Harlot's Ruse

Friesner does a marvelous job of combining the elements of romance and fantasy into one to create this not-quite-storybook tale. It reminds me a bit of the style of adventure found in The Princess Bride, but quite a bit more down to earth. This is what happens when it ISN'T all happy endings anymore. For more fabulous Friesner works, check out Chicks in Chain Mail, Did You Say Chicks!?, and Chicks 'N' Chained Males. She is the editor of this series and adds some of her own short stories to the mix. Not recommended for the under 17 crowd, not for the faint of heart, but not smutty, either.