Branded Ann

298 Pages·2016·1.22 MB·English

by  Shannon Merry

BOLD STROKES BOOKS
e
-Books
Acclaim for Merry Shannon(cid:146)s Fiction
(cid:147)(cid:133)a terri(cid:222) c adventure, coming of age story, a romance, and tale of
courtly intrigue, attempted assassination, and gender confusion as
the young princess learns, grows, and comes into her own. This is a
rollicking fun book and a must-read for those who enjoy courtly light
fantasy in a medieval-seeming time. Merry Shannon is a bright new
voice in lesbian fantasy (cid:222) ction, and this one(cid:146)s highly recommended.(cid:148)
(cid:151) Midwest Book Review
(cid:147)First time author Shannon keeps the tension riding high like a pro(cid:133)
Shannon balances personal development, love story and political drama
with con(cid:222) dence and a swift, lively style.(cid:148) (cid:151) Curve Magazine
(cid:147)Shannon creates a believable, fascinating world(cid:133)Shannon(cid:146)s skill
as a romance writer shines most especially in one of the best
choreographed love scenes in a lesbian (cid:222) ction story.(cid:148) (cid:151) Sandra Barret,
author of Lavender Secrets
By the Author
Sword of the Guardian: A Legend of Ithyria
Visit us at www.boldstrokesbooks.com
B A
RANDED NN
by
Merry Shannon
2008
BRANDED ANN
' 2008 BY MERRY SHANNON. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ISBN 10: 1-60282-003-1
ISBN 13: 978-1-60282-003-6
THIS TRADE PAPERBACK ORIGINAL IS PUBLISHED BY
BOLD STROKES BOOKS, INC.,
NEW YORK, USA
FIRST EDITION: JANUARY 2008
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION. NAMES, CHARACTERS, PLACES, AND
INCIDENTS ARE THE PRODUCT OF THE AUTHOR(cid:146)S IMAGINATION OR
ARE USED FICTITIOUSLY. ANY RESEMBLANCE TO ACTUAL PERSONS,
LIVING OR DEAD, BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS, EVENTS, OR LOCALES
IS ENTIRELY COINCIDENTAL.
THIS BOOK, OR PARTS THEREOF, MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY
FORM WITHOUT PERMISSION.
CREDITS
EDITORS: CINDY CRESAP AND STACIA SEAMAN
PRODUCTION DESIGN: STACIA SEAMAN
COVER DESIGN BY SHERI ([email protected])
Acknowledgments
This book was written during a period of great change for me,
through some of the most dif(cid:222) cult and also most triumphant times I
have experienced thus far. I wish to (cid:222) rst thank my beloved friend Layne,
to whom this book is dedicated, for being there for me unwaveringly
through the darkest as well as the most wonderful parts of my life. She
always seems to (cid:147)get(cid:148) me, even when I am beyond words. In addition,
I want to thank my amazing friend Logan, for giving me a place to call
home when I felt completely lost and displaced. I love you both and
am so very proud to call you friends.
I would not have found the motivation to (cid:222) nish this book were it
not for the encouragement and enthusiasm of all my beta readers and
friends on LiveJournal(cid:151)what a treasure trove of knowledge you are,
and this book is so much richer for all the little details you provided
as it was being written. Special thanks to Cecile Piret for helping with
the French translations!
I also want to acknowledge the support and love of my mom, who
is in the middle of a great transitional time of her own at the moment.
Mom, I appreciate so much the way you are willing to accept me for
who I am. I wish you great joy and happiness no matter what the future
holds.
To Radclyffe, who has made this dream of mine come true now
for a second time(cid:151)I will never be able to thank you enough for your
inspiration, your encouragement, and your support. I am so fortunate
to work with you! And to Cindy Cresap, my editor, I also owe great
thanks for your insight and assistance in shaping this story into its (cid:222) nal
form. Also thanks to Jennifer Knight, whose input on my (cid:222) rst novel
has carried over into this one and made the editing process so much
smoother. Big hugs to Sheri for her beautiful work on the cover. (And
she gets extra points for using so much yellow, which is my favorite
color!)
Finally, I would like to thank my wonderful girlfriend Shasta, for
making my life a million times brighter than it(cid:146)s ever been before. I
love you.

Dedication
To Layne,
whose friendship is one of my life(cid:146)s greatest treasures.