Annalise is everything a young eligible single noblewoman should be. Incomparably Beautiful, nicely titled and generously wealthy. However, being the sole heiress to the rich and bountiful Duchy of Goslar is proven difficult after her parent's death and the absence of a male heir, especially as the wealth is exploited by her selfish and vain Uncle and his family. In an attempt to salvage and regain the wealth that is so rapidly depleting, her uncle decides to throw every eligible, rich and titled gentleman her way, no matter how despicable and snobbish - but Annalise knows that it is only the half-truth. He wants to get her out of the way, so he can govern her Duchy the way he has always wanted, and bleed it dry.
She does not know how or even if she can accomplish what she set out for, nor does she know why she trusts the handsome and mysterious stranger who offers her an olive branch -- and a solution to every problem she is currently facing; a sanctuary from her snobbish, vain and selfish family, the welfare of her people.
Cassius is at his peak in everything; a thriving military career, a caring, supportive family and his talents praised in every corner of the world, what more could he want? But he is constantly reminded that, as a prince, it is his duty to marry well and produce heirs to benefit the empire.
Cassius knows that every woman is only out for his title, wealth and unfortunately do not know anything beyond, court gossip, fashion and how to snag the most eligible lord - everything that he despises. After many years of searching and disappointments, Cassius becomes resigned to a life full of work, duties and responsibilities and refuses to make any space for anything else.
But fate is colliding because when he sights the stunning, witty, fiercely protective beauty, he is possessed by a longing he cannot control. To claim her, he offers her an undeniable deal; the trouble is, will she accept? And will she ever truly belong to him?
"There isn't a single word on this Earth that can describe how radiant you are. I am certain that a vision of you inspired the heavens, that one glimpse of you would make God realize why he created man. You are a divine angel and I am but a humble man begging on his knees for a taste of you."
. . .
Elio Nott is perhaps one of the most well-known bachelors in the Wizarding World. He's dashing, charming, and never serious. Which is why when Elio turns twenty-three with no signs of settling down, his parents decide to force him into the world of pureblood balls and matchmaking, much to his chagrin. The only perks are the *many* elegant females and, perhaps, the spiked punch. Elio hates it all.
Until he goes to the stupid Malfoy Masquerade Ball only to find the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. But before he can even get her name, she disappears.
Annalise Riddle is quiet, slow to trust, and prefers the company of her piano to one of her peers any day. As the daughter of the Dark Lord, she is constantly in danger so Annie spends her days shyly hidden away for fear of being harmed by one of his many enemies. So she isn't expecting to go to a ball and meet a stunning boy with grey eyes and a charming grin that takes away all of her defenses. Panicking, Annie leaves and vows to never see him again.
Until he shows up another night to search for her.
A Game of Cat and Mouse tells of a woman afraid of love and a man so determined to have her that he will stop at nothing. This book contains instant attraction, billionaire-esque playboy MMC, a sprinkle of dark romance, cinderella retelling, brother's rival, "he falls first AND harder", forced proximity, and lots of male pining.
This is a spinoff of the Slytherin Boys series. It is recommended that you read my books Smoke & Stars and Darkness & Devotion for an idea of the character's parents and their backstories, though it is not required. This story does NOT take place at Hogwarts!