Sweet Fairytale Romance Spotlight: Pretense and Poison

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Fairy Tales, Fantasy Romance, My Writing

The Ardell vault from Pretense and Poison, a clean fairy tale fantasy romance book

Dragon Diplomacy & Dangerous Liaisons

Step into the mesmerizing world of The Sea Dragon Chronicles with book one, Pretense and Poison.

This no spice, YA Snow White retelling captures the delicate dance between dragon diplomacy, courtly conspiracies, forbidden alliances, and a slow-burn romance.

Join Tomas and Alisandra in Pretense and Poison. Follow there story as they navigate a realm of magic and intrigue, where every secret they uncover brings them closer to a bond that could either save their realms or send them spiraling into conflict.

 

Portraits of Alisandra and Tomas, characters from Pretense and Poison, a clean fairy tale fantasy romance book

 Characters You’ll Fall in Love With

 

Tomas: As the emissary of the Sea Clan dragon shifters, Tomas is burdened with the responsibility of negotiating peace and navigating the treacherous waters of Ardell’s court.

But there’s more to his mission than meets the eyes. He’s also the Clan’s spymaster.

As charming as he is deadly, sole purpose is to protect his people at all costs. His keen mind and diplomatic skills are put to the test as he balances duty with the risks of a secret assignment that could destabilize the fragile truce.

But his real challenge comes in the form of a sharp-witted noblewoman who harbors secrets of her own.

Alisandra: Beyond the elegant gowns and courtly graces, Alisandra is on a mission of her own. Her unmatched bravery and cunning mind have seen her through many covert quests.

Task with helping her mentor keep dangerous relics from falling into the wrong had, her resourcefulness had allowed her to evade discovery and outmaneuver her enemies more than once.

However, Alisandra’s latest quest takes an unexpected turn when she encounters the Sea Clan emissary in a place where neither of them should have been. Thrown into a thrilling maelstrom of danger, intrigue, and unexpected alliances, she is pushed to redefine her own limits.

When Tomas and Alisandra’s paths collide, they discover a shared threat lurking beneath the surface. One that demands they set aside their rivalry and forge an alliance.

With so much at stake, Tomas and Alisandra will have to decide who they can trust, even if it means risking everything they hold dear.

Portrait of Tomas in dragon form, characters from Pretense and Poison, a clean fairy tale fantasy romance book

A World of Intrigue and Enchantment:

 

Dragon Diplomacy:

In the world of Pretense and Poison, the stakes are high and the politics are fraught with unexpected hazards. The Sea Clan dragon shifters have kept to their islands since the end of the war with Ardell.

But after four centuries, a chance meeting between Tomas’s younger brother and Ardell’s crown princess has led to a wedding. And a reopening of relations between the ancient enemies.

As the Clan’s emissary, Tomas spearheads this re-engagement, navigating the treacherous waters of Ardell’s court. The peace treaty, fragile yet essential, is under constant threat from various factions with disparate agendas.

Ever-aware that Ardell’s royal court is filled with both potential allies and hidden adversaries, every interaction is a blend of diplomacy and subterfuge.

Magic and Mayhem:

The magic in Pretense and Poison isn’t just about wonder.

It’s about survival.

Both Tomas and Alisandra are entangled in a world where ancient texts and relics hold forbidden knowledge and unpredictable power. The stolen journal of the legendary alchemist Cantari is central to the intrigue, rumored to contain secrets that could unleash fey disastrous enchantments of unimaginable scale.

Both are determined to prevent these artifacts from falling into the wrong hands. Of course, agreeing on whose hands are the right hands adds another level contentousness to their burgeoning relationship.

From enchanted books to the machinations of a renegade fey, the magic of Pretense and Poison is as perilous as it is captivating.

Courts and Conspiracies:

Ardell’s royal court provides a lavish yet treacherous backdrop, where political alliances are as changeable as the wind. The court is a hive of whispered secrets, hidden agendas, and strategic marriages. Amidst the opulence of balls and banquets, the threat of betrayal lurks in every shadow.

Alisandra, skilled in navigating this dangerous environment, leverages her intelligence and bravery to stay one step ahead. Her interactions with Tomas spark witty banter and palpable tension, each encounter a dance of intelligence and attraction against a backdrop of looming threats.

Fey Threats and Hidden Dangers:

The realm is haunted by the threat of the renegade fey, Emyrandal. Her dangerous ambition to seize Cantari’s secrets puts both Tomas and Alisandra on a collision course with destiny. The struggle to prevent Emyrandal from unleashing dark fey magic forms the crux of their joint mission, uniting their fates in an alliance fraught with both peril and promise.

The magic and politics in Pretense and Poison create a rich, immersive world where every decision carries weight and every secret could change the fate of kingdoms.

As Tomas and Alisandra navigate the delicate balance of duty, loyalty, and intrigue, their journey promises not only romance and adventure but the chance to safeguard both their realms.

Covers for the three books in the Sea Dragon Chronicles series.

Join the Adventure!

 

Craving a tale of clashing magic, royal intrigue, and a slow-burn romance tested by opposing loyalties?
Check out this no spice fantasy romance, it has everything you’re looking for.

Pick up a copy of Pretense and Poison at your favorite retailer and get hooked on the Sea Dragon Chronicles!

 

 

Stay Connected & Never Miss the Magic!

Ready to embark on more magical adventures?

I’d love to share this enchanting journey with you! Whether you’re eager to discover which fairy tale gets re-imagined next or simply want to connect with other readers who love getting lost in magical worlds, there are plenty of ways to keep in touch.

Here’s how to keep the magic flowing:

 

✦ Join my newsletter for exclusive content and early announcements (see sidebar)

✦ Follow me on Instagram @amberlynholland for behind-the-scenes peeks and weekly bookish joy

✦ Check out my amberlynholland.com/extras/ for free bonus content and excerpts

 

And don’t miss out on the rest of the Sea Dragon Chronicles series!

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