The Queen’s Bargain

Bishop revisits her Black Jewels romantic fantasy series almost a decade after Twilight’s Dawn with this erotically charged but unremarkable 10th installment, which reads primarily as setup for future works. Lord Dillon falls victim to a love spell cast by a woman named Blyte, who uses the enchantment to manipulate Dillon into sexual favors and tarnish his reputation. Blyte’s father pays Dillon to leave town, but gossip travels with him, and aristocratic girls see him as easy prey: “That one can’t keep his trousers zipped. He’ll give anyone a ride.” Desperate to salvage his good name, Dillon uses the same love spell on the witch Jillian, intending to marry her—but he doesn’t know she’s protected by powerful connections, among them her uncle, Warlord Prince Daemon. For his part, Daemon has lost control of his ability to rein in the supernaturally enhanced sexual heat he gives off, putting both his wife and the entire realm of Kaeleer in danger. The actual stakes don’t emerge until late in the plot, but the slow-burn buildup pays off with a stirring conclusion that paves the way for a dramatic sequel. Returning readers will be excited to learn what’s next for the people of Kaeleer. Agent: Jennifer Jackson, Donald Maass Literary. (Mar.)