He’s the villain in his story, but he could be the hero in mine.

Apparently I’m cursed. I don’t remember pricking my finger on a spindle or falling into an endless sleep. And I certainly don’t remember asking hero after hero to attempt to save me.

They come to vanquish the nightmares that ravage me, only to flee when they realize I have no memories of the princess they’re expecting to meet.

I’ve given up hope I’ll ever be free.

Until the mercenary stumbles into my curse. Madden is dangerously handsome, a hit man with secrets. At first, I’m sure he’ll bolt, just like everyone else.

Instead, he forces me to do something I’ve never done: face my nightmares. As we battle the terrors together, pieces of my memory return. Yet I still know little about Madden’s past . . . or why he’s helping me.

The closer we get to breaking this curse—and to each other—the more I realize it’s not just my life on the line anymore—it’s my heart.

Echo of Embers is the prequel novella in Stolen Crowns, a series of steamy stand-alone but interconnected fairytale retellings. If you’re a fan of resistant heroes, opposites attract, and grumpy/sunshine, then this story is for you!