remind me rather of the wizard/sorcerer dynamic in D&D, and tying that into social gender expectations and the role of magic in the Industrial Era worked perfectly. There were a few passages where the character described how they work with magic, how it flows through them, and it felt like a very real description of any other non-fantasy sensation.

The one but I struggled with was the dual-timeline nature of the epistolary setup. The letter chapters alternate with present day, and the letters are dated several months prior. By the end of the book, the letters were dated from during previous “present day” chapters, and it was a bit tricky to keep track of who knew what at the time.

Despite that, the tension between the characters is very well done and even though I knew there would be a HAE (there has to be, right?), I found myself holding my breath until the end of the book. I loved the ending, and I’m glad to see the book listed as first in a series, as I would love to see what comes next in this world.

I really enjoyed this story. It took me a little bit to get into it, but then I was hooked. I liked both the main characters, and I appreciated the dual pov/narration.

This book was advertised as EMILY WILDE meets DIVINE RIVALS - and I adored Emily Wilde with Divine Rivals on my tbr (may have to bump them up now). We meet Josie, our fmc, who gets a job at an apothecary, working with a grumpy Reid. But they get to know each other and fall for each other through letters - which was really my favorite part of the books! Add in a mystery, and it’s a very enjoyable read!

I loved the vulnerability, the coziness, and of course the correspondence throughout this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced listening copy!

Thank you to the Penguin Random House | Hay House LLC for the ALC copy via NetGalley

What happened to be an accident click on the listen now button on the NetGalley, because I was instantly curious when I saw the word ‘Letters’ in the title, turned out to be a very fortunate mishap.

This was very beautifully written debut historical fantasy novel. Set in the 1900s it all begins with anonymous academic exchange of letters between Josephine and Reid, who can wield magic. A few months later these two find themselves working together as rivals in a magical apothecary that’s struggling with the business. After trying to save the business, mostly with Josephine’s innovative approach, they are faced with a murder mystery which puts them in even closer proximity.

Did I mention there’s mafia?!

This one truly felt like a genuine rivals to lovers because you could feel the animosity. The start was a bit slow for me but after that “hurdle” it really went smoothly onwards.
I really enjoyed the epistolary element! The letters were such a beautiful dimension to the story, showing us another more vulnerable side to these characters and how they slowly fell for each other. It was more based on the emotional connection and depth, so when the reveal finally happened it felt like a sudden shift between character and I couldn’t feel the chemistry between them. The murder mystery was predictable to me but nevertheless I really enjoyed this whole cozy & unique story.

The audio format really was the best choice because the narrators did great job. It was a dual narration and if you’re an audiobook lover I highly recommend it.

Once I head it was an epistolary novel, I was sure I would like. This was a good read, not my usual genre. I did like the dual POVs, and the narrators were easy to listen to and kept my attention. The romance fell a bit flat for me but still overall a good story. I was lucky enough to do an immersive read, thank you to Hay House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
3.75

This was a very interesting cozy fantasy, definitely a bit different than what I am used to. You’ve got mail with a magical twist some mystery and adventure!! Josie is an incredible FMC who is smart and quirky. Aufisius is grumpy, meticulous and uptight. The relationship build is fabulous and you’re rooting for them from page 1!!

Fantasy version of you've got mail.

This was a cute cozy book, grumpy MMC/Sunshine FMC, and a bit of a mystery involved. I love books with an apothecary because it gives a scientific side to magic. Both characters are very relatable and if you enjoy a slow burn this is for you.

3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to listen in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful read!

I hadn’t heard much about this book until recently, when I saw the author post about it on twitter. I decided to give it a chance because I was intrigued by the comps, and it sounded like something I would enjoy.

I’m so pleased to say that I enjoyed this book a lot!

I will say that the story took a couple chapters to get going, but once it did, I was hooked. The coziness, the sweetness, and the curiosity-filled pages were everything I was hoping for. And the letters were such a delight.

The characters were also easy to root for, and I was so invested in seeing how Josie and Reid’s stories ended.

The only bit that I was confused about was the magic system, as I’m still not entirely sure how that works, even after finishing the book. But the concept of intuition vs science was an interesting topic to explore for sure.

Thank you so much to Penguin Random House / Hay House LLC and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to the audiobook!

A slow-paced romance that travels through letters and magic. The characters throughout this book were interesting. The use of magic and how it intertwined with the world was something I had hoped would be expanded on. However, the focus of the story, the romance, stayed consistent throughout the narrative. The way in which the letters correspondence between the MC's elaborated on specific details well! There is a focus on religion in a way that I thought was unique. The religions were all fantasy but had weight to their use that reflected of early 1900's. This story had a clear beginning, middle and end that left me happy. Overall a great standalone romance!

Quick Summary: A magical mystery romance

My Review: Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi is book #1 in the Tressport Magic series. It is categorized as a cozy historical fantasy fiction romance. It is scheduled for release on 6/9/26.

About the Book: "Nestled between steel skyscrapers lies a small shop stocked with old magic and experimental elixirs. This cozy historical romantic fantasy debut is a tale of mistaken identity, reluctant partnership, and the quiet, transformative magic of being truly seen—on and off the page."

In My Own Words: A whimsical meetup of minds and match up of hearts between a somewhat stoic apothecarist who has a way with words and a mage of a woman who demonstrates practical magic but longs for more. The two truly begin to "see" each other as they work to solve the mystery surrounding their employer.

About the Characters: This novel boasts of a collection of characters, each with their own color, quirks, and value. The people ranged in personalities, in abilities, in interests, and in motivations. There was an element of curiosity, of wonder, of progressive mindedness, of misogyny, of classical intent, and of romantic love, as well as familial ties.

Josephine and Reid came across as opposites, but in the end, they shared a connection that was endearing. I loved how they communicated - in private via letters and in public via wit. The story of how they each came into understanding the who behind the letters was priceless.

About the Conflict: The conflict in this story weaved itself together like a ball of threads. Loss, grief, guardedness, transparency, relations, expectations, identity, acceptance, and family were noted themes. Complications related to the idea of to love or not to love, where the featured couple was concerned, played into the story. The mystery around the apothecary's patriarchal figure was a huge part of the storyline. A subtle darkness was weaved into the story.

The way that the story was presented allowed for a degree of thoughtful deduction. I was able to put the clues together to determine what was really going on.

About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by E.M. Wylde and Samara Naeymi. This duo made the listening experience very entertaining. I loved the old world sound and variations on the characters voices.

My Final Say: This was such a lovely story. It was fantastical, challenging, witty, and romantic. The emotionality and growth of Josie and Reid unfolded slowly but surely. I loved the strength of both leads. The family/found family component told a story that kept going, meaning that it came across like there was more to come. I wanted to know more about Reid's friends who left their old life behind, I wanted to know more about Josie's family, particularly her siblings, and I wanted to know more about the world that existed beyond the apothecary.

Other: Readers who enjoy cozy magic, whimsical intellectualism, supernatural intrigue, and slow burn romance may like this story.

*** I think this is a niche read. It will be very appealing to some readers, but it may not appeal to others. ***

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: 🎧
Series: Yes
Cover: +

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Penguin Random House | Hay House LLC), and to NetGalley for granting access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I look forward to reading/listening to more books in this series.

I really liked this one! It is a slow burn romance, filled with love letters and a magical apothecary. Josie is newly employed at the apothecary and she does not like her new colleague, Reid. He doesn't like her all that much either.

Both are studying to apply to a prestigious magical graduate program, and they find solace in the anonymous letters they write ... to each other.

I loved the development of Josie's and Reid's relationship through the letters. The respect they had for each other was heartwarming. To be loved it to be seen and they really embody this sentiment. I was so anticipating when they discovered they were writing to each other. The murder mystery plot twist was unexpected but not unwelcome. It allowed the colleagues to find some respect for each other, before the reveal of their identity as pen pals.

This was a great story. The magic was interesting and I enjoyed the world they lived in. I also really liked the side characters.

If you liked You've Got Mail, or just like a slow burn historical romance with a well thought out magic system you will like this book. The narrators were also fantastic!

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House and Hay House LLC for the e-arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advance copy of Letters from the Last Apothecary

A cozy, historical-fantasy epistolary romance with a bit of a mafia danger and some mystery. Josie Pinova finds herself out of work, and through a stroke of luck (or fate), she finds herself a job at the last magical apothecary in Tressport. Her new coworker, Reid, seems to be her polar opposite and they immediately clash. Both are in the process of applying to the prestigious Institute of Magic, though neither are open enough to share that with the other. Instead, they find reprieve from the stress in writing letters … unbeknownst to either, they are writing to each other.

The epistolary romance was absolutely the highlight of this book for me. I adored the letter writing, and how the characters were able to construe their innermost thoughts and feelings in such a charming fashion, helping each other through their struggles. In person, each character fails to adequately represent and express themselves, but through their letters, they are open and vulnerable, and it allows them to bond in such an endearing manner. I particularly enjoyed the discussions of how their childhood shaped them, the science and magic, as well as the commentary on misogyny and discrimination.

While it’s a historical fantasy, the dates felt a bit disconnected from the story for me. The setting matched, and some commentary on treatment of people based on their sex/skin color/religion, but the fantasy city was not a real life city. I found it a bit jarring each time a real date or real dollar amounts were given, it just took me out of the story each time and had me comparing the dialogue and other elements to real-life. That said, the cozy fantasy feel was definitely there.

While I adored the epistolary romance, I would have enjoyed a bit more time for the characters to come to like each other in person rather than the pen pal reveal rushing that aspect. I’d love to see more of that build up in the next (maybe Juniper’s story?).

The audiobook is dual narration performed by Samara Naeymi and E.M. Wylde. I think this is a book that’s great to read as an audiobook since it’s a lighter novel, so it’s perfect for casual listening - and the narrators do a great job so it’s easy to follow along.

A beautifully magical read. Beads creates a world that feels both delicate and powerful. It is full of enchantment and emotional depth. I loved the atmosphere and the sense of mystery woven through the letters. It’s a captivating story that lingers.

You’ve Got Mail, but make it magical, historical, and with a side of suspicious danger.

This was a charming cosy fantasy where the real spellwork happened in the letters. Josie and Reid may clash face-to-face, but on paper they become vulnerable, thoughtful, and impossible not to root for. Watching two people misunderstand each other in person while accidentally soul-bonding by post was delightful torture.

The world feels warm and whimsical, with an apothecary setting, layered magic, and enough mystery to keep things interesting. There are thoughtful touches around class, misogyny, and prejudice that add depth without losing the cosy feel.

I did want a little more in-person romantic build-up before the reveal, but the emotional payoff still landed.

The audiobook narration by Samara Naeymi and E.M. Wylde was smooth and engaging, listen.

Sweet, clever, and quietly enchanting.

Josie is a woman in a man's world; yearning to study and practice magic but having prejudices against her background and gender blocking the way.

She seeks solace in the mysterious Mr Clarke, a man with whom she's never met but has been exchanging letters and slowly falling in love with

When she is offered a job at the last remaining apothecary in the city she jumps at the chance, despite her surly and judgemental co-worker, Reid.

Little does she know Reid and Mr Clarke are one and the same.

This book had some excellent worldbuilding and a really interesting magic system.

With religion, cultures and prejudices that mirror the real world it was easy to relate to the characters and their struggles.

The audio was excellent and the two narrators played against each other really well.

Letters from the Last Apothecary is a character-driven historical fantasy romance - light on the fantasy and heavy on the romance in a really sweet way. It's comped to Divine Rivals which I totally felt!! Josephine and Reid are unknowingly falling in love through a series of letters, all while working together in a struggling apothecary. I wouldn't class it as rivals or enemies to lovers, but they simply don't mesh well in the real world. Throw in a possible murder and and a rising tide of anti-magic sentiment and you've got something for everyone.

Josephine and Reid are very different people but they have the same kind of heart and I love how the partly-epistolary format of the story allows the reader to get to know two versions of each character; who they are to the world and who they are when they think no one they know is watching. Background characters are really just there to push the story along and they don't lay a huge active role in the plot but there was nothing I specifically disliked about any of them/the way they were written. I am normally not a romance reader and prefer it to be a minor subplot but I found these characters so charming and well-developed as individuals that I didn't mind at all!

I wasn't expecting it to go in a murder mystery direction but I think the author did a great job of blurring the lines between genres a little bit without the romance being overshadowed. Most fantasy/fantasy romances are about world-changing/ending stakes and epic battles between good and evil and I loved that this book takes a different route and the risks in this book are very personal to the characters as it gives them room to depend on and support one another. There were a couple of great twists and reveals which is always a bonus!

I think one thing that let it down a little bit was a lack of grounding in the historical setting. The story takes place in 1906 and if it weren't for the dates on the letters I would've assumed it was a contemporary urban fantasy world. I didn't feel transported or a nostalgic quality that I expect from historical fantasy and I think the author relied on explicit dates to bridge the gap for the reader. It is also described as cozy but I probably wouldn't class it as one and I was actually surprised going back to read the blurb after reading the book that they chose that word.

This is a debut and I think the author has a fantastic knack for writing characters and chemistry so I'm very much looking forward to what they come up with next!

The audiobook is dual narration and I think the narrators had great tone and chemistry.

I absolutely loved this book! The audiobook is phenomenal.

This book is You've Got Mail but magical and takes place in 1906 in an apothecary. I loved seeing Josie and Reed together in the apothecary and through their letters and how both of their relationships unfolded as the book progressed. Via letters they take the path of acquaintances to friends to lovers and in person they are instant enemies to are forced to work together.

This book was a very long slow burn but the moment they get together is so perfect and the ending was just amazing.

This book does have a murder mystery type subplot that I didn't think was all that necessary especially since it seemed obvious to me who did it super early on. I did think it was okay since it served as a motivation for Josie and Reed to work together for a cause beyond their work at the apothecary.

I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves history colliding with magic, strong women characters, enemies to lovers with forced proximity, anonymous letter exchanges, and slow burn romance.

Also highly recommend the audiobook! The narrators did a phenomenal job with using distinguishing voices for all of the characters but also with adding the emotion of the characters into their voices. It kept me engaged in the story and made me not want to put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Hay House for the advanced audiobook copy.

A You've Got Mail style cozy fantasy story, with a dash of murder mystery.

Main characters Josie and Reid, both aspiring to fulfill their dreams to attend the Institute of Magic when they end up rivals working for the same apothacary.

I often find the pace of a cozy fantasy to be too slow for me, but this one hit the mark just right. The stakes never got too high, but the story kept me invested the whole time.

The book explores the background of both characters and how they're working to overcome their individual struggles. Reid the poverty he was born into and the loss of his family, and Josie the prejudiced (being both a woman and a minority) society of the time holding them both back from their dreams.

The murder mystery elements added just enough extra interest to fill out the rest of the story.

Overall I enjoyed this story and would recommend!

- Advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley

Thank you so much for the opportunity to listen to this book! I really enjoyed both of the narrators, I especially loved the female narrator. This was like a cozy, magical, historical, you've got mail. Perfect for lovers of the cozy fantasy genre and really fantastic on audio.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.

This book is such a fun cozy fantasy. I had a good time reading this. It has a bit of mystery along with magic. It was fast paced and the narrator did great. Multiple POVs.

This was a fun one with a kind of Divine Rivals vibe. I really enjoyed the anonymous letters. I did think they lasted a little bit long. The story was enchanting and felt magical and sweet.

What a fun story! I always love a slow sweet story with a touch of magic and academia. The letters were a lovely detail to reflect the simple yet heartfluttering romance between our characters, Josephine and Reid. Honestly, I devoured this book in less than a day. The audiobook narrators were both fantastic and did justice to the story with their rich and beautiful voices. Shoutout to Samara Naeymi, whose narration was so warm and exquisite to listen to! Brings so much richness to the story, I loved listening to her voice.

The romance was slow but worth the wait because I loved how they learned to respect each other, especially in their work. Josephine has quickly become a favorite female lead of mine—she’s highly intelligent and thoughtful about her work and studies. Her sister was also a delight, and I hope to see more of her in the next book. The mystery and political schemes added a nice balance, balancing the coziness with the seriousness of the situation. I can't wait to read more of Bita Behzadi's future works.

Thank you, Hay House LLC and Bita Behzadi, for providing me an e-Arc for "Letters from the Last Apothecary" in exchange for an honest review!

This book has a little bit of everything: Enemies to lovers, anonymous letters, mystery and suspense. I enjoyed the dual timeline of the letters vs current day. The romance is very much a slow burn. I especially loved the FMC’s sister and would love to see her get her own book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Cozy magic, slow-burn banter, and a charming apothecary full of heart
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in advance. These are my honest thoughts.

If EMILY WILDE and DIVINE RIVALS had a cozy, magical love child, Letters from the Lost Apothecary would be it. This story has all the ingredients I love in historical romantic fantasy: a grumpy apothecarist, a determined heroine with everything to prove, anonymous letters, and a city caught between old magic and rapid industrialization.

I experienced this as an audiobook, and the dual narration added so much charm and immersion. The voices brought Josie and Reid’s personalities to life — their banter, their stubbornness, their quiet vulnerabilities. It made the whole world feel warm, lived‑in, and just a little bit enchanted.

The strengths for me:

The worldbuilding is whimsical without being overwhelming

The characters feel real, flawed, and easy to root for

The anonymous‑letters trope is executed beautifully

The humor lands, and some of the banter genuinely made me laugh

The overall vibe is adventurous, cozy, and hopeful
If I’m being picky, the first half does move a little slowly.

There were moments where I caught myself wondering where the story was headed or what the ultimate goal was. I also found myself wishing the banter had just a bit more bite — a touch more snippiness to really lean into that grumpy/sunshine dynamic.

But once the plot finds its momentum, it becomes a delightful, heartfelt ride. The second half delivers on the emotional payoff, the partnership, and the magic — both literal and metaphorical.

Overall, this was a fun, charming read with a world I genuinely enjoyed spending time in. I’m excited to see where the series goes next and how these characters continue to grow. Cozy fantasy fans, especially those who love anonymous‑letter romances, will find a lot to adore here.

I liked a lot about this book from the You’ve Got Mail plot line to the mystery in the second half. There is a lot to enjoy. I just felt like the magic system is very fickle, the religious elements were an odd addition, and the relationship moved really fast it was difficult to keep up. Overall this was enjoyable to listen to and I probably wouldn’t have picked up this book if I didn’t get an ARC.

*Letter From the Last Apothecary* by Bita Behzadi delivers exactly the kind of cozy, character-driven fantasy that feels both comforting and quietly meaningful. It leans into its epistolary format in a way that never feels gimmicky. Instead, the letters deepen the emotional core and give the story its charm.

Josie and Reid carry the book with ease. Their dynamic in the apothecary feels sharp and grounded in frustration, miscommunication, and reluctant respect. They clash in ways that feel natural, not forced, and the dialogue between them keeps the story moving. At the same time, their anonymous letters reveal a completely different side of each character. That contrast works incredibly well. You see who they are when they are guarded, and who they are when they feel safe enough to be honest.

The romance builds with patience. It does not rely on dramatic twists or exaggerated tension. Instead, it grows through small moments, shared thoughts, and the slow realization that they understand each other more deeply than they expected. The “You’ve Got Mail” comparison fits, but the magical setting gives it its own identity.

The apothecary itself feels alive. It stands in quiet defiance against the industrial world closing in around it, filled with plants, old magic, and a sense of history that you do not want to lose. That contrast between the warmth of the shop and the harsher outside world adds weight to the story without overwhelming it.

Josie’s arc adds another layer. Her determination to prove herself, especially in a system that does not easily make space for her, gives the story direction. Reid’s struggle with his own magic and past complements that well. Their individual goals never disappear behind the romance, which keeps the story balanced.

The tone stays light without feeling shallow. It touches on loss, change, and belonging, but it never loses its sense of warmth. The letters, in particular, create moments that feel intimate and personal in a way that is hard to replicate in more traditional formats.

*Letter From the Last Apothecary* succeeds because it knows exactly what it wants to be. It tells a smaller, more focused story and does it well. The characters feel real, the setting feels comforting, and the romance feels earned. It is the kind of book that lingers quietly after you finish it, not because of high drama, but because of how sincerely it connects.

I genuinely just think I'm at the target audience for this book. I can see myself getting it from the library in the future and buying it at the bookstore in the future, but I am so not in the mood for a read like this and I don't think I'm a target audience either.

I enjoy the narrators voice though, and I can see myself picking this up at some point in the future

Thank you for allowing me to sample this audiobook. I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book & the narrators were incredible. The overall vibe was cozy and romantic. It made me want to curl up in an overstuffed leather chair next to a fire with a glass of good red wine. Bita Behzadi has a beautiful way of writing, like being wrapped up in a soft blanket right after the dryer.

I absolutely loved the aspect of the main characters falling in love through anonymous letters. That's the kind of romance that I'll always be a sucker for. It was fun to watch the way they interacted with each other after they met. Even the way Josie and Reid talked about the things they disliked about each other, there was an underlying sense of endearment.

The story also gave a little mystery. While it didn't feel central to the story, it was needed for the main characters to work together and figure their stuff out.

Overall I found this to be incredibly easy to listen to and I sunk right into the world. I would happily pick up anything else Bita Behzadi writes again. I loved her style and approach to story telling.

Letters from the Last Apothecary was such a wonderful cozy ride! This you’ve got mail trope gives us spitfire Josephine Pinova who is always doing the unexpected, and her opposite- serious Aufidius Reid is trying to keep the apothecary afloat while working on his future. From letter meet cute to in person first clash I loved every minute of this story! It had some magic, some mystery and some sadness. Told with duel pov, the narrators did a great job setting the mood and keeping me on my toes.
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing an alc. This is my honest, voluntary review.

Hay House ALC
What a cozy, magical book with the beloved You've Got Mail trope. I was hooked right away because of the dual narration, and I kept going because this was a story of trust and desire and fighting gender expectations in the early 1900s. This romance was a slow burn, and I loved seeing how they grew through their letters and how that juxtaposed with their in person interactions. This relationship needed a lot of time to develop because they had to learn trust, and I felt the pacing was good. This is perfect for a reader wanting a magical world with low spice romance. There's also a bit of a mystery here, and I felt like that really helped the plot move along. Overall, it was a sweet book, and I look forward to the next in the series.

Josephine Pinova, also known as Josie, dreams of attending the local university of magic, but she knows that it'll be an uphill battle, since women are very rarely accepted. After losing her typing job, she stumbles into a job at the last live apothecary in the city. Fighting the growing anti-magic sentiment, the apothecary will have to close unless Josie can quickly increase the store's revenue. Unfortunately, she's constantly butting heads with her coworker, the apothecarist Mr. Reid, as she works to improve business and save the store. Unknown to them, they have already fallen in love with one another through letters.

I'm a sucker for dramatic irony like this! It was wonderfully done to create a humorous enemies-to-lovers story. Josie is sharp and witty; I really loved her! Reid's complexity, shaped by his poverty-stricken childhood, was well done. I enjoyed seeing the two show a softer side of themselves through their letters to one another. The magic system, while convoluted at some points (mainly when Josie and Reid were teaching each other through letters), made the world interesting. I feel like we could have gotten a little more backstory about the fire that started the anti-magic sentiment, since I'm not really convinced that people with magic would be so quick to let go of it in favor of industrialization. Overall, it was a fun and cute story about two very smart and stubborn people who love magic and their apothecary shop!

Narration Review: E.M. Wylde's performance was well done, and I thought he did a great job as Reid. I thought that a few of his character voices, like Philipe and even Josie sometimes, sounded a little too much like Reid, causing me to have to rewind for clarity on which character was speaking.

Samara Naeym's voice was clear and suited Josie very well! I would sometimes get confused about who was speaking when Josie's sister, Juniper, was also in the scene, since Naeym's voices for Josie and Juniper were so similar, but the other characters' voices were distinct enough for me to tell them apart easily.

This book was a lovely little audiobook to whisk me away from my own burnout job with a sweet retelling of one of my favorite movies. Listening to the audio book felt being transported to a different world that felt familiar. This book was perfect for readers who enjoyed reading Divine Rivals in a universe that could rival a Miyazaki film. The dual narration is always a pleasure to listen to, and my heart was seized in the tension built between them. I cannot wait to see this on shelves soon!

I loved the concept of communicating through letters. It took me a while to get into, but once I was I became very invested. I loved the main character, but I didn't connect as much to the male main character, though they were both quite likeable. I also enjoyed the way themes of misogyny and religion were explored.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

⁀જ➣ ❝ This may read as daft, but I am glad I can write to you, because I do not have to wonder if some secret of mine will eventually put you off. I do not have to hold my breath in anticipation that you will recognize something terrible in me. ❞

Release Date : June 9, 2026 ⟢

⌞ What To Expect: ⌝
⌗ 1900s Chicago
⌗ Anonymous Pen Pals
⌗ Magical Apothecary
⌗ Office Romance

What a delightful debut by Bita Behzadi! For those who know me, I'm a fan of "Divine Rivals" and the Emily Wilde series. When I learned that this book was compared to those, I became very excited and curious about the similarities. Behzadi's writing is straightforward and easy to understand, yet thoughtful, providing just the right amount of description and information. The world she creates feels similar to our modern environment, with a touch of magic woven throughout.

Now that I've read it, I can see that the overall atmosphere and anonymous letters definitely remind me of Divine Rivals, while our female lead's thoughts and attitude toward academia remind me of Emily Wilde.

୭˚ ❝ Truthfully, I do not know where my future leads. If any of the immovable pillars of my identity, my gender, or my race are what triggered my rejection, then there is nowhere I can climb. ❞

𓏲⋆💌.* Josephine 'Josie' Pinova: I admire a strong, independent woman. She knows what she wants and does her best to prove herself. If that doesn't work, she'll do her best to talk her way into getting it.

❝ You have cut into my center in a way so few have. You are so complete in my mind, so fully formed, and I can only hope that you see me just as completely. ❞ ་࿐

𓏲⋆✨.* Aufidius Reid: I have mixed feelings about this man. He was pretty stuck-up for most of the book and clearly needs therapy for his anger issues. Just when I think he's an okay guy, he does something that makes me dislike him again. I don't blame Josephine for the strong dislike at the start because I see it too. By the end, I guess he was okay.

❝ Truthfully, I do not know where my future leads. If any of the immovable pillars of my identity, my gender, or my race are what triggered my rejection, then there is nowhere I can climb. This is where I am competent, and it did not matter. I have spent my entire life fighting to be seen, and I am not sure if I can continue much longer without anything to show for it. ❞

The romance didn't develop immediately, which I loved, and I admired how they took the time to get to know each other and learned to respect one another during the months they've worked together in the apothecary. There were also themes surrounding prejudice based on ethnic backgrounds, and since there is a growing anti-magic sentiment in the city, people's perception of those with magic is scrutinized.

Another thing that threw me off was when the mafia act comes in. I enjoyed the slow pace and day-to-day work in the apothecary, but when the action and high stakes kicked in, the vibe changed completely for me, unfortunately.

The audiobook version is such a delight to listen to with the e-arc. I absolutely loved Samara Naeymi's portrayal of Josephine. I loved her enunciation, and her voice was such a treat to listen to. I wouldn't mind if she narrated the whole book because, unfortunately, Reid's narration was lacking and sometimes doesn't do the scene justice.

Overall, I was pleased with the story and can't wait for Book 2 of the Tressport Magic series. Hopefully, we follow Josephine's sister, Juniper, since I loved her character so much, and her clairvoyance magic is such an intriguing aspect to see.

❝ When you live with someone, you say hello, you give them a little kiss, every day. You don’t think about it. But when you are drawn apart, letters are the only way to touch. They are proof, a reminder, that you think of one another. Every one is a window into your heart. ❞

Thank you to Hay House, LLC and, of course, Bita Behzadi for providing an advance copy of this ebook and audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. ⭑

Overall, a very interesting story with a premise that felt unique.

I kept forgetting that it was set in the early 1900s until there would be little reminders here and there about women's position in society and whatnot.

My biggest criticism is that Reid's personality felt drastically different in the letters than it did anywhere else in the story (his POV or his dialogue).

Rating: 3.5 ⭐

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the audiobook ARC.

I needed a new audiobook and was pleased to find this one as a “listen now” on NetGalley.

I’m really glad I went with the because it’s dual narration, and it just works so well for this story. Being able to hear both of their perspectives added a lot, and both narrators did a lovely job with their tone and emotion.

It’s a cozy (work) fantasy with a grumpy MMC. 2 people who don’t like each other in real life, but are secretly writing letters to each other without realizing it. That alone gave me 90s rom/com vibes and had me invested.

It leans very character driven, and they’re both flawed and have their own way of dealing with things. The world building and magic system are present, but they unfold more slowly. I personally liked that because I’m not quick to build that out in my head. If you’re looking for something faster paced, you may not have a great time.

Overall, it’s a really cozy, easy listen and one that benefits from the audiobook format.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hay House for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

This was a cozy, romantic fantasy. While it was also historical fiction, I'm not sure I would have really noticed that, had it not been for the dates listed with each letter. I enjoyed the narrators, and felt that they brought the story to life. I enjoyed the magical elements, as well as the hint of mystery. Overall, it was an enjoyable listen.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an audio ARC of Letters from the Last Apothecary! I loved listening to this audiobook—the narrators did a wonderful job. I devoured the letter-writing aspect of this story and how close and open the FMC and MMC got through exchanging letters! It is definitely a lost art in my eyes and was a wonderfully big part of this book. I also adored the magical apothecary and the path Josie went on once finding it. This book was not only a magical joy but had whimsical vibes and quirky, strong-willed characters.

Set in a gaslamp fantasy city where industrialization threatens to eclipse intuitive magic, Letters from the Last Apothecary explores a world divided by gender and class. Here, structured university magic is the domain of men, while "pagan" practices are dismissed as feminine and inferior.

The narrative follows Josie and Reid, two strangers who fall in love through a correspondence that begins with academic hopes and deepens into intimacy. Their romance takes a bittersweet turn when they finally meet as reluctant colleagues in the last surviving apothecary, failing to recognize the person behind the ink. Josie, a fiercely independent woman of lower status, clashes and connects with Reid, a stoic apothecary of similar humble birth.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional stakes and the tension of their dual identities to breathe. The result is a charming, poignant dance between two characters that balances humor with genuine heart. While the story stands perfectly well on its own, its classification as a series opener leaves one wondering what lies beyond this self-contained tale. Ultimately, it is a delightful read that makes you eager for more from the author.

Note: the dual narration does a great job at portraying both characters, as well as the minor characters that appear throughout the story

I absolutely devoured Letters from the Last Apothecary by Bita Behzadi! This was such a fun and immersive listen on audiobook. It gave me Divine Rivals vibes in the best way, with its blend of heartfelt connection, a unique magical system, and an underlying mystery that kept me curious the whole time. The world-building felt fresh without being overwhelming, and I found it really easy to sink into the story.

The pacing worked well for me, and I loved how the plot threads slowly came together. By the end, everything wrapped up in a satisfying way, which I always appreciate, but it also left me wishing I could spend more time in this world. I’d happily read more set in this universe.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy lighthearted fantasy with a touch of romance and mystery. It's the kind of story that's easy to devour and hard to put down.