The first book in a gripping romantic fantasy trilogy following Valerie Gracey, sent to be married to a man duty-bound to execute her if he discovers the forbidden magic flowing through her veins, who finds an unlikely ally in his younger brother. Containing a love-triangle where you actually like both guys, a rake with a heart of gold and a smart heroine who is willing to play the game of politics to win. For readers of The Hurricane Wars and The Red Queen.

THE BRIDE PRICE
by Alyssa Pickering
Wayward TxF/Transworld, January 2027
(via Mushens Entertainment)

Valerie Gracey never wanted the crown, but as the eldest daughter of a scheming duke, she doesn’t make the plans — she survives them. But survival seems impossible when she’s summoned to marry Crown Prince Aleksander: a man duty-bound to execute her if he discovers her forbidden inherited magic.

Valerie knows a single misstep means death not just for her, but her siblings too, so she resolves to win the prince’s heart. Surely a man who loves her is less likely to want her dead.

But ignoring her magic is not easy, and ignoring the Prince’s rebellious brother is even harder.

Alyssa Pickering has been obsessed with stories for as long as she can remember. When she wasn’t reading fantasy books, she was writing them—especially ones filled with magic. After a brief academic detour to earn a BS in Human Development and an MA in Family and Community Services, she remembered her preference for imaginary worlds and began drafting her debut novel.