the daphne flower: petals the prettiest blush and beautiful to the eye, but take one bite, and the toxicity will kill you.

***

Karmin Desai is optimistic and kind with a smile that can bloom flowers. She is the epitome of summer, unless you piss her off. Instantly, her flower-like persona is covered in thorns and poison.

Her goal is to fly through college, study and get a degree. However, when she is in a desperate need for money, Karmin hears about an illegal fight club hosted by the rich of New York.

This is where Maddox Knight comes in.

Maddox is reserved and anti-social, taking part in the illicit fights that Karmin is interested in. When Karmin walks up to him with her sunflower dress and wide smile, he refuses to help her. He can't take her seriously with her sparkling personality and bejewelled hair clips.

Maddox soon discovers that Karmin Desai is not just a beautiful face.

She's lethal.

When Karmin starts winning fights, she rubs a group of powerful people the wrong way, putting her and the people she loves in danger.

Throw in some undeniable chemistry, late-night strolls and a brutal fight club, and you've got yourself The Daphne Effect.

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August 24, 2020

March 20, 2021

***

To those who smile brightly and

sugar coats their lips like honey,

no matter the bitterness.

K A R M I N D E S A I

M A D D O X K N I G H T

V I O L A O N I

R H Y S Z H A O

***