Perilous Courts Series by Tavia Lark

He’s supposed to kill Prince Julien. Not fall for him. Whisper doesn’t remember his real name. All he knows is the elite assassin guild that raised him—and controls him with the threat of blood magic. Plagued by nightmares, he doesn’t get to refuse assignments, even when his new job doesn’t make sense:. Infiltrate Prince Julien’s court, protect him until the signal arrives, then kill him. Julien hides his own schemes behind a sordid reputation... moreHe’s supposed to kill Prince Julien. Not fall for him. Whisper doesn’t remember his real name. All he knows is the elite assassin guild that raised him—and controls him with the threat of blood magic. Plagued by nightmares, he doesn’t get to refuse assignments, even when his new job doesn’t make sense:. Infiltrate Prince Julien’s court, protect him until the signal arrives, then kill him. Julien hides his own schemes behind a sordid reputation. He trusts nobody besides his brothers, and he certainly doesn’t trust the aloof, beautiful new stranger at court. But he doesn’t have to trust the stranger to be drawn to him, especially when he saves Julien’s life. Then Julien saves Whisper too, and Whisper’s reserve shatters. Beneath Julien’s playboy facade is a warmth Whisper can’t resist. Whisper’s never been comforted before. He’s never been cared for like this. As his nightmares darken, Julien’s touch is his only solace—but falling in love could ruin them both. Because Whisper’s mission hasn’t changed, and the price for failure is worse than death. Prince and Assassin is a high fantasy gay romance, with secret identities, hurt/comfort, and magic tigers with attitude. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After. less

Rakos isn’t really a farmer. Bellamy definitely isn’t a minstrel. Sheltered, sickly Prince Bellamy always longed for adventure—but not like this. Captured in enemy territory, Bellamy’s true identity will get him killed, or worse. When his smoking-hot fellow prisoner asks who he is, Bellamy claims to be a minstrel. Even though he can’t carry a tune to save his life. He panicked, okay? Rakos was the rising star of the Draskoran dragon riders until betrayal landed him in chains... moreRakos isn’t really a farmer. Bellamy definitely isn’t a minstrel. Sheltered, sickly Prince Bellamy always longed for adventure—but not like this. Captured in enemy territory, Bellamy’s true identity will get him killed, or worse. When his smoking-hot fellow prisoner asks who he is, Bellamy claims to be a minstrel. Even though he can’t carry a tune to save his life. He panicked, okay? Rakos was the rising star of the Draskoran dragon riders until betrayal landed him in chains. He knows two things for certain: he can’t trust anyone, and he wants his dragon back. When a pretty, fragile minstrel asks who he is, Rakos claims he’s a farmer. When Bellamy begs for help reaching the border, Rakos refuses. Until Bellamy reveals his magic is exactly what Rakos needs. Stormy nights, pursuing soldiers, and deadly masquerades forge Rakos and Bellamy’s unlikely partnership into something more. Something exhilarating. Rakos treats Bellamy like a person, not a weak, untouchable prince, even as he protects him. But Rakos’s enemies are circling in, and that very protection might be Bellamy’s undoing. Prince in Disguise is a high fantasy gay romance, with secret identities, hurt/comfort, and huddling for warmth. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After. less

One night of bliss could unravel a kingdom. Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms. Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else... moreOne night of bliss could unravel a kingdom. Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms. Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else. Until the next morning, when Corin meets his brother’s new arranged fiancé. Prince Audric doesn’t want a loveless political betrothal, however open, but he’ll do anything for his kingdom. His last night of freedom is a rare indulgence—and a terrible mistake. Corin is sweet, beautiful, and sees Audric like nobody else does. He’s also Audric’s fiancé’s younger brother. Audric’s arranged betrothal might be open, but he can’t touch Corin again. Constant proximity hurts when they can’t be together. But avoidance is impossible when Corin might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy behind Audric’s betrothal—. And when Corin keeps fainting into Audric’s arms. Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After. less

Cuddling with your bodyguard is normal—right? Vana Dire can’t show weakness if he wants to survive the Draskoran court. The only man he can be vulnerable with is Daromir—Vana’s magic-bound bodyguard. The binding lets them share each other’s pain, and Vana depends on Daromir’s comfort as much as his services as a guard. Vana could never risk their friendship. Even if he craves far more than Daromir’s loyalty. Daromir Azri sees a side of Vana nobody else sees... moreCuddling with your bodyguard is normal—right? Vana Dire can’t show weakness if he wants to survive the Draskoran court. The only man he can be vulnerable with is Daromir—Vana’s magic-bound bodyguard. The binding lets them share each other’s pain, and Vana depends on Daromir’s comfort as much as his services as a guard. Vana could never risk their friendship. Even if he craves far more than Daromir’s loyalty. Daromir Azri sees a side of Vana nobody else sees. Behind closed doors, the cold, elegant prince is kindhearted. Vulnerable. He needs Daromir. If Daromir’s devotion sometimes feels like something else? Daromir must be mistaken. His duty comes first, and he’ll do anything to protect Vana—including one thing he’s never done. He’s keeping a secret. Then their magic bond changes, and suddenly Vana and Daromir don’t just share pain anymore. Each shared sensation pushes their friendship to the breaking point, just when Vana and Daromir need each other most. They’re facing a mysterious ambassador, a chaos-stirring prince, the consequences of past schemes—. And an assassin seeking Vana’s life. Prince and Bodyguard is a gay fantasy romance with pining, hurt/comfort, and codependent cuddling. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, and Prince and Bodyguard begins a new three-book arc about the princes of Draskora. less

Being claimed shouldn’t feel so lonely. Sei’s power isn’t truly his. As a grail, his role is to serve a mage by augmenting their magic. He’s equally nervous and excited about his arranged betrothal. After a life without intimacy, Sei will finally fulfill his true purpose as a treasured, valuable grail. There’s only one problem: Sei’s new betrothed is the legendary Marek Dire. The dragonrider prince is powerful, intimidating, and larger than life—or at least larger than Sei... moreBeing claimed shouldn’t feel so lonely. Sei’s power isn’t truly his. As a grail, his role is to serve a mage by augmenting their magic. He’s equally nervous and excited about his arranged betrothal. After a life without intimacy, Sei will finally fulfill his true purpose as a treasured, valuable grail. There’s only one problem: Sei’s new betrothed is the legendary Marek Dire. The dragonrider prince is powerful, intimidating, and larger than life—or at least larger than Sei. Prince Marek doesn’t want a husband, especially one like this. Sei might be captivating, but he’s also fragile and frighteningly obedient. Marek vows to break the betrothal, and he refuses to use Sei as a grail. No matter how much Sei wants to be used. But Marek underestimates Sei. Wielding kindness as a weapon, Sei discovers unexpected tenderness in Marek—and new fierceness in himself. But being a grail in power-hungry Draskora is dangerous, and Marek still fears two things. That someone else might hurt Sei…. …or that Marek himself will. Prince and Betrothed is a high fantasy gay romance, with an arranged marriage, dragons, and shameless displays of affection. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, and Prince and Betrothed continues the three-book arc about the princes of Draskora. less

The price of Kazia’s power is pain. Prince Kazia Dire isn’t nice. Being nice lets people close. Letting people close risks revealing Kazia’s greatest secret—the power that condemns him to a lifetime of abuse. Until opportunity appears in the form of a captive enemy mage. Following a dragon across the border lands Lucien Vaire in chains, and matters only get worse from there. Lucien has hated House Dire since the last war. Now, he’s under the notorious brat prince’s direct control... moreThe price of Kazia’s power is pain. Prince Kazia Dire isn’t nice. Being nice lets people close. Letting people close risks revealing Kazia’s greatest secret—the power that condemns him to a lifetime of abuse. Until opportunity appears in the form of a captive enemy mage. Following a dragon across the border lands Lucien Vaire in chains, and matters only get worse from there. Lucien has hated House Dire since the last war. Now, he’s under the notorious brat prince’s direct control. Yet beneath Kazia’s vicious mask, Lucien senses desperate vulnerability. Painful experience has taught Kazia to fear mages. He keeps Lucien at a distance even as he uses Lucien’s talents. But that distance narrows with each careful kindness. Each accidental touch. Lucien acts more like a protector than a prisoner, and Kazia is tempted by the dangerous sweetness of trust. But Lucien is still a mage, and Kazia is still broken. And Kazia’s cruel parents may still destroy them both. Prince of Agony is a high fantasy gay romance, featuring captivity, hurt/comfort, and enemies hiding in a linen closet together. This is the final book in the Perilous Courts series, which is best enjoyed in order. less