by Ann Aguirre
First published 2026
Thea Winter was stolen as a changeling and raised by Mudge the hobgoblin, who taught her wildcraft and how to handle coin-siths. Now she faces an unwanted marriage of convenience, but her intended spouse Devan J. Fenelon has fled. Thea must hunt him down, accompanied by a grim tracker called Winter's Hound. Kerberos has lived as a slave to his cruel cousin Lord Liskaal since his father's rebellion failed. He exists only as a warning to others about the price of defiance. When Liskaal orders him to escort and protect Thea during her search, Kerberos discovers something unexpected. Traveling with Thea becomes sweet torment. She radiates light while he dwells in darkness. Their growing attraction violates every rule that governs his existence, but some forces prove stronger than fear or duty.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, dark-fantasy, fantasy-romance
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, emotional, romantic, slow-burn
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, found-family, slow-burn
352 pages · Paperback · Sourcebooks Casablanca
Content warnings: abuse, slavery