Book 1 of Sons of Cardenas, a Fantasy Historical Romance series revolving around a royal family. A spin-off of the Kings of Cardenas series. Prince Damien Alexander II is next in line to the throne of the kingdom of Cardenas—a fact his parents never let him forget. Because in order to be a suitable ruler, he must settle down with a wife of his choosing, produce an heir, and become serious about matters of crown and country. There’s just one problem. Alex enjoys being a bachelor and is in no rush to give up his lifestyle of freedom and debauchery. When his parents urge him to consider the eligible women attending an upcoming house party, he can think of nothing worse. That is, until he lays eyes on Lady Lucille Wakefield. It’s been fifteen years since Alex last saw Lucille, and the annoying little girl he used to torment is now a woman…an infuriatingly high-handed shrew of a woman. Lucky for him, when his friends decide the lady is in need of a good debauching, he’s chosen as the man for the job. Determined to win his bet by seducing her straight into bed, Alex pursues Lucille relentlessly. Too bad she’s not the least bit interested in him or his charms. Her family’s good name has been tarnished before, and she has no intention of risking it again for one night with a prince. However, when a sinister plot against the royal family puts her in harm’s way, she finds herself thrust right into Alex’s arms … and under his protection. With both her reputation and heart on the line, can the roguish prince grow into the sort of man the reluctant lady deserves, or will Lucille keep her walls up, locking Alex out forever?

A princess on a mission. A man with secrets. A love that cannot be denied. Ignoring the expectations of her status and sex, Princess Leila Rothchester has spent her life avoiding a future that requires her to marry for political gain. She would rather serve her country in a more active role. When her best friend goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Leila is determined to uncover the truth—a dangerous mission that will take her far from home and immerse her in a world of secrets and intrigue. At the center of it all is Captain Warren Turner. A resident of a neighboring kingdom, he seems to play both sides of a brewing conflict, making Leila wonder where his loyalties lie. As Leila comes to know Warren, she begins to realize he isn’t what he seems. A man she thought of as her enemy becomes her ally, as well as the object of her desire—stoking to life feelings that Leila thought herself immune to. As their mounting attraction blossoms into something more, Leila fights the inevitability of falling in love. After all, submitting to a husband will mean giving up her freedom, something she has vowed never to do. However, as their mission puts them both in danger and pushes them closer together, Leila and Warren have no choice but to fight for their lives … as well as their love.