Romancing the princess
Experience a swashbuckling romantic adventure in a fantasy world,
perfect for fans of Anastasia and The Princess Bride!
Meg of Swansong Island was raised as an orphan, unaware of her true identity as the lost Princess of Elorain. But when three handsome strangers arrive to inform her of an uncle she never knew existed, she embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with him.
Led by a rugged ex-soldier, she travels alongside two young men who vie for her heart. The kindhearted woodsman, Ky MacElroy, seems a perfect match, while the captivating and enigmatic Arek Aewing steals her breath away. But with anti-royalist agents and an assassin on their tail, Meg must navigate the dangerous twists and turns of their quest—and of her heart. Will she choose Ky, with his endearing charm, or Arek, whose motives remain shrouded in mystery?
As Meg discovers shocking truths about her past and the fate of her fallen kingdom, she must rely on her courage and friendships to survive. Will love be enough to see them all through when everything is at risk?
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Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Clean Romance
Keywords: Heroine, Love Triangle, Quest, Action-Packed, Self-Discovery, Destiny
Marian, Princess Thief:
A Robin Hood Retelling
WINNER OF THE 2020 BEST INDIE BOOK AWARD – YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“There is no man called Robin Hood…I am no man.”
Lady Marian, once the beloved Princess of Sherwood, was only sixteen when her father rode off to fight in the Crusades, leaving his kingdom under the despotic rule of his brother, Prince John. The night her uncle sends an assassin upon her, Marian flees to Sherwood Forest, where she meets and forges an unbreakable bond with six other outlawed young women.
Now, the nineteen-year-old princess-in-exile and her Merry Maidens gallivant through the greenwood, cloaked under the aliases of Rob-in-Hood and his Merry Men. Together, they uphold their vendetta of mischief, undermining the Prince at every turn, robbing the rich and giving to the poor—all while outrunning their sworn nemesis, the odious Sheriff of Nottingham.
After a scheme takes an unexpected turn and Marian’s only recourse is to abduct the Sheriff, the lady brigands find themselves in over their heads, stuck with an unrelenting and formidable captive. But, as Marian is about to discover, sometimes people aren’t what they seem… After all, she would know.
Revisit the legend of Robin Hood like you’ve never read it in this wildly adventurous, utterly romantic, award-winning retelling!
This 60,000-word standalone retelling contains clean romance and historical fantasy elements. Books in the Mythic Maidens series can be read alone or in any order.
As Told by Isolde:
A Tristan and Isolde Retelling
“Tristan and Isolde? More like stuff and nonsense!”
At age eighteen, Isolde of Ayrland is expected to master the healing arts and uphold her mother’s legacy as a healer, but she’s nowhere near ready for the undertaking. Though her mother’s always urging her to “trust herself,” Isolde doesn’t know the first thing about herself worth trusting.
When Isolde heals the wounds of a gallant stranger, little does she know he’s actually Trustan, nephew of the King of Lyonesse. Trustan’s uncle, King Marc, has been suffering a mysterious malady no one’s been able to cure. Isolde makes the voyage to the Isle of Lyonesse only to meet a prickly king who doubts her almost as much as she doubts herself. To make matters worse, whatever afflicts him is unlike anything she’s ever encountered—and completely impervious to her powers.
As castle intrigue and rumors abound, Marc and Trustan begin to confide in Isolde. She’s only there to do her job—not to befriend anyone, and certainly not to fall in love. But as danger looms and no one is who he appears to be, Isolde must decide whom to trust. Only, what if her own heart is the most deceptive one of all?
Embark upon a romantic historical fantasy retelling in the award-winning Mythic Maidens series. *Includes a short bonus prequel!
This 40,000-word standalone retelling contains clean romance, magic, and historical fantasy elements. Books in the Mythic Maidens series can be read alone or in any order.
Secrets of Artemis:
A Greek Goddess Retelling
A 2017 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Honoree
It’s true, I am Mistress of the Hunt, goddess of the wilderness. But there’s more to my story that remains untold.
For centuries, I’ve kept my truth hidden. But now, I break the silence. Now, I share my account as men have never told it.
I am Artemis, and these are my secrets.
In Ancient Greece, the goddess Artemis was venerated as a maiden huntress, swift with her bow and arrows, and eternally chaste. But there is more to her story. The truth is, Artemis chose a vastly different destiny than the one her father, Zeus, envisioned for her. Namely, she hadn’t merely pined after the huntsman, Orion, but had secretly partaken in a forbidden romance with him.
In this award-winning novel from prolific fantasy writer, C.K. Brooke, Artemis’s classic myths are retold as never before, in her own voice, as the young goddess sets the record straight and reveals the true account of her immortal life – and love.
This 55,000-word standalone retelling contains Greek mythology, romance, and some upper-young adult themes. Books in the Mythic Maidens series can be read alone or in any order.
I, GUINEVERE:
A Camelot Retelling
A 2019 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Award Honoree
“Legend has it wrong. Arthur never pulled that sword out of the stone. I did.”
On the winter solstice, a mysterious sword appears in a stone. Not even the mightiest of the village men can remove it, until fifteen-year-old Guinevere gives a try. The sword heeds the unsuspecting maiden, proclaiming the unthinkable: She is the blood of Pendrakon, heir to the vacant throne of Camylot.
Guinevere never dreamed she was royalty. Now, between apprenticing an eccentric old wizard, swordplay lessons with a boy called Lance, and clandestine meetings with the formidable High Priestess of Avalon, Guinevere is swept up in a whirlwind of training and preparation for her monumental new role as future queen. But invasions by barbarians and visitations from mysterious, dark forces loom overhead. Can Guinevere defend her kingdom against darkness and deception? Despite sinister forces working against her, can she harness the power to wield Exkalibur and rule the realm? Or is Camylot already destined to fall?
From the unstoppable pen of C.K. Brooke comes a fresh and unforgettable new retelling steeped in Arthurian mythology. Queen Guinevere has her own tale to share, and it’s nothing like you thought! Experience the magic and myth of Camylot and Avalon like never before as this legendary maiden of lore recounts her side of the story.
This 45,000-word standalone retelling contains clean romance and fantasy elements. Books in the Mythic Maidens series can be read alone or in any order.
Lady Greensleeves:
A FOLKlore Reimagining
“You’ve heard the song about me. I am the one called Lady Greensleeves…this is my story.“
Sorcha is Princess Kiara’s lady-in-wait, closest confidant, and best friend. When Princess Kiara comes of marrying age, handsome suitors begin to arrive at the castle to court her. That is why the girls are most surprised when Sorcha—not the Princess—becomes the recipient of a series of anonymous gifts and letters.
At first, the girls make it into a game, a mystery. But when Sorcha’s gifts become more lavish and frequent, the girls begin to quarrel. Which of the Princess’s suitors is courting her lady-in-wait, and why?
The clock is ticking on Princess Kiara to select a husband, and to choose wisely. With Sorcha’s undesired attention driving a rift between the two friends, Sorcha is more determined than ever to unmask her secret admirer before their friendship is ruined forever, or the Princess marries the wrong man—or worse, both. But is Sorcha prepared for the truth?
Inspired by the lyrics to “Greensleeves,” this delightful novella by C.K. Brooke brings to life a romantic new reimagining of the classic folksong’s origins.
This 30,000-word standalone retelling contains clean romance and historical fantasy elements. Books in the Mythic Maidens series can be read alone or in any order.
The Mythic Maidens Collection
Rediscover the timeless tales of mythical goddesses, legendary queens, and rebel princesses like never before in this multi-award-winning series by C.K. Brooke. Revisit the myths of Artemis, the legends of young Queen Guinevere, and the folklore of Maid Marian and more, retold in their own unique voices. Prepare to wield magic, wage battle, and fall irrevocably in love in five unforgettable romantic adventures. Collection includes:
+ Marian, Princess Thief: A Robin Hood Retelling
Best Indie Book Award Winner!
Lady Marian, exiled Princess of Sherwood, gallivants through the greenwood, cloaked under the alias of Rob-in-Hood with her Merry Maidens. Together, they uphold a vendetta of mischief, undermining Prince John at every turn, robbing the rich and giving to the poor. But when a scheme takes an unexpected turn and Marian’s only recourse is to abduct Hood’s sworn enemy – the odious Sheriff of Nottingham – Marian is about to discover that sometimes people aren’t what they seem… After all, she would know.
+ As Told by Isolde: A Tristan and Isolde Retelling
Isolde came to the castle to heal the king. She isn’t there to fall in love. But as danger looms and no one is who he appears to be, she must decide whom to trust. Only, what if her own heart is the most deceptive one of all? This is a surprising retelling of the legend of Tristan and Isolde!
+ Secrets of Artemis: A Greek Goddess Retelling
Award Winner!
In this tale, the Greek goddess Artemis’s classic myths are retold as never before, in her own voice, as the young goddess sets the record straight and reveals the true account of her immortal life – and forbidden love.
+ I, Guinevere: A Camelot Retelling
Award Winner!
Queen Guinevere has her own tale to share, and it’s nothing like what you thought! Experience the magic and myth of Camylot and Avalon like never before as this legendary maiden of lore recounts her side of history.
+ Lady Greensleeves: A Folklore Reimagining
Inspired by the lyrics to “Greensleeves,” this delightful story brings to life a romantic new reimagining of the classic folksong’s origins.
Each standalone retelling can be read in any order. If you love historical fantasy elements, clean romance, and adventure, this is the series for you!
Whisper
2021 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, Honorable Mention
Kestrel Rosemont just wants a place to belong. An artist at heart, stuck with a prim, practical family that doesn’t always understand her imagination and whimsy, she longs to create a world of her own.
When whispering lights appear by the woods one winter night, Kestrel is drawn into an enchanted land of eternal spring, where a mysterious prince welcomes her warmly, seeming convinced she’s his bride. As Christmas approaches, Kestrel straddles a secret double-life between home and the Whisper Kingdom. But beneath the surface, something dark is lurking with the power to end all she didn’t even realize she held dear. Is she certain her otherworld is a dreamland? Or could it be a nightmare in disguise? Soon, Kestrel must fight to find where she truly belongs.
Whisper is a spellbinding gaslamp novel that will enchant readers of YA fantasy, clean romance, and dark fairy tales.
The Wrong Prince
2017 Global Ebook Awards Honorable Mention, Fantasy
Two princes. One bride. A dire misunderstanding…
Meet Geo and Dmitri, the Princes of Tybiria. Though Geo is the obvious athlete, it’s his bookish brother, Dmitri, who receives the credit—and consequences—for slaying the young Prince of Llewes in battle. But whose arrow really struck the lad?
Luccia of Backshore, Geo’s secret mistress, is devastated to learn that she’ll be given in marriage to none other than Prince Dmitri, her clandestine lover’s brother. At their engagement party, Prince Dmitri is abducted by the bereaved King of Llewes, leaving Geo and Lucie no choice but to set aside their hard feelings and forbidden desires to unite on a perilous quest to rescue him.
Trapped within the formidable Wintersea fortress, Prince Dmitri forges an unexpected alliance with Pavi, his captor’s brilliant and mysterious ward. As their bonds deepen, they hatch a daring escape plan. A messy love-quadrangle, a plot to murder the king, and a hitwoman harlot complete this action-packed romantic fantasy in another wickedly fast-paced, rollicking adventure from C.K. Brooke.
The Red Pearl
An action-packed fantasy romance readers are describing as a YA mash-up of Indiana Jones and Romancing the Stone!
Antonia Korelli never wanted the life of a priestess, confined to the temple and relegated to chastity. Instead, she longs for true love and adventure in the Kindgom of Elat. On the morning of her escape, she unexpectedly rescues a man at gunpoint…much to his dismay. Robin Watkins, a fiery dreamer, is on a mission to find the legendary lost Red Pearl. When Antonia unwittingly gives up his treasure map to save his life, he refuses to let her go until she’s helped him retrieve it.
The last thing Antonia wants is to be stuck on a wild goose chase with a hotheaded adventurer who drives her to the brink of madness. Yet, somewhere amidst their bickering and banter along his harebrained hunt through arid desert and lush tropics, she begins to wonder whether this might be the unforgettable adventure—and romance—she was seeking all along. Can Rob overcome his own ambitions and broken heart to recognize true treasure when it’s right before his eyes? Will they survive the perils of uncharted terrain and the clutches of deadly rival treasure hunters to find out?
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Young Adult, New Adult
Keywords: Enemies to Lovers Romance, Historical Fantasy, Romantic Comedy, Treasure Hunt, Quest, Romantic Fantasy
Capturing the Captain
(American Pirate Romances #1)
In 1720, it’s a pirate’s life for Abigail Clear, daughter of a notorious colonial pirate captain…
But when a rival crew invades Abigail’s ship, she is taken prisoner. Now aboard the enemy vessel, she must contend with its formidable captain. But who is the real captive?
Locked away in the belly of The Indomitable is no place for a woman…
Captain James Morrow is more than displeased to discover his sole captive to be none other than an untamable young lass who will earn him no bounty. Yet if he can soften the little rogue, she just might switch her loyalties to him, and reveal the whereabouts of the infamous thief who sired her–and his stolen treasure. But two can play that game, as Abi is equally inclined to charm the dogged sailor off her father’s tail.
Might she and Captain Morrow run the risk of falling for their own charades?
They dance about their disguises as genuine developing emotions clash against deeper motives, and suspicion runs high. When the captain finally steals a first kiss, Abi decides it’s high time to make her escape–fleeing not only his vessel, but her fondness for the man who intends to see her father hang.
The high seas heat up as Captain Morrow’s quest to recapture Abi is halted by her pirate father, Captain Clear. Will James succeed in pursuit of his captive love, or will his desires conspire to make him a captive himself?
Commanding His Heart
(American Pirate Romances #2)
In Jamestown 1785, Emeline Winthrop dreams of marrying a dashing groom…
When Em’s parents bestow her hand to a coldhearted widower three times her age, she’s desperate. On the eve of her engagement, she escapes to the James River and stows away aboard an acquaintance’s rigger.
Commander Miers Redding would never have dreamed of pirating in his naval days…
However, partnering with the unsavory Captain Crawley is the only way to complete his dangerous mission. When a young lady sneaks aboard The Black Rose, his cover is nearly blown, but the quick-thinking commander saves their skins by pretending to be her husband.
A façade as newlyweds during a dangerous, whirlwind voyage to the Caribbean is bound to convince not only the pirate crew of the couple’s affections, but possibly each other. Yet the mystifying Virginia belle is hiding something from him…
And what, exactly, is Commander Redding’s mysterious mission?
These secrets could end their love, their mission – and their lives.
The Poet Bride
Baltimore, 1901: Aspiring poet Elly Owen is eighteen when her family takes on a boarder in the flat above their shop. Their new tenant, dockworker Ben Porter, is the muse of Elly’s dreams: he’s charming, masculine, and mysterious. The two embark upon a whirlwind forbidden romance as secret lovers—until Ben abruptly disappears, leaving Elly reeling and disconsolate.
When a hidden betrayal surfaces, Elly resolves to go west to find Ben. Chaperoned by Jonathan, a young seminarian with hopes to marry Elly, she ventures to Maumee, Ohio in search of the truth. What she discovers is a life far removed from her romantic expectations, and a rocky relationship that just might rewrite everything she assumed about love.
The Poet Bride is a character-driven period piece set in turn-of-the-last century America. The narrator’s candid examination of marriage, perseverance, and commitment to her heart at all costs will charm readers of historical romance and women’s fiction alike. Read it exclusively on the Readict mobile app.
Fool Moon
What would you choose: Abandon true love or stay cursed forever?
Lorileen Masters is cursed. To rid herself of the terrifying shades that stalk her, she sets off for the witch’s lair to bargain for a reversal of the curse. When Lori crosses paths with Archer, a highwayman hunter on a golden horse, she discovers he possesses the mysterious ability to shield her from the shades—even though he can’t see them himself. Tempting him with the only item she has to barter, a magical amaranth, Lori persuades Archer to chaperone her for the voyage.
Neither expected the love of a lifetime, yet that is exactly what Lori and Archer find in each other. But if Lori succeeds in reversing her curse, she’ll retain no memory since its casting, including every moment with Archer. Will she abandon her quest and stay cursed forever? Can true love endure beyond memory?
Author C.K. Brooke delivers an exciting tale of valor and romance, fraught with humor and magic, in this spellbinding novella for young adults.
The Golden Dove
The Prince and the Pauper meets Freaky Friday—fairytale style!
Crown Princess Tàlia cares for nobody but herself. Prickly, abrasive, and widely disliked, she is notorious for mistreating her servants, clashing with the Prime Minister, and rejecting her arranged betrothal to a prince.
Mallory Cotts, the humble stable girl on the castle grounds, is a kind and conscientious soul. The horses she tends are her only friends. When the Princess demands a horse to aid in her escape from the betrothal, Mallory refuses to assist. A fierce tussle breaks out between the two girls, until a mysterious golden dove flutters into their midst, offering a peculiar resolution to their quarrel.
When the girls come to, Princess Tàlia is trapped in the stable girl’s body, while Mallory occupies the Princess’s. In a race against time, the pair must set aside their differences and masquerade as each other at an impending ball, where they plan to reject the Prince’s proposal and find a way to reclaim their bodies, all while evading suspicion. However, what they discover far exceeds what they were expecting in this enchanting novella that blends humor, romance, and hope into a tale about the transformative power of friendship.
MOre Books…
C.K. BROOKE 