From the author of The Emperor’s Arrow and Enveloping Shadows comes the tale of a young woman who brings an entire kingdom to its knees in order to save her family

Ever since her family was kidnapped, Azara, a woman of fire mage stock, has survived with a warrior’s will and the hope of one day finding them. Whispers of their fate have finally led her to the Empire, where her brother and sister are now prized possessions of His Celestial Majesty’s court. Unable to immediately negotiate their freedom, Azara reluctantly agrees to the Emperor’s suggestion: accompany his devoted magus Jin across their rival’s border in search of other fire mages while her siblings remain in the Emperor’s hands.

Posing as married tea merchants, Azara and Jin’s masquerade begins. For a fierce young woman devoted to a heartening cause, and a man beholden to his duties, it’s an uneasy alliance—but one that quickly turns passionate.

It’s also a dangerous proposition, for although the attraction between Jin and Azara is real, both the Emperor and Azara have ulterior motives. It’s only when Azara explores her unique powers and puts her faith in Jin that their fight for family—and for their very destiny—can succeed.

This book is approximately 96,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Coming from a family of bookworms, Lauren D.M. Smith’s obsession with the written word started young. Her love of books quickly went from reading to writing and in high school she started writing full novels. After living and working around the world, she’s finally settled down in the village of Lyn with her fiancé and their ever growing collection of nerdy hobbies.

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