Bitter Medicine

About the book

In this captivating modern fantasy story, a Chinese immortal and a French elf find themselves navigating the complexities of budding romance, loyalty to their families, and the demands of their jobs. Taiwanese American writer Mia Tsai introduces readers to a gripping paranormal tale filled with wit, love, and profound insights.

Born into a lineage tracing back to the Chinese deity of healing, Elle Jiang, the overlooked middle child, was always expected to follow in the footsteps of her ancestors and become a doctor. Instead, she finds herself working as a magical calligrapher at a fairy temp agency, where her skills are underutilized. Despite this, Elle challenges herself by discreetly enhancing Luc, her client and secret love interest, with powerful enchantments.

Luc, a half-elf and the agency’s skilled security specialist, harbors his own hidden burden: he carries a curse from a past mission. To break the curse, he must excel in his responsibilities and gain approval from his demanding superior for some time off.

When Elle intervenes to save Luc from peril, they form a risky alliance, and their attraction blossoms into something more. Suddenly, happiness seems within reach for them both. However, Elle is torn between her loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Luc, while Luc is constrained by the constraints of his true identity. To break free from their obligations, they must be willing to make unexpected sacrifices.