A dutiful noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical journey through a world full of cozy enchantment…
We are pleased to announce Behoveda romantic fantasy by author M. Stevenson – available from Bramble in the US and Hodderscape in the UK from May 2025. This is part of a book deal negotiated or acquired by Maddy Belton and the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency in preliminary agreements on both sides of the pond.
Bianca knows that her duty is more important than her heart. When the threat of war looms, she agrees to marry the heir of the neighboring kingdom. But not all royal weddings are fairytales, and Prince Aric, Bianca’s fiancé, is cold, distant, and seems to hate her immediately.
To make matters worse, an assassination attempt goes wrong on their wedding night – Aric magically turns into a horse. Bianca does what any bride would do in this situation: she mounts her new husband and rides to safety.
Sunset returns Aric to his human form, but they soon discover that the attempted murder is part of a larger conspiracy against the throne. Worse, Bianca is framed for Aric’s murder and now has a husband who is a horse by day and a frustratingly attractive man by night.
When an unexpected romance begins to capture their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to break the curse and save the throne.
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From the author M. Stevenson:
Tor and Hodderscape are an absolute dream team and my books couldn’t be in better hands! Behoved is my love letter to romantic fantasy, fairy tales, and girls with chronic illnesses who deserve their own fun, magical adventures. I’m over the moon that it will be joining the folds of Tor and Hodderscape next summer!
From editor Calah Singleton:
I’m so excited to be working with Marina and Lindsey on such a wonderfully original project! Behoved is absolute fun: twisty, funny, full of heart and endlessly romantic. Everyone at Hodderscape is thrilled to take UK readers along on the journey.
From Editor Lindsey Hall:
Behoved shot straight into my heart from the first page with its humor, warmth, and sincerity. The whole team here at Bramble can’t wait to share this very special story with fantasy and romance fans alike. Working with Marina and Calah on this unique, slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romantic adventure has been a joy, and we’re thrilled to welcome Marina to the Tor/Bramble team.
M. Stevenson (she/her) is an author, educator, and naturalist with degrees from Brown University (BA, Geology-Biology) and the University of Idaho (M.Ed., Environmental Education). An avid swing dancer, she can often be found dancing the Lindy Hop or wandering through the woods, where she talks to plants and birds. She holds dual U.S. and Irish citizenship and lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York.
