Melissa Mcshane Boeken

Alison Quinn, Countess of Waxwold, is content with her bookish life-until she's summoned to be a lady-in-waiting to the Queen of Tremontane's mother for six months. Even the prospect of access to the Royal Library doesn't seem enough to make up for her sacrifice, but Alison is prepared to do her service to the Crown. What she's not prepared for is Prince Anthony North, Queen Zara's playboy brother, who's accustomed to getting what he wants-including the Countess of Waxwold. When the fallout from an unfortunate public encounter throws the two of them together, Alison has no interest in becoming the Prince's next conquest. But as the weeks pass, Alison discovers there's more to Anthony than she-or he-realized, and their dislike becomes friendship, and then something more-until disaster drives Alison away, swearing never to return. Then Alison is summoned by the Queen again, this time to serve as Royal Librarian. A threat to Tremontane's government, with her treasured Library at stake, draws Alison into the conflict...and into contact with Anthony once more. Can they work together to save the Royal Library and Tremontane? And can she open her heart to love again?

Elspeth North, born and raised far from her Tremontanan homeland, wants nothing more than the peaceful, holy life of a priestess. Although born a princess, she believes her father's abdication means politics and intrigue have nothing to do with her. But her cousin King Francis's untimely death and a twist of Tremontanan law changes her whole life...and makes Elspeth Queen of Tremontane.With no formal training, no experience, and very little support, Elspeth must learn the complex rules and traditions of a role she never expected to fill, and she must learn them fast-because the fate of a kingdom lies in her hands.

Fiona, cursed with the power to ignite fire in a country where magic is illegal, wants to start a new life for herself, far from the mistakes of her past.A case of mistaken identity tangles her fortunes with those of the mysterious Sebastian, who intends to stop a blackmailer from destroying his family. Asked to help Sebastian infiltrate a sacred temple to find the damning evidence, Fiona soon goes from reluctant companion to trusted ally.But Sebastian's secrets go deeper than Fiona realizes. What began as a simple heist becomes a web of intrigue entangling the governments of two countries. As Fiona's deceptions grow deeper, she must find a way to redeem her honor-and embrace a future she believes impossible.