Last Light by Kelly Schweiger

A Post-Apocalyptic Family Survival Story of Strength, Family, Resilience, and the Unbreakable Will to Live “When the world goes dark, how far would you go to protect your family?” Nestled deep in the remote pines, the Callahan family thought they were ready for anything. Years of preparation, isolation, and sacrifice had hardened them for survival. But nothing could prepare them for this, a complete blackout, no power, no communication, and no one coming to help. As their supplies run low and their emotional bonds are tested, trust, resilience, and hard choices become their only currency. Can they hold on to hope when the world outside starts to unravel? Last Light is a gripping, post-apocalyptic story about family, endurance, and the courage it takes to survive when everything else is stripped away. ✔️ Perfect for fans of One Second After, Edge of Collapse, Borrowed World, and Station Eleven ✔️ Clean, emotional, and family-driven survival fiction with a strong female perspective ✔️ First in a thrilling new series, discover where the Pines will take you

Space Ants: Never Say Die by Eric Kay

Survival amidst the rings of a gas giant means that life must adapt or die. Luckily, Space Ants never say die!Space Never Say Die is a collection of serialized short stories following one colony. Each segment zooms in on a single ant from different castes—from tireless handmaidens and brave scouts to valiant soldiers and the indomitable queen mother—as they explore, extract, expand, and sometimes exterminate the deadly threats lurking in the gas giant's ring system. Join the ants as they navigate the perils of deep impacts, dehydration, and the constant threat of rival colonies. Witness their rise from the brink of extinction to becoming a dominant force in their orbit. Space Never Say Die is a sci-fi adventure like nothing you've read before.

Reserve by Penny Heart

Enjoy more of the continuing Why Choose adventures of a once-shy librarian as she deepens advanced friendships and learns more about herself in the process. Sheila’s dating history is nothing to write home about, so she gave up on dating entirely. Until she spent some private time with Derek at the library where she works, she thought she was destined for lonely nights and solo activities. Instead, that adventure set her on a road to new experiences wilder than her previous daydreams. In “Reserve,” Sheila clings to her plans to avoid relationships while exploring her newfound desire, but Pete and Derek tempt her resolve. Pete introduces her to the fun of a non-date at a drive-in movie and an empty parking lot. In contrast, Derek taunts her with a remote control toy at a friend’s restaurant while offering more than she’s ready to accept. The two men tease and titillate, and things get even hotter when they work together—separately—in an unexpected way to bring all her current fantasies to life. “Reserve” is the third book in the Booked for Lust series, but each book can be read as a standalone erotic adventure. Contains explicit sexual language.

The Floating Castle by L. N. Holmes

“5 stars, no notes.” —Millie Abecassis, author of DAUGHTERS OF THE BLUE MOON and A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE “Holmes’ fantasy novel churns with warring empires and palace intrigue. The novel boasts strong worldbuilding in the rich ceremonial details of Toguan’s court and the earthy rituals of the Gildacrest witches…” —Kirkus Reviews In a world where demons control the supply of magic and dragons are both feared and sentient, three women combine forces to oppose an evil prince and escape his floating castle. She wants to control him. He wants to kill her. To secure her position as the emperor’s favorite daughter, Princess Fu Liling sails across a monster-infested sea to marry and subdue Elias of House Zartisval, crown prince of a rival kingdom. When she meets Elias, however, he unexpectedly refuses to marry her. At risk of being cut off from the imperial family, Liling tries to force the wedding, only to discover that Elias is a murderer and she is his disposable hostage. Liling resolves to expose this betrayal to her father and plots an escape, relying on a reluctant guard and a rebel witch to aid in her flight. Elias, who’d rather see them all dead than free, gives chase. The ensuing battle may cause the Floating Castle to literally fall, and Liling must decide: surrender and die to keep the peace or dishonor her father in exchange for her own life and liberty. The repercussions of her choice will ripple across a continent.

A Death Worth Living by Trey Stone

A Life Relived Jacob, dead at twenty and feeling robbed of what he thought would be a long and fruitful life. He’s met by a mysterious figure whose job it is to guide him through his memories and into whatever comes next. Yet, the figure seems . . . familiar. As Jacob recounts his memories — some good, some bad, and some forgotten — he comes to the realization that he could have done some things differently. His guide, who calls themself Eran, tells Jacob that he can change one thing, and only one thing about his past, if he dares.

Loyalty to the Max by Maya Darjani

Max Dupont stars in his own standalone adventure in the second installment of the Broken Union series, taking place one year after Ancient as the Stars. Captain Maxime Dupont of the Earth Union is a rogue. A maverick. A clear-headed arbitrator of right and wrong– rules be damned. But even Max stumbles when he encounters his latest challenge. The Union is collaborating with former enemy Mars to fix the collapse of interstellar travel–but at the cost of vulnerable citizens. Max has to figure out where his loyalties lie–and if treason is a price he's willing to pay for doing the right thing. Meanwhile... Lieutenant Ren Yilmaz has finally found a crew. A home. A rewarding career, on the ESS Knight. But Ren gets drawn into a web of espionage. Her captain, Max, has shady dealings with anti-Union rebel groups and assigns her shipmates off-the-books tasks. It's Ren's duty as an officer to investigate. But snooping can be disastrous. Not only would she be betraying her newfound family, but Ren has secrets too–and if she digs too far, her own past as a spy could get spectacularly exposed. As tensions mount, the choices Max and Ren make will test their loyalty not only to the Union, but to each other--and the crew they call family.

Arcanoforge: Midnight Metropolis by Caroline Barnard-Smith

A genetically modified thief. A cursed electric ghost. A downloaded daemon. In a neon-drenched dystopia, she’s the glitch in the system. Tattiana the Blood Seer plies her odious trade in Noctara—a festering wart clinging to the blackened hide of a lightless planet. Tattie just wants to break sky and leave Noctara behind, but the fungus-choked metropolis isn’t done with her yet. Tattie’s one-time lover reappears, packing an illegal implant and begging for help she refuses to give. Then her co-worker makes a pact with a tentacled daemon, and their grimy back-alley club is shuttered for good. With few options left and a disgruntled electrical ghost to feed, Tattie accepts a lucrative gig from the cryptic Verna Shade. The payoff? Enough credits to buy her own space bucket and punch a permanent exit hole in the stratosphere. The job should be easy: break into a vault patrolled by the N.E.X.’s emotionless grunt army and steal Noctara’s most closely guarded secrets. But nothing’s easy on this cursed ball of dirt. Failure could get her exiled, husked, or killed. Success would shatter the planet’s fragile hold on peace. Armed with the dire blood magicks of the Arcanoforge, Tattie is done hiding. It’s Noctara's turn to bleed.

The Obsidian Druid by Caroline Barnard-Smith

Three monstrous tumari escaped the labyrinthine dungeon beneath the sea. One ripped apart the frozen homeland of the Asrai, staining the ice crimson with their blood. One blundered its way into the ancient forest of Nymed, and one rose in the city of Armoria, crushing buildings and bone beneath its great webbed feet. Only Dewer—ageless High Lord of the city—knows the truth behind the creatures’ wanton destruction, and he hasn’t trusted anyone with his secrets for over one hundred years. Gwin, a moon-blessed Asrai with the ability to freeze flesh, arrives in Armoria determined to raise an army against the man who slaughtered her family. When she discovers that city guard, Vanth, harbours magick of her own, she knows she would make a powerful ally, but Vanth would rather see Gwin hang than turn traitor. Vanth the Vile is many things: a skilled swordswoman, a debauched tavern crawler, and a Salt Sword fiercely loyal to the High Lord who saved her from a life on the streets. The one thing she never wanted to be was moon-blessed. In a city where those caught using magick without permission are left to rot in Dewer’s Pit, embracing her burgeoning powers would be a dangerous gamble. The twin moons of Joria are turning. For a century, the night has shone silver in Mamai’s cold light, but when Aikana comes to the fore, the world will dazzle beneath her violet glow. The Changing of the Moons heralds a time of unrest and upheaval, and Vanth has a devastating decision to make.

The Wish of a Dragon by JD Rivers

Otar comes to on a dingy space station and discovers two things: First, he's missing a good chunk of his memories. Second, Andres, his lover, has disappeared. Before he can retrace his steps, a knock at the door demands a debt be repaid—one Otar can't remember. Captain Veil Dreamcatcher is in search of the dragons with only ruins to guide him. Otar agrees to help in exchange for a reduced debt and information about Andres. On their travels, Otar realizes Veil is as adrift in this world as he is. Both are on a quest for the impossible: finding the ones they have loved and lost. All the while, the shadows are watching with red glowing eyes.

Riyati Ripple by Kai Zeal

Every act of defiance steers you into the person you were always been meant to become. After Nimaka’s death and the older selves returning to their own time, Kylie ran from all she’d known and grown up with at North Opal Pines, but she soon learns she can’t run far or fast enough. She thought she could leave it all behind: go back to being a normal high school student, make new friends, keep her grades up and her mother happy. But Nimaka’s death has only rallied the two other, and now they’ve stalked Kylie to her new school. Even worse, they have a mysterious new leader who no longer seeks to just kill Kylie but all those she knows and loves…. and the body count is rising. Kylie can’t get by on “just surviving” anymore: to protect herself — let alone those around her — she must become as strong and cunning as Siani was, or she’ll not only become trapped in the incarnation cycle but everyone she’s ever known and loved will die with her. Riyati Ripple is the third book in a new adult/adult contemporary, low dark fantasy series that seeks to explore themes of identity, legacy, generational trauma, and finding your own path in life. Riyati is set in the modern day fictional Southern US town of Opal Pines and includes multiple first person perspectives with characters across a range of queer, neurodiverse, and socioeconomic statuses.

The Devil Owns Primetime by Sirius

Josiah Tucker is the richest televangelist in East Texas, whose fame and fortune seemingly skyrocketed overnight. He is the charismatic face of the Last Chance for Faith megachurch and the voice of every late-night Southern Gospel radio station. Even more excitingly, he has taken his sermons to the television screen, preaching the word of the Lord live several times a week at primetime. There are very few who see the man he is when he steps down from the pulpit. In a fast-moving, free-spending world of sex and drugs, Josiah is a cold narcissist who never stops listening to his own sermons. He keeps a secret boyfriend hidden from his congregation while stringing along his dutiful secretary after (and during) church office hours. But like the walls of Jericho, Josiah’s world is about to come tumbling down. He will find out that success has come at the price of his immortal soul, and the ink is still wet on the infernal deal he struck six years ago at his most desperate hour. Now the devil is tired of waiting for his due and will take everything Josiah has until the debt is paid. And there is truth in the saying: the higher they are, the harder they fall.

A Seething Heart: Ophelia Requited by T.O. Tate

SHOW ME THE STEEP AND THORNY WAY TO HEAVEN On the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, the cargo ship Squall sails from port to port in a world torn apart by a mysterious illness. Orris is an oddity, born wrapped in thorny vines that have lain silent inside their body for decades. Since then, they’ve dedicated their life to caring for those in the last stages of a mysterious illness known as sliversickness, well aware that someday soon, they too will die. After the death of the Squall’s captain under suspicious circumstances, Orris finds themself in the middle of a struggle for power between their lover Hunter and his stepfather Charles. Rumors of ghosts creep through the Squall’s passageways, and Hunter’s behavior becomes more and more erratic. Everyone looks to Orris to help him, worried that he, like so many others, has fallen ill. But as vines begin to stir inside their chest, Hunter kills Orris’s father, leaving vengeance as their only option.

Away From Grace by Jess Autiero

The Archangel Michael had one mission: to stop Lucifer from escaping Hell. He failed. Trapped in a young human body, stripped of his immortality and angelic powers, Michael faces a new life he never wanted. Finding small joys in his new existence, he vows to avoid angelic wars at all costs—until a tragedy forces him to reconsider his promise. As chaos brews and haunting dreams grip him, will Michael have the courage to protect humankind once again? And when his deepest love is his greatest enemy, will he be able to confront the creature he cherishes above all?

Physical Magic by William C. Tracy

**Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year 2025 Semi-Finalist!** Welcome to the Shifting Lands. Silluka was born with only one arm and could never practice the exacting motions to summon the favor of the gods. Caught stealing, she is forced to test her powers or be branded an outcast. She fails, and loses citizenship to her village. In a fit of desperation, Silluka tries to steal a badge of citizenship from a mysterious elder, but instead, Elder Quilqi shows Silluka a different path to gain the powers of the gods, aided by an octopus-like technological wizard who worships their own eldritch divinities. Time is short for training however, because a new island is speeding toward the coastal town, throwing deadly hurricanes and tidal waves before it and threatening all who live there. Only the gods and godlike storm warriors protect the village from destruction, but all of them fail when a mysterious creature bursts through the wall. It's only one forerunner for a species of terrifying fast, deadly, and ready to invade the larger island. The village must flee inland before the invasion, while Silluka is weighed down by her outcast status and her brother’s failing abilities. To save herself, her family, and her village, Silluka must overcome stigma and self-doubt. She must learn the scope of the world outside her village. She must learn Physical Magic.

Crying Out for Magic by P.S.C. Willis

A meet-cute across worlds! Draven Montrose’s world, Galdorsfarne, is like a soggy firework; so much potential, so little sparkle. Magic is running out, and so are his dating options. Whilst he should be grateful for a cruelty-free world, he’s never known anything else. His (entirely realistic and modest) goals for the year are to solve the magical energy crisis…and get a proper boyfriend. Niall Silverstein lives in Northern England, wishing fantasy stories were real and he had the guts to talk to cute boys. He isn’t out to his parents, he’s never kissed anyone, and he’s convinced he’ll die alone in a corner of the library, a spotty and unloved nerd. A magical portal between worlds and a chance meeting might be all that’s needed to fix both their broken worlds. But does Draven’s world contain enough magic to keep their meetings going? Find out in Crying Out for Magic, by P.S.C. Willis!

It's You, Isn't It? by Antony Paschos

Who are the heirs to the colony? On the world of Terra-Octa, colonists Avra, her sister, and their friend Penko are the first to catch sight of a massive guardian of the native trees producing Chloron, vital to building the colony. Three years later, the colony is destroyed by an uprising of chlorobots, powered by that same resource. But all is not as it seems. What at first is a childhood memory to Avra turns deadly as her alien caretaker reveals herself to be more than Avra could understand. At the same time, her father, the general, firms his grasp on how the colony is run. Told in the past and the present, Avra’s story unravels in time and meaning until she finally understands her family, her blossoming romance with Penko, her alien caretaker, the origins of life, and the betrayal at the base of the colony. Get ready for It’s You, Isn’t It? by Antony Paschos!

Waves Take Your Bones by Athena Giles

Tallis and Finn, simple farmers, find their quiet village overrun by shriekers, a horde of undead revenants. After a devastating attack and heartbreaking losses, they must flee the only land they’ve known for the capital of the kingdom of Okaesa. Along the way, Tallis and Finn are separated from the other refugees, with their only escape across the Nightmare Bridge, a thing of horrific legends, which leaves them both scarred from the experience. In the capital, there is still no safety, for Tallis and Finn are drafted into the navy aboard separate ships, under dueling commanders. Amid struggling with the loss of their home they might find themselves crossing blades with those dearest to them who have fallen to the mysterious undead disease. The capital, an island fortress seems to be the last refuge of the kingdom, until Tallis discovers the undead have learned to sail… Check out Athena Giles debut book, Waves Take Your Bones!

Isaac by Allee Mead

When Eleanor Lane, estranged from her family, makes the drive to her deceased father’s house to arrange his funeral, she discovers Isaac, a care-bot. Isaac had been caring for her father ever since the incident six years ago, when her father, confused, accidentally cut her with a kitchen knife. Eleanor convinces her sister to let her take the care-bot home, beginning a new relationship with him despite herself. As she learns more about Isaac, she also discovers a caring, sensitive person in the android. He fills the void in her life created from her fear of connecting with others, and starts to reconnect Eleanor to how her fathers, John and Javi, met and fell in love. But is Isaac a replacement for human contact? For that matter, what is Isaac? A simple programmed construct, or a person who can grow and learn? Explore love, community, and what it means to be human in Allee Mead’s debut book, Isaac.

Lesbians in Space: Where No Man Has Gone Before by Edited by J.S. Fields, William C. Tracy, Heather Tracy

Peanut butter and chocolate. Cheese and wine. Sex and rock n' roll. History is full of great pairings. Get ready for your new Lesbians and Space! Join a host of intrepid explorers heading to the outer reaches of the galaxy, exploring planets, space stations, strange new worlds and interesting aliens. Launch into stories that span the cosmos, covering Space Opera, Xenobiology, Space Stations, Adventure, and Spaceships! From spaceship mechanics to intergalactic colony queens, heists, smugglers, gods, and sentient planets, Lesbians in Space explores the galaxy from the unique perspective of the lesfic world, blending the best of sapphic literature with modern sci-fi and space opera tropes. With stories Mary Robinette Kowal, Seanan McGuire, Travis Baldree, Emma Newman, MK Hardy, Ashleigh Martin, Nathan Chu, Stewart C Baker, Kayla Whittle, Joel Glover, Caye Marsh, Kira Neu, Jes Honard, Scarlet Passmore, Sylvie Althoff, Jasmine Gower, Siena Buchanan, Beáta Fülöp, Danielle Woolhead, J.S. Fields, and Heather Tracy

Only a Chapter by Heather Tracy

A call to change a lifetime… Clare O’Donnell is in a dead-end relationship with her girlfriend, until she receives a phone call that changes her life—literally. In one timeline, her biopsy results are positive for cancer. In another timeline, her results are benign. In one timeline, the faceless person she has romantic dreams of becomes masculine. In the other timeline, they become feminine. Her world begins to diverge, sending Clare on differing journeys of self-discovery and romance. In both, her dreams seem to show what might happen, and she realizes they all started after she survived the fatal car crash that took her parents. There is one constant: that no matter the challenges she faces, this is only a chapter of her life. Explore how one phone call could change your life forever.

Tavern Tale by Kristina W. Kelly

What if the side quest is really the main quest? Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls, has chased the thief who stole her talisman across half of Trelvania. The talisman is the key to accessing her magic well, and without it, she is powerless. While chasing her betrayer, former girlfriend, and servant of the Goddess of Condemnation, Divine meets Saph, a flirty tavern owner with an eyepatch and a proposition. Saph will help Divine locate her talisman if Divine helps her complete a mysterious quest in a chest. Inspired by RPGs and set in scenic autumn, prepare for an adventure with gods and goddesses, deceitful exes, axe throwing, and fantastical creatures. Can Divine learn to trust again and find romance in the middle of finding her magic?

The Awakening of Lora Abernathy by MJ Anthony

After a disastrous birthday ceremony and coming-of-age ritual gone wrong, Lora flees home, taking her new lycanthrope form for a test drive on the streets of Glenhurst, and hoping to prove her worth. When she answers a local job posting at random, Lora lands in the company of two other strangers: Nic and Art. Nic has sought redemption from his own past failings on his fiancé's family farm. When that security is threatened, he takes matters into his own hands, seeking out a connection from his sister's college days, who is rumored to have experience with magic blades and killing tyrants. Art longs for the past about as often as he longs to forget it, pouring his time into cooking, mutual aid efforts, bounty hunting gig work, and studying crosscosm theory (the idea of travel between worlds). This job will pay his rent, and, if he's lucky, not give him time to think about his trauma. The job? Enter the forest and eliminate the threat that's been causing townsfolk and travelers to go missing. But the woods are dark, and they have eaten adventurers before. When their pasts come back to haunt them, can the fledgling party survive?

The Celeste Files by Sienna Eggler

Difficult clients, questionable technological advances, and the much despised holiday of love torments our protagonist, Ryn Casler. Detective Winters surprises Ryn with yet another case outside their wheelhouse: a missing dog. The pooch in question is Celeste, beloved Doberman, once ensnared in a custody battle. But the police have better use of their time than searching for the pup, allegedly stolen from a high-rise apartment with no signs of forced entry. A reluctant Ryn accepts, thinking it would be a nice change of pace from their stressful case log—but this dog quickly becomes the bane of their existence. Especially when Celeste’s tracker is found at the bottom of the Cuyahoga River… “Just what the hell have you gotten me into this time, Detective?”

Voracity by Sienna Eggler

They’ll do anything to prevent another mauling... Frankie had it all in their youth; they were a talented musician and dancer with a promising career in ballet. But that all fell apart in one night, after an encounter with a fellow jaguar left them scarred for life. With the help of their former rescuer and partner, Nikita, and close friend, Dasha, Frankie put on a little muscle, learned to fight, and even kill. All skills needed for their partner’s walk of life—but not Frankie’s. When Dominique offered them a job as a piano player at her dance studio, Frankie took it—and her heart. Their mutual love for the arts helps keeps Frankie grounded. But she only knows them as the tortured soul and fallen dancer. But the careful image Frankie has crafted for themself begins to unravel when the alluring Sophie enters their life. Sophie, who may be the next victim in a string of violent cat attacks…

Turn Back Time by Anagha Bailur

Thousands of books on love and heartbreak, I promise you nothing different, I promise you nothing new, but I promise hope, I promise you a story that you and I can identify with. No heroes, no beauty queens, no successful business men in chateaus. I promise the bare nakedness of souls, simplicity and jagged sharpness of hurt and heart! We all have that one time in our lives that we would like to go back to and live it again. What is yours? Love happens, distorts, you give yourself another chance, but are 2 chances enough? This is a story about Hridaan, his love conquest and how the warrior in him helps him fight all the demons in his head. Read on for tears and inspiration, smiles and motivation, because love is like a warm candle inside of you, if you let it fall die out, you will be stuck in eternal darkness, but if you push it beyond a threshold, it holds the capacity to burn lives!

HOLIEST by Sancta Seraphina

Deep in the heart of Hell, the Fallen Host is living with as much peace as their Father allows them to have, until one day when a treacherous cherub is cast down into their realm like the star Wormwood from Revelation. Yet all of the other portents from Revelation seem to be missing, with the exception of a mysterious manuscript that begins haunting the Devil's dreams and eventually his waking world as well.

The Dhampir's Acolyte by Nyx Coronado

Rescued from the brink of death by a mysterious, solitary dhampir, Tasmin finds an unexpected sanctuary in Vicente's crumbling castle. As their fragile bond deepens into something more, the arrival of his ruthless vampire family threatens to shatter her newfound safe haven. With a hexed wolf shifter at her side who is eager to show his interest in her, Tasmin is just a human trying to figure out what to do with her life but decisions have consequences. Pulled into a dangerous conflict, she must decide if trusting the monsters who healed her is worth the risk of losing her heart—and her life. The Dhampir's Acolyte is a vampire/human/werewolf romance with why choose love interests, open door spice and quick chapters to keep the action moving.

Errant Wings by S. Jean

Wings aren't supposed to be this much trouble... On their sixteenth birthday, foundlings grow wings—either angel wings or devil wings—and their value to the city depends on which one. To Asher, devil wings mean the freedom to do what he pleases: using the city as a canvas for his graffiti art; being with his loving, devil-winged boyfriend; riding the dark, glittering streets without a care in the world. But when his wings finally sprout, already three years late, they’re angel wings. Now, the city expects his obedience. His freedom. His everything. Bowing to the system and being a proper angel wing is the last thing Asher wants, except now with every plan he’s ever made in pieces, he doesn’t know what to do or where he belongs. He’d rather burn it all to the ground, but that’s not an option… Or is it?

Wishes and Loopholes by M A Andrach

You get three wishes. Better make them count. If a Djinn granted you three wishes, what would you ask for? Riches? Immortality? World peace? More wishes? Really? Wrong. You’d overthink it, try to be clever – and end up legally bound to turn into a goat. Djinn are ancient, cunning, and terrifyingly literal. That’s why we invented Djinn Law: an entire legal field built to navigate wish contracts and keep the world (mostly) intact. Enter Elias Trenholm, a junior solicitor stuck at the bottom of the hierarchy at Albright & Rune, a firm specialising in Djinn contract law. When a rare high-profile case finally lands in his lap, one honest mistake activates an ancient clause – and silences the world’s legal system. All lawyers lose their ability to practise. Except Elias. Now the only lawyer left, Elias must navigate ancient contracts, cursed pursuers, and family fallout with only a sharp colleague, a morally ambiguous Djinn guide, and his own unravelling past to help him. Clearing his name – and fixing the world – might mean facing the possibility that none of this was ever an accident.

Tales From Cemetery by C. J. Daley

Author C. J. Daley welcomes you to Cemetery. Whether this is your first trip, or your return to town, get ready for ten blood-fueled nightmares. Read the stories Hudson Valley residents tell around campfires about Cemetery’s dark underbelly. While the police chase serial killers, the streets run rampant with occult, paranormal, and supernatural beings. And while on the surface these stories tell the lore of the town, don’t be surprised if you make some connections between them... Be prepared to experience an unhinged killer clown, a blood thirty monster in the woods, sinister killer phone calls, vampires with hidden pasts, star-crossed ghost lovers, seances gone awry, a flesh hungry zombie, confinement in a basement, two best friends tackling a haunted mansion, and a shapeshifting woodland spirit. Buy now and be the first to read the next official part in Det. Williams’ story in the bonus novelette, Off with their Sleds. Praise for BestGhost: “This is such a delightfully spooky treat that's perfect for the fall!” – Helen Power, author of PHANTOM and THE GHOSTS OF THORWALD PLACE “A quick and spooky read from someone who knows exactly what they're doing.” – Mark Towse, author of THE SOUND OF SUFFERING and NANA “I read this at night and damn near had my heart jump from my body.” – Ashley Brennan, FANFIADDICT.com

The Flowers I Deserve by Tamara Jerée

Weeping luna is as common as wildflowers, and in the northern kingdoms, assassination by its floral poison is rampant. Those born with immunity are coveted by heretic clerical orders and the endangered aristocracy—and shunned by a superstitious society. One so gifted, or cursed, Carlotta embraces her newfound power as the currency to deliver her from a land in the grip of drought. Luxury and beauty, glimpsed only through the portal of her late mother’s letters, become an easy trade to consider in exchange for her life. And looming always in her imagination is the symbol of it all—King Emelia, a demon who rose to power under mysterious circumstances. Rumor claims her to be a monstrous woman like the poison girls who serve and adore her. Yet in the warnings of evil, Carlotta sees her own reflection. Once initiated into the world of sensual indulgence and ancient magic within the castle walls, however, Carlotta finds that not even a king’s devotion is enough to sate her. As the castle’s ghosts coalesce, Carlotta must also confront what her own dead want for her and, even at the heights of her seduction, what she truly wants for herself. The Flowers I Deserve is an FFF erotic gothic fantasy novel with lyrical prose.

Canvas of Scars by Shane Blackheart

Wandering alone late at night in the dark. Searching for meaning as your heart melts in your ribcage. A longing to be alive, but you're dead and staring through a veil to experience a semblance of life. + + + Canvas of Scars is a collection of dark poetry, short prose, and art with themes of PTSD, depression, psychosis, and other dark subjects.

The Druid's Bindings by M. Vixen

Ailith is in the middle of a heist when a mysterious figure breaks into the same vault and unleashes a deadly magical disease upon the world. But the disease proves to be only the start of her problems. Haunting her every step is the devil Arkhael, who tries to tempt her into signing an infernal contract—her services as a thief in exchange for the cure. Staying one step ahead of the devil and not giving in to his honeyed words becomes harder and harder as her time starts running out and the disease becomes more aggressive. Aware that not just her life but her very soul might be at stake, Ailith faces an impossible task: trying to beat the devil at his own game.

The Traitor & The Wretch by Jasmine Walls, Rowan MacColl

THE TRAITOR & THE WRETCH is a dark fantasy adventure with a surprisingly tender romance between two very unlikely allies. Written by Jasmine Walls and illustrated by Rowan MacColl, set to be released in Fall 2025. In a world of Prophecies and Heroes, who cares about the henchmen? KNELL was just another nameless cultist trapped under the thrall of the Great One, Bringer of Chaos and fully expected to die on the battlefield. Much to his surprise he’s still alive, but not for long unless he can escape before his distinctive chaos-tainted looks get him captured and killed. PERCY was the former right hand man of the Prophesized Hero. Disillusioned and bitter, he turned traitor during the great battle against the risen chaos god in an attempt to prove this Hero false. Instead, he lost his hand and became the most wanted man in the kingdom. These two unlikely allies must work together to survive pitch black tunnels full of mutated creatures, angry mobs, old enemies, and their own haunted pasts. They’ll find unexpected strength in each other—and the possibility for more—if they don’t end up dying before they can make it out of the kingdom. They weren’t meant for a happy ending, but rules are for good guys and they’ll do whatever it takes to change their fates.

The Outsiders of Orkland by Kenneth Feller

What would you sacrifice for your family? A plague ravages the Fringe, but a chance encounter with orcs from Bogan Island gives Boele hope for a cure. With his lad, Willem, a dodgy crew, and a huge pair of stones, he sets off on a mission to once again unite the humans with the horde. Or he could screw up and start a war. No pressure. For fans of The Grey Bastards and Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Outsiders of Orkland is a fast-paced, foul-mouthed, dark fantasy with an Australasian twist.

Vividwater by Jacqueline Owens

In a future world, only a few hydrospheres, like AotearoaNZ, have enough drinkable water, nearly all sold overseas. Alex is a mnemopath, a professional memory machine, at the main water trading bureau, WaiOra. Her job isn’t noble, selling water overseas while locals die of thirst. But she needed a job, and the extra water allowance. Her humdrum life, struggling to earn enough water to live, is upended when her great love comes back to AotearoaNZ, after fifteen years in China. Alex’s world is transformed to one of excitement, danger and a relationship she has to hide.

How to Flaunt Your Chains and Surrender a Vein by D. N. Bryn

‘What else is this shed for, if not torturing unsuspecting vampires?’ Rahil Zaman has good reason to keep his distance from the world—and his fangs are only part of that. He hides in his crumbling home, acquiring blood through the risky one-night stands he finds on hunter-infested hookup apps. After one such fling turns sour, Rahil ends up trapped in the work shed of the one match he wishes would respond to his flirtations. Finding the hot twink he’d been ghosting inside his work shed was not on Mercer Bloncourt’s agenda. Between his work as a craftsman and his tumultuous relationship with his chronically-ill daughter, he doesn’t have the time or heart for a relationship. But Rahil is not the only intruding presence in Mercer’s life. A hostile hunter and a manipulative research scientist both insist—on threat of his daughter’s life—that he recreate versions of his ‘holy silver’: a vampire-killing metal forged in the wake of his wife’s murder, bound up in all the grief and destruction he’s striven for years to overcome. To complicate matters, Rahil is the rare vampire who’s immune to the deadly silver, providing Mercer the perfect lab rat to test a kinder vampire-affecting metal. As Rahil and Mercer rush to the forge, they must face their past wrongs once more, and in time, discover that no mistake is worth the sentence of eternal loneliness.

Dissatisfied Me: West Coast Larry by Bruce D. Gordon

Layabout Larry Johnstone’s life mission to find the perfect spouse began in his early teens. After dating (and being dumped) by nearly a hundred women, he finally meets and proposes to his dream girl, Heather—a successful advertising executive from Vancouver. A shocking truth about Larry surfaces during his bachelor party, thwarting his plans for a traditional wedding. Determined to complete his quest, he abandons his Ottawa life and flies to his “Schnookums” on the West Coast—only to discover his mission might not come to fruition as expected, thanks to a charismatic Scandinavian with ice blue eyes and a portable meatball oven. Needing guidance, Larry stumbles into a non-conventional church, where a seagull-cawing woman reveals a Larry will father a nation and be married to the voice of a generation. With the help of Peter, a hippie who “spreads the love” in the streets, and newfound friends at the Hospice of Good Hope, Larry is driven to seek the answer to the “How the hell will this prophecy be fulfilled?”

Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars by Charlotte Saulter

An empire in turmoil. A forbidden magic promising death. Four lives changed forever. The Emperor is dead and his widow’s rule drowns the land in fear. Soldiers terrorise the very people they should protect, taxes bleed the poor, and the executioner’s blade awaits any accused of using magic. A mercenary haunted by his past risks his future for a chance at the family he thought he could never have. A noblewoman, bereft of home and memory, begins reclaiming her past to avenge those she lost. A disgraced commander hunts the truth behind his family’s murders, leaving death and destruction in his wake. A shamaness is driven from sanctuary by the desperate actions of a grieving man. Through everything, the thread of a dangerous magic runs deep. Volatile as its wielder’s emotions, it forges bonds of loyalty and love and holds the power to reshape the Empire’s fate. But trust is fragile. And when long-buried secrets surface, bonds may shatter… And vengeance may be all that remains. Set in a world inspired by Imperial China, Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars is a dark character-driven epic fantasy and the unforgettable beginning of the Four Guardians Trilogy. For fans of the close character focus and gritty style of books like Devin Madson's We Ride The Storm, James Islington’s The Will Of The Many, and John Gwynne’s The Shadow Of The Gods.

Speculative Shorts: Stories that fell out of my brain by Cait Gordon

From the award-winning author of Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space... A nonbinary Alice accidentally enters their own clubbing wonderland because of a smiley app and Bong Guy. An autistic writing instructor who hates ABA but loves ABBA becomes an unexpected hero. A "silent" mermaid-siren noted for keeping the sea safe from poachers is guided to a Lander who might not be like the others. A disabled space pilot couriers precious cargo for the Network while trying to evade the eugenics-based brigade who wants to keep people like her "safe at home." A descendant of Frankenstein's monster is having her sweet sixteen party, but her mother's gift stops the teen in her rollators tracks. Explore these stories and more in this collection of fifteen tales of queer life, disability, romance, power, defiance, and resilience. Advanced praise: "Cait Gordon writes with infectious joy and energy, and with a sense of humour that is never far from the surface even in the darkest moments." Kate Heartfield, Prix Aurora Award-winning author of The Embroidered Book "Speculative Shorts is a fun, delicious taste of the range of Cait's spice-rack of writing skills, and she blends together those elements incredibly.” Derek Newman-Stille, Prix Aurora Award winner of the digital humanities hub, Speculating Canada

Hyperspeed by Lily James

Kai Mercer was made to race and born to win. A three-time galactic champion, Kai dominates every track he hits. But after years of standing on the podium, the thrill is fading, and the trophies have lost their shine. All he wants is one thing: a challenge fierce enough to reignite his fire. But they say you should be careful what you wish for . . . Rev Arathiel is a rookie with stars in his eyes and a mission heavier than any trophy. An endangered alien whose skin glows like a supernova, Rev has clawed his way up from illegal street races to the prestigious Astro Space League. Racing isn’t just a game to him—it’s the key to a better future for his people. When Rev starts disrupting Kai’s perfect season, their rivalry ignites more than just speed and skill. With the championship hanging in the balance, neither expects the boundaries between competition and connection to blur . . . or their hearts to race for more than just the finish line. Hyperspeed is an MM sci-fi racing romance with rivals to lovers, opposites attract, and an ego bigger than Jupiter. Perfect for fans of Formula 1, this is the first instalment in a series of interconnected standalones. Expect high-speed races, adorable first times, and some creative uses of prehensile tails.

Guns Forged by Scott Kelemen

In the 1840s, tempted by the call of the sea and driven by his need to lend support to his family, a young shipwright by the name of William Hall accepts a position on a merchant marine vessel plying its trade in the North Atlantic. He sets forth to earn his way and explore the world, and William's love of the sea-going life only deepens. But amidst the adventure, he soon discovers that there are perils that will threaten his life and those he has come to call friends. To take charge of his destiny, William will plunge into the world of naval warfare, where he will face the sternest challenges of his young life. *** This is a historical fiction account based on the life and adventures of William Hall, who was a recipient of the Victoria Cross and a noteworthy Canadian in the late Victorian Age leading up to the time of Confederation and beyond. ***

Eight Arms to Hold Me by Joshua Mertz

Eight Arms To Hold Me is an alien invasion tale with epic battles, a dash of romance, intrigue, laughs, and a fascinating and endearing octopus hero. It blends actual science in the science fiction with the old school thrill of ray gun wielding space crabs. A rollicking adventure.

Barons of Memphis by Marnie Gellhorn

This is a multi-generational tale of a political family in the mid-south; with all the steamy details that emerge after a crime that shocks the Bluff city. In the aftermath of this grisly murder, Memphians are scandalized by the gruesome details that emerge, and all the national attention it attracts. At the center, is the eccentric and egocentric charmer, socialite and Instagram aficionado, Hunter Baron. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, this trust-fund baby has spent his life in pursuit of pleasure, fame and adventure. Now he’s faced with infamy as the defendant in a high-profile trial. Only his legal team, headed by the city’s legal superstars can ensure that he gets a fair trial in the middle of a media circus.

The Pactbound Angel by S.J. Brown

Travel. Find a husband. Live happily ever after. Celestial-blooded Lady Nathalia Swordhand wants nothing more than a quiet, content life, and she believes in order to do that, she needs to have a successful marriage. But what do you do when you find all the men around you… lacking? You go out and get what you want. Trained as a protector, she decides to join caravans as a guard while keeping an eye out for the one meant for her. A year goes by, then two. Then four. But it’s not in Nathalia to admit defeat. Failure is not an option. The mischief hags who cursed her as a child and stole her most beloved ability made sure of that. On the road, an unexpected run-in with her sister Raewyn prompts them to go to the traveling fey carnival that is open nearby, the same carnival they went to once before as children, where they meet a strangely captivating pactmaker named Ramiren. When the mischief hags show their faces again, opportunity knocks. Joined by Raewyn, Ramiren, a newly-cursed tinkerer named Georgina and her automaton M.A.L.C.O.L.M., Nathalia decides it’s time for payback. But what about a husband? Well, maybe the pactmaker can help with that.

The Chains of Death by Laura A. Farrar

Laura Farrar, born in San Angelo, Texas, and now residing in Central Texas, has spent over 20 years in creative and marketing industries, including film, newspapers, radio, and online marketing. She is the author of the Of Sovereign and Citizen series, beginning with The Chains of Death. Laura wrote her first novel at 17, exploring themes of culture, media, and life’s deeper meanings. Inspired by her teenage daughters, she ventured into the YA fantasy genre to create engaging, wholesome stories that emphasize character, love, and sacrifice—filling a gap for families seeking meaningful content. A follower of Jesus Christ, Laura is passionate about crafting stories that reflect God’s love and inspire readers to explore faith and purpose. Most importantly, Laura is a follower of Jesus Christ and values all people with the love of God. She takes very seriously the messages she presents and desires all people to know Jesus for themselves and be saved.

Ginny - A Yearning to Belong by Gary M. Roberts

Ginny's early life was a tragic tale of constant rejection. The aftermath of the Civil War had plunged the South into chaos, leaving scarce money and resources in its wake. Born in 1869, Ginny's mother's commitment to a sanatorium shortly after led her father to decide to sell her so that he could care for his other three young children. Taken in by an elderly couple, Ginny was raised as their own until their passing. Their son reluctantly inherited Ginny along with the family farm. He and his wife saw her as a burden, cruelly branding her as mentally challenged and mocking her as "Dumb ol' Ginny." Despite her lack of formal education, Ginny was determined to prove she was far from dumb. Yet, she grappled with feelings of rejection as she yearned for love and acceptance. This is a story of unwavering resilience and fierce determination as Ginny confronts each obstacle head-on, refusing to be defined by the hardships and harsh judgments of others. Through Ginny's own words, we catch a glimpse of her relentless pursuit of love, acceptance, and a place to call her own despite facing immense adversity. Embark on this emotional journey with her as she navigates the challenges and fights for her rightful place in a world that has shown her little kindness from the very start.

Mourning Hearts by Karen Thrower

Murders happen, even in the sleepy town of Arion. But murders where the suspect says a fae told them to do it, are rare. Lily's arm is doing much better, thanks to her magic, and the loving care from her boyfriend Detective Richard Moss and her best friend Nicola. Six months after the incident she's back at work, and the moment she steps into the precinct, she can see a change in the department. Everyone's smiling at her, or shaking her hand, it was like they were glad she was there. For once. The biggest surprise, had been Major Ryan hiring her as an official employee of the City of Arion with a desk and everything. No more freelancing, it felt good. Like everything was changing for the better. Like the town might start accepting her after all these years. However, before Lily could bask in the good news, she and Moss are thrust into a murder case, and none of it makes sense. Lily can sense fae magic on the suspect, but the crime scene is a different story. Was fae magic being imitated or was the murderer that smart? And why only kill half of a couple? As Lily and Richard's relationship begins to blossom, they must find who is actually responsible for the murders, before they become the killer's next target.

Familiar by Cara Nox

After years of helping his father fight the monsters that killed his mother, Jules is ready to step out of his role of being a glorified errand boy for his dad and his vampire-hunting crew. But when the idea is quickly shot down for the second time, Jules lets one drink to blow off steam domino into accidentally becoming a vampire’s familiar overnight. And the biggest problem is that he can’t remember what happened. With tensions high after his father discovers the possibility of a vampire spy in their midst, Jules scrambles to keep his mark a secret and prove himself to the entire crew by hunting down his vampire, following every clue that feels familiar.

A Legacy of Blood and Bone by Millie Abecassis

“A gothic gem, rich with dread, desire, and a magic system as haunting as it is original.” —April Yates, author of Ashthorne For fans of Shannon Fay’s Innate Magic and Alix E. Harrow’s Starling House comes A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE—a spellbinding debut set in an alternate Belle Époque France, brimming with intrigue, dangerous magic, and a swooning, slow-burn sapphic romance. “Blood is life. Bones are strength. Flesh is control. Skin is death.” Every blessed family knows this mantra, and Aubeline—gifted with blood magic and heiress to the powerful Sterraux line—is no exception. When her father dies unexpectedly, Aubeline inherits the title of Countess. But her brother Renan soon challenges her claim, demanding the title of Count for himself—and quietly coveting guardianship of their young niece, Damarisse. As sinister forces gather around Renan and his allies wield forbidden, deadly power, Aubeline must seek out unlikely companions to protect Damarisse, expose her brother’s true intentions, and stop a catastrophe that could unravel their world. She never expected her greatest ally to be Damarisse’s new private teacher, Vinnie—a clairvoyant woman cursed with uncontrollable visions. Nor did she expect to fall in love with her, defying every rule of polite society and risking everything for a chance at love in a world built on blood and secrets.