Megan Van Dyke's Blog
May 5, 2025
The Artist and the Dragon is here!
The Artist and the Dragon, the second and final book in the Castamar Duology of fairy tale retellings, is now available!
She loathes him.
He craves her.
But when a deadly curse threatens those they love, these reluctant allies must work together to hunt down its wielder before time runs out.
The Artist and the Dragon is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with themes and motifs from The Phantom of the Opera, and set in a gaslamp fantasy world akin to Bridgerton, but with magic. You can look forward to a slow burn, angst-ridden romance between two reluctant allies who harbor secret feelings for one another while trying to solve a deadly mystery.
This is the second book in the duology and can be read as a standalone since it follows a different couple than book 1 (The Musician and the Monster). However, I do recommend reading book 1 for maximum enjoyment as that's where you initially meet these characters.
Both books in the duology are included in Kindle Unlimited.
She loathes him.
He craves her.
But when a deadly curse threatens those they love, these reluctant allies must work together to hunt down its wielder before time runs out.
The Artist and the Dragon is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with themes and motifs from The Phantom of the Opera, and set in a gaslamp fantasy world akin to Bridgerton, but with magic. You can look forward to a slow burn, angst-ridden romance between two reluctant allies who harbor secret feelings for one another while trying to solve a deadly mystery.
This is the second book in the duology and can be read as a standalone since it follows a different couple than book 1 (The Musician and the Monster). However, I do recommend reading book 1 for maximum enjoyment as that's where you initially meet these characters.
Both books in the duology are included in Kindle Unlimited.
July 20, 2022
Cover Reveal: The Ugly Stepsister
The Ugly Stepsister, book 2 in the Reimagined Fairy Tales Collection, has a cover!
I am obsessed with it and cannot wait for you all to read this book in less than two months! It releases on September 13, 2022.
Here's a summary of The Ugly Stepsister:
Anna knows the truth about her stepsister, Cinderella: The pauper turned queen wasn't the victim, but the bully.
Anna fled when the castle guards came to arrest her mother and sister on Cinderella’s orders. But leaving them in bondage at the Fairy Godmother’s workhouse? Out of the question. Disguised as a young man and taking the name of Ansel, she’ll do whatever it takes to free her family and set the record straight.
Will, a former royal huntsman, was nearly killed for dissenting Cinderella’s rise as queen in the wake of the sudden death of the king and his son. He hatches a plan to take Cinderella down, and encounters Ansel, who wants revenge just as much as he does.
Drawn together by a common goal and burgeoning feelings neither can ignore, Will and Ansel enact a plan to assassinate the queen. But when that goes awry and buried secrets come to light, they’ll have to choose: continue running from their pasts or accept themselves in order to forge a new future together.
I am obsessed with it and cannot wait for you all to read this book in less than two months! It releases on September 13, 2022.
Here's a summary of The Ugly Stepsister:
Anna knows the truth about her stepsister, Cinderella: The pauper turned queen wasn't the victim, but the bully.
Anna fled when the castle guards came to arrest her mother and sister on Cinderella’s orders. But leaving them in bondage at the Fairy Godmother’s workhouse? Out of the question. Disguised as a young man and taking the name of Ansel, she’ll do whatever it takes to free her family and set the record straight.
Will, a former royal huntsman, was nearly killed for dissenting Cinderella’s rise as queen in the wake of the sudden death of the king and his son. He hatches a plan to take Cinderella down, and encounters Ansel, who wants revenge just as much as he does.
Drawn together by a common goal and burgeoning feelings neither can ignore, Will and Ansel enact a plan to assassinate the queen. But when that goes awry and buried secrets come to light, they’ll have to choose: continue running from their pasts or accept themselves in order to forge a new future together.
May 3, 2022
A Bargain with the Fae King is available now!
A Bargain with the Fae King is available now in both e-book and paperback at all major retailers!
Thank you so much to everyone who has already read, reviewed, and purchased this book. You're truly making dreams come true.
Buy your copy here: https://books2read.com/FaeryCourts-Bargain
A Bargain with the Fae King
For Lia Ashmore, the only thing keeping her grief and guilt in check after an accident nearly killed her little sister, May, are her recurring dreams of Riven, a shadowed man who’s become her confidant, a pleasant escape from the pain of reality.
When May is taken by animalistic dark Fae, Lia journeys to Faery, desperate to save her sister. There, she comes face to face with three shocking truths: Riven is real, he’s not human, and in fact, he’s the King of the Forest Fae. They strike a bargain. He’ll help her save May in exchange for what he wants: Lia as his consort.
But saving her sister is not as easy as either expected, and a failed rescue attempt reignites an age-old conflict between Fae courts. As her relationship with Riven blossoms, Lia becomes increasingly entangled in bitter rivalries and political power plays.
In a world where no one can lie but everyone has secrets, Lia will have to decide who to trust. The choice alone could cost her heart, but the wrong one may demand her life—and her sister’s.
April 16, 2022
A Bargain with the Fae King pre-order campaign!
A Bargain with the Fae King is available for pre-order now in both e-book and paperback!
You can grab a copy from your favorite retailer here: https://books2read.com/FaeryCourts-Bargain
Everyone who purchases a copy prior to the release date can submit proof of purchase to receive a swag pack! The pack includes an art print by Nicole Deal, a bookmark, and a signed bookplate.
This offer is open internationally and is also available to anyone who places a library purchase request hold.
To claim your swag pack, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ra6GERBR6zhNyRkQ7
You can grab a copy from your favorite retailer here: https://books2read.com/FaeryCourts-Bargain
Everyone who purchases a copy prior to the release date can submit proof of purchase to receive a swag pack! The pack includes an art print by Nicole Deal, a bookmark, and a signed bookplate.
This offer is open internationally and is also available to anyone who places a library purchase request hold.
To claim your swag pack, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/ra6GERBR6zhNyRkQ7
February 15, 2022
Second Star to the Left is available now and on sale!
Second Star to the Left is official out in the world! The e-book, paperback, and hardback are all available via major retailers.
To celebrate the release of the book, the e-book is currently on sale for just $.99!
There's no better time to grab your copy of the book that Publishers Weekly called an "action-packed, sexy, adult spin on Tinker Bell and Captain Hook."
Purchase Now: https://books2read.com/FairyTales1UBL
To celebrate the release of the book, the e-book is currently on sale for just $.99!
There's no better time to grab your copy of the book that Publishers Weekly called an "action-packed, sexy, adult spin on Tinker Bell and Captain Hook."
Purchase Now: https://books2read.com/FairyTales1UBL
January 28, 2022
Cover Reveal: A Bargain with the Fae King
I'm thrilled to share with you all the cover for my upcoming Courts of Faery novel, A Bargain with the Fae King!
This book is near and dear to my heart as it started me writing several years ago, and I cannot wait to share it with you all!
Some things you can expect:
A college-aged heroine.
Portal fantasy romance.
Fae.
Slow burn to steam!
Loveable supporting characters.
An alpha hero with a soft and broken side.
Seductive villains.
Magical bargains.
Curses.
There's only one bed...and only one bathtub!
Look for it May 3, 2022.
Add it to your shelf now.
A Bargain with the Fae King:
For Lia Ashmore, the only thing keeping her grief and guilt in check after an accident nearly killed her little sister, May, are her recurring dreams of Riven, a shadowed man who’s become her confidant, a pleasant escape from the pain of reality.
When May is taken by animalistic dark Fae, Lia journeys to Faery, desperate to save her sister. There, she comes face to face with three shocking truths: Riven is real, he’s not human, and in fact, he’s the King of the Forest Fae. They strike a bargain. He’ll help her save May in exchange for what he wants: Lia as his consort.
But saving her sister is not as easy as either expected, and a failed rescue attempt reignites an age-old conflict between Fae courts. As her relationship with Riven blossoms, Lia becomes increasingly entangled in bitter rivalries and political power plays.
In a world where no one can lie but everyone has secrets, Lia will have to decide who to trust. The choice alone could cost her heart, but the wrong one may demand her life—and her sister’s.
This book is near and dear to my heart as it started me writing several years ago, and I cannot wait to share it with you all!
Some things you can expect:
A college-aged heroine.
Portal fantasy romance.
Fae.
Slow burn to steam!
Loveable supporting characters.
An alpha hero with a soft and broken side.
Seductive villains.
Magical bargains.
Curses.
There's only one bed...and only one bathtub!
Look for it May 3, 2022.
Add it to your shelf now.
A Bargain with the Fae King:
For Lia Ashmore, the only thing keeping her grief and guilt in check after an accident nearly killed her little sister, May, are her recurring dreams of Riven, a shadowed man who’s become her confidant, a pleasant escape from the pain of reality.
When May is taken by animalistic dark Fae, Lia journeys to Faery, desperate to save her sister. There, she comes face to face with three shocking truths: Riven is real, he’s not human, and in fact, he’s the King of the Forest Fae. They strike a bargain. He’ll help her save May in exchange for what he wants: Lia as his consort.
But saving her sister is not as easy as either expected, and a failed rescue attempt reignites an age-old conflict between Fae courts. As her relationship with Riven blossoms, Lia becomes increasingly entangled in bitter rivalries and political power plays.
In a world where no one can lie but everyone has secrets, Lia will have to decide who to trust. The choice alone could cost her heart, but the wrong one may demand her life—and her sister’s.
January 26, 2022
Pre-order Second Star to the Left to claim your swag pack!
Second Star to the Left is available for pre-order across major retailers in both ebook and paperback format! Hardback will be coming soon too!
If you pre-order a copy in any format before the release date, you can submit your order confirmation for a free, mailed swag pack from me! The pack includes an art print of Hook and Tink, bookmark, and signed bookplate. Additionally, everyone who pre-orders will be emailed an exclusive epilogue after the book's release date.
If you're excited for this book, you absolutely don't want to miss these goodies.
Claim your swag pack here:
https://forms.gle/FAgw2jESceVGEn6G8
Pre-order here: https://books2read.com/FairyTales1UBL
Also, now until January 28th, Barnes & Noble is offering 25% of all pre-orders, both ebook and print! This is a great deal that you don't want to miss, and it applies to #SSTTL! This is probably the only chance to preorder my book at a discount, so don't miss out!
If you pre-order a copy in any format before the release date, you can submit your order confirmation for a free, mailed swag pack from me! The pack includes an art print of Hook and Tink, bookmark, and signed bookplate. Additionally, everyone who pre-orders will be emailed an exclusive epilogue after the book's release date.
If you're excited for this book, you absolutely don't want to miss these goodies.
Claim your swag pack here:
https://forms.gle/FAgw2jESceVGEn6G8
Pre-order here: https://books2read.com/FairyTales1UBL
Also, now until January 28th, Barnes & Noble is offering 25% of all pre-orders, both ebook and print! This is a great deal that you don't want to miss, and it applies to #SSTTL! This is probably the only chance to preorder my book at a discount, so don't miss out!
January 14, 2022
Book Announcement! The Ugly Stepsister is coming later in 2022!
I'm thrilled to announce that I have signed a contract with City Owl Press to bring you another re-imagined fairy tale!
The Ugly Stepsister is a mash-up of Cinderella and Snow White, set in the same world as Second Star to the Left! Each book stands alone, so there's no need to read them in order; however, there are a few easter eggs for anyone who reads other books in the series.
This reimagining sees Anna, the "ugly" stepsister, teaming up with Will, a former royal huntsman, to take down the wicked queen, aka Cinderella.
It's another sexy, magical adventure that will have you looking at these classic tales in a whole new way. More details coming soon, until then, I'd love it if you'd add it to your Want to Read shelf!
The Ugly Stepsister is a mash-up of Cinderella and Snow White, set in the same world as Second Star to the Left! Each book stands alone, so there's no need to read them in order; however, there are a few easter eggs for anyone who reads other books in the series.
This reimagining sees Anna, the "ugly" stepsister, teaming up with Will, a former royal huntsman, to take down the wicked queen, aka Cinderella.
It's another sexy, magical adventure that will have you looking at these classic tales in a whole new way. More details coming soon, until then, I'd love it if you'd add it to your Want to Read shelf!
October 18, 2021
Second Star to the Left has a cover!
Second Star to the Left has a cover, and I am in love with it!
It may sound silly to say, but the cover is the part of the publication process that I was most nervous about, especially since this book is my debut.
What if it sucked? What if I hated it? What if there was a naked man on my cover?
Luckily, City Owl Press has been great to work with, and they were completely open to all my ideas and requests related to the cover. The design team had a lot of grace with me, too, as we went through different drafts and options to arrive at the final version.
I feel like this cover is not only beautiful, but captures some of the magic and mystery of the story. Plus, we get to see Tink in the background (with her wings, ah!), as well as Hook's ship the Jolly Roger. The island they're sailing to plays an important role in the story as well.
Do you like the cover? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Use hashtag #SSTTL on social media and I'll be sure to see your posts.
It may sound silly to say, but the cover is the part of the publication process that I was most nervous about, especially since this book is my debut.
What if it sucked? What if I hated it? What if there was a naked man on my cover?
Luckily, City Owl Press has been great to work with, and they were completely open to all my ideas and requests related to the cover. The design team had a lot of grace with me, too, as we went through different drafts and options to arrive at the final version.
I feel like this cover is not only beautiful, but captures some of the magic and mystery of the story. Plus, we get to see Tink in the background (with her wings, ah!), as well as Hook's ship the Jolly Roger. The island they're sailing to plays an important role in the story as well.
Do you like the cover? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Use hashtag #SSTTL on social media and I'll be sure to see your posts.
