Description

A sparkling historical fantasy filled with arcane magic, deadly conspiracies and an irresistible queer romance.

Perfect for fans of Freya Marske, Alexis Hall, and Bridgerton mixed with magic.

“A delectable read”
C.S. PACAT, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise

Lord Nicholas Monterris is trapped. The only heir to a declining dukedom, Nic is destined for a marriage of convenience. What he didn’t expect was for his bride to be Lady Leaf Serral, daughter of his father’s hated rivals. Now they must all be locked inside mouldering Monterris Court for the duration of the contract negotiations, along with head negotiator, master vowsmith Dashiell sa Vare – beautiful, perfect Dashiell sa Vare – an old flame Nic has neither forgiven nor forgotten.

What could go wrong?

Only a dead body turning up mere hours after they lock the doors. The first could be an accident, but a second death reveals something sinister is unfolding at Monterris Court, and long-buried secrets begin to surface. As accusations fly, Nic must work with his former lover and his future bride to uncover the killer before they become the next targets . . .

“One part sweet and swoony romance, one part magic-infused mystery, and thoroughly enjoyable on all counts!”
MAIGA DOOCY, author of Sorcery and Small Magics

Publisher Review

Kept me hooked with flawless spooky gothic vibes, wonderful characters, delightfully messy relationships, buried family secrets, and a compelling murder mystery. I loved it to the last page and didn’t want it to end! — Melissa Caruso, author of The Last Hour Between Worlds One part sweet and swoony romance, one part magic-infused mystery, and thoroughly enjoyable on all counts! — Maiga Doocy, author of Sorcery and Small Magics A deliciously queer murder mystery romance with gleaming prose and an intriguing magic system — Emma Sterner-Radley, author of Snowblooded This sparkling queer Regency-era romantasy . . . offers an entertaining blend of magic and mystery — Publishers Weekly A beautifully written story that brings to its regency setting a full and fantastic tale of compelling characters and exquisite prose — The Fantasy Hive Wildly inventive – filled with characters who each hold their own breathtaking secrets. Shifting alliances, revelations and relationships full of love and lust make this a compelling read — Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter on We Ride the Storm An exciting new author in fantasy — Mark Lawrence, author of Prince of Thorns