The Kiss of Deception

by: Mary E. Pearson


She flees on her wedding day. She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection. She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father. She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.
The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.
Fed up and ready for a new life. Lia escapes to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive--and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets--secrets that may unravel her world--even as she feels herself falling in love.  {cover copy}
So, I didn't actually own this one at first. I got it on Audible. And then I listened to it. And now I own this and the second one. {Waiting till the third comes out in paperback to complete my set}. I really enjoyed it! There was a tricky little thing that happened about midway through that had my head spinning in a good way. I have confirmed with other readers that this is something they experienced as well. I have to say, it was impressive writing! Aside from that, I really like where this world building is going. I'm excited to see what happens next!

Today was the day a thousand dreams would die and a single dream would be born. {first line}
"A...sprinkles of sun dust trailing across her nose and cheeks."

"Some things last. ... The things that matter."

"And if one can't be trusted in love ... one can't be trusted in anything."

• needed • {last word}
{view on Goodreads}