Behooved
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected May 20, 2025
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
A charming slow-burn romantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantment
Bianca knows her duty comes before her heart. So when the threat of war looms, she agrees to marry the neighboring kingdom’s heir. But not all royal weddings are a fairytale, and Prince Aric, Bianca’s betrothed, is cold, aloof, and seems to hate her on sight.
To make matters worse, on their wedding night, an assassination attempt goes awry—leaving Aric magically transformed into a horse. Bianca does what any bride in this situation would do: she mounts her new husband and rides away to safety.
Sunset returns Aric to human form, but they soon discover the assassination attempt is part of a larger plot against the throne. Worse, Bianca has been framed for Aric’s murder, and she’s now saddled with a husband who is a horse by day and a frustratingly attractive man by night.
As an unexpected romance begins galloping away with their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.
"Behooved is bewitchingly charming, a romantic fairy-tale adventure that will sweep you off your feet (or hooves)!"—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Stevenson's wonderfully whimsical romantasy debut takes readers on an entertaining ride through a fairy tale–inspired fantasy land. As the "flower of Demaria," 25-year-old Bianca was raised to value duty above everything else and has been expected to compensate for her hobbling gastrointestinal condition, which the healers can't identify, by being perfect in every other way. In order to prevent a war with neighboring country Gildenheim, Bianca agrees to an arranged marriage with surly king-to-be Aric. A disastrous first meeting with the cold bookworm leaves Bianca convinced that Aric hates her. Things go from bad to worse when, on their wedding night, an assassination attempt and spell gone awry leaves Aric transformed into a horse and Bianca fleeing for safety on her husband's back. Aric, now a white stallion by day and a handsome man by night, and Bianca must cross Gildenheim in search of a cure. As they travel together, their attraction and feelings grow. Soon, however, the political situation turns dire, and Bianca is forced to choose her duty to Demaria or following her heart. Stevenson injects this lighthearted plot with a good dose of humor while making time to explore the difficulties of living with chronic illness and delving into meaningful themes about redefining strength, usefulness, and duty. Bianca and Aric's romance feels organic, and it's gratifying to see them mature together, helping each other overcome their respective insecurities. This confectionary romp delights.
