by Anna Mercier
First published 2026
Elara Rousseau lives in the slums of Anespérer, where magic flows through artistic creation. The Objet d'Art baking competition selects a new Souverain for the ruling council, but contestants like Elara are never chosen. When a mysterious figure from her past helps her infiltrate the contest, she gains a shot at transforming her life. There's one problem: she harbors a dangerous secret that could destroy everything. Nikolas Dupont enters the competition with his own agenda. His father, a powerful Souverain who refuses to acknowledge him, expects Nik to manipulate a contestant into becoming a political tool. Nik chooses Elara, but she proves far more formidable than anticipated. Her success inspires the city's poor while his loyalty to his father begins to fracture. Their growing attraction complicates both their plans. As the contest intensifies, Elara must decide between pursuing victory and safety or wielding her magical artistry to ignite revolution. The choice will determine not only her future with Nik but the fate of everyone suffering under the current regime.
Genres: romance, fantasy, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Anespérer
400 pages · Hardcover · Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Content warnings: violence