Sugar Princess

When a scary-looking gangster shows up to threaten me for protection money, then smacks my bottom until it's pink, and calls me his principessa, demanding I obey him - what’s a girl to do?

I hide.

But he not only finds me, he takes over my whole damn life, and I find I welcome it every step of the way. With my insides set ablaze by Tommaso Vittelli's touch, I’m not sure what I want anymore. He won’t stay in the US forever, and I’m not leaving my home and my heritage.

‘Tesoro’, he told me, ‘lies carry consequences.’

And I’m a liar.

I lied about not needing him.

I’m Carrie Ellerbrock - tiara-wearing, self-professed booknerd, proud owner of the Sugar Princess Bookstore - and I’m ready for my punishment.