Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher
This gorgeous , sweeping historical romance will enchant the readers of Deanna Raybourn , and introduces a wildly talented new voice .
Anna was born of Chevring , a territory renowned for its valorous war horses , in the kingdom of Aurelia . But peace reigns , and her family ’ s fortune has dwindled . Her father brokers an alliance with the wealthy Lord Roger of Stolweg . The price : his eldest daughter and the secrets to her family ’ s once great power . Soon after they are wed , Roger proves himself cruel and calculating , a harsh lord who sows the seeds of fear in his people .
He has an ambitious secret , and nothing will stand in his way . Not his new bride , nor his older brother , heir to all that he covets .
But secrets have a way of getting out , and the people of Stolweg quietly bide their time , coming to love Anna for her noble bravery in standing up to her scoundrel husband . She will prove the leader they need to rise up and bring their underground resistance to flourish .
But it is Larkin , a guard of Aurelia , whose presence brings Roger ’ s treachery to the forefront , igniting the spark of war . Larkin comes to Stolweg to investigate Roger for treason against the realm and ends up giving all of his attention to Anna . For she not only captures his heart , she may be the only person who can stop the battle that will tear the kingdom apart .