THE ABSINTHE UNDERGROUND

Best friends with secret feelings for each other are hired to steal jewels from a queen in the Fae realm.

Ever since adventurous, half-human Sybil left her wealthy family after her Fae mother’s death, she’s been making money as a thief, selling stolen posters by famous artists to collectors. She has help from her homebody roommate, Esme. The pair unexpectedly meet Maeve, the model from their latest stolen poster—one advertising a nightclub called the Absinthe Underground—and Maeve reveals that she’s a green fairy who’s stuck in their world. She offers the roommates riches to journey into the land of Fae, a world Esme hadn’t known existed, and return with the crown jewels of Queen Mab, which can set her free. As the friends find themselves in increasingly perilous situations, their desire for each other grows. Admitting their feelings will take just as much courage as the heist itself. Inspired by belle epoque Paris and set in the same world as The Vermilion Emporium (2022), this cozy fantasy has lush imagery and a fun, magic-filled heist plot that’s more charming than stressful. Because most of the conflicts Sybil and Esme encounter are quickly overcome, the story maintains a low-stakes feel, allowing readers to savor the whimsy. The romance between the two white women is cute but doesn’t evolve much. Still, the happiness they find together is gratifying.

A delightful, magical tale that’s as comforting as a hot cup of tea.