Susan Dexter

341 p. : 18 cm

Titch has trained all his life in the ways of honor and of arms. Now he saddled his late father’s warhorse, belted on his heirloom sword, and set off to win his knighthood. Unfortunately, his first challenge pitted him against a formidable foe on a glossy black charger, and winning wasn’t in the cards for Titch – though he’d see the horse again . . . Wren was an apprentice magician, a shape-changer and healer. She chanced upon the wounded warrior, ambushed and left to die. She took Titch in, nursed him back to health, then sent him on his way – though she’d see that youth again . .. For a mad queen and an impossible quest would reunite Wren and Titch and the magical stallion Valadan. Together they would search out an enchanted swan, which Wren must somehow transform into a prince. Should she fail, she would pay with her life. The penalties would be higher yet should she succeed! (from the back cover)

I see him and know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying — and thrilling — gene that will change her life forever.lucas is dangerous, gorgeous . . . and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way. As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.

Fantasy story about a peddler, who having been tricked and cheated by his erstwhile fiance, travels to a distant land to try to get on with his life. When he accidentlly saves the life of a princess, he is welcomed into the royal household, where he inadvertently becomes embroiled in life threatening palace politics. Brilliant story telling! Some humour, some magic and plenty of irony. Great book.