The Midnight Bargain by C. L. Polk

Set in a regency-adjacent, magic-infused society where sorcery is tightly controlled and women are expected to choose marriage over study, the story follows a brilliant young woman who refuses to be bound by that bargain. Determined to continue her apprenticeship, she makes risky pacts, challenges patriarchal institutions, and navigates the marriage market while romance and political intrigue complicate her pursuit of autonomy. The book is a lush, character-driven exploration of power, choice, and the costs of defying societal expectations.

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