Book Review: Side Quest Row #2

A Captured Cauldron by R.K Ashwick

Publication Date: October 7, 2024

Summary from Goodreads:

Why steal a potion when you can steal a potioneer?

Grumpy potioneer Ambrose Beake has only one social event marked on his the country’s three-day Potion Convention. Alchemists from all over the world pour in to discuss their life’s work, and Ambrose eagerly dives into the excitement. Greeting old friends, speaking on panels, hopping into heated debates…

And getting kidnapped by an underground crime syndicate.

The criminals demand that Ambrose brew an impossible illusion potion—but the Guild’s protocol for such kidnappings is clear. He must agree to do the work, then delay the project as much as possible, while above ground, his boyfriend Eli and best friend Dawn plot to save him. They’re not alone in this venture, either—a beautiful journalist arrives to cover the rescue, just as eager as they are to investigate, infiltrate…and ignite a few sparks in Dawn’s heart along the way.

But while Dawn struggles to ignore those sparks and Eli struggles to save his beloved, Ambrose delves into the syndicate’s secrets—and finds something far more impossible hidden within its depths.

Confession:

While I enjoyed an liked this book it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I thought it would be like many romance series and the focus would be on a different couple getting together, but it wasn’t quite like that. We still got a new romance, it just wasn’t the focus of the story, which made it not quite work for me. But otherwise this was a solid second book in this series.

I loved spending time with the residents of Rosemond street. They are such a great eclectic bunch of friends who always have each other’s backs. I loved the new addition of Viola the gnomish baker. I would love to visit her bakery and sample some of those wonderful baked goods. Many of the names just made me want to get out my cookbooks and bake up a storm! Her talents added nicely to the others and really helped with the rescue of Ambrose. I also really liked fellow potioneer Xavion, they were such a fun character to watch. I hope they are back in the next book and we learn more about them.

Ambrose and Eli were still so very sweet together and I loved how their story is continuing. Ambrose has really settled into his strengths as a potioneer and has come out of his shell socially as well. Eli is still finding himself, but is so sweet and caring that I hope adventuring doesn’t end up changing him. Even though the two spend most of the book apart, they were never apart in their hearts and thoughts which was wonderful.

This time around we are given a new point of view, Dawn. I liked seeing things from her point of view and it was her turn for a romance. Unfortunately that fell a little bit flat for me. I think that it was mostly just that the romance wasn’t the focus of the story. It was there and at times it was cute and charming, but then we would be put back into the rescue of Ambrose. I did like Rory though, and even though I guessed pretty quickly who she really was, I was still hoping that the rest of the group would be able to forgive her when the truth came out.

Overall a solid second book in the series. There is at least one more book featuring this dynamic and fun group. Not sure who will be the subject of a new romance or if there will be one, but I do know that there will more about the Aphos group and a rescue involved. Very much looking forward to that! If you enjoyed the first book, I’m pretty sure this one will delight you as well. If you enjoy cozy romantasies then this is a series you want to add to your tbr.