Beholden Series by Francesca Crispo, Sarah Liu, Melissa Hudson

Maxine – “Max the Menace” – is a hired hand who will do almost anything for money. When her need to survive sends her on a quest to deliver pompous Prince August III into his enemy kingdom’s hands, the pair must travel across the continent together. August’s limited worldview has him excited for adventure, while Max struggles to keep the two of them alive... moreMaxine – “Max the Menace” – is a hired hand who will do almost anything for money. When her need to survive sends her on a quest to deliver pompous Prince August III into his enemy kingdom’s hands, the pair must travel across the continent together. August’s limited worldview has him excited for adventure, while Max struggles to keep the two of them alive. They’re faced with unexpected hurdles of every kind, from dangerous beasts and elven ex-boyfriends to the local inn only having one bed available for the night. With a treacherous journey between Max and her bounty, their fates become ever more intertwined, and revealed secrets push them to work toward a common goal.Content this book contains explicit descriptions of sexual activities, mentions of loss of a family member, as well as depictions of human and mythical creature (“monsters”) death. Other potentially triggering topics include spiders, swearing, weapons/injuries/death threats, and dental… stuff. less

The adventure of a lifetime at their backs, Max and August are ready to settle into their happily ever after having just returned from Emynor together. That is, until Max realizes that she’s not cut out for royal life. When August’s advisors push him into a hasty proposal that backfires, the two are separated and back to living completely different lives; August struggles with the burdens of royal responsibility, while Max has chosen to fend for herself once again... moreThe adventure of a lifetime at their backs, Max and August are ready to settle into their happily ever after having just returned from Emynor together. That is, until Max realizes that she’s not cut out for royal life. When August’s advisors push him into a hasty proposal that backfires, the two are separated and back to living completely different lives; August struggles with the burdens of royal responsibility, while Max has chosen to fend for herself once again. Back on her own, Max and her little brother, Danny, encounter obstacles that are reminiscent of her time as a solo mercenary, and normal life seems palatable until they’re attacked. Unable to call on her usual allies, she must show up at August’s door once again to ask for help and face whatever is on the other side. The world of Barrien has moved quickly while Max is away, with August entering into an unexpected union, but her need to find a cure for her brother’s ailment drives her into a situation that will test her patience, fortitude, and boundaries with her ex-lover. Can the pair travel the continent to find a cure for a werewolf bite? Or will the tension of their past leave a loved one in danger?Content Warnings: harsh/vulgar/explicit language; explicit descriptions of sexual acts including those which may be considered taboo; alcohol consumption and overuse; death and dead bodies; mention of kidnapping, abuse, and neglect; mention of harm/injury to a child; death of animal-like characters; blood and violence; use of weapons; indirect commentary on cults/religion. less