The Beautiful Ones

This second-chance romance in a Regency-era fantasy world with magic feels like Persuasion but different—people seek husbands, and our naive protagonist with magical powers gets mentored by an older woman. She meets a magician courting her to revenge against the mentor; all three have POVs in a mix of revenge and budding romance. I loved the distinct characters: her naivety growth, the woman's callousness, his soft cruelty turning lovely. Magic teaching is subtle, not the focus—ultimately a really lovely love story. Great for fall despite not being super seasonal.