Magic and Monsters Series by K.L. Ziggler

For months, Tove has been running for her life, from home, and before anyone can betray her again. Fleeing meant going to a new continent, far from anyone who fears her magic as a shadow-wielder—including those who want her dead. Her only desire is a fresh start.But her chance at a new life is thwarted when she’s captured by the sultan for a dangerous task: becoming his informant during treaty negotiations... moreFor months, Tove has been running for her life, from home, and before anyone can betray her again. Fleeing meant going to a new continent, far from anyone who fears her magic as a shadow-wielder—including those who want her dead. Her only desire is a fresh start.But her chance at a new life is thwarted when she’s captured by the sultan for a dangerous task: becoming his informant during treaty negotiations. Her magic and background make her the perfect tool against visitors from her homeland, putting her in proximity to her people who’d gut her if they discovered her magic.Trapped and posing as a courtesan for the commander of the guard, Tove discovers things in her new kingdom are not what they seem: not the sultan, not the court, not the motivations for the treaty, and not the loyal commander Kaolum she’s supposed to be spying on. As dangerous attacks occur within the palace, it isn’t only Tove’s fresh start on the line, but her life, too.To survive the palace and earn her freedom, Tove will have to decide who and what she can trust: her connections within the court, the powers that put her on the run in the first place, and the passion and desire Kaolum ignites within her.Or, most importantly, whether she’s willing to trust anyone ever again. less

“So what is it that’s bothering you, Nathalie? What am I doing to make you so upset?”“Because I want you and I hate it.”Since the day her family was killed by monsters, Nathalie has been waiting for one revenge. She’s spent years training as a monster hunter, just waiting for her chance for vengeance against the king that failed to protect her family. The opportunity for revenge comes through a paid assassination, but not against the king like Nathalie had hoped... more“So what is it that’s bothering you, Nathalie? What am I doing to make you so upset?”“Because I want you and I hate it.”Since the day her family was killed by monsters, Nathalie has been waiting for one revenge. She’s spent years training as a monster hunter, just waiting for her chance for vengeance against the king that failed to protect her family. The opportunity for revenge comes through a paid assassination, but not against the king like Nathalie had hoped.The king is dying, and a coup is rising. Before the king’s son, Prince Cahir, can take the throne, he must choose a bride through the Rite—an ancient ritual that prevents a new ruler from being crowned without marrying and siring an heir. If Nathalie can kill the prince before he completes his Rite, she will have her revenge, while the resistance will have a way to take over the throne. It is a chance Nathalie can’t refuse.Posing as a guard to his potential brides, Nathalie will find herself face to face with Prince Cahir—an alluring and cocky man that will test her resolve to end his life. Especially when she realizes she isn’t the only one after the prince. Cahir carries secrets of his own—ones that put Nathalie’s plans, and heart, at risk.Nathalie swore she would never fail again. But with the growing desire between her and Cahir, she will have to decide if her need for revenge outweighs the feelings she has for the prince. A prince she cannot have. A prince to be betrothed to another. A prince who may die by someone else’s hands if she can’t stop it.She cannot let herself fail again. less