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Free AgentJ.C. Nelson

Urban fantasy

Free Agent

by J.C. Nelson

Book 1 of the Grimm Agency series

291 pages · First published 2014

Marissa Locks spends her days cleaning up fairy-tale disasters because her parents traded her freedom to the Fairy Godfather Grimm in exchange for a miracle. Until their debt is paid, finding princes, handling magical creatures, and arranging other people’s happy endings are all part of the job. But a matchmaking assignment goes spectacularly wrong, leaving a prince missing, a dangerous Fairy Godmother making tempting offers, and the Fae preparing to attack Kingdom. With her freedom and unexpected feelings tangled in the trouble, Marissa must survive a magical crisis before she can hope for a happy ending of her own. Snarky humor, dangerous bargains, and familiar fairy tales turned sideways make this an adventurous escape for a rainy afternoon.

Paired for this story

Goblin Market Cordial + Manhattan

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice2 of 5
Suspense3 of 5
Creepy3 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Bloody fantasy violence, deaths, weapons, and disturbing imagery; child death and children in danger; animal sacrifice for magical divination; coercive magical bargains and indentured servitude; kissing, flirtation, and mild sexual humor.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Goblin Market Cordial

Dark berries, pomegranate, and a sharp splash of lime echo the tempting bargains and dangerous fairy-tale world behind Marissa’s everyday assignments.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
  2. Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Manhattan

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters suit a New York where magical business has a sharp edge and every wish comes with a price.

What you'll need

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  • Ice

How to mix it

  1. Stir with ice until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe.
  2. Garnish: Cocktail cherry or orange twist.
  3. Glassware: Coupe.

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