Set off on a fairy tale quest

“Everyone says he’ll make up his mind at the Spring Dance. Oh, Pen! Just think, someone out there is Cinderella and doesn’t know it yet.”

The book Into the Bargain has a lot of fairy-tale references, some direct, many more hidden.

How many can you find?

Once you get your hands on the book, keep track as you read. Then sign up for my newsletter to find out how you did … and get exclusive printable bookmarks (plus other goodies).

Your quest questions answered

Q: How many fairy tale references did you include?

A lot. ~Smiles secretive, evil queen smile~

Q: Help a reader out. Are you just including the well-known fairy tales?

No, a mix of well-known and lesser-known tales.

Q: What about myths? Folk tales? Legends? Do they count?

I think it’s hard to know precisely where to draw the line, so yes. (And readers of the Clandestine Magic trilogy will probably have an idea of at least one Greek myth they can find referenced here …)

Q: What if I find legit references to fairy tales that you don’t mention on your list?

You probably will! That’s the magical nature of fairy tales. Pat yourself on the back for your superior skills and send me an email so I can enjoy your find, too.

Q: Tell me about the book.

A young lady with no income—and shortly no home—must be in want of a wizard husband.

Pen Novak has two weeks to find someone to marry. Otherwise, she’ll be spirited off to live with her awful uncle. Fortunately, her town’s omnimancer is on the market, and he plans to choose someone at a ball in thirteen days.

Unfortunately, he’s not the type to appreciate cleverness, persistence or anything else Pen has to offer.

Enter the wizard’s intriguing assistant, who makes her a bargain: a magical brew that could virtually guarantee her selection, in exchange for a favor. Which he won’t specify. Nor will he tell her his name.

Of course she shouldn’t accept. Especially as she starts to notice his fine eyes and tempting lips.

But with all the job openings in town meant for men only, what other choice does a young lady—or, rather, a not quite so young lady—really have?

Q: I love/hate books with steamy scenes/naughty language/certain tropes/subversive stuff. Am I going to love/hate this one?

All my books are moderately steamy. This one is on the milder side of my range.

All my books also have some naughty language, but this one doesn’t go above a few damns. (Miss Novak’s still getting the hang of cursing.) See this list for more information, including tropes.

And all my books are at least a little subversive. Subversive is literally the title of one of them.

Q: I think you’re having entirely too much fun with this.

No lies detected.