First published 2011
Strider carries the demon of Defeat inside him. Every lost challenge brings him crushing agony. He never backs down from a fight. The Harpy Games arrive, and Strider sees his chance. An ancient godly artifact waits as the prize. He plans to steal it before anyone claims victory. Kaia enters the Games with everything on the line. Her fellow Harpies call her The Disappointment. She must win gold or face death. The competition demands her complete focus. Then Strider appears. His presence pulls at her concentration. She knows he wants the same prize she needs to survive. The Games begin. Challenges test every competitor. Strider and Kaia clash repeatedly. Neither can afford to lose. His demon screams for victory. Her life depends on triumph. Yet something shifts between them. The artifact becomes less important than the connection growing stronger with each encounter. Love was never part of either plan.
Genres: adventure, adult-fiction, action, fantasy-romance
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, intimate
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
435 pages · Kindle Edition · HQN Books
Content warnings: violence