Stacia Stark

For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile. The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead. Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae. The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt. And they are burned. When my forbidden power is discovered, I’m forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore. To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest. Our deal is simple: I’ll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he’ll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I’ve always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival. But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom—and perhaps even this world—apart. Please note: A Court This Cruel and Lovely is an NA/adult romantasy book with steam. While this series is slow burn, the chili pepper rating will increase for each book.

The price of love is loss. We all pay it eventually… In every life… Some moments are too painful to be endured. Some moments will break you if you let them. And yet I can’t afford to let anything break me. Because we have one chance to win this war. One chance to create a better life for everyone across the four kingdoms. Even as our enemies ally with each other, and our own allies are forced to betray their kingdoms, their people…and themselves. And even as Regner plans something so cruel, so wholly evil, he’s poised to douse the last remaining spark of hope in this world. Unless we kill him first.

Risk everything for your kingdom… Or be destroyed by it. In a world darkened by deceit, the truth is a light that won’t be dimmed. Even when it illuminates Lorian’s betrayals more starkly than I could ever want to see. They call him the Bloodthirsty Prince. His reign of terror has left a trail of blood across this continent. A trail that intertwines with my own past–not even my parents were spared from his merciless slaughter. To save my brother’s life, I agreed to another bargain with the fae prince. Now, I’m forced to work with him. Forced to travel to the fae lands. Forced to spend my every waking moment with the man who betrayed me. All because King Sabium has woven a deadly tapestry of manipulation, using those we least suspect for his wicked schemes. There are no lines I won’t cross to protect the people I love. So I’ll work with former enemies. I’ll manipulate, blackmail, and deceive potential allies. I’ll swallow my pride, bury my shattered heart, and cooperate with the fae to prepare for the coming war. Because there are creatures far more monstrous than the fae. And some of them masquerade as men.

I hunt demons. I don’t work for them. And I promised my mom one thing before she was murdered: Under no circumstances, would I ever go near the high demons. But I’ll break that promise over and over again if it helps me avenge her death. When my only lead winds up dead in the middle of demon territory, I’m suddenly in deep shit. Violence in Samael’s club is a death sentence… unless he can use you. And it turns out that the scariest demon in the Triangle has a use for little ol’ me. Demons are being slaughtered. His demons. And as a bounty hunter, it’s up to me to find out who would dare hurt his people.   I’ve got two weeks to find the killer, and if I fail, I’m bonded to Samael. Forever. Samael’s certain that I’ll be his, but I’m not the kinda girl who risks her freedom for a demon. I’m the kinda girl who won’t let anyone get in the way of her vengeance— not even the Machiavellian control freak who thinks he can run my life. The problem? I’ve pissed the wrong people off. Now I’m the one being hunted, and someone’s coming for me with everything they have. But I’m never more dangerous than when my back is up against the wall. And I’m ready to come out swinging.

The unimaginable has happened, And none of our lives will ever be the same. Surrounded by enemies, I've never been further from my crown... Or closer to death. Amidst a betrayal we couldn't have anticipated, I'll do whatever it takes to find my way back to Lorian – before his fury lays waste to this continent. Alliances are being forged and broken, our enemies are unifying, and Regner’s spiders are closer than ever before. We have only one chance to prevent him from attaining god-like powers and enslaving every human, fae, and hybrid across the four kingdoms. Meanwhile, the human king believes I’m trapped here, yearning for my death, and waiting for Lorian to save me. But Regner hasn’t yet realized that I'll stop at nothing to free my people. And he's the one who should be afraid of me.

I hunt demons. I don’t work for them. And I promised my mom one thing before she was murdered: Under no circumstances, would I ever go near the high demons. But I’ll break that promise over and over again if it helps me avenge her death. When my only lead winds up dead in the middle of demon territory, I’m suddenly in deep shit. Violence in Samael’s club is a death sentence… unless he can use you. And it turns out that the scariest demon in the Triangle has a use for little ol’ me. Demons are being slaughtered. His demons. And as a bounty hunter, it’s up to me to find out who would dare hurt his people.   I’ve got two weeks to find the killer, and if I fail, I’m bonded to Samael. Forever. Samael’s certain that I’ll be his, but I’m not the kinda girl who risks her freedom for a demon. I’m the kinda girl who won’t let anyone get in the way of her vengeance— not even the Machiavellian control freak who thinks he can run my life. The problem? I’ve pissed the wrong people off. Now I’m the one being hunted, and someone’s coming for me with everything they have. But I’m never more dangerous than when my back is up against the wall. And I’m ready to come out swinging.

In exchange for her brother’s life, Arvelle must enter the Sundering –– a deadly competition where the winners are chosen for the Imperius –– the emperor’s elite guard.It’s a dangerous task made even worse when she attracts the attention of the same ruthless vampire who shattered her heart six years ago.With elite gladians targeting her in the lethal arena, and an assassin picking the competitors off one-by-one, Arvella has no choice but to ally with the man who once betrayed her. The man who has since become even more implacable, colder and merciless.

Once, I helped save a kingdom.Now, I’m trapped in a prison of thorns and nightmares.My crime? Knowing the location of a power that could reshape the world—a grimoire I swore to protect with my life. That secret is the only thing keeping me alive while my captors wait for me to break. Until he arrives. Beautiful. Ruthless. Dark, inscrutable eyes. A dangerously wicked grin. But he’s not here to rescue me. He wants the grimoire for himself––and he’ll destroy anyone who stands in his way. My only choice is a fragile, temporary alliance with a man I can never trust. Because there’s more at stake than just a stolen grimoire or an ancient grudge. And behind his mask of effortless allure, he’s hiding something far more dangerous than a thirst for power. Something that could destroy us all.

If there’s one thing I loathe, it’s being told what to do. I was kept ignorant and sheltered my whole life. Now that I’m free, I’ll never be coddled again. Even if the smoking hot werewolf king thinks coddling is perfectly acceptable. Because something’s hunting humans in my city. Something that kills like a werewolf, but displays those kills publicly–as if taunting the authorities. Thanks to my spiffy new agreement with the police, it’s my job to figure out just what that something is. But whoever is hunting the good citizens of Durham is also taunting me. When my investigation takes me to the local werewolf pack–and the overprotective male in charge–I know I’m in trouble. Can I solve these murders without losing my freedom... or my life? Or will the creature make me regret ever thinking I was strong enough to be out in the world alone? ♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. ♥

Lucifer Morningstar took everything from me. My memories. My freedom. And my powers. Now, it’s my turn to take everything from him. I’ll make alliances with former enemies, kill those who betrayed me and make my grandfather regret ever learning of my existence. Because Samael is readying our people for war. And there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect those I love. The Underking thought he could hold me prisoner in his castle. He’s about to learn that he shouldn’t have let me into his world. Because now I’m going to burn that world down. Even if it means I burn with him.

Within a matter of days, Samael will turn to ash. And there’s a high chance I’ll die with him. To save both our lives, I’m calling in every favor and debt owed to me. I’ll travel through realms. I’ll tussle with mythical creatures. And I’ll hand over the things I value most– even if it means playing right into Lucifer’s hands. I never could have imagined I’d risk everything for a demon. But what Samael and I have will always be worth fighting for. Even if it means ending treaties, severing friendships, and alienating our allies. Because Samael is mine now. And I protect what’s mine. ♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. The Deals with Demons world includes the fae, demons, mages, werewolves, witches, and more.♥

He’s an arrogant control freak. I’m a stubborn, loose cannon. We’re a match made in hell. Luckily, that’s Samael's hometown.  After the Mage Council publicly excised me, I've finally got my first real case. And I've even taken on a brand-new employee: A werewolf with impulse control issues. But my sister just lost everyone she loves, and she’s begging me to ask Samael for help. Whether I like it or not, I need the high demon's resources. Because anyone who can kill that many witches has the kind of power we can't afford to ignore.   But the more I work with Samael, the more I'm realizing just who he is beneath the mask he wears for everyone else. And the demon I never wanted? He just might be the love I never knew I needed.  ♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. The Deals with Demons world includes the fae, demons, mages, werewolves, witches, and more.♥ ★ Read it now ★

What’s scarier than hunting demons? Being bonded to one of them. Ever since I got involved with the demons, my life has fallen apart. Now, I’m persona non grata with the mage council. And because of me, my sister is in danger. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m also the lead suspect in an attempted murder. But it gets worse. I’m learning that everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie. And the underhanded demon who bonded with me? Well, he’s convinced he can keep me. When an ancient fae artifact turns up missing, I have to use every trick up my sleeve to locate it. Someone wants to watch the world burn, and if I don’t stop them, every paranormal alive is a target. Armed with a power I don’t understand, and with a demon I don’t trust by my side, it’s up to me to dodge the people who want me dead and protect my city. Before Samael loses patience with whoever is hunting me and burns the city down himself. ♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. ♥ ★ Read it now ★

For fantasy romance readers who love Raven Kennedy, Amanda Bouchet, and Carissa Broadbent. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers series will enchant you...  For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile. The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead. Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae. The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt. And they are burned. When my forbidden power is discovered, I'm forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore. To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest. Our deal is I'll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he'll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I've always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival. But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom-and perhaps even this world-apart.

What do you do when the demon you’re reluctantly obsessed with knows your deepest darkest secret? Every. Excruciating. Detail. If you’re smart, you push him away and bury yourself in work. Except that Vas isn’t the kind of guy who’ll allow me to hide from my feelings for long. Even if he did return from the underworld… different. Meanwhile, I’ve been ignoring all my instincts to hide my tech magic. Instead, I’m using it to help Evie and Kyla solve a high-profile kidnapping case. Not only is it the right thing to do, but the reward money will also allow me to make a fresh start. But now, my bar is being targeted by my enemies. And Vas insists on shoving his body between mine and any kind of danger. Even though he has his own vengeance to plan. But by choosing to shield me, Vas may have switched from the hunter... to the hunted. Now it's my turn to protect him. ♥ If you like K.F Breene, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Jennifer Estep, Shannon Mayer, Kim Harrison, and Dannika Dark, you’ll love this series. ♥ ★ Read it now ★

This is the free prequel/short story which begins before Speak of the Demon, the first book in the Deals with Demons world. You can find the link in my profile. I’ve searched for my mom’s murderer for two years. But now I finally have a way to narrow down my suspects. The ancient fae artifact is mine for the taking. Well, not quite. The artifact belongs to Samael— the scary-as-hell demon who runs this country. There’s a reason why no one would dare steal from him. But with great risk comes great reward… right? All I need to do is get close to him, sneak past his dragon, and steal from his hoard. Wish me luck.