Prepare to be swept off your feet by the thrilling prequel of the Check Mates, a series where romance and strategy intertwine in a dance as old as time. Meet the cunning villain, the Prussian Baron Wolfgang von List, who is as sinister as his name suggests, in a tale that sets the stage for an epic battle of wits and hearts.
In Captured at the Ball, part of the holiday collection, The Grand Mistletoe Assembly, we set the stakes high as we introduce our villains. After all, what's more intriguing than understanding the depth of darkness before we meet our heroes and heroines? It's like adding spice to your favorite dish - it heightens the flavor and leaves you craving more.
But what does it take to outsmart these villains and claim victory? Dive into the world of Sara Adrien's highly anticipated historical romance stories, where chess isn't just a game, but a metaphor for war and strategy. Learn from characters who wield their chess knowledge like a sword, slicing through the complexities of international politics. Whether you're an online player or prefer the classic board, these stories will inspire you to plan your moves with the same finesse as the heroes in her books. So, prepare to strategize your way to victory!
Sara says, “As a historical romance author, I love weaving tales of romance, conquests, and strategy. The Check Mates series perfectly blends these elements, where each story is built around a unique chess strategy that adds a thrilling dimension to the romantic narrative.”
Our first encounter with strategy in the series is the daring Bishop's Gambit. This audacious move sets the tone for our first story, Captured at the Ball,. It involves sacrificing a pawn early in the game for a chance to control the center board, a bold move that echoes the boldness of our characters. But no spoilers here! Rest assured, this strategy plays a pivotal role in the plot and sets the stage for an exciting journey.
Just like the Bishop's Gambit in chess, our villain also makes a risky move early on, taking away the chance for our heroes to ensure their king's safety. This tactic allows him to advance his pieces and start attacking quickly. But remember, every move has a counter-move. Despite its complexities, this tactic was used in the famed Immortal Games, showcasing its effectiveness.
In the upcoming book Baron in Check, we delve further into the intriguing world of chess. This time, the spotlight is on the knight's moves - as unpredictable and captivating as our hero, the Black Knight. If you read any of Sara Adrien’s books before, you’ve met the hero of this book, Gregory Stone. He appears in the second and third books of the Infiltrating the Ton trilogy.
The Check Mates series isn't just a collection of historical romance novels; it's a journey through strategic maneuvers, brave gambits, and love stories that will leave you breathless. If you love smart characters, gripping plots, and a dash of strategic gameplay, this series is your perfect match.
Stay tuned for more glimpses into the fascinating world of chess and its role in our heroes' lives. Meanwhile, don't forget to check out Baron in Check to discover the Black Knight's story. Each novel in the Check Mates series is a standalone tale, but together, they weave a compelling narrative you'll love to get lost in.
Happy reading!
