Description: "In a world where magical powers are commonplace, Holy Maiden Ysabel is revered as a goddess among her people. She's the only one able to heal the sick and injured with a simple touch. But her spectacular gift comes at a steep price. For each person she saves, she loses a day of her own conscripted life. To add insult to injury, she's supposed to maintain a pure image even though she'd rather drink and play dominatrix until her sorrows fade away. After the corrupt Head Cardinal Jiang abuses her gift, forbids her from leaving the city, and takes her brother hostage, Ysabel doesn't dare drag anyone else into her problems--especially since it won't change her fate. But when Dark Lord Kaine arrives at her clinic doorstep grievously wounded, she's touched by his refusal to accept her healing lest it cost her another day of her life."--
Brief description: Katy Nyquist is an economist in Washington, DC, who writes humorous fantasy novels to take a break from the constant math jargon. She has had short fiction published in Abyss & Apex Magazine, The Arcanist, Every Day Fiction, Strange Changes, and Magic, Mayhem, and Monsters.
Review Quotes:
"[A Holy Maiden's Guide to Getting Kidnapped features] a protagonist with a strong voice and unique character facets like face blindness and a healing gift . . . and some nice worldbuilding, both in broad strokes and specific detailing." --Elayne Audrey Becker, author of the Forestborn duology
"I . . . absolutely fell in love with Ysabel and Kaine . . . The 'opposites attract' trope worked so well for this story . . . The stakes are high throughout . . . Great craft and storytelling!" --April L. Wood, author of the Season of the Witch series
"Both [Ysabel and Kaine are] strongly drawn and very relatable." --Bogi Takács, author of Power to Yield