A Dance of Lies

The epic, unmissable new romantic fantasy. 2025's most-anticipated debut romantic fantasy is filled with hope after heartbreak, secrets, betrayal, dancing - and the touch of a goddess of death.

This is wrong. It's reckless, dangerous, but-
I can't get you out of my head. I can't wash you from my skin.


Vasalie Moran was once a dancer in King Illian's court - until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she's suddenly called to face her King. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the month-long royal Gathering and he'll grant her freedom.

As Illian's orders grow bloody and dangerous, forcing her to harm and betray those around her, Vasalie discovers the monster she serves may be aligned with a bigger monster - one far closer to home. With her world threatened, Vasalie enlists the help of Illian's brother and greatest adversary, the King of the East.

As the rivalry between brothers escalates with Vasalie caught in the middle, the truth of her past comes to light. If she wants to survive, she must decide who to trust, who to fight for, and how much of her soul she's willing to damn in the process

If you love...
Slow-burn romance
Yearning
Love Triangle
Banter
Court politics
... you're going to love A Dance of Lies

Review

Arena's A Dance of Lies is a mesmerizing debut of intricate plotlines, sizzling romance, and treacherous alliances, deftly choreographed with rich, evocative language into a tale as hauntingly exquisite as one of Vasalie's dances. A breathtaking new favorite! -- Lyra Selene, #1 Sunday Times Bestselling author of A Feather So Black

As beautiful and sharp as the edge of shattered glass, this twisting tale of intrigue, romance, and resilience grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go -- K. M. Enright, Sunday Times bestselling author of Mistress of Lies

A breathtaking debut! Dance of Lies is beautifully written and filled with intrigue, with an incredible protagonist who is both vulnerable and resilient. Romantic, heartrending, and riveting - prepare to be swept away by this captivating fantasy -- Sue Lynn Tan, Sunday Times bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

A stunningly elegant story of grit, passion, and determination that will sweep you up with its magic, keep you on your toes with twists, and leave you breathless for more. A glittering fantasy debut you don't want to miss! -- Kalyn Josephson, author of This Dark Descent

Beautifully written with immersive world building, a gripping plot and heart-pounding danger around every turn, A Dance of Lies will keep readers wholly entranced from start to finish. It's a dark, opulent jewel of a debut that's sure to sparkle fiercely in the adult fantasy world. Arena crafted a well choreographed dance of deception, where one wrong move could cost the determined Vasalie it all. A slow-burn romantic fantasy you don't want to miss from a wonderful new talent-I'm excited to see what comes next! -- Kerri Maniscalco, #1 NYT bestselling author of Throne of Secrets

Arena has created a propulsive, twisting story, filled with tension and intrigue, and a scintillating romance that will keep you on your toes. A Dance of Lies is a sharp, glittering and dangerous debut not to be missed -- Kalie Cassidy, author of In the Veins of the Drowning

About the Author

Brittney Arena is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of A Dance of Lies. With a background in both brand and visual design, she has always found solace in art. However, after a challenging health journey, she turned to writing, and what began as a coping mechanism evolved into a journey of exploration, allowing her to traverse new worlds from wherever she might be. When she's not penning tales, Brittney spends her time binging k-dramas, playing with her camera, and waging war against ungodly amounts of pet hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and two pups, and is always ready for the next adventure, whether it be on page or in real life.