Dance of Kings and Thieves: a Dark Fantasy Romance (The Broken Kingdoms Book 6) by LJ Andrews

Dreams will become nightmares... To take her place as rightful queen, Malin Strom stands by the side of the Nightrender and his guild of thieves in the fight to take a throne she never wanted. Now, as warriors from distant kingdoms answer their call, a new battle begins. But when dark fae side with the Black Palace, Malin and Kase are forced to take drastic measures if they are to have a hope for victory: forge an unwilling alliance with a cruel sea fae, draw out a cursed beast they thought long dead, even risk the lives of everyone they love by twisting the memories of fate itself. For Kase and Malin, this fight could be their hard-fought salvation...or a vicious end to everything they love. Welcome to the final stand in the Eastern Kingdom. Where the stakes are higher, the battles are darker, and the romance is spicier. A wicked spin on Cinderalla comes to a head in the final battle of thieves and kings.

Court of Serpents and Secrets: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

Book 4 in the Shadow Bound Queen series.

Stolen Threadwitch Bride (Bound by a Fae Bargain Book 1) by Clare Sager

True names hold power. Fae cannot lie. And the women they steal become their brides. When anxious threadwitch Ariadne is taken by a fae lord as part of a centuries-old bargain, she expects to marry him whether she likes it or not. No matter what chemistry she has with her captor, she’s desperate for freedom and a life under her own control. She won’t give in easily. Although Lysander claims he doesn’t want her hand in marriage but for its skill with needle and the threads of magic, everyone knows the fae are not to be trusted. So she plots her escape, sews spells into exquisite outfits, and tries her hardest to ignore the charms of Elfhame… and Lysander. But she soon discovers his world is as dangerous as it is beautiful. With dark creatures in the forest and enemies who wear friendship as a mask, Ariadne must make every stitch perfect if she wants to not only escape but also keep Lysander alive. Which, it turns out, is something she wants far more than she ever expected. If you love feisty heroines, enemies-to-lovers romance, and arrogant fae lords with hearts of (mostly) gold, you’ll love this steamy fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of Holly Black and Sarah J Maas. Read Stolen Threadwitch Bride today and escape on a fairy tale adventure where hate turns to love, a down-on-her-luck heroine discovers true power, and someone names a hellhound Fluffy.

The Faceless Mage (Legends of Abreia Book 1) by Kenley Davidson

He’ll protect her with his last breath… Until she becomes his next target. Leisa’s ambitions used to be simple. Guard the princess. Hide her magic. Wait for her family to return. But all of that changes when her king demands that she use her unique abilities to spy on the rival kingdom of Garimore. Alone, far from home, and living a lie that grows more perilous by the day, Leisa’s task is complicated by her most dangerous enemy yet—the masked assassin known only as the Raven. Everyone in the Five Thrones knows to fear him, but the Raven is not what Leisa expected. As silent as he is lethal, he provokes her curiosity as much as her fear, and hides secrets she’s determined to learn. When her already precarious mission takes a deadly turn, Leisa must evade the Raven himself if she is to succeed. It’s never been done before, but Leisa is nothing if not stubborn. And if she doesn’t become the first to escape his blade, her entire kingdom will pay the price—in blood.

Crown of Blood and Glass (Awakened Fates Book 1) by Lucinda Dark, Rebecca Grey, Lucy Smoke

Betrayed by a friend. Saved by an enemy. My closest friend has lost his mind. He killed my father. Took over my Kingdom, And despite the blood that now stains his hands … he claims that we’re fated to be together. My salvation comes from the most unlikely of sources. To reclaim my throne I’ll have to rely on the one man I’ve hated my entire life for survival. Solomon Winett is the noble descendant of barbarian warriors and the bane of my existence. He’s obnoxious, stubborn, and the only one who rescued me from a fate worse than death. I just need to remember one once the line between hatred and passion has been crossed … there is no going back. MF, Hate to Love, One Horse/One Bed, Forbidden Romance, Bodyguard Romance, Fugitive Princess, Soulmates, Goddess Reincarnation.

Wedded to the Warlord by Sirena Knighton

The Butcher of Borviel takes a bride… When a princess from the East and a warlord from the West are forced into an arranged marriage to cement an alliance between their kingdoms, they have to learn to get along – or thousands will die. Mallika has been burned by love before. She trusted the wrong man, and now she’s trapped as a pawn in his underhanded political schemes. With her brother’s life on the line, she’s forced to wed a man who stands for everything she hates, win his heart—and then secretly betray him. Tristan knew he would never make a love match. As a general to his king, he sold his loyalty years ago in return for his family’s safety. Now, he’s suddenly the heir to a baronetcy, and his king wants him to take a foreign bride. One that he’s not sure he can trust. With opponents to the alliance in both kingdoms, and their conflicting personalities constantly clashing, their marriage seems doomed to fail. Can these two royal pawns fight their fate and find love? ❤️ Dual POV ❤️ Arranged marriage ❤️ Slow-burn romance ❤️ Opposites attract ❤️ 'Only one bed' ❤️ 'Why can't I hate you?' ❤️ Cinnamon roll hero

Kingdom of Villains: An Arranged Marriage Fantasy Romance by Ella Fields

I’d known exactly who he was—the Unseelie prince. But I hadn’t known just what he was. I’d been fooled. The creature I’d formed a tentative friendship with in my family’s dungeon was not the gentle, intriguing prince I’d thought him to be. He was a monster. A bloodthirsty beast. And I’d helped him escape my uncle’s clutches. Such a betrayal called for severe consequences, and the price of releasing the biggest threat our kingdom had faced in hundreds of years was not one I would survive. But upon discovering my uncle’s foiled plans for their prince, the Unseelie demanded vengeance, and an agreement was made. My savior and my doom returned, and this time, he wasn’t leaving without me. Regardless of how I loathed him, the deceitful and dangerous male was my last hope. Yet when he looked at me, touched me, dared to love me, the beliefs I’d worn as armor began to melt. I couldn’t let that happen. Though avoiding fate would prove impossible when the only way to save my life was to surrender it by marrying the monster who’d destroyed it.

Queen of Roses: A Dark Fantasy Romance (Blood of a Fae Book 1) by Briar Boleyn

A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war... A cast-off princess… Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate. A dangerous temptation… As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares. A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood… Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined. The first in an action-packed new series brimming with magic, danger, morally gray characters, and spellbinding slow-burn romance, Queen of Roses is perfect for fans of Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas.

Author's Note: This upper YA/NA series features mature situations and adult language, with a slow burn romance that gradually builds to a satisfying spice that intensifies with each book. Don't be fooled by the tame beginning, be prepared for the steamy ride ahead. This book has multiple TW/CWs. Please check the book's trigger warning page in the table of contents for more information.

Captain of the Guard (The Second Son Book 1) by Ron C. Nieto

Oren Trevaine has never shaken the feeling that he’s not good enough, but he’s determined to avoid the same fate for his men. Oren’s first task as Captain of the Guard is to transform his unruly, undisciplined soldiers into a formidable army—if only they would cooperate. But Oren will need to act fast because the snow is melting with the budding of spring. Soon, the enemy will be able to traverse the main pass through the imposing Sansford Range and his men must be ready to patrol the mountain. When Oren rescues Lady Joan and her traveling party from a band of Mirdoni raiders, his worst fears are realized. The enemy has utilized less accessible routes to infiltrate their territory, and an attack is imminent. Now Oren must not only think like the enemy, but he will need to be one step ahead. With the kingdom relying on him and Lady Joan promising her favor if he returns alive, Oren will need to prove to her and his men that he truly is good enough. Or at the very least, die trying . . .

A Prophecy of Undone (The Bornbane Series Book 2) by I.A. Takerian

The second book in I. A. Takerian’s high-fantasy series takes us on a perilous journey through The Trials, readying our War Party to fight for the fates of all. The world of Zenafrost is burning. Darkness has overtaken the lands, corrupting everything it touches. After discovering the truth of her birth, Mara ─ Princess of Delinval, daughter of the Dread Queen, prophesied bringer of the dawn ─ has no time to sift through the rubble of her former life. Not with the salvation of the world resting upon her shoulders. By sheer luck and the help of her allies, Mara has somehow managed to survive the first Trial of the Odelians. Now, as she moves into the dangers of the Trials to come, she must stand beside warriors with centuries of training and skill in powerful magicks. But with Cyfrin, Kain, Milios and El to guide her, she remains determined to prove herself worthy to fight among them. Evil, however, refuses to wait until the Dawnbringer is prepared for battle. Shadows loom ever closer to the Forgotten Wood, and death rides in on swift wings. When nightmares become reality, Mara’s confidence falters. Is she truly fit to lead the charge into the dawn?

A Kiss of Iron (Shadows of the Tenebris Court Book 1) by Clare Sager

In the cut-throat game of court life, masters manipulate pawns—and you never know which one you are. One thing is certain: there’s no space on the board for love. A penniless noblewoman, Kat is on the verge of losing everything when she’s offered a well-paid job that could be her salvation… or her ruin. Drawn into court’s deadly intrigues, she’s given a single task: spy on the powerful fae lord known as the Night Queen’s Shadow. Bastian Marwood is handsome, ruthless, and cunning, but Kat can’t decide if he’s a threat to her kingdom or just her heart. To uncover the truth, she must play a dangerous game of desire and deceit, pushing him to reveal his secrets while protecting her own. But Bastian’s shadows have a hold on her—one she isn’t sure she wants to escape. Kat soon learns that at court, nothing is as it seems and even the best-laid plans can be destroyed in an instant. As a pawn on the board, she can’t afford to fall victim to love—only fight for survival. A Kiss of Iron is the first book in a new series featuring court intrigue, a morally grey hero, and an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Gild and From Blood and Ash.

A Court So Dark (Healer of Kingdoms Book 3) by Ingrid Seymour

In a void suspended in time, I find myself trapped in an abyss of darkness and despair. With every ounce of strength, I fight to free myself from this suffocating sleep, while Kalyll, consumed by a fierce determination, searches tirelessly through the realm. His sole to exact revenge upon those responsible for bringing me to the edge of death. No one shall escape his wrath, for everyone in his path will suffer the consequences. Yet, the fate of his kingdom teeters precariously as his treacherous brother, Cardian, schemes to plunge the realm into all-out war. Cardian’s alliance with the heartless and ambitious Unseelie King threatens to shatter the fragile peace that remains. In a cruel twist of fate, Kalyll falls into the clutches of his enemies, leaving the specter of war looming ever closer. As time runs out, can I wake from my dark slumber and restore the light before the darkness consumes us all? The final battle looms, and our love hangs in the balance. ---- This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. Enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+.For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

A Cage So Gilded (Healer of Kingdoms Book 2) by Ingrid Seymour

The prince would choose to save his realm. But the beast would follow his heart… To me. After I saved his life and kingdom, Kalyll let me go, choosing duty over the passion that burned between us. Though his death was written in the stars, I found a dark, impossible way to pull him back, to anchor his soul to the world of the living. Still, that wasn’t enough to win his heart. Now, the force that lives within him gives way to his darker nature, and for a second time, I’m kidnapped and made prisoner—this time in a high tower in the Seelie capital of Elyndell. With good and evil fighting within him, both his kingdom and heart stand at risk. He can’t have it all, and his attempts to do so may be the end of all he and I hold dear. ---- This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. This is an enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+ that grows spicier with every book. For fans of Fantasy Romance.

A Prince So Cruel (Healer of Kingdoms Book 1) by Ingrid Seymour

He needs my help, but he’ll be my downfall. A prince by morning. A cad by noon. A beast by nightfall. There is a curse on his blood, an ailment that, if revealed, could destroy his kingdom. The only one who can help him is me, a human with average healing abilities. It’s what the Envoy told him, and her word is law. I’m his only hope. He sends his blue-blooded friends to kidnap me so I can join their quest to Mount Ruin, the only place where I can heal him. The path is dangerous, and I don’t know the entire truth. The prince is hiding something from me. To make matters worse, he isn’t always proper. A Fae prince isn’t supposed to lust for a human, especially when she’s his prisoner. And a human girl isn’t supposed to burn for someone so out of her league. The quest might kill me, but it’s my heart I’m worried about. ---- This is a fantasy romance featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. Enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+ which grows darker with every book. It's the first of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Entranced (Prince of the Doomed City Book 1) by Sylvia Mercedes

A DANGEROUS PRINCE A DETERMINED LIBRARIAN BOUND BY A FATE NEITHER CAN RESIST Clara is an Obligate—an indentured servant of the fae. Serving out a fifteen-year sentence for a crime she doesn’t remember committing, she spends her days working in the king’s glorious library. Her only hope is to keep her head down, attract no attention, and survive to the end of her Obligation. Only then can she get home to her beloved brother. But when the conniving Prince of the Doomed City arrives at court, all Clara’s hopes are dashed. He is determined to buy her Obligation for his own dark purpose. And he doesn’t care who gets in his way. The only problem? He hates her. More than anyone else in all the worlds. But his hatred just might be the key to discovering why she was bound to this fate in the first place. Can Clara recover her forgotten memories before the nightmares of her past return to claim her? Or will she be swallowed up by the darkness of the Doomed City and lost forever? If you love all the lethal intrigues of a twisted fae court, don’t miss Entranced, book 1 of the PRINCE OF THE DOOMED CITY series. Bargains and treachery abound in this tale of slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance and heart-pounding adventure.

King of Flames (Fae of Fire and Ash Book 1) by Ana Calin

Do I save myself, or do I save the world? Xerxes the King of Flames is out to regain the power he lost to the King of Frost, so he can wreak havoc in the realms once more. He’s focused, vicious and, worst of all, he’s after me. You see, I, Cerys Dark, am the only mage who can help him regain his full power. I’ve learned to hate him long before I met him, but I'll be damned, when he comes for me it’s not a hideous demon that I face. It’s a king riddled with shadow, magic and the promise of guilty pleasures. In exchange for my help he promises me freedom from the fated mates' bond that we share - a curse in its own right. His proximity entices me in all the wrong and yet oh-so-right ways, but staying under his control would eventually consume me. I have to resist this pull no matter what. On the other hand, releasing Xerxes Blazeborn into the worlds with full power means destroying them all. So here I am, faced with a choice—Do I save myself, or do I save the realms?

King of Tricksters: Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Tricksters Book 2) by S. L. Prater

Rain clings to life by her fingertips. She’s lost too much blood. The assassin circles her, waiting for her to succumb, but Rain made a vow to her mate, the Duke of Night. She promised him the head of his enemies, and she longs to seat him on the empty throne. Night only offered her a marriage of convenience. Now she’s determined to win his heart and keep hers beating. Succumbing just isn't in the cards. The looming war between Seelie and Unseelie threatens to overwhelm all that she holds dear, but Rain has a will unmatched by death. When knocked down, she always gets back up again. She'll search through the mysteries of her past to recruit every available ally. She'll face each adversary who threatens her new unconventional family with her dagger in hand and her demon familiar at her side. The duke doesn’t believe in love, but Rain just might trust in it enough for the both of them …

Trial of the Sun Queen: A Fae Fantasy Romance (Artefacts of Ouranos Book 1) by Nisha J Tuli

The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games. Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart. Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. Her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery. When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight when she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge. But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. She doesn't understand why she was freed, and she isn't a citizen of the Sun King's court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently. Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be sent back into the hands of the Aurora King. This glittering fae romance is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy. Trial of the Sun Queen is the first book in a trilogy with an eventual happy ever after.

Court of Tricksters: Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Tricksters Book 1) by S. L. Prater

The fae Duke of Night doesn't believe in love—but he'll claim his mate nonetheless. Mating is a matter of politics for Night, not the heart. To prevent a forced union that will plunge the Lunar Court into war, he must find and bond his true mate. When he lays eyes on Rain, he knows the shy forest witch is the bond mate he's been searching for. Unprepared for the intensity of his attraction, Night makes an offer that would keep his priorities straight and his court safe: a marriage of convenience. Any eligible woman—mortal and immortal alike—would leap at the chance to become the powerful duke's bride. But Rain isn't interested. She’s lived outside of society too long to ever fit into Night's world of shapeshifting tricksters and back-stabbing politicians. And Rain demands more than the trappings of marriage. She wants a match with heart. Night doesn't have the luxury of time to change his mate's mind. War looms closer and the Lunar Court is caught in the middle. Out of options, the fae duke sees only one choice. Kidnap his bride.

Rise of the Dawnbringer (The Bornbane Series Book 1) by I.A. Takerian

The first book in I. A. Takerian’s high-fantasy series is a slow-burn romance that surpasses the bounds of time. After living her entire life behind the white walls of the illustrious kingdom of Delinval, Princess Mara, niece of the great King Grathiel, understands what is expected of her. As her uncle’s only heir to the throne, she was raised to be a noble woman with a full understanding of the history of the lands of Zenafrost and the fallen kingdoms that lay beyond Delinval’s protected borders. But the political intrigue and endless theatrics that come with her birth-right have never suited her. Though she loves her people, Mara loathes the future her uncle has planned for her, and the approach of her twenty-first birthday brings with it a whole new horror: the expectation that she will marry a man of the king’s choosing. Mara believes this is the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She’s wrong. In the early morning hours before her birthday, she’s awakened by a living nightmare. A group of Dreads, the immortal dark magick users vanquished by King Grathiel twenty years before, have infiltrated the castle, and Mara is kidnapped from her own bed by a tall, dark stranger with dire motives. For the first time in her life, the princess finds herself outside the guarded walls of Delinval and witnessing, firsthand, the destruction the Dread’s corruptive magicks have wrought upon the land. The world is dying. Horrifying creatures stalk the barren plains and tainted forests. Foul rulers, defiled by diabolical magicks, vie for control. A mysterious ritual involving Mara herself seems to be Zenafrost’s only hope for survival. But when hidden truths about the past burns Mara’s life to the ground, can she somehow find victory in the ashes?

The Crown of Oaths and Curses (The Mortal Fates Book 1) by J Bree

From J. Bree, bestselling author of The Bonds That Tie, comes an epic and enthralling new romantasy series. I devoted my life to a king who was not my own. On the road to ultimate honor and glory, I lost everything. Now, in a world ravaged by the whims of those who rule, I must turn my back on a lifetime of friendships and loyalties to face my own fate. The Savage Prince. Heir to the high-fae throne of the Southern Lands, he is known for his brutality and cold heart. But with the kingdom on the brink of ruin, I have no choice but to seek him out. The war between the fae and the witches rages, and there’s no end in sight. My destiny is clear—help the prince defeat his enemies before it’s too late. One small problem. I am Rookesbane Eveningstar. The Favored Child returned, a Witch of the Woods. The greatest enemy of my Fates-blessed mate.

The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom Book 2) by Danielle L. Jensen

A queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter. And it is bait she fully intends to take. Risking her life to the Tempest Seas, Lara returns to Ithicana with a plan not only to free its king, but for liberating the Bridge Kingdom from her father's clutches using his own weapons: the sisters whose lives she spared. But not only is the palace inescapable, there are more players in the game than Lara ever realized, enemies and allies switching sides in the fight for crowns, kingdoms, and bridges. But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she's trying to free - the husband she betrayed. With everything she loves in jeopardy, Lara must decide who - and what - she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or herself.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!- Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King. A warrior princess trained in isolation, Lara is driven by two certainties. The first is that King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. And the second is that she'll be the one to bring him to his knees. The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara's homeland. So when she's sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses. And the defenses of its king. Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she's the hero or the villain. And as her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she'll save... and which kingdom she'll destroy.

A Throne of Shadows (Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae Book 1) by Tessonja Odette

A feisty outlaw. A conniving prince. A war of magic and shadows. Wanted by the crown for a murder she didn’t commit, Cora dreams of getting revenge on the mage who framed her. In the meantime, she hides in the forest and hones her magic. But when she discovers her enemy’s violent hunt for faerie creatures, she forms a plan for vengeance. Prince Teryn, heir to a bankrupt throne, will do anything to keep his country from sinking into ruin. When he meets a feisty outlaw wanted by a neighboring kingdom, he gets his chance. The woman has an impressive bounty on her head, one that could pay off his kingdom’s debts. If Teryn can help Cora save a few magical creatures, he can gain her trust, hand her over to her king, and collect the bounty. But Cora has plans of her own, and none of them include being betrayed by her handsome new traveling companion. The closer Cora and Teryn get to their desires, the harder their tasks become. And it isn’t just their budding attraction that’s the problem. A secret war is coming, one stemming from ancient feuds and forgotten fae magic. They must work together to stop it, or else both their kingdoms will crumble to ash. A Throne of Shadows is the first book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Air Awakens, and Shadow and Bone. If you like breathtaking magic, fierce heroines, and enemies-to-lovers romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale. NOTE: A Throne of Shadows was previously published as an earlier edition called Shadows of Lela. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes some plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition is unpublished as of spring 2022.

A Wildflower in the Wind: Book One of the Magic of the Wildflowers Trilogy by Megan Shade

A deadly curse. A brutal enemy. A seductive threat. Ever since her mother fell victim to the Lonely Death, Azalea has tried to find a cure in the fabled petals of the moonflowers growing in her garden. Her attempts at conquering death are derailed when a secret is unearthed—one that forces her into captivity at the hands of the large, arrogant, and frustratingly handsome Fae Commander of the wicked Black King. Determined to protect the friends she calls family, she is forced to embark on a journey of danger and betrayal that will threaten everything she has ever thought to be true. But despite the monsters hiding in every shadow, Azalea realizes that the biggest threat of all may be the Commander and the way her body hums with his every touch. Let the magic of the wildflowers cast you into a world ruled by greed, lies, and darkness as Azalea confronts the undeniable truth that the man who has imprisoned her might not be her enemy after all… Authors note: This is the first book in the Magic of the Wildflowers Trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. It includes adult themes including language, assault, and sexual content, and is intended for audiences 18+.

Rhapsodic (The Bargainer Book 1) by Laura Thalassa

From bestselling indie author Laura Thalassa comes the newly revised and edited first book in her smash-hit dark fantasy romance between a siren and the "bargainer" she owes countless favors to. Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years Callie has been wearing a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she once received. Only death or repayment will fulfill her obligations. Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He's a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects. But for Callie, he's never asked for repayment. Not until now.  When Callie finds the Bargainer in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it's admitting a truth―a single bead's worth―acknowledging the attraction between them. But the Bargainer is after more than just rekindling their connection. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one, and only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to her breast.  For the Bargainer to save his people, he'll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. If she can forgive him.

Queen of Blades and Roses (Court of Scorpio Book 1) by Ana Calin

A cursed beast lurks in the woods outside my village, and it wants one thing—me. I learned to fear the Scorpio Beast many years ago. He is the most dangerous thing out there, brutal and cruel, so when he takes me captive in exchange for my brother’s freedom, I know to expect the worst. Yet deep into the ruins of his ancient castle, I discover there’s more to Ares Amberson than his ruthless reputation. There’s a tortured soul behind his mask, and a sensual touch behind his iron fist. There’s also more to my own past than I ever knew, a secret buried in my bloodline that Ares wants to use me for. But in order to unlock my dormant powers, he needs to teach me. Train me. Seduce me. Ruin me. The pull I feel towards him is wrong on all levels, but I’m hooked on the devilish pleasures he’s giving me. I must fight against it, or die trying. The secret of our bloodlines makes it impossible for us to be anything but rivals, polar opposites, enemies. In the end, there can be only one on the throne of the kingdom that we were both born to rule.

Heart of the Marked (Moons of the Divine Book 1) by Lyra Asher

An epic dragon filled fantasy romance perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J Maas. You cannot know the depth of your light without knowing the depth of your darkness.

Darkness stirs in the continent of Ladon. A realm divided by blood, built atop the bones of humans enslaved by the fae. A human pulled from the wreckage of a once-great kingdom, chosen to usher in a new era of peace. A marriage to bridge an alliance between two kingdoms and two species, to prove that humans and fae can live side by side peacefully. Eighteen years ago, Cassandra was saved from the ashes of Menodore and brought to live within the safety of Argyll’s fae-ruled borders. Now that the time has come, she will do anything to bring an end to this centuries old conflict between her kind and the fae… Even forfeit her freedom to marry the High Fae Crown Prince of Gambriel—the same kingdom that has enslaved her people for all of time. Will Cassandra’s sacrifice of her freedom be enough to unite the realm and end the enslavement and slaughter of her people? As the sparks of rebellion begin to blaze through the continent, harsh betrayals and hidden alliances are uncovered, and Cassandra begins to realize that nothing—and nobody—is ever as it seems.

Lullaby Scars: A Fantasy Romance: Warriors of the Five Realms by Hollee Mands

He’s the only man she’s ever wanted. She’s everything he can never have. Killian’s scars are all people see, but with his wretched past, he doesn’t want them to look closer. He resigned himself long ago to living as an indentured slave to a powerful and capricious high mage—until a chance meeting with a temptress outside a brothel teaches him to want… If only he hadn’t asked her price for the night. Lady Mailin’s escape from her tyrannical father is so close she can taste it. All she has to do is to fake her magical prowess long enough for the high mage to sign a marriage contract and whisk her away. Then she’ll lose him and start a new life. The last thing she needs is a tortured bondsman mistaking her for a woman who works on her back... If only she could forget his gentle, callused touch. When a stormy sea strands them together on Prison Island, Mailin and Killian’s illicit desires may prove deadlier than the convicts out for blood, or worse... Author's Note: Lullaby Scars is a full length, standalone prequel for the Warriors of the Five Realms fantasy romance series. No cheating. No cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed. This book contains explicit content and darker themes, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. Intended for readers aged 18+.
For a comprehensive list of possible triggers, please visit the author’s site.

Blood Song: A Fantasy Romance (Warriors of the Five Realms Book 3) by Hollee Mands

She owes her blood. He’ll pay with his life. Ruthless assassin Gabriel has little fear and even fewer scruples. Every head has a price, and every hunt is a thrill. He saunters through life on a tightrope, mocking fate and defying death with every step. So when he’s forced to hunt down and deliver a prophesied blood sacrifice, Gabriel has no reason to expect trouble. Until he realizes just who the mark is—a wildcat of a woman with dark eyes and an even darker secret… She may be voiceless, but she speaks to his soul, and giving her up may be a cost too steep to bear. Shyaree has lived her whole life under the weight of a terrible sin and the shame of her Changelessness. When her brother falls prey to a curse, healing him is her one chance at atonement. Only she never expected to be kidnapped by an arrogant and insufferable fae. She can’t trust him or his bargains…or can she? He’s a cutthroat bent on using her, yet working with him may be the only way to survive… He demands her blood, but she can’t deny the way he calls to her body, or the danger he poses to her heart. Author's Note: Blood Song is Book 3 in The Warriors of the Five Realms adult fantasy romance series. This book features a standalone couple with a guaranteed HEA, but for full enjoyment of the overarching fantasy arc, please start with Book 1, Little Fire. Blood Song is intended for readers aged 18+. It contains mature language and explicit scenes of violence and sex that may be offensive or upsetting to some readers. For a comprehensive list of possible triggers, visit the author's website. Please read with care.

Street Witch: The Complete Trilogy: Steamy Fantasy Romance by S. L. Prater

A bold witch. A reluctant ruler. A forbidden love that will challenge an empire. Marnie is a gifted witch—but magic has a mind of its own. Left unrestrained, it will always misbehave. When a demonic curse threatens Lord Bran, a man she’s loved since childhood, Marnie uses her abilities to save him. After years of suppressing their feelings—knowing the relationship is prohibited by the Church of the Cloth—the two succumb to their passion. Her growing power triggers a dangerous political war—and their relationship is doomed before it begins. Now the couple must decide whether to keep their love a secret or face imminent persecution . . . knowing they may not survive.

Court of Monsters and Malice: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

Reyna’s friends were supposed to be safe in the Shadow Court, but she has enemies everywhere. And unless Mazrith forgives her, he will join that number. As hard as she wishes it were not true, Reyna’s desire for the Prince grows as fierce as her need to win the games and find the staff that will set him free. But she’s about to find out who he really is, and what he has been keeping from her - and that will change everything.

This is the third book in the Shadow Bound Queen series, which is an adult fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology. It is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, packed with magic, mystery and above all - delicious romantic tension.

Court of Greed and Gold: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

The threats are mounting in the Shadow Court, not just for Reyna, but for the mysterious shadow-fae Prince who has kidnapped her. Undead monsters, an insane Queen, magical curses and ancient secrets are all vying for the honor of ending their lives. Forced to work with the famously monstrous Prince, Reyna soon learns that the fae warrior is dangerously different from the rumors. Passionately, fiercely, different.
And when the stakes are raised, she will discover that he is not the only one hiding who he really is. This is the second book in the Shadow Bound Queen series, which is an adult fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology. It is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, packed with magic, mystery and above all - delicious romantic tension.

Court of Ravens and Ruin: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

A defiant human woman. A dark fae Prince. Two enemies bound to a marriage that could destroy their world. Reyna was born a valuable slave to the Gold Court, imprisoned her whole life in a glittering palace by sadistic, greedy fae. When the palace is raided, she takes her opportunity to escape. But the raid is led by her worst nightmare. The Prince of the most feared fae of all; the Shadow Court. And he wants one thing. Her. The copper-haired, rune-marked human. Reyna doesn’t know why the Prince has kidnapped her. But when he announces her as his betrothed, she knows that she must escape before she is eternally bound to the monster behind the mask. Only, when he takes the mask off, he isn’t what she expects. He’s lethal, beautiful and exudes sin. And he needs her. Drawn into a deadly world shrouded in secrets, and desperate to keep her own hidden, Reyna must find a way out. If she doesn’t, she risks more than just death. She risks giving everything to her intoxicating captor. This is the first book in the Shadow Bound Queen series, and is inspired by Norse mythology and Vikings. Sexy fae Vikings. It has Hades and Persephone, Beauty and the Beast vibes, and is slow-burn enemies to lovers fantasy romance with a burn-the-world-down-for-her hero. The series builds in steam and is filled with magic, myth, and delicious tension.

The Sin of Saints: The Benevolence & Blood Series by Lauren M Leasure

For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy... Growing up in Eserene's slums, Petra's life is marred by unimaginable tragedy. Things finally begin to look up when she meets Calomyr, member of the Royal Guard and keeper of just as much heartache as Petra. Once again, though, her life is upended when her mother remarries a Lord, forcing Petra to undergo a brutal initiation ceremony in order to ascend to the Royal Court. As Petra prepares for initiation, news of a drug-fueled fanatical rebel regime reaches the high walls of Eserene. No one seems to panic, so Petra doesn't either. Until the city is smoldering before her. Outside the city walls, Petra must untangle a smoke-shrouded web woven long before she was born. She finds her entire life has been orchestrated for one purpose, a purpose kept hidden from her until she unveils the secret that thrums through her veins. As everything she thought she knew unravels, Petra is forced to confront ghosts she didn't know she had - and the monsters and demons that now join them... From author Lauren M. Leasure comes the sexy, action-packed first installment of the Benevolence & Blood Series.

Shady Depths by B.L. Brown

A witch running from heartbreak, a merman who hunts the stars, and the Shade which binds them both. Keir Simmons, a bounty hunter for the Coven for the Regulation and Oversight of Witches, has made a career out of running away from his problems. Blindsided by a break-up, he leaps at the first assignment he’s offered, one that will take him far away from his ex: chasing a rogue lorelei to the edge of the European continent. When a chance encounter with a midnight diver leaves the pair inextricably linked, Keir is caught between his responsibilities as a C.R.O.W. Enforcer, his past as a questionably wicked witch, and his broken, but beating heart. With C.R.O.W. breathing down his neck and the lorelei continuing to evade capture, it becomes harder and harder to turn away from his unlikely ally — a man with a secret lurking just beneath the surface.

No Demons But Us by AS Etaski

Among blood sisters, I find only misery. Among Red Sisters, I find ambition to thrive which leaves me breathless. I am a young Noble trapped in a most wretched spot: accused of assassinating my sister, the Matron's heir. If I take the blame, I am next on the sacrificial altar. Dark Elves live for intrigue in our underground matriarchy. We bend the rules for the cunning and the bold. To survive, I must play the game. Through court intrigue, demonic rituals, and mind-rending trials against deadly foes, pervasive webs surround me, all spun by our sadistic priesthood and the Queen’s brutal enforcers. Through it all, the Red Sisters delight in watching me. I must prove myself beneath their ravenous gazes, or I will become the next meal for our goddess. A.S. Etaski spins the first threads of an intense and epic tale with "No Demons But Us", in which the trials of a young Davrin test her resolve to rise from the depths of fear and hatred tearing her down. Sister Seekers is mature dark epic fantasy with an ever-broadening scope. Found family is a core theme throughout, and fans of Dungeons & Dragons will find familiar grounds. Perfect for fans of entwined plots, challenging themes, immersive worldbuilding, and elements of erotic horror. Sexuality and inner conflict play into character growth with nuance, intrigue, action, and magic. The series begins underground with an isolated race of Dark Elves whose intricate webs first ensnare then catapult us to places a Red Sister can only imagine in her dreams.

Allowing the Night by T. S. Winterway

Jaq is a loner. He is completely happy with sharing his home with no one but his adopted dog and having as little to do as possible with the neighbors. Or so he thinks until he bumps into a grimling in the pouring rain. Whether he wanted it or not, the encounter in the murky woods changes his life forever. When Briar sets out hunting with his clan mates on a rainy day, little does he know of how revolutionary consequences a simple act of goodwill can have. The nocturnal fays avoid contact with humans far as they can, but when it comes to choosing between saving a life or closing his eyes to evil, to Briar, the choice is clear. But will anything good come out of the collision of the opposites? Is allowing the night to step over his threshold the foolest choice Jaq has ever made, or could it result in something positive?

Goddess Ascension by Jordan Tuck

"In the time of gods, there dared arise a Goddess" Through a life of struggle, Vantaiga and her mate build a mighty forest in a desert world. As leaders of a powerful Order, the couple must complete their realm by joining the gods and becoming a force of nature. Their rise to divinity, however, does not go as expected. The gods have been keeping secrets. The world is growing jealous. There is no place for a peaceful forest in this cruel land. Now the pair must battle a hostile desert, a disapproving heaven, and their own doubts, to keep their love and forest alive. For in the time of gods, it takes more than faith for those that dare arise a Goddess.

A Darkness At The Door by Intisar Khanani

I've been cursed, betrayed, and sold into slavery – but the truth I carry can't be allowed to die. Only Rae knows the extent of the corruption at the heart of the kingdom of Menaiya, from the noble lord who betrayed her, to the Circle of Mages whose wards protect the slavers from discovery. Injured and imprisoned on a slave ship, Rae's options are quickly running out. When a desperate escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she finds herself indebted to a terrifying Fae sorceress. Now Rae will not rest until she has rescued her fellow prisoners and freed her land from the darkness that has taken hold. To succeed, she'll need every ally she can find—including Bren, the thief who may have stolen her heart. But Bren is hiding his own bloody secrets, and the curses that encircle Rae have sunk their claws into her mind. With her debts coming due and time running short, all the truths in the world may not be enough to save her kingdom, or herself. What critics are saying: "Full of action, magic, and intrigue." - Foreword Reviews, starred review "A fairy tale that goes beyond happily-ever-after, exploring the will and vigilance needed to achieve justice and equity." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review Named one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Young Adult Books of the Year, 2022 Snap up the thrilling sequel to THE THEFT OF SUNLIGHT now!

The Ascendant: Tales of Pern Coen by Hannah E. Carey

Defeating the Raven Spirit could cost them everything. After fleeing Castle Ciall, Ciara has chosen to remain at the side of the rightful Ri of Blaidd, even though Niall's future is uncertain. The two of them have finally confessed the truth of their feelings, but she still struggles to gain his complete trust, no matter how hard she tries. Niall knows he cannot abandon his people, but he also knows they greatly fear his power. To regain control of the clan, he must reveal his secrets and seek aid from the one man he loathes: his father. Ciara and Niall's journey to thwart the Raven Spirit and Niall's usurping brother, Bleddyn, eventually leads them back to Ciara's homeland. Alliances are made and traitors are revealed, until the fate of the island and Niall's very life fall into Ciara's hands. Will she break under Bleddyn's lies or become the warrior she has always longed to be?

The Betrayer: Tales of Pern Coen by Hannah E. Carey

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A broken warrior. An outcast king. And a darkness that threatens to destroy them both. Niall never imagined he would become king, nor did he ever imagine that he would be granted the abilities of a seer. His unnatural power, however, has proven to be no great gift, for it has already cost him the woman he loves and it threatens to cost him his kingship. His people already don't trust him and if they knew of his power, they would view him as nothing more than a monster. Niall's future looks grim, but a twist of fate returns Ciara to his life when he least expects it. He latches onto the hope of a different future, only to discover that things have changed while he has hidden away in his castle. When the man Ciara trusted the most disappeared, she turned to his brother, a man she never saw herself falling for. Bleddyn has shown Ciara that there is more to him than she first thought and she has carved out a life at his side, but things are unsettled on the island of Pern Coen. A dark power is stirring, one that hasn't been seen in decades. One man is at the center of the growing darkness, but is it the man that Ciara, and the people, think? Is Niall innocent or is he hiding more than just his powerful abilities?

The Successor: Tales of Pern Coen by Hannah E. Carey

Can she trust a man sent by her enemy to help her save her clan from darkness? A loyal warrior of the Ri of Ceffyl, Torin has no choice but to do the Ri's bidding when he's sent to hunt down a powerful healer. His task, however, is fraught with peril, as the healer he is forced to seek out is rumored to have been cursed by one of the Dark Spirits of the island of Pern Coen. After a heart wrenching betrayal by the man she trusted the most, Briallen has been forced to carve out a lonely existence on the rugged coast. When a warrior comes to her door claiming to be sent by the man who betrayed her and demanding her return to Castle Afon, she refuses. But when that same warrior is attacked by a monster from the deep, she feels duty bound to help him with her gift of healing. Thrown together in unexpected and unlikely circumstances, Torin and Briallen find themselves drawn to one another in ways they never imagined. But as their feelings for one another grow, the dark threats against the people of Ceffyl increase and Briallen discovers that she just might have the power to put an end to them. If there is to be any hope for the clan, Torin will have to determine where his loyalties lie and Briallen will have to decide if she can trust a man sent by her enemy.

The Huntress: Tales of Pern Coen by Hannah E. Carey

The war must end and Rhiannon must fight for the life she dreams of. Conor and Rhiannon have joined forces to win Pern Coen its freedom from the Empire of Kelnore, but their fight has only just begun. Crown Princes Alekos has sworn to capture and destroy both the Hunter and the Huntress, but what he doesn't know is that the Huntress is his beloved cousin. More than just Alekos and the Kelnorian Army, however, threaten to tear Conor and Rhiannon apart. Conor's former betrothed reveals that she, too, has survived the Kelnorian invasion. Wynne wants Conor back and her return to his life threatens the fledging relationship that he and Rhiannon have built. But Wynne is also hiding a secret. She harbors a power that could change the tide of the war. When Alekos learns of Wynne's gift, he offers her a greater future than any she has ever imagined, but it will only be hers if she gives him her loyalty in return. Rhiannon has become the warrior she has dreamed of, but will she and Conor lose everything they have fought so hard for at the hands of the empire?

Chains of Stone by Jaysee Jewel

Two tales of forbidden love intertwine in this dark fantasy romance. An heiress set to inherit her mother's business finds herself falling for a slave who is forging a rebellion against her. Meanwhile, a mad queen decides to marry a slave-turned-prince even though he plans to kill her. Both unlikely pairs must choose between love and duty. Are they willing to give up everything they hold dear to protect each other, or will they end up slitting each other's throats? A hundred years ago, the gods granted Clostrum and its surrounding countries elemental stones of power, but only women could use them. This turned Clostrum into a matriarchal society reliant on slaves to mine these stones. Evelyn Payne is the heir to a family whose mines and weapons have protected the country for years. After her twentieth birthday, her mother sends her to one of these mines in disguise to learn responsibility and root out corruption among the employed guards within. Once her work there is done, she will inherit the mine. However, as she gets to know the male slaves who toil away underground and the women who oversee them, her beliefs and loyalties are swayed by a kind-hearted slave who makes her wish she could become more than a pampered noble or tyrannical leader. As Evelyn fights her feelings toward Francis and tries to maintain order in the mine, she realizes his wish to escape his chains may endanger both his life and her position. If she doesn’t prevent him from fueling the flames of rebellion, her mother will.

The Children of Chaos (The Cruel Gods #2) by Trudie Skies

WHEN THE SAINTS CALL, THE SINNERS ANSWER. Chaos stalks the steam-powered city of Chime and threatens the existence of the gods and their domains. Kayl swore to protect Chime's mortals from their gods' cruel whims, but when she agrees to represent the mortals of a god long thought dead, Kayl is thrust into a political role that goes against everything she's ever stood for. As the newly appointed ambassador to the god of time, Quen's goal is clear - protect Chime and the domains by any means necessary. But as the gods make their demands, Quen is caught between his loyalties and his conscience. To ensure a future for all mortals, Kayl and Quen must unite the gods against the threat of chaos and decide what they're willing to sacrifice for Chime - before the gods choose for them. For the gods are capricious and have their own divine plans. The Children of Chaos is the second book in The Cruel Gods series—a gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website.

Crown of Nightmares (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 7) by Sylvia Mercedes

Who will live? Who will die? Who will be changed . . . forever? Separated from the Evanderians, Ayleth finds herself alone in the malevolent Witchwood. Or perhaps not entirely alone . . . Confronted with the reality of her living grandmother, Ayleth soon learns that the horrors once ascribed to Dread Odile’s name and legend may not be entirely true. But what is the truth? Could the infamous Witch Queen be a freedom fighter providing hope for those oppressed under Saint Evander’s law? Is she the loving family Ayleth thought she’d lost forever? Or is she the greatest threat the world has ever known? While battling to save their loved ones, Ayleth, Terryn, and Gerard must each face the lies that have influenced their lives since childhood. The final battle is upon them, and the decisions they make will shape the course of destiny. Don’t miss the explosive finale of the acclaimed Venatrix Chronicles!

Queen of Poison (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 6) by Sylvia Mercedes

Betrayal surrounds her. Doom beckons her. Yet she will hunt one last time. Captured, heartbroken, shackled in torturous iron mittens that keep her shade deeply suppressed, Ayleth knows Fendrel keeps her alive for one purpose: She is his only remaining weapon against the resurrected Dread Odile. Once her task is complete, she will be executed. It’s as simple as that. But Ayleth isn’t about to give in that easily. Meanwhile, Gerard is held prisoner in his own castle by his uncle's orders--Fendrel must keep his nephew alive in order to force the ancient prophecy into completion. However, Gerard sees a different path before him, and he is resolved to follow it to the end. As the forces of the Witch Queen wreak havoc across the land, can Ayleth and Gerard come to terms with the truth of their pasts . . . and face their destinies with courage? Don’t miss the penultimate adventure in the breathtaking Venatrix Chronicles!

Tears of Dust (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 5) by Sylvia Mercedes

After two days in isolation, Ayleth still doesn’t know why Fendrel placed her under house arrest. Powerful drugs suppress Laranta deep inside her, leaving her alone with too many unanswered questions. What has become of kidnapped Lady Cerine? Why has Prince Gerard not stepped in to help? What is Fendrel’s ultimate agenda? And, most urgently, where is Terryn? Has Fendrel arrested him as well for the curse he carries? The curse that nearly made him kill Gerard . . . . When a Phasmatrix arrives at the castle with a host of shade hunters, Ayleth fears they have come to test Terryn and, if he cannot be cured, to execute him. But the Phasmatrix has a different objective in view, and Terryn’s life might not be the one most imperiled. Betrayal surrounds Ayleth on all sides, and fiery doom awaits her at dawn. Will she find an unexpected ally amid the coming storm? Or will she face the truth of her past—and its future consequences—alone? Return to the dark and deadly intrigues of The Venatrix Chronicles, where witches wage war against holy orders, friends and enemies are equally treacherous, and secrets long thought dead struggle into light. If you enjoy kick-butt heroines, conflicted heroes, and slow-burn romance ready to ignite, then you will love Ayleth and Terryn’s latest adventure!

Dance of Souls (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 4) by Sylvia Mercedes

Venatrix Ayleth made a vow of loyalty to her Holy Order. But is the Order loyal to Ayleth? Still recovering from her deadly encounter with the Phantomwitch, Ayleth finds herself the unwilling guest of the Golden Prince, forced to enjoy his hospitality . . . and the not-so-gentle ministrations of Venator Fendrel du Glaive. There’s something strange about Fendrel. The way he stares at her is unsettling—as though she’s a monster, as though she’s guilty of some great sin. But didn’t she just defeat one of the worst enemies the kingdom has ever known? Hasn’t she proven her worth? And then there’s Terryn, who may be lying to her, who may not be the loyal venator everyone believes him to be. He also looks at her strangely . . . but his gaze makes her heart stop and her pulse race in ways she’s never felt before. As the night of Prince Gerard’s wedding approaches and the kingdom gathers to celebrate new beginnings, dark forces close in on all sides. Certain secrets, long buried deep, are bound to emerge at last. When they do, will Ayleth have the strength to stand and fight?