Bookbinder Alessa is keen to turn a new leaf after a stifling marriage, and spending the night with a handsome stranger is the perfect solution, since she’ll never see him again, there’s no chance of getting attached.
Until Alessa interrupts a theft, and an alchemical accident leaves her magically glued to the culprit: none other than her one night stand, Evander. Thanks to his defective magic, Alessa is now quite literally stuck with him … and the only way to break the spell binding them together is to steal a book of magic from a ruthless noble family.
Even worse, Evander is a wanted fugitive with a bounty on his head, and if he’s caught, since they’re now inseparable, they’ll both be arrested. Desperate to get unglued, Alessa agrees to help Evander steal the book he needs, as long as he ensures she doesn’t take the blame. Armed with a cantankerous sentient library catalogue and ersatz alchemy, the two of them set out, hampered by their literal inability to keep their hands off each other.
But as the journey – and the binding spell – draw them closer, their connection becomes more than just magical. And as she uncovers the reason Evander is wanted, Alessa must confront the realization that the man she thought was her opposite in every way might be someone she just can’t let go.
Until Alessa interrupts a theft, and an alchemical accident leaves her magically glued to the culprit: none other than her one night stand, Evander. Thanks to his defective magic, Alessa is now quite literally stuck with him … and the only way to break the spell binding them together is to steal a book of magic from a ruthless noble family.
Even worse, Evander is a wanted fugitive with a bounty on his head, and if he’s caught, since they’re now inseparable, they’ll both be arrested. Desperate to get unglued, Alessa agrees to help Evander steal the book he needs, as long as he ensures she doesn’t take the blame. Armed with a cantankerous sentient library catalogue and ersatz alchemy, the two of them set out, hampered by their literal inability to keep their hands off each other.
But as the journey – and the binding spell – draw them closer, their connection becomes more than just magical. And as she uncovers the reason Evander is wanted, Alessa must confront the realization that the man she thought was her opposite in every way might be someone she just can’t let go.
Reviews
Praise for BEHOOVED
Behooved is a whimsical subverted fairytale that throws reluctant allies-to-lovers together in an action-packed journey across a magical landscape. I absolutely loved watching Bianca and Aric battling their perceived shortcomings, and finding strength in each other-and themselves. Full of charm, romance, and swashbuckling adventure, this debut is so much fun!
Behooved is bewitchingly charming, a romantic fairytale adventure that will sweep you off your feet (or hooves)!
Behooved is a refreshing, enchanting journey of self-discovery - but also, for the horse girls in all of us, a witty romp of a fairy tale romance that will have readers chomping at the bit
Arranged marriages, mischievous magic, and families lost and found. This quirky, charming fantasy romp is so much fun. A cozy fantasy romance to cuddle up with. A delightful debut
Cinematic and engaging, sparkling and joyous. You'll fall in love just like I did. This was a ridiculous amount of fun
It's impossible to rein in my enthusiasm for Behooved. This romantic fairy-tale adventure-full of meddling magic, witty banter, and my new favorite stubborn, stabby heroine-captured my heart from the start
Sprawlingly adventurous and packed with heartwarming romance and magic, Behooved is a captivating tale of duty, love, and breaking free - a book for everyone who's ever been told they're not enough. I devoured it with unbridled delight!
Wildly fun and completely charming, this story hits all the high notes of humor, sincerity, and a beautiful romance
Enchanting from start to finish. With a captivating plot, a delightful love interest, and an all-too-relatable heroine learning to believe in herself again, readers will be delighted by The Bookbinder and the Thief. The delicate blend of romance and fantasy had me devouring this in a single sitting, wishing for more. M. Stevenson is an auto-buy author for me. I can't wait to see what she writes next!
The Bookbinder and the Thief has everything: relatable characters, tragic backstories, a sentient (and grouchy) library catalogue, a fascinating magic system and tons and tons of heart. I loved every minute of it