The Cursed Kingdom Series by Lylah Taylor

It's never too late to bloom.Mira's life has never been her own. In a land where magic is feared and shunned, hers seems to be the exception. The Coveted is known throughout the kingdom for having the ability to grant a heart's desire. At least, that's what the rumors say. In order to survive her endless string of captors, Mira has developed tactics to keep herself safe... moreIt's never too late to bloom.Mira's life has never been her own. In a land where magic is feared and shunned, hers seems to be the exception. The Coveted is known throughout the kingdom for having the ability to grant a heart's desire. At least, that's what the rumors say. In order to survive her endless string of captors, Mira has developed tactics to keep herself safe. But when a fearsome beast breeches the walls of her latest captivity and steals her away in the night, Mira will question everything she knows as she's brought to an old kingdom, long ago thought to be abandoned.***Dark magic is awakening again, and no one knows why. Guilt-ridden by the shame of his past, Dante is determined to save his people, maybe finding a shred of redemption for himself along the way. The Coveted's magic is their best chance, yet, upon getting to know the woman he's taken, a different desire stirs in his heart. Desire makes people dangerous, and secrets could mean the downfall of an entire kingdom. This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for fans of The Plated Prisoner series and Ella Enchanted. The Coveted and the Cursed is a fantasy romance. Contains mature themes and explicit romance. less

The prince can rot in his white castle for all she cares. If no one was coming to save her people, then she would. Highcrest Castle looms over the poor village of South Harbor, flaunting it's wealth while citizens are starving in the streets and going missing. After Nora's father passed away, her step-mother and step-sisters have hit hard times, selling what they can to get by. The deed to their home fell into the hands of a shady bar owner who holds it over their heads... moreThe prince can rot in his white castle for all she cares. If no one was coming to save her people, then she would. Highcrest Castle looms over the poor village of South Harbor, flaunting it's wealth while citizens are starving in the streets and going missing. After Nora's father passed away, her step-mother and step-sisters have hit hard times, selling what they can to get by. The deed to their home fell into the hands of a shady bar owner who holds it over their heads. Now, Nora works for free to save her family from living on the streets. Having essentially everything taken from her, Nora chooses to fight back by investigating the disappearance's at night on her own. She stalks the shadows to hunt down whoever is stealing innocent citizens, when one night she comes across a mysterious stranger. An opportunity to use her training kicks in, and she holds her own against the skilled fighter---but leaves one of her daggers behind.Nicholas has taken matters into his own hands. In order to put an end to the kidnappings in his kingdom, he can no longer rely on simply ruling from his throne. One night, he comes across a mysterious woman who admittedly kicks his ass---and damn if he didn't find it attractive.But duties of the crown continue to call, and in the midst of searching for the kidnappers, his councilor is arranging the search for the next Queen. That's the last thing he needs right now, especially while he's focused on saving his kingdom, and finding that feminine fatale to make her his ally. Get ready for an action-packed retelling of the classic tale. Book two in The Cursed Kingdom series will have you reconsidering how you feel about a blond love interest. less