WILLOW AND THE WELLSPRING by Desirée M. Niccoli is an adult villain fantasy romance (now on submission). It explores villainy in different forms—tyranny, oppression, a mother’s neglect, an anti-hero’s violence—but also the possibility of healing and a redemption that doesn’t end in death.
Content warnings below.
When the need to pay off the debt for her prosthetic leg drives indentured huntress Vivian to dire tactics, she finds herself in the arms of a charming and mysterious stranger who makes her feel seen in ways she’s never known. But her blissful night quickly turns to nightmare when a fugitive entrusts her with delivering the last known rheastone—the only way back to Paradisum, her long-lost homeland—and its Queen.
The Warlock Prince is finally close to having the last remaining rheastone in his grasp, the magical artifact that will lead him to Paradisum, home of the Wellspring, the source of all magic. That is, until he learns an enchanting Paradisian huntress has run off with it. For years, he’s been stuck in Gravenhal, a rival kingdom, enforcing its laws with a fiery fist and failing to find his way out. He will not let this final chance go up in a puff of smoke.
Pulled between their duties and their hearts, both the Warlock Prince and Vivian find themselves on opposing sides. On one, are the people of Gravenhal, a kingdom scarred by a bygone war; and while they languish under a waning magic supply and a necromancer king’s tyrannical rule, they’ve also subjugated generations of Paradisians to indentured servitude as war restitution. On the other side, are the Paradisians, who, while atoning for their past crimes, also want only to see their children free and living in peace, returned to their magical roots. The Warlock Prince has secrets binding him to both worlds, secrets that drive his hunt for the Wellspring. With the Warlock Prince hot on her heels, Vivian is determined to thwart his every move. She must be swift or he will ensnare all magic—along with her heart.
Story elements:
- Enemies-to-lovers trope twist
- Elemental magic as a resource
- Post-war setting
- A healing HEA
- Y e a r n i n g
Content Warnings
This book contains sexual content. It is not intended for anyone under the legal age of adulthood. All characters depicted in sexual situations herein are over 18 years of age. Some content within this book may be triggering or disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. Other content within this book, includes, but is not limited to:
blood, body horror, violence, death, oppression/tyranny, indentured servitude, war restitution, references to amputation and the healing process (past), child neglect and abuse (past), mentions of genocide (past, not on page), swearing
Please read with care.
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