book cover of The Third Son
 

The Third Son

(2011)
(The first book in the Kings of Cardenas series)
A novel by

 
 
Rake. Rogue. Scoundrel.
Each of these words has been used to describe Damien Largess, youngest prince of Cardenas. But when he steps into a glittering ballroom on the night of his twenty-fifth birthday, the roguish young prince's life will be forever changed.

Beautiful. Graceful. Sensual.
When Esmeralda steps into king's ballroom to perform for the prince's twenty-fifth birthday, every eye in the room is upon her. One pair of eyes intrigues her most of all ... those of Prince Damien, seeming to stare straight through to her soul.

The two know nothing can ever come of their love; he is a prince, and she a Gypsy dancer. Yet, neither can seem to resist the passion that sparks when they are together, or the unmistakable call of destiny forcing their lives onto the same path.

However, love is not the only thing destiny has in store ...

With a deadly plot against the royal family surrounding him in danger and intrigue, Damien will face a decision he never thought he would have to make. Will he step up to claim a responsibility that should never have fallen to the third son? Or will he abandon it to risk all for love?

Kings of Cardenas Series Reading Order

The Third Son
The Second Son
The Lady Knights of Barony
Gypsy Rose
The Gypsy
The Mistress (Bonus Novella)

Interview with the Author

Q: So, what makes the Kings of Cardenas series special?
A: I've always been a romance reader, but the historical sub-genre has always been my first love. There's something about the decadence and beauty of it that just enraptures me. So when I got the idea for The Third Son, I kept that opulence foremost in my mind. I knew that this kind of story couldn't take place in an actual country and end the way I wanted it to, so I created my own fantasy kingdom. I love that element of it because it gave me freedom to make my own rules about the society that these characters live in. The cool part, I think, is that even though it has that fantasy aspect of being set in a made-up kingdom, it still has the familiarity of historical romance and the elements we all love: balls and masquerades, secret intrigues, and of course the fashion! I also think it's special because of how unpredictable it is. The twists and turns incorporate elements of suspense and mystery along with the romance, and I loved crafting a multi-dimensional story using those elements.

Q: Why should readers give these books a try?
A: I think anyone who appreciates a good, meaty plot along with their romance will truly enjoy the series. While these stories are about love and romance, there are also elements of loss, intrigue, betrayal, and the dynamic of family weaving them all together. If you love mystery, suspense, and action woven through your romance, you'll love the Kings of Cardenas series.
Q: How many books will be in the complete series?
A: The complete series is comprised of 6 books: 5 novels and 1 novella. While the series has been concluded, I do have plans for a spin-off series entitled Sons of Cardenas. The first book of that series might release in 2016.


Genre: Paranormal Romance

Used availability for Elise Marion's The Third Son


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