When mages come to collect on the deal that brought Elias Batesian back from the dead with deadly supernatural powers, he, his mage-king Beau, and brilliant queen Penny find their kingdom caught in a centuries-old battle between ancient magic and the secret society built to defend against it. If Elias can come to terms with the man he was before Beau-and may have to become again-he'll secure unlikely allies to keep magic from breaking the world. Book two of the Heart-Mage Trilogy, A VILLAIN'S HOPE is a polyam, bi fantasy romance. A perfect read for lovers of found family, steamy on-page spice, royal/guard, complex and loveable characters, and bi, Autistic, and ADHD rep. Book one of the trilogy was named to Kirkus Reviews' Top 100 Best Indie Books of 2025 and Top 6 Best LGBTQ+ Indies of 2025.