From the bestselling, World Fantasy Award-winning author of
Witchmark comes a sweeping, romantic new fantasy set in a world
reminiscent of Regency England, where women's magic is taken from them
when they marry. A sorceress must balance her desire to become the first
great female magician against her duty to her family.
Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret,
terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will
cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of
becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men
do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining
Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to
negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only
she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their
creditors come calling.
In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to
becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress
swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to
help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice's first
kiss . . . with her adversary's brother, the handsome, compassionate,
and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.
The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her
decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will
devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she
is; but if she marries--even for love--she will sacrifice her magic, her
identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she
will forever regret the path not taken?
