A Bittersweet Spell

Magic, secrets and longing collide in this sweeping, beautiful fantasy from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals.

A CURSED MANUSCRIPT. AN OLD BETRAYAL. A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE.

Lorne St. Clair has spent years hiding from his shadowy past, content to curate magical antiques in his quiet shoppe. But when a mysterious note arrives demanding he transcribe an enchanted manuscript – written in an ink only rare mages can read – his carefully guarded secrets are threatened.

Lorne knows one mage capable of reading the manuscript… But Avalene Vale was declared dead ten years ago.

In truth, she’s also been in hiding, her once-brilliant academic future stolen the night Lorne put a knife to her throat and begged her to flee. When he asks for her help, Avalene knows she shouldn’t trust him. But once she begins translating, she’s drawn into the manuscript’s haunting magic – and the beautiful, dangerous story woven into its spells.

As buried truths resurface and the past tightens its hold, Lorne and Avalene must reckon with what they once were – and what they might become.

© 2027 Magpie (Audiobook): 9780008712204

Release date

Audiobook: 8 April 2027