Tales of the Latter Kingdoms Series by Christine Pope

Healer Merys Thranion has been trained to fight disease and wage war against ignorance. Her training comes to the ultimate test when she is captured by slave traders in a neighboring country and brought to the estate of Lord Shaine. Her task is to heal the brooding lord's injured daughter...but that is only the first of her trials... moreHealer Merys Thranion has been trained to fight disease and wage war against ignorance. Her training comes to the ultimate test when she is captured by slave traders in a neighboring country and brought to the estate of Lord Shaine. Her task is to heal the brooding lord's injured daughter...but that is only the first of her trials. As the deadly plague raises its head again and threatens to wipe out everyone on Lord Shaine's estate, Merys must summon all her skills to protect those she has come to care for...including the man who has become much more to her than simply her master. less

The shadow of the cursed Dragon Lord has hung over the town of Lirinsholme for centuries, and no one ever knows when the Dragon will claim his next doomed Bride. Rhianne Menyon has dreams of being a painter, but her world changes forever when a single moment of sacrifice brings her to Black's Keep as the Dragon's latest Bride... moreThe shadow of the cursed Dragon Lord has hung over the town of Lirinsholme for centuries, and no one ever knows when the Dragon will claim his next doomed Bride. Rhianne Menyon has dreams of being a painter, but her world changes forever when a single moment of sacrifice brings her to Black's Keep as the Dragon's latest Bride. As she attempts to adjust to her new life -- and to know something of the monster who is now her husband -- she begins to see that the curse is far crueler than she first believed. Unraveling the mystery of what happened to the Dragon's Brides is only the beginning... less

A case of mistaken identity takes Lark Sedassa from her family's estate and into the power of Kadar Arkalis, the ruler of North Eredor, who thinks he's captured a much greater prize. Although he soon realizes his error, he makes Lark his bride anyway, still hoping to capitalize on her family's connections. Escape is nearly impossible, and before long Lark is not sure whether she even wants to leave... moreA case of mistaken identity takes Lark Sedassa from her family's estate and into the power of Kadar Arkalis, the ruler of North Eredor, who thinks he's captured a much greater prize. Although he soon realizes his error, he makes Lark his bride anyway, still hoping to capitalize on her family's connections. Escape is nearly impossible, and before long Lark is not sure whether she even wants to leave. As she struggles with her growing feelings for her captor, she must find the strength within herself to draw on powers she doesn't even realize she possesses. Without those powers, she cannot hope to face the evil rising within the kingdom...or save the man she now calls husband. (Book 3 of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms) less

The Emperor of Sirlende finds himself without a bride when his betrothed, a princess of a neighboring kingdom, dies unexpectedly in a terrible accident. Weary of the unacceptable but "royal" alternatives his advisors suggest, he instead decides to take matters into his own hands... moreThe Emperor of Sirlende finds himself without a bride when his betrothed, a princess of a neighboring kingdom, dies unexpectedly in a terrible accident. Weary of the unacceptable but "royal" alternatives his advisors suggest, he instead decides to take matters into his own hands. All ladies of gentle birth between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two are invited to five days of grand feasts, hunts, tournaments, and balls so the Emperor might choose the lady of his heart, and not an unknown foreign princess. Ashara Millende was born the only daughter of a landed gentleman, but had her inheritance stolen from her by her unscrupulous stepmother. A servant in the house that should have been hers, she dreams of escaping the drudgery of her life and finding someone who will love her for who she truly is. She is offered assistance by a woman hiding a few secrets of her own, a woman who will give Ashara the chance to win her heart's desire — if only she is bold enough to take the first step. The story of Cinderella takes on fresh new life in this retelling, set in the world of the Latter Kingdoms. (Book 4 of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms) less

Lyarris Deveras, Crown Princess of Sirlende, takes a leap of faith and accepts an offer of marriage from the ruler of the far-off kingdom of Keshiaar, although she knows it means she will never see her family or her homeland again. Betrayed by his first wife, her new husband has vowed never to love again... moreLyarris Deveras, Crown Princess of Sirlende, takes a leap of faith and accepts an offer of marriage from the ruler of the far-off kingdom of Keshiaar, although she knows it means she will never see her family or her homeland again. Betrayed by his first wife, her new husband has vowed never to love again. But with a little luck — and a bit of magical intervention — Lyarris plans to melt her new husband's stony heart in this novel inspired by the Thousand and One Nights, set in the world of the Latter Kingdoms. less

Unexpected help can lead to unexpected consequences... When Annora Kelsden's father gets her family into financial trouble, it's up to her to save them. Unable to truly spin straw into gold, Annora despairs for her life. When a mysterious stranger offers to help, Annora desperately agrees to his terms, thankful for his assistance. After the king receives the gold he desires, Annora believes she's safe from harm, only to realize that she's spun herself a trap with seemingly no end... moreUnexpected help can lead to unexpected consequences... When Annora Kelsden's father gets her family into financial trouble, it's up to her to save them. Unable to truly spin straw into gold, Annora despairs for her life. When a mysterious stranger offers to help, Annora desperately agrees to his terms, thankful for his assistance. After the king receives the gold he desires, Annora believes she's safe from harm, only to realize that she's spun herself a trap with seemingly no end. But can the consequences lead her where she never expected — into the arms and heart of her mysterious savior?  A Rumplestiltskin tale spun with sweet sensuality…. less

Bettany Sendris knows that going to the dour lord of Harrow Hall to plead for more time to pay her taxes is probably a fool's mission. However, with winter closing in on her tiny village, and barely enough food to put on her and her grandmother's table, she realizes she has no alternative... moreBettany Sendris knows that going to the dour lord of Harrow Hall to plead for more time to pay her taxes is probably a fool's mission. However, with winter closing in on her tiny village, and barely enough food to put on her and her grandmother's table, she realizes she has no alternative. But when the worst storm in decades strands her in Lord Greymount's gloomy castle, Bettany soon discovers that her presence there may bring some long-hidden secrets to light, secrets that could cost her more than just her heart.... (Book 7 of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms) Author’s Note: While this is the seventh book in this series, all Tales of the Latter Kingdoms novels are written as standalone romances and can be read in any order. less

After scandal and shame force Iselda Kelsden to leave the world she once knew, she knows her future will be uncertain. Although she has lived the life of a proper young lady, finding a suitable match may prove nearly impossible due to the shadow that hangs over her family.  Life in her aunt’s castle isn’t quite what Iselda imagined. When strange disappearances begin to occur, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery behind them... moreAfter scandal and shame force Iselda Kelsden to leave the world she once knew, she knows her future will be uncertain. Although she has lived the life of a proper young lady, finding a suitable match may prove nearly impossible due to the shadow that hangs over her family.  Life in her aunt’s castle isn’t quite what Iselda imagined. When strange disappearances begin to occur, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery behind them. What she uncovers opens a whole new world of enchantment…and possibly a forbidden love. Will falling for the wrong man lead Iselda into a trap she can't escape? Moon Dance is inspired by the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale, and is the final book in the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms series of fantasy romances. less

A slip of the lip lands her up to her elbows in hot water…and up to her heart in love. Many call Marenna Sedren free-spirited. Some opine she’s spoiled. But none in Silverhold can say she is mean-spirited…on purpose. She truly didn’t intend to insult Lord Sedassa, the only prospective suitor who’s ever made her heart skip a beat. It’s true that Crown Princess Lyarris’ rejection drove the duke into two years’ self-exile... moreA slip of the lip lands her up to her elbows in hot water…and up to her heart in love. Many call Marenna Sedren free-spirited. Some opine she’s spoiled. But none in Silverhold can say she is mean-spirited…on purpose. She truly didn’t intend to insult Lord Sedassa, the only prospective suitor who’s ever made her heart skip a beat. It’s true that Crown Princess Lyarris’ rejection drove the duke into two years’ self-exile. But the moment his long-unshaven beard brushes Marenna’s hand, an ill-timed comparison to a thrush’s nest bursts from her wayward lips — and his sparkling blue eyes turn to ice. On her furious father’s order, Marenna finds herself wed to the very next man to cross the threshold: a tall, handsome, itinerant worker with barely a penny to his name. Worse, Corin Blackstone’s final destination is Marric’s Rest, Lord Sedassa’s massive estate. Desperate to avoid the duke’s notice, Marenna fumbles toward becoming a proper peasant wife, while Corin’s hungry gaze makes her wish he would give her more than sweet, sensual kisses. But there’s a secret hiding behind his warm, brown eyes. When she discovers the truth, it could restore her freedom…if that’s what her heart chooses. The Tales of the Latter Kingdom series can be enjoyed as standalones. They are listed here in chronological order: All Fall DownBinding SpellAshes of RosesOne Thousand NightsThreads of GoldDragon RoseThe Wolf of Harrow HallMoon DanceThe Song of the Thrush less