Something Wicked - Falon Ballard, Headline Publishing Group

There is a new rule in Avon . . .one that may lead to its downfall.The country of Avon is in turmoil. The Uprising has overthrown Avon's monarchs, and to qualify to run in the new presidential election, candidates must kill the former ruler of their home province.Callum, the son of the recently dethroned king, is determined to be in the running - but this means killing his father, and he's not sure he can bring himself to do it.Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance, Avon's premiere sex club, has the magical ability to manipulate the emotions of anyone she's intimate with - soothing their heartbreak, helping them make decisions, even easing their guilt.If Callum can open up to Cate, he'll be able to put aside his conscience, kill his father, and take his place as the rightful contender from his province.But Callum has a deep-seated mistrust of the Gifted. And the last thing he expects is to be confronted with an undeniable connection with Cate that neither of them understands, nor wants - a connection that could bring everything crashing down around them.