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Strange Cargo by Patrick Samphire What do a smuggling gang, a curse that won't go away, and a frequently lost dog have to do with each other? Answer: they're all here to disrupt Mennik Thorn's hard-earned peace and quiet. As the sole freelance mage in the city of Agatos, Mennik is used to some odd clients and awful jobs. But this time, one of his clients isn't giving him a choice. Mennik might have forgotten about the smugglers whose operations he disrupted, but they haven't forgotten about him. Now he is faced with a simple ultimatum: help them smuggle in an unknown, dangerous cargo or flee the city he loves forever. Time is running out for Mennik to find an answer, and things are about to get completely out of control. |
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Imperfect Illusions by Vanora Lawless A drafted empath. A dreamwalking poet. A world at war. Chicago, 1917. Idealistic, aspiring poet, Elliot Stone can make people feel euphoria or horror with a simple touch. But that's only part of his magical abilities. He can also wake in the dreams of people he cares deeply for. Stubborn, fiercely independent Warren “Sully” Sullivan is an illusionist with a secret of his own: he feels the emotions of others as visceral sensations. That, and a lifetime of fending for himself, has left him guarded. On their last night of freedom before shipping off to training—military and magic—Elliot and Sully indulge in an explosive, emotional night together. Elliot assumes it's a one night stand and nothing more, until he awakens in Sully’s nightmare. The urge to rescue Sully is impossible to resist. And when dream-Sully begs him to keep coming back, something Sully would never do while awake, Elliot can’t resist that either. As real life draws them into battle, their shared dreams become a refuge that only Elliot recalls. So when Elliot has the opportunity to recruit Sully to the secret elite unit of magical soldiers he leads, he’s willing to risk everything for the man he’s fallen in love with in dreams. But being away from the front lines doesn’t mean Sully’s safe. Now they battle enemies with twisted magic where their secrets are a liability. Can they bring their dreams—and love—to life? Or will the war cost them everything? |
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Five Lords of Dusk by F. Malbeck The hunt has begun. They will find him. And when they do, he will bring down the Empire from within. The Empire would say the Blooded who ruled the land before them are dead and gone, but those onboard the Oathbreaker know it to be a lie; one look at the captain’s ward will tell you that. Shye is one of them. A Stormborn, Dusk Blooded, Strange . . . an enemy of the Empire. He has spent his whole life running from port to port, hiding behind a hood, on a swift ship, running from the imperials who stole land, capital, and crown from his kind and left them to rot in thinning bloodlines. But when he blows his crew’s cover on imperial docks, he is forced to confront the will of the Empire and the humans who rule it. With newly discovered powers to aid him and whispers on the wind to guide him, Shye knows that the answers to the fading of the Blooded lay in Mistral, the capital of the Empire, and that the imperial bounty hunter dispatched to capture him can take him there. There can be no better coronation gift for the crown prince than a Stormborn. Dorian is an imperial bounty hunter. The best in Emin Rif. But Dorian’s independence is constantly threatened by the demands of their noble father, who wanted a perfect, controllable heir . . . he got Dorian instead. It is only their reputation that keeps them free. The assignment to track down a rumoured Stormborn, a being of legend in tales told to guild children, could destroy that reputation forever if it turns out to be a lie. But, if the rumour is true, Dorian will be untouchable in the eyes of the crown and beyond their father’s reach forever. Five Lords of Dusk is the debut queer fantasy novel by indie author F. Malbeck. Featuring a genderqueer lead and a flintlock fantasy setting, this novel takes place in a world partly inspired by the author's home country of Australia. |
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The Children of Chaos (The Cruel Gods #2) by Trudie Skies WHEN THE SAINTS CALL, THE SINNERS ANSWER. Chaos stalks the steam-powered city of Chime and threatens the existence of the gods and their domains. Kayl swore to protect Chime's mortals from their gods' cruel whims, but when she agrees to represent the mortals of a god long thought dead, Kayl is thrust into a political role that goes against everything she's ever stood for. As the newly appointed ambassador to the god of time, Quen's goal is clear - protect Chime and the domains by any means necessary. But as the gods make their demands, Quen is caught between his loyalties and his conscience. To ensure a future for all mortals, Kayl and Quen must unite the gods against the threat of chaos and decide what they're willing to sacrifice for Chime - before the gods choose for them. For the gods are capricious and have their own divine plans. The Children of Chaos is the second book in The Cruel Gods series—a gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website. |
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The Hunt for Valdune by Blake Shimshock and Sherry Shimshock Senior Agent Derek Fade loved his job chasing down weapons runners and drug traffickers, hunting terrorists, and ruining the fun of major crime lords all across the galaxy. In fact, despite his reputation for being difficult to work with, he was respected among colleagues as one of the most talented agents in the Galactic Intelligence Agency (GIA). Life was pretty good until a powerful gangster, known only as Valdune, brutally murdered his wife. Now, tortured by grief and guilt, Derek Fade struggles between his dedication to the ideals of the GIA and the need for vengeance against the monster who killed Lana. Set in an expansive Fireflyesque galaxy ripe for exploration by those who enjoy science fiction and fantasy, self-proclaimed loner Derek Fade reluctantly lets readers into a dark period of his 007, semi-secret agent life that twists and turns like an Indiana Jones adventure. |
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Twisted Tome by Vanora Lawless For empathic illusionist Warren 'Sully' Sullivan dreamwalking Captain Elliot Stone is more than the only thing keeping him sane and safe. He's the keeper of Sully's heart, even if he can't seem to admit it out loud. When an ancient grimoire infused with catastrophic magic comes into play, they've got to do everything in their power to keep it from landing in enemy hands. Unfortunately, that means working closely with a man who once shattered Elliot's heart. Someone he would have done anything for. As insecurity, jealousy, and fear threaten the fledgling relationship between Elliot and Sully, will the darkness closing in around them bring them closer or tear them apart forever? |
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An old Shirt and A New Name by Brad McMullen " Stitched Tales " is an exciting series that weaves together true stories that have been greatly embellished over time. Join Buttons, Patch, and Sora as they pounce into action, unravel secrets, and embark on crazy adventures. A heartwarming tale unfolds in "An Old Shirt and A New Name." intertwining love, curiosity, mischief, and how lost things can be re-discovered in the most unexpected ways. Watch how one small kitten's adoption stitches a tapestry of countless tales. |
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Stones of Light by Zack Argyle Stones of Light continues the story begun in Voice of War, the multi-award-winning start to the Threadlight series. FEAR THE ROSES. FEAR THE LIGHT. Chrys swore to never again let the Apogee take control but, in a moment of desperation, he gave in. Now, he will learn what the Apogee truly wants. In Alchea, Laurel will do anything to get her threadlight back, even if it means working for the leader of the Bloodthieves. But she has no choice...a life without threadlight is no life at all. To the west, Alverax travels with the Zeda people to the large port city of Felia, where they seek refuge after the fires in the Fairenwild. But he shattered the coreseal, and no one quite knows what the consequences will be. They only know it won't be good. Together, they changed the world—now, they must save it. |
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The Towers of Nine by Alyssa Loutitt The Towers of Nine School of Magic Study and Practice is an institution rich with ancient traditions and secrets. Serafina Stewart has grown up on stories of this place, passed to her by her witch mother. Now Serafina is finally old enough to attend. But getting in is the easy part. And Mother's stories never included ghosts or deadly spiders. |
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Through Legend They Fall by Rachel Pendley As Ferrin Grey returned home from the horrors of war, his people hailed him a hero while the ghosts of his sins screamed monster. Now he is dying, infected with an unknown disease that eats him away little by little, piece by piece. When the ruler of a foreign nation unleashes a terrifying beast in Ferrin’s homeland, he finds himself thrust back into a world he was so desperate to leave behind. To end this nightmare, he must kill both creature and king, but ill omens warn him of the future as demons resurface from his past, turning the hunter into the hunted. And if these monsters were to catch this rotting soldier, then death will be the least of his troubles. |
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The Den of Stone by Roger Sandri Courtney Mays discovers the reason when she comes face to face with a living gargoyle. Her daily life selling appliances is thrown on its head as she learns to live by the sword in a shadow war against monsters. Edthgar, the ancient gargoyle leader, has plotted for centuries, and as Courtney’s abilities grow, so does the threat to his plans. Those she cares about become targets, and she must fight to protect them. Even if it means battling into the heart of their den of stone… |
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Under the Dragon Moon by Mawce Hanlin To break the thread of weaver’s fate, those who witness must weave anew… Mael Nguyen doesn’t believe in fate, but he does believe in magic. His entire life revolves around the study of the arcane—spells and rituals, potions and illusions. As far as Mael is concerned, all he needs is a book in one hand and magic in the other. Anything outside of his bookshop, hidden away in the streets of New Orleans, isn’t worth his attention. But when a strange human stumbles into his life and hires him for a job, bringing along his blinding smile and curious magic, Mael finds that Fate is just as dangerous as Magic. Leo Greyson refuses to believe in fate, but he desperately wishes to believe in magic. As a small time rockstar, full time radio host, Leo has never been one to shy away from experience and adventure. He’s always lived his life on the edge—always moving, never standing still. But when his twin sister is murdered, and he gains custody of her strangely magical daughter, that constant motion comes to a screeching halt. Instead, he is launched into an entirely new world hidden right beneath his nose, and Leo finds himself wondering if Fate really does exist, and if she’s led him right where he needs to be. A queer take on magic, murder, and romance, fans of The Dresden Files, Howls Moving Castle, and A Marvelous Light will find family, acceptance, and a fantastical new world to get lost in within the pages of Under the Dragon Moon, the first book in the Belamour Archives Saga. |
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The Bartender Between Worlds by Herman Steuernagel Low-stakes magic, crafting cocktails, and discovering the power of who we truly are. Emma grew up as a Hunter of the Cursed—those charged with eradicating monsters and magic from the Kingdom. She's revered as one of the King's most skilled hunters. At least she was—until she discovered she possessed magic herself. Before anyone else can discover her secret, Emma abandons her post and flees to the far edge of the Kingdom, where she hopes she can settle down and live a quiet life as a bartender, out of the Hunters' watchful eye. Fate, however, won't allow us to run away from who we are so easily. When Emma is confronted by an exiled fairy and a man who claims to be a scientist (though Emma is convinced he's a sorcerer), she must evaluate what she believes and the confines of who she's been allowed to be. Pulled on a journey that takes her further than she'd ever imagined possible, Emma is led on an adventure to discover where her fate lies and must confront her own biases, hopefully learning a drink recipe or two along the way. A low-stakes cozy fantasy about cocktails, magic, portals, and finding where we truly belong. If you enjoyed the themes of leaving it all behind in books like Legends & Lattes, and the fun and low-stakes magic in The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, then this is the book for you. |
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The Teras Tactics by Lucien Burr Following their success in the trials, Cassius Jones and his companions secure coveted spots as students in London's prestigious University. But the University's promise of security falls short. Reeling from resource shortages, the University is no longer content with siloed expertise, demanding versatility if its students are to survive in a world plagued by catastrophe. As hybrid terrors continue to rise and the landscape grows increasingly hostile, Cassius must remain adaptable, guarding against fear's corrosive grip. Juggling a fragile relationship with Leo Shaw, navigating the fracture of his friend group, and confronting the remnants of his own ruthlessness, Cassius faces his greatest challenge yet. In the face of adversity, can Cassius harness his resilience to not only endure but thrive in a world on the brink of collapse? |
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Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos by A.M. Portman A WOMAN IN A DESPERATE SEARCH Adella's life had been peaceful on the frontier of Valenna. But when mysterious raiders attack and burn her town down, her brother goes missing. Leaving everything behind, she sets off in a desperate ride across the plains to find him. A MERCENARY IN DIRE NEED OF HER HELP Kol, a highly-skilled Sornian soldier, needs Adella's help if he wants to live to see another day. A traitor to his country with nowhere else to turn, he agrees to guide Adella across the wilderness of the Campos. A HIGH-SEAS ADVENTURE When Adella is captured by the enemy, she inadvertently lets a powerful artifact fall into the wrong hands. Risking everything to find her, Kol takes a gamble and joins forces with the mysterious Captain Declan, a notorious reaver known for plundering Sornian ships. Each must face the same choice: Save the life of someone dear to them, or retrieve the artifact and prevent the awakening of Mundil and the rise of the Twelve Calamities... In a world of intrigue, mystery, and betrayal, will the choices they make lead to disaster? Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos is the first in an all-new series that takes you on a captivating adventure filled with excitement, danger and, most importantly, sea serpents. Read it today! |
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Hearts of Bark and Scale by Nicole Leland The world is blood and pain, but still there’s love. All Kvisti has ever wanted is to protect her desert village in a way that would make the Mother Tree proud. Unfortunately, an old injury has left her once-potent dryad powers broken, and she can’t even stop the ruthless magic poachers that invade her village for the scraps of magic she still holds. Snake shifter Iason is bound to a criminal snake den for the sake of his rare healing magic. But the magic poachers want his magic, too. When the poachers throw Kvisti in the same magic-proof cell as Iason, the two are inexorably drawn together, bonding over past traumas. In their isolation, they begin to heal each other, finding a connection deeper than they imagined possible. But when disaster strikes the poachers, Kvisti and Iason are abandoned in their cell with no hope for freedom. In a world that thrives on cruelty and despair, love may be their only salvation. Can Kvisti and Iason break free of their prison and the pasts that haunt them before their connection is torn apart? Will the delicate new feelings taking root in their hearts bloom, or will the desert bury them? When blood and pain are a constant, love is a fragile thing—but one worth fighting for. |
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Wyrmrot (Wyrmrot #1) by Stephanie Saige FIRST CAME THE DRAGONS When scientists brought everyone’s favorite fairytale creature to life, people flocked to see them, including 17-year-old Zelda Rissland. THEN CAME THE PARASITE But scientists created more than just dragons—they created a deadly parasite. Wyrmrot, they later called it. First, it ate your brain, and then it made you eat other people’s brains. NOW ZELDA MUST SURVIVE THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE Separated from her family, the only person Zelda has left from her former life is her childhood friend turned boyfriend, Cooper Marotta. Together they’ve carved out a safe place for themselves in a world turned upside down, but when a zombie horde decimates their survivor group, they face a choice: attempt to rebuild or follow the mysterious coordinates that appeared on a construction sign. Zelda still hopes her family is out there somewhere and believes the coordinates might lead her to them. Cooper, however, thinks the coordinates will only bring trouble. When the remaining survivors vote to undertake the perilous cross-country journey, he attempts to deter them every step of the way. What Zelda discovers at their destination will test her loyalties and change everything she thought she knew about the apocalypse. Wyrmrot is a heart-stopping Young Adult Apocalyptic novel told in dual timelines. "Jurassic Park meets Resident Evil." This fast-paced tale of survival, secrets, and betrayal features dragons, zombies, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Erin Bowman's Contagion or Emily Suvada's This Mortal Coil. |
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Aurethia Rising by Atlas Laika Two centuries ago, House Henly of Aurethia and House Volkov of Griea penned an engagement, promising a union between rival houses and their respective homeworlds. Elio Henly has been preparing for marriage his entire life. As the Henly heir and future steward of Aurethia, he will inherit great power, including control of a lucrative trade route, and ownership of the most precious substance in the Greater Universe — Avara. The mysterious blue crystal native to Aurethia is the sole treatment for parsec sickness, an epidemic ravaging space travelers within the Greater Universe. But when he meets Cael Volkov, the charming heir of the outfitted military planet, Griea, everything he thought he knew about his homeworld, his family, and his heart is turned upside down. Cael Volkov has been raised to conquer. Champion in the Tupinaire, commander of the Royal Reserve, and son to the mighty Legatus, Cael knows his mission is simple: gain the Aurethian heir’s trust, learn everything he can about the forest moon, and prepare to take it by force. But the longer he spends with Elio Henly, the quiet, brilliant Aurethian prince, the more he questions everything he was taught, and begins to push back against the rhetoric seeded in him by a lust for vengeance. |
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The Demon of Elderstay by I. Ribbon Magical makeovers are a messy business. But how was junior arcane lecturer Gerome to know his attempt to improve a part of his anatomy would open a portal to the Shade Planes? Or, worse, unleash the all-powerful “Harbinger of the New Dark” – fondly or not nicknamed Al? Utterly broke and burdened with demon (literally), Gerome begrudgingly joins a shady nobleman’s quest to free the stronghold of Elderstay from a powerful curse. His dysfunctional crew – the insufferable siblings Bijan and Najib, the perpetually moody Polly, and the enigmatic green-skinned Sha-sha – have more problems than they can wave a wand at. Walking corpses and ritual blood circles aside, Gerome is running out of time. At any moment, Al might break free and end the world. As for the horrors that await them in Elderstay? Let's just say the "New Dark" is the least of their worries… |
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Horned to be Wild: A Cozy Monster Romance (Harmony Glen) by Honey Phillips Big horns. Bigger… heart? When city artist Lila inherits her great-aunt’s cottage she expects rustic charm—not a fixer-upper with a failing roof and a grumpy, reclusive minotaur living next door. Torin is big, brooding, and annoyingly attractive. He might have the social skills of a tree stump, but every time he stomps to her rescue she’s more intrigued. Torin likes his life quiet, his woods undisturbed, and his horns—and his heart—well out of sight. Unfortunately his deliciously curvy new neighbor has a way of bypassing all his carefully crafted rules. She’s sweet, sassy, and impossible to ignore. But Torin has spent years hiding, and Lila’s presence threatens to upend the safe, quiet life he’s built. As the town's art fair approaches, Torin must decide if he’s ready to show more than his carvings to the world! * * * * Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did. But not in Harmony Glen. After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.” Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here. Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order. |
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Thankful for My Orc: A Thanksgiving Firefighter Romance (OrcFire Book 8) by Alana Khan She’s convinced she can’t be loved. He’s determined to prove she already is. Jordan I’m a divorce lawyer. Victorious in court, hopeless in love. The plan? Swear off dating and bury myself in work. The only reason I showed up at the orc firefighter speed-dating event was because my best friend dragged me along as moral support. I ended up paired with Forge—six-foot-eight of hot green muscle and infuriating patience. One incendiary kiss ignited a night of raw hunger I can’t stop replaying. Then I did what I always I panicked. Forge doesn’t pout. He builds. We each put ten date ideas in a a taco truck crawl, a vintage pinball tournament, even letting me into his workshop—his hands guiding mine over smooth wood until the air between us burns hotter than any fire. With him, every disaster feels like destiny in disguise. The more time we spend together, the more I know his heart, and the harder it is to walk away. Forge She’s guarded. I’m devoted. She’s brilliant. I’m hers. She thinks she’s unlovable; I know she’s my destiny. So, I make it one date at a time. I’ll shoulder the weight. I’ll do the heavy lifting, so she can finally let go in my arms. And I’ll worship what doesn’t need fixing—her. Every kiss, every laugh, every night in my arms proves the same Jordan is mine. This Thanksgiving, I want her at my side—with my brothers at Station 32, and my soulbond etched into her flesh. No cheating. No cliffhanger. Just five-alarm monster romance heat, a fiercely possessive orc, his grumpy heroine, and a firehouse family that always serves up second helpings of love, laughter, and heat. From USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan. |
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Red Darkling by L. A. Guettler Red Darkling’s ship is a weevil-infested piece of junk. Her smuggling business barely brings in enough credits to buy cheap beer. Alien creeps think a blaster can get them favors when their charm fails. Her only company is a glitchy cat and the occasional hook-up. Her life is dirty, dangerous, and lonely: just how she likes it. It all takes a turn for the worse when things start going well. A little too well. Partying with movie stars, weekends in paradise, troublesome people turning up dead—it’s maddening. Who is this anonymous benefactor, and why does he think she needs protecting? |
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The Dark Flame of Chaos by TF Johnson The final, thrilling instalment in this must-read fantasy series. "I should have known I'd find you in a tomb" Silvaein is at war. As an enemy nation stalks the borders, battle has a deadly toll on both sides. Casualties are high and allies are few. In the capital, Piper leads a security team of quickly dwindling guards as citizens are called to the front lines. Along with Beka and Alec, she works tirelessly to end the war and bring about victory. But when secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, Piper must put aside her feelings for the good of her country – even if that means losing everything. With foes on all sides and trust fading fast, Piper and her friends fight for their very survival in a political landscape full of deceit and betrayal. Perfect for lovers of Throne of Glass, Lady of Darkness, and the Grishaverse, The Dark Flame of Chaos is the final book in TF Johnson's debut fantasy trilogy. |
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What Manner of Man by St John Starling What would tempt you to sin? A sweet and naïve priest at war with his desires, tormented by nightly dreams of a wicked demon. A vampire lord forced to do the unthinkable, battling needs he can scarcely control. Father Ardelian has been summoned to a distant, secluded island to perform an exorcism. What will happen when he begins to suspect his host — the mysterious, nocturnal lord of the manor — of wanting him for another reason entirely? Will the piously celibate priest be able to resist his monstrous host’s diabolically seductive charms? What Manner of Man is a blasphemous queer horror romance about a priest and a vampire, inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A tale of forbidden love with themes of devil worship, demonic possession, and human sacrifice — this is the long-awaited completed version of the widely beloved story which rose to fame and fortune in the form of a newsletter! |
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Fear and Fury by Jamie Jackson Meet Megaera, Meg for short. She’s like Deadpool, except for funner. For a girl with the power of fear the recruitment attempts from both sides are never-ending. A self-described not-a-hero, villain-leaning humanoid, Meg just wants to live her life, work her dead-end job and have everyone else (especially the heroes) leave her alone. But when a bigger fish who can turn superpowers back on their users enters the picture and threatens the person Meg loves the most (herself), she must turn to the last group of people she would admit she needs help from. Forced to team up with the heroes she despises (but won’t murder, because let’s face it, orange is not the new black), Meg will have to face the choices from her past that she won’t get therapy for. Self-centered, snarky, sarcastic and a little bit dramatic, she’s going to have to save the world, even if that wasn’t her intention. And try not to get shot in the process. Because that shit hurts. |
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The Look of a King by Tom Dumbrell Two young men. One with a dark past, the other with a bright future. Cyrus is a storyteller frustrated by the mundane trappings of village life, while Prince Augustus struggles to meet high expectations after an upbringing of royal privilege in the bustling capital. As both try to forge their own paths, a royal assassination unexpectedly closes the gap between them. The nation of Easthaven is thrown into war with their oppressive neighbours, and so begins a conflict from which neither can walk away. Will a young prince finally measure up to his destiny? Will a storyteller create a legend of his own? Cyrus and Augustus's lives may seem worlds apart, but perhaps they aren't so different after all... |
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For A Few Days More by Z.B. Steele The Hinterlands are a lawless place of broken dreams and broken people. Roth is a bodyguard trying to leave his dark past behind, but history has a way of turning back up. Cynthia is a bandit who's trying to make a future by wading through blood. They travel separately, trying to live by their own codes. All while a man in a red cloak tracks their blood-soaked footprints. |
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Healed by My Hyde: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #11) by Honey Phillips He’s the one man in town she’s been warned about. So why does he feel like the only safe place to be? Pregnant and seeking a quiet place to start over, Chloe arrives in Fairhaven Falls hoping for a peaceful sanctuary. What she finds is Dr. Victor Jackson—a male as handsome as he is rigidly controlled. The town whispers about the darkness he keeps locked away, but Chloe sees past his forbidding exterior to the lonely male beneath. Victor has spent his life caging the beast within him. Every emotion is suppressed, every minute scheduled. But the gentle female with the sad eyes and warm heart is a temptation he can’t resist. Her touch threatens to awaken the possessive, primal instincts he has fought for so long. One passionate, reckless night shatters his carefully built defenses, leaving Victor convinced he has to push Chloe away to keep her safe. But when a historic blizzard traps them together in her isolated cabin, the storm outside is nothing compared to the one raging within him. And when disaster strikes, the only thing that can save Chloe is the very beast she’s been told to fear—and his monster has already decided she belongs to him. Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone. This sweet and steamy small town romance is intended for mature readers. |
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The Fear of Moncroix by Bryan Asher All the Waywards have Fallen… After a mission against the Royal Vampiric Court goes horribly wrong, all of the Waywards are slaughtered. All except one. Davion, the last surviving member, must consume potions to mask himself and hide amongst the very people who killed his brethren. After a decade of living this double-life, Davion has resigned himself to his new purgatory. But all will not remain calm for him or the Court. An unknown swordsman arrives, and after killing several Royal Vampires, rumor spreads that he’s searching for anyone still belonging to The Wayward order. Davion decides he must track down this mysterious swordsman. But will finding him bring freedom or his own demise. |
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The Light Must Hold by Kriss Gallom In a world without stars, divine crystals shield the folk of Esiaga from fiends that prowl the darkness. When Lior, a priest who communes with the crystals, prays to the deities and asks for their guidance, he is met only with silence. Guidance is something he yearns for as he watches his convent brothers either fall to creatures that lurk in the shadows or lose their minds trying to harness the power of the crystals’ light. That is, at least, until travelers arrive on behalf of the Queen. Sworn to come to their kingdom’s aid in times of need, Lior and his convent brothers must make the hazardous pilgrimage to the capital, Bangol. The guidance Lior has always sought comes in the form of Elouan, the paladin sworn to guide the convent’s caravan. Where Elouan leads Lior, however, deviates from the known path. The Light Must Hold — a classic dark fantasy adventure that combines fanciful prose and sisyphean struggles. |
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A Dagger in the Dark by Tom Dumbrell Twenty years before the events of The Look of a King, in a world on the cusp of change, a young man dreams of a life far from the one he has known. Is he a captain in the making, or out of his depth? The stakes are high, and only time will tell if the spoils are worth the gamble. . . |
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Where Heroes Were Born by Tom Dumbrell Ten years have passed since the Battle of Highcastle. As Peacehaven's new king takes the country from strength to strength, Fran strikes out on her own in neighbouring Cornesse, where she is the chosen shield to the venerated queen, Mathilde. It seems Mathilde has everything under control—except her own future. Concerns for Cornesse's royal succession send Fran on a journey she never expected to undertake and certainly didn't know she needed. Meanwhile in Highcastle, an inexperienced prison master is given responsibility over a notorious brigand. As the son of a decorated war hero, Locke must learn the job quickly, setting aside his demons in order to establish a name of his own in a place where no one knows who he is. Will Fran’s journey on behalf of a queen teach her something about herself instead? Will Locke falter under the weight of his father’s expectations? Will the king and queen of Peacehaven find their happily ever after? Peace is a romantic notion, but someone has to fight for it. |
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Black Table by Anttimatti Pennanen Jon and Gus, science fiction fans from Finland with a penchant for fist bumping and pop culture references, travel to the Portland Comic Con where tragedy strikes. Their hero, Dr Wells, suffers a heart attack. With his dying breath, the doctor exhorts Jon to “find the …” as he pushes a book into Jon’s hands. Following clues inscribed in the book, Jon and Gus discover an alien structure with a mysterious Black Table which they accidently activate, transporting them to an alien world. Jumping from world to world via the Black Table galactic transportation network, Jon and Gus embark on the adventure of a lifetime where they encounter monsters, alien tech, giant vessels made of water and make new friends. But those friends are facing an unstoppable and mindless enemy. An enemy that is destroying the galaxy, and Earth is next in its path. Can two fans from Finland save the day? Black Table is a rollicking yarn of two likeable, wise-cracking friends who like nothing better than pranking each other. That is, except when they are not doing something more serious, like saving the universe. JOIN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE BLACK TABLE NETWORK! |
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Black Smoke Rising by Caroline Cuell After generations of war, the world has settled into an uncomfortable peace, the foundations of which are built on the simple premise laid out in unwritten law — you keep to your own kind. For the fae of Viriador and the elves of Carpathia, this way of life has seen them flourish and thrive, content with their own ways, the stains of bloody wars nothing more than words on pages of old scripture. For the dragon-shifters of Predoran, however, the lust for bloodshed is proving hard to suppress. King Dracul was the one to force the fae and elves from his lands, driven by the need to be cleansed of his sworn enemies. Now though, the disappointments of peace see him craving violence. His decision to take the lands of those he despises threatens to destroy all that has been built — and in doing so will change the course of six lives forever. |
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No Love Lost by Rachel Bowdler Six years ago, Taryn’s best friend moved to London without so much as a goodbye, and she hasn’t spoken to him since. Now, after a failed marriage and career, Will is back in St. Agnes, a Cornish coastal town rife with memories of their childhood together — and Taryn, stubborn and jilted, no longer wants anything to do with him. Desperate to get close to her again and give her the explanation she deserves, Will isn’t prepared to stay away from her, so after he manages to get his old job back at the St. Agnes Gazette, he chooses to report on the local environment — and in doing so, seeks help from the best conservationist he knows: Taryn. With their lives and loved ones still connected by past and present, they soon remember just how strong their friendship had once been, and Taryn finds herself unable to resist falling back into old habits with the man who broke her heart. However, finally confronted with the truth, she realises that there was more to Will’s abandonment than she ever knew: he was in love with her and still is. Afraid of complicating their once steadfast friendship and losing Taryn for good, he made the mistake of running away — a mistake that he ever refuses to repeat. Whether as friends or more, Will is desperate to rekindle a connection with the woman he loves, but with Taryn’s new relationship, a fiercely disapproving sister, and a job opportunity in Spain, will they ever find the right time to finally give into their feelings, or are they destined always to be separated by their careers and fears? This best friends to lovers romance tells the story of unbreakable lifelong connections and the unwavering hope of second chances. |
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The Orc's Captive Bride (The Five Kingdoms #5) by Honey Phillips The Five Kingdoms are poised to fall into eternal darkness. All hope lies in a forgotten prophecy—and a woman from another world. Dr. Thea Monroe knows nothing of prophecies. She only knows she's been transported to a strange new world, kidnapped by a terrifying orc warrior, and is being dragged toward the heart of an enemy's empire. Her only chance at survival is to outwit her captor, a male taught to be a monster. But his reluctant care and fierce protection tempt her to believe he could be so much more. Khorrek was bred for one to obey. But his beautiful new captive, a brilliant woman with fire in her eyes, challenges his every command and sees through the lies that have defined his existence. He was sent to deliver the final piece of his master's puzzle, but Thea may be the one person who can help him destroy it. In the final battle for the future of the Five Kingdoms, a monster must become a hero, a captive must become a queen, and two souls from different worlds will have to risk everything for a love that could save them all… Although each book in the Five Kingdoms series can be read as a standalone romance, there is an overall series arc which concludes in this book. This sweet and steamy romance is intended for mature readers. |
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The Exorcist’s House by Nick Roberts This psychological thriller follows a family to their Appalachian farmhouse, where they encounter an unimaginable horror. In the summer of 1994, psychologist Daniel Hill buys a rustic farmhouse nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia. Along with his wife and teenage daughter, the family uproots their lives in Ohio and moves south. They are initially seduced by the natural beauty of the country setting. That soon changes when they discover a hidden room in the basement with a well, boarded shut and adorned with crucifixes. Local legends about the previous owner being an exorcist come to light, but by then, all Hell has broken loose. This 1990s horror novel is perfect for fans of family thriller books, stories of demonic possession, exorcism fiction, the occult, or thrillers like The Exorcist, A Head Full of Ghosts, and The Amityville Horror. Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths. |
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Hounded fire & brimstone by Quinn Cameron Loren sold his soul for love and, for love, he may risk eternity. As a hellhound, Loren has given his life to the service of his demonic owner, but he keeps one thing for himself: his relationship with a phoenix named Indy. Protecting Indy from those who would exploit his power has always been paramount to Loren, but it becomes far more difficult when word of the phoenix reaches Hell. Rumors that a phoenix’s tears can purify even the most corrupted soul make Indy a valuable asset to any demon, and Loren’s owner is no exception. Intervening in the hunt for the phoenix would reveal Loren’s treachery and guarantee his death, but he can’t stand by and allow the destruction of the man he loves. His devotion cost him dearly before, and now he may pay the ultimate price. |
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The Edge of the Abyss by Blake Shimshock and Sherry Shimshock Lana has been gone for almost a standard galactic year, and Senior Agent Derek Fade is still tormented by her murder and his own failure to capture the killer. He’d been so close…but just as the gangster had predicted in that final moment before Derek let Valdune slip beyond his grasp, vengeance has become the agent’s gnawing obsession. Now his wife haunts him, his boss questions his sanity, and forget about working alone! With his life on the edge of a dark crossroads, Derek Fade must decide which way to go. The only thing he knows for sure is that he won’t rest until he brings an end to the hunt for Valdune. |
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Of Darkness and Light by Ryan Cahill The hotly anticipated second book in Ryan Cahill's break out debut series The Bound and The Broken. Heroes will rise. Nations will fall. Behind the towering walls of Belduar, Calen Bryer and his companions stand in defense of the city and its new king. In over a thousand years, Belduar has never fallen. It has stood as a bastion of hope. But the Lorian empire are at its walls once more, and the Dragonguard are coming. In the North, with Faenir by her side, Calen’s sister Ella arrives at the port of Antiquar. She holds no fear of the unknown. She will see this through, no matter what – or who – gets in her way. Meanwhile, at the embassy of the Circle of Magii in Al’Nasla, Rist Havel hones his newfound powers in preparation for the trials. Unbeknownst to Rist, he is being watched, measured, and judged. He was not taken into the Circle by chance. There is greatness in him. But great men can do terrible things. As Lorian forces land on southern shores and Aeson Virandr’s letters of rebellion find their way to the right hands, only the Knights of Achyron see the true danger. The danger that stirs in the darkness. The coming shadow will not stop. It will consume all in its path. It wants for nothing but blood and fire. |
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The Assassin and the Sorceress by NRG Selove A ruthless assassin. A wisecracking sorceress. A perilous journey that will reshape the Kingdom. Driven by money and hatred, Jessara is the greatest of the King’s royal assassins. An autistic elf born in the forests of Anwood, Jessara was trained from childhood to become the perfect weapon against the Compact of the elves. When it comes to a special capture or kill contract, she’s the obvious choice when the King needs a delicate touch. Her target: a mysterious fugitive human sorceress named Asha Weaver. A specialist in fire magic, Asha narrowly manages to escape execution in the capital city of the Kingdom. Her impulsive and reckless nature prove to be a challenge when a series of misadventures forces the assassin and the sorceress to work together. Loyalties will be questioned as the reluctant partners battle monsters, hide secrets, overcome betrayal, and face the inconvenient feelings growing between them. |
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Isla's Reach by Francisca Liliana One catastrophe is all it takes. The world of Iona has forgotten the time when dragons ruled the skies and their Viden riders controlled the wind. The Evandis War, started by the long dead Cinaed the Decayed was won, but at the extermination of every dragon and their Viden riders. Evelyn, the last Viden, has been in hiding for her entire life, but no more. Once she bonds with Oretem, the last dragon, her purpose quickly turns from being the shield for those she loves, to the blade that fights to survive. A Reticent assassin haunts her steps, one who has his own demons to battle. They both seek a single person--Meric, a bounty hunter Venandi, who the assassin endeavors to destroy and the Viden hopes to save. These three lives intertwine in ways that leave them questioning everything they've ever known. The roots of Isla's Reach burrow deep to carry the world, and it won't be long until they've broken entirely. |
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The Blood-Born Dragon by JC Rycroft A bond she didn’t choose.
A love she can’t escape.
A creature so powerful it bends the limits of time… Smart, sassy, and sanguine, Des Mildue is a traveling sellsword in Rescalin, a dry and dusty kingdom full of rogues, opportunists, and thieves. She keeps her nose clean, brazens it out with a blade when she can’t, and keeps others at arm’s length where they can’t mess up her plans. That is, until a sword fight gone wrong leaves her tied by blood to the first dragon hatched in centuries. Suddenly, Des has to contend with a new voice in her head: haughty, willful Esquidamelion. Des wants to leave Squid by the roadside, but the blood bond has other ideas. With half the world on their tail - including Liv, her beautiful, faithless ex who Des is definitely over - Des must search for answers for why so many are willing to kill, maim and torture to get their hands on Squid. But she’s beginning to suspect her blood bond has tied her not only to a dragon, but to a fight for Rescalin’s future… …and no one else even knows it’s at risk. If you like the kind of story that grabs you by the shirtfront and hauls you through mystery, magic, adventure and betrayal, with a side of sapphic romance, pick up The Blood-Born Dragon, first in a new trilogy from debut author J.C. Rycroft. |