Lady by day Bandit by Night
For six years Lady Rowan of Lockersley looked forward to the day she'd return home to the picturesque village of her childhood.
But when she and her friend, Lady Jane, rode into the village, what they saw was anything but picturesque. Not only had the village fallen into poverty but Rowan learned that her beloved father, Laird of Lockersley was dead.
With the help from her band of friends, Rowan devises a plan to take back the money her uncle stole through excessive taxes on the villagers under the dark of night and act the perfect lady by day.
That is until her uncle announces that she is to wed the victor of a tournament held in her honor.
Rowan knew she would marry but believed it would be her choice̶—marry for love or duty—not as a trophy given to a stranger.
Rowan knows she belongs with her merry band of bandits, especially the one who stole her heart. But can she keep her secrets hidden from her uncle long enough to save her village and her future?
Can she save her people before she's handed off as a prize? Will her heart lead her to duty or to the arms of her fellow bandit? And when masks fall away, which Rowan will remain—the lady or the outlaw?
Cursed by Bandits is book six in the Once Upon a Curse book series.
For new adults that are fans of The Forest Queen, Brave, A Knight's Tale and Ella the Enchanted.
The series
In the Once Upon A Curse series, magic isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel. CM Haines invites readers into a world where curses hold more than just the power to transform lives—they have the ability to unearth the deepest secrets and shape destinies. In this captivating series, beloved fairy tale tropes are reimagined with a darker twist, where nothing is as it seems and every happily-ever-after comes at a cost.
Read full series description
The series unfolds across multiple books, each introducing complex characters struggling to break free from the chains of their own cursed fates. These aren’t your typical princesses or knights; they’re flawed, fierce, and driven by personal stakes that challenge their beliefs and their hearts. As they journey through enchanted forests, treacherous kingdoms, and forgotten realms, they must confront the darker sides of magic—and the even darker sides of themselves.
Set in a rich, atmospheric world where danger lurks around every corner and romance brews alongside betrayal, Once Upon A Curse explores the complicated intersection of power, love, and redemption. The series weaves intricate plots that move beyond simple enchantments to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the ever-present battle between destiny and choice. With every book, Haines builds on this tapestry of magic and intrigue, leaving readers eagerly turning pages to uncover what happens next.
Whether you’re drawn in by the lush world-building, the complex character arcs, or the unexpected twists, this series will captivate those who love a mix of dark fantasy and fairy tale retellings. Magic doesn’t always work the way you want it to, but it always leaves a mark—and in Once Upon A Curse, that mark could change everything.
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