Book excerpt: A kingdom divided. A rebellion rising. A crown ripe for the taking. My witchcraft made a fortress soar from the earth, fracturing the kingdom in two. Once, the raja pictured me as his queen. Now, I lead the resistance against him. He plots against us in his white-washed palace, leveraging secrets to gain power, and it’s only a matter of time before he comes for us. The kingdom is crying out for justice, but the seer’s visions have been off-kilter since the reunion with her brother, and not all the rebels trust me. They know that the ancient gargoyles I command once spilt the blood of the people. They know that the raja excels at sinister games, and even the brave fall to their knees before him. Like Deven, who has captured my heart but whose battle to control his shifter self endangers us all. As betrayal snakes towards us, we discover traitors within the rebel ranks and allies in unfathomable places. I make ever darker choices to protect my loved ones. Am I truly the queen this kingdom deserves if I resort to violence to claim the throne? To Trick a Raja is the third novel in the Majestic Midlife Witch series. If you are a fan of magic-wielding heroines, swoon-worthy romance and deadly secrets, this book will captivate you.