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The Arcane Bargain
He was the prince she betrayed. Now he owns her.
Five years ago, Myrithia helped take everything from Prince Zakar—his throne, his power, his pride. Then she vanished.
Now, Zakar has risen from the ruins as the Arcane Master, ruler of forbidden magic and dark desires. And when Myrithia walks into his citadel begging for a cursed book—unaware that he’s the man she once betrayed—he sees his chance to claim more than just revenge.
He’ll give her what she wants.
In exchange for her body, her obedience, and her complete submission.
Myrithia agrees, willing to pay any price to break her curse—even if it means surrendering to the man whose heart she once shattered. But what begins as a brutal bargain quickly ignites into something neither of them obsession, lust, and a love that never truly died.
As enemies close in and the past unravels, their bond will be tested by secrets, power, and the very magic that once tore them apart.
The Arcane Bargain is a seductive enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance that simmers with tension and forbidden longing. Featuring a ruthless, irresistible villain and the defiant woman who once betrayed him, this tale of power, submission, and rekindled desire unfolds in a world steeped in magic and vengeance.
Come for the betrayal. Stay for the surrender.
Five years ago, Myrithia helped take everything from Prince Zakar—his throne, his power, his pride. Then she vanished.
Now, Zakar has risen from the ruins as the Arcane Master, ruler of forbidden magic and dark desires. And when Myrithia walks into his citadel begging for a cursed book—unaware that he’s the man she once betrayed—he sees his chance to claim more than just revenge.
He’ll give her what she wants.
In exchange for her body, her obedience, and her complete submission.
Myrithia agrees, willing to pay any price to break her curse—even if it means surrendering to the man whose heart she once shattered. But what begins as a brutal bargain quickly ignites into something neither of them obsession, lust, and a love that never truly died.
As enemies close in and the past unravels, their bond will be tested by secrets, power, and the very magic that once tore them apart.
The Arcane Bargain is a seductive enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance that simmers with tension and forbidden longing. Featuring a ruthless, irresistible villain and the defiant woman who once betrayed him, this tale of power, submission, and rekindled desire unfolds in a world steeped in magic and vengeance.
Come for the betrayal. Stay for the surrender.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
17 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 15, 2025
Yet another incredible romantasy!
I wish this could have been expanded into a trilogy, but I STILL LOVE IT!
I'm a huge fan of Kate's work, especially 'My Dear Cold-Blooded King' under her webcomic name. One thing I like about her writing is the emotional depth of her particular type of slow burn; I really get a feel for the characters' thought processes and downfalls in their worldviews. There's always a good bit of foreshadowing that doesn't always play out the way I think it will, which makes things interesting!
The mini-comic at the end is a treat for all readers, but I am lucky enough to see the spicier versions on her Patreon! I can't wait for the next novel 🤗
I wish this could have been expanded into a trilogy, but I STILL LOVE IT!
I'm a huge fan of Kate's work, especially 'My Dear Cold-Blooded King' under her webcomic name. One thing I like about her writing is the emotional depth of her particular type of slow burn; I really get a feel for the characters' thought processes and downfalls in their worldviews. There's always a good bit of foreshadowing that doesn't always play out the way I think it will, which makes things interesting!
The mini-comic at the end is a treat for all readers, but I am lucky enough to see the spicier versions on her Patreon! I can't wait for the next novel 🤗
June 25, 2025
I will read anything and everything by Lifelight! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
June 19, 2025
A Must Read for any True Romantic
This books delivers on every level! And a heat level at 10! The characters and story line, real you in and creates a story that you never want to end! The art that follows is amazing! Highly recommend!!
The authors creativity, questions this reader to wonder at her own Love Story? Did the author also marry her Prince? Pen
This books delivers on every level! And a heat level at 10! The characters and story line, real you in and creates a story that you never want to end! The art that follows is amazing! Highly recommend!!
The authors creativity, questions this reader to wonder at her own Love Story? Did the author also marry her Prince? Pen
August 13, 2025
There are novels that entertain, and then there are novels that stay with you — long after you’ve turned the final page. This book falls firmly into the latter category, thanks to the exceptional talent of its author. With a rare sensitivity and deep emotional insight, she crafts characters so vivid, so authentic, that you don’t just read about them — you feel like you know them.
From the very first chapter, the emotional depth of each character is palpable. Their fears, hopes, and quiet moments of vulnerability are portrayed with such honesty that it's almost as if you're witnessing the inner workings of real people. It’s this subtle artistry that draws you in, forging a connection that feels deeply personal.
You’ll find yourself thinking about them at odd times, even missing them when the story ends. This kind of emotional resonance is rare, and it’s a testament to the author’s profound understanding of the human spirit.
If you’re looking for a enemies to lovers novel that explores the rich inner lives of its characters, this is a must-read.
From the very first chapter, the emotional depth of each character is palpable. Their fears, hopes, and quiet moments of vulnerability are portrayed with such honesty that it's almost as if you're witnessing the inner workings of real people. It’s this subtle artistry that draws you in, forging a connection that feels deeply personal.
You’ll find yourself thinking about them at odd times, even missing them when the story ends. This kind of emotional resonance is rare, and it’s a testament to the author’s profound understanding of the human spirit.
If you’re looking for a enemies to lovers novel that explores the rich inner lives of its characters, this is a must-read.
July 1, 2025
A comfortable, simple and enjoyable romatasy book.
Read this for:
Light and easy storytelling
Predictable Romatasy tropes
Bonus art included in the book at the end
(Hopefully) helpful feedback:
Lots of repetition. The duo viewpoints are a large part of this, but the book length could probably have been cut in half.
Don't read this if you are hoping for shadow daddy vibes. We have a golden retriever boy, and the attempt to make him 'dark' doesn't quite hit right.
I'm excited about this author entering the book world. I enjoy their comics and think they will really grow and develop amazing stories. I sort of sense this book was played 'safe'. But if their goal is to really dive in and build a world that can hold a series of books, I think they can do it!
Read this for:
Light and easy storytelling
Predictable Romatasy tropes
Bonus art included in the book at the end
(Hopefully) helpful feedback:
Lots of repetition. The duo viewpoints are a large part of this, but the book length could probably have been cut in half.
Don't read this if you are hoping for shadow daddy vibes. We have a golden retriever boy, and the attempt to make him 'dark' doesn't quite hit right.
I'm excited about this author entering the book world. I enjoy their comics and think they will really grow and develop amazing stories. I sort of sense this book was played 'safe'. But if their goal is to really dive in and build a world that can hold a series of books, I think they can do it!
February 20, 2026
5/5 stars 🌟
Once again, Kate has crafted a vivid and atmospheric setting that pulled me right in from the first few pages. This book fell nothing short of amazing, and managed to surpass my high expectations from when I read her debut novel, A wicked game. The magic system and plot were done well and easy to follow, and the relationship between Myra and zakar was intense and captivating, filled with so much tension. I truly love the way Kate writes her characters and their slow burn relationships. Another thing that hooked me was an introduction of new characters, a sneak peak for her next book, which I am SO looking forward to 🫶. And the art??? SO STUNNING, I’m genuinely so excited for the next book, I highly recommend reading this and her debut novel!
Once again, Kate has crafted a vivid and atmospheric setting that pulled me right in from the first few pages. This book fell nothing short of amazing, and managed to surpass my high expectations from when I read her debut novel, A wicked game. The magic system and plot were done well and easy to follow, and the relationship between Myra and zakar was intense and captivating, filled with so much tension. I truly love the way Kate writes her characters and their slow burn relationships. Another thing that hooked me was an introduction of new characters, a sneak peak for her next book, which I am SO looking forward to 🫶. And the art??? SO STUNNING, I’m genuinely so excited for the next book, I highly recommend reading this and her debut novel!
June 18, 2025
Another captivating story from Lifelight!
This book had me hooked, it jumped into the plot and yearning right away. The spice was worth the wait, who doesn’t love a dominating MMC who knows he’s in full control?? The art at the end was a lovely surprise!. Loved the dual perspectives because you can see how both characters feel throughout every plot point in the book, life writes MMCs really well and I love seeing them internally squirm with yearning and lust too!
This book had me hooked, it jumped into the plot and yearning right away. The spice was worth the wait, who doesn’t love a dominating MMC who knows he’s in full control?? The art at the end was a lovely surprise!. Loved the dual perspectives because you can see how both characters feel throughout every plot point in the book, life writes MMCs really well and I love seeing them internally squirm with yearning and lust too!
August 31, 2025
Another great romantasy novel from Kate!
A slow burn romance in a world full of magic and ancient gods. She is a brilliant storyteller and her characters are unforgettable. I also love the origin for this particular story. Her work in webcomics is brilliant and I am excited to see that she has made her way into writing novels. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store.
A slow burn romance in a world full of magic and ancient gods. She is a brilliant storyteller and her characters are unforgettable. I also love the origin for this particular story. Her work in webcomics is brilliant and I am excited to see that she has made her way into writing novels. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store.
June 24, 2025
Amazing story full of angst and love!
Another absolutely amazing story by Kate! The slow burn and tension filled moments had me gripped from the very beginning.
Another absolutely amazing story by Kate! The slow burn and tension filled moments had me gripped from the very beginning.
July 2, 2025
A fun quick read with bonus art at the end.
June 12, 2025
10/10 . I trust this queen and I am so seated. 12 days can’t come soon enough.
i’m seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not June 13th yet” but i’m simply too seated.
i’m seated. the goodreads employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not June 13th yet” but i’m simply too seated.
August 25, 2025
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews