The Sweetest Fiend (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Novel (Played by the Piper, 1) Hardcover – September 22, 2026

A limited deluxe hardcover edition featuring stenciled edges and illustrated endpapers is available while supplies last—so preorder now!From the New York Times bestselling author of the Plated Prisoner series comes the first book in an alluring and addictive romantasy duology set in a world of fae and dark magic, loosely inspired by the legend of the Pied Piper.It’s time to pay the Piper.Our world cracked open like an egg. Power burst out, and with it, nine monstrous Banes ready to destroy everything. The powerful Core fae finally slayed them all, but each Bane left a Plague to punish us.But that’s not the only thing they left behind.I’m half Bane, half fae, and wholly hated. Survival means enduring every vicious glare and cursed outbreak. Until one day, a Plague descends upon my city that means certain death.Then he comes. The Pied Piper.He rids my city of the Plague, but it comes at a cost. One hundred and thirty people are taken as payment. Including me.I don’t know what he’s going to do to us, but I know I have to get home. My family’s lives depend on it. But the Piper won’t let me go, and something wicked stirs between us. The sweet scent in my veins beckons him, while the seductive lure of his magic sinks under my skin.I have to escape before it’s too late. Because if I don’t, it’s not just my heart at risk…But the entire world.Note: Pied Piper reimagined. This dark fantasy is full of romance and secrets, with mature themes and explicit scenes only suitable for adults. This is book one of a duology.Tropes:• Forced Proximity• Captive Romance• "Who hurt you?"• Only one bed... and horse...and tent!• So. much. banter! Read more