Into the Bargain
Part 0.1 of the Clandestine Magic Fairy Tale series
A young lady with no income-and shortly no home-must be in want of a wizard husband. Pen Novak has two weeks to find someone to marry. Otherwise, she'll be spirited off to live with her awful uncle. Fortunately, her town's omnimancer is on the market, and he plans to choose someone at a ball in thirteen days. Unfortunately, he's not the type to appreciate cleverness, persistence or anything else Pen has to offer. Enter the wizard's intriguing assistant, who makes her a bargain: a magical brew that could virtually guarantee her selection, in exchange for a favor. Which he won't specify. Nor will he tell her his name. Of course she shouldn't accept. Especially as she starts to notice his fine eyes and tempting lips. But with all the job openings in town meant for men only, what other choice does a young lady-or, rather, a not quite so young lady-really have? INTO THE BARGAIN is a fairy-tale-inspired fantasy romance set in the Clandestine Magic world, shortly before the events of the trilogy that begins with Subversive. This quick read (21,000 word) novella, a standalone story with an HEA, is perfect for fans of gaslamp fantasy, feminist awakenings and slow-burn romance with some steam.