by Ayana Gray
First published 2026
Vesper Evans despises the magical elite who rule Basalton with their sorcery and wealth. The orphaned reporter works desperately to save The Basalton Globe from financial ruin. At a glittering society gala, she discovers a man's corpse moments after speaking with him alive. Wealthy industrialist Maximilian Kite becomes the prime suspect, but he offers Vesper a deal she cannot refuse. He will pay her handsomely to find the real killer and clear his name. The money would rescue her newspaper and give her the story of her career. The arrangement requires one dangerous deception. Vesper must pretend to court Max to gain access to high society's inner circles. Their investigation leads them through Basalton's most privileged drawing rooms and its darkest alleys. Vesper uncovers the city's hidden scandals while dodging threats to her life. She also finds herself drawn to Max despite his infuriating arrogance and undeniable charm. The deeper she digs into the murder, the more perilous her situation becomes.
Genres: romance, mystery, contemporary, thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating
Setting: Basalton
352 pages · Hardcover · Balzer + Bray