The Castamar Duology Series by Megan Van Dyke

Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you. Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne... moreMusic says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you. Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne. Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night? At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast incorporates themes and motifs from Phantom of the Opera, and is set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. It should appeal to fans of romantic and atmospheric retellings and fairy tales by authors such as Hannah Whitten, Tessonja Odette, and Stephanie Garber. While this is book 4 in the Reimagined Fairy Tales series, it can be read as a standalone. less

She loathes him. He craves her. But when a deadly curse threatens those they love, these reluctant allies must work together to hunt down its wielder before time runs out. Bronwyn Kinsley helped overthrow a malicious and corrupt monarch. Now, she wants nothing more than to return to a quiet existence painting artwork in the countryside... moreShe loathes him. He craves her. But when a deadly curse threatens those they love, these reluctant allies must work together to hunt down its wielder before time runs out. Bronwyn Kinsley helped overthrow a malicious and corrupt monarch. Now, she wants nothing more than to return to a quiet existence painting artwork in the countryside. No more pretentious court life, and definitely no more of the infuriating Malik who touched her heart and then went right back to being the flirtatious prince she swore to loathe. But the so-called dragons, dissenters of the new monarchs’ reign, are hell-bent on preventing that peace and causing chaos within the kingdom. Alistair (Malik) Ithael is determined to hunt down the last of the dragons and end their reign of terror. But his attempts to infiltrate their number require him to wear the careful façade of the playboy prince they expect. A guise that puts him at odds with Bronwyn, the only woman he’s ever truly wanted and one that seems to hate him more than ever. When the dragons strike close to home and afflict Bronwyn’s sister with a deadly sleeping curse, Bronwyn and Malik must team up to save her. In doing so, Bronwyn enters the place she loathes most—high society. Because dragons live disguised in plain sight, and they’ll have to find them first. That is, if a pesky little distraction like love doesn’t get in the way. The Artist and the Dragon is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with themes and motifs from The Phantom of the Opera, and set in a gaslamp fantasy world akin to Bridgerton, but with magic. You can look forward to a slow burn, angst-ridden romance between two reluctant allies who harbor secret feelings for one another while trying to solve a deadly mystery. This story is complete with a happily-ever-after and does not end on a cliffhanger. less