Manzakar by R. Laham

The Gohari are nomads—pansexual, magic-born, and feared. Under the wrath of Cenk, the god of Anzor, their freedom has been stolen. Their unmatched skills in horsemanship and archery have been twisted into weapons, forging the Manzakars—an unstoppable army of slave-soldiers. Tikran became a Manzakar to save his starving family, rising through the ranks to become the king’s most celebrated bodyguard. To him, the brotherhood of soldiers meant honor, justice, and glory. Until the campaigns brought him back to Gohar. Until he saw his people subjugated, their magic drained to feed Anzor’s power. Until he realized he was fighting for the enemy. Now Tikran must choose between loyalty to the crown and the survival of his people. To defy the king could cost him his life. To stay silent could doom a nation.

The Caramere Saga, Book 1: The War of Vengeance by SL Rutland

In the High Kingdom of Caramere, destiny is forged in blood and magic. As the noble High King Uther searches desperately for his missing wife, treachery threatens to shatter his family’s legacy. Alongside his allies, Uther is thrust into a war of vengeance and must protect all that he cares for against invasion and dark sorcery. As the kingdom burns and ancient prophecies stir ominously, his every decision paves the way to either victory or ruin. With political intrigue twisting like an ever-tightening noose and powerful adversaries lurking in every shadow, what price will he pay to protect his crown, family and kingdom? The fate of a realm on the brink, secret powers beyond imagining, and a war that will shake the heavens await—only the courageous can unlock the truth in the chaos to come.

AcClaim by Jean Thesquare

Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a celebrated author on the brink of mainstream breakthrough, has everything she needs in life: acclaim, a fiercely protective ride-or-die bestie to ensure she gets out of the house and into the most delicious trouble, and increasing ability to build worlds without support from her wealthy family. But in a city where all is possible, a new player emerges: Dorian Wolker, a man who doesn't take makes others want to be taken. As their dance of seduction moves from opulent penthouses to contracts and requests of surrender, Beatrix's world spins out of control. Yet her partner in crime, Manon De Rochemaure, a European billionaire heiress and supermodel who wields sensuality as rebellion, stands by her side as they plot a devastating comeback. AcClaim pulses with feminist punk spirit, as the two women strategically dismantle the patriarchy by wielding sensuality, brazenness, and the power of reputation as weapons proving that men only burn witches because they fear them. It's the perfect book for people who loved Penelope Douglas's Corrupt or Megan Nolan's Acts of Desperation.

Happy Face by Sirius

Casper makes his living by chasing the dead. He specializes in helping confused spirits, and the people they leave behind, move on. He’s also deathly afraid of clowns. Lately, all his nightmares have centered around Buttons the Merrymaker, a clown-like entity who trapped and tormented him while he was fleeing his Appalachian home. Casper has been willing to write off the whole experience as a bad dream for the past 20 years. But now, the clown is calling him back, as are the family secrets he so desperately tried to leave buried. His fears are catching up to him, whether he’s ready to face them or not. Taking the reins of his own fate will mean returning to that funny little town of Bustagut. Where, in some ways, it will be just like he never left.

Freed Kingfisher by R. Laham

The rebellion won them freedom. The war for survival has only begun. The Manzakar Rebellion has ended. The chains are broken. But freedom is fragile. In the aftermath, the kingdom of Anzor teeters on the edge of collapse, its throne mired in intrigue and its people divided. Once slave-soldiers, Tikran, Coxani, and their brothers must carve out a place in a world that still sees them as outsiders. Beyond Anzor’s borders, the rival kingdom of Dilovar shatters its truce, driving east into Gohar to hunt nomads and seize their magic—the fabled Essence. As Tikran is pulled into a deadly web of betrayal and court politics, Coxani journeys into Gohar to unite its scattered tribes for the coming war. Empires are stirring, gods are watching, and the fate of a people hangs in the balance. Tikran swore the Gohari would be free. Now he must decide what price he is willing to pay to keep that promise.

The Break of Dawn by Eule Grey

Cora ‘I am all that I need’ Richards has a prison reputation for being an ice queen. She exists via a strict code of survival: people equal pain—the end. Surprises lead to disappointment; therefore, Cora won’t tolerate the unexpected. Friends? No. Lovers? Never. A hollow nighttime ache in her chest is bothersome, true, but the issue certainly isn’t caused by loneliness. Cora knows who she is and what she isn’t. She gladly accepts a placement at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, not to meet the elusive artist, Sky Sunday, but to finish her prison sentence early. It’s work, nothing more. But the breathtaking landscape, woolly lambs, fluffy ducklings, and friendly artists challenge a woman trying not to feel. Life at the Sculpture Park is vibrant, messy, and warm. Still, it would take someone extraordinary to melt an ice queen such as Cora—the end. Sky Sunday wears dungarees and muddy yellow boots, talks in riddles, listens to Cora’s suggestions, and never belittles her. From the first awkward meeting, attraction sizzles between them. But Sky is rubbish at talking. So is Cora. How can two impenetrable women ever get close? From dawn to dusk, the workers toil on a mysterious, humming sculpture, and nobody knows what it’s supposed to be. If they trust their instincts, Sky insists that something unique will happen on Easter Sunday. Cora abandons the last of her ice armour as dawn breaks, but is it too late to be vulnerable and take a second chance? What happens when an ice queen and a fluffy chick kiss? Can Cora and Sky forget their past and begin a new life together? This story is not the end.

It Begins by Eule Grey

Byron, PhD student and waistcoat admirer, knows about yearning and betrayal. It’s been four years since the love of his life, Ruben, walked off without explanation. Byron dreams of midnight sex he can’t fully remember and a beloved man with dancing eyes. If only Ruben would return… But life moves on. At least it did until you-know-who unexpectedly pitches a tent in the garden, provoking ghosts from the past as well as Byron’s aching heart. Ruben understands how to push Byron’s buttons. But he doesn’t know why someone is stalking them or why his memories are haunted by students playing a naked truth-dare game in an ancient room. What happened on the claw-marked table covered with crispy skin flakes? Halloween draws close, and with it comes a rollercoaster ride of sex, fear, and love. At the back of their minds, a chilling, familiar voice reminds Byron and Ruben of a game from long ago and a pact that can’t be abandoned or left unfinished. True love never dies.

The Electric King by Hugh C.N. Miller

By 2052, the world is ruled by artificial intelligence in the form of a ruthless android called King Cyrus. Society is divided into the 'Myriads’, who choose allegiance to his reign and live in perceived opulence and the ‘Indigents’, who live off-grid and fight for survival. An unthinkable tragedy transforms Scarlett into an unexpected warrior. With her kidnapped brother as her only focus, she is given the power to defeat the electric king and liberate humanity before it’s too late. But first, she must trust Ethan, a handsome thief who threatens to steal more than just her heart…

Warrin (Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides #10) by Sue Mercury

The fierce alien warrior is finally taking a mate. After getting jilted at the altar, heartbroken Elora flees town, determined to make a fresh start somewhere far away where no one knows her name. But traveling through the war-torn countryside is harder than she imagined, and during a sudden air raid, she loses everything. Destitute and scared, she reluctantly signs up for the Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides program, believing it's her only shot at survival. When a handsome, green-eyed warrior named Warrin arrives to claim her, she finds his directness both refreshing and disarming. His kisses leave her breathless, and in his arms, she finally feels safe. But is she falling too fast for a male she barely knows? Warrin has longed for a mate and a family of his own, and he's overjoyed when the VAMOB program finally matches him with a human female. Elora. The first time the fierce warrior lays eyes on the young woman, he's captivated by her beauty and the quiet strength of her spirit. Every time he holds her close, the darkness that's plagued him for ages retreats, and he starts to believe she's a gift from the Star God. When an unexpected air blockade prevents their departure from Earth, they're forced to seek refuge and wait out the conflict—alone, with growing desire. But just as he prepares to claim her, they receive shocking news that could tear them apart before their mating union has even begun.

Kiss for My Kraken: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #10) by Honey Phillips

A lonely woman, a grumpy kraken, and a town determined to bring them together… Nina needs a fresh start. Broke, alone, and desperate to escape her past, she stumbles into the quirky little town of Fairhaven Falls, hoping for a quiet place to rebuild her life. What she doesn’t expect is to nearly drown in the river on the edge of town—or to be saved by the town’s most mysterious resident. Sam has spent most of his life lurking deep in the river, keeping his distance from the humans on shore. As a kraken, he’s used to being feared, whispered about, and left alone. But when he rescues Nina, something in him stirs—an unfamiliar and dangerous longing to keep her. Nina should be terrified of the massive, tentacled creature who rescues her. Instead, she finds herself drawn to him—the gruff protector with bioluminescent skin, a possessive streak a mile wide, and a heart as deep as the ocean. But just as she begins to believe she’s finally found a place to belong, her past comes calling, threatening to rip her new life—and her monster—from her grasp. Sam has spent his life keeping his distance. But when danger comes for Nina, he’s ready to show the town—and the world—just how terrifyingly protective a kraken in love can be. Welcome to Fairhaven Falls, where love is wet, wild, and all together wonderful! 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.

Mountain Man’s Winter Wonder (Wildwood Valley Christmas Book 5) by Lilah Hart

She’s spent her life living for everyone else. He makes her wonder if she could finally choose herself. I’d spent my whole life living for everyone else. Since the age of twelve, I’d worked in my parents’ restaurant—trading proms for late-night shifts, friendships for endless obligations, and love for a future I never chose. At twenty-three, I was still stuck in their dream, not mine, pouring my heart into crafting snow globes that captured the kind of family and freedom I’d never have. Then came the Wildwood Valley Christmas Festival. One careless moment—a pack of kids knocking over my display—sent my carefully built world crashing in pieces across the frozen ground. And that’s when he appeared. Buck. A mountain man with steady hands, eyes warm as melted chocolate, and a quiet strength that made me feel seen for the very first time. He didn’t just help gather broken glass—he saw beauty in what was shattered. He saw me. Mountain Man's Winter Wonder is an OTT age-gap holiday romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It's a forced proximity ex-military, lumberjack romance with lots of steam that's designed to be read in only 1 hour. If you like short, steamy instalove novellas, you’ll love the entire Wildwood Valley Christmas series!

Reborn in Ash by Gabrielle Steele

Magic abandoned humanity millennia ago. Now it returns, bringing ruin to a wanted thief, and her chance for redemption. When ash fell like snow, everyone it touched grew ill with fever. Most died. Ada Renwick didn't. She endured the ash plague, food shortages, and brutal riots, only for one merchant's greed to threaten her livelihood. To keep her jewellery business afloat, Ada turned to thievery. Now she wants revenge. Breaking into the merchant's manor, Ada discovers unfamiliar gems that carry a shocking truth. Earth magic hides within them, and she can wield it. But the first time she does, she makes a mistake that leaves a man dead. Sickened by her crime and hunted for it, Ada runs. Yet, using magic feels as natural as breathing. She'll do anything to keep it, even join a war she wants no part of. It's not until Ada meets a woman who can wield fire magic that she realises some things are worth fighting for. But fire burns anything that gets too close.

Rose's Untamed Bear by Bella Blair

She touched me, and the beast inside me opened its eyes and chose her ROSE: My life was simple. A cottage in the woods. Warm hearth. Quiet days spent with my mother and sister. Then the bear came. Huge, wounded, and wild. I should’ve been terrified, but I wasn’t. Because when he looked at me, I saw a man behind the beast. A soul trapped in fur and fury. One day, when he changed before my eyes, into a warrior with blood on his hands and fire in his gaze, I knew the truth. This wasn’t fate. It was a curse. And somehow, I’m the key to breaking it. He says I belong to him. But what terrifies me more is how much I want him to be right. ALARIC: Grimbald cursed me out of spite, forcing me to wear the skin of a beast for crimes I did not commit. For years, I lived alone. Forgotten. Savage. Waiting for madness to take me. Then she appeared. A girl with fire in her hair and kindness in her voice. Her touch calms the storm inside me. Her scent drives me to my knees. I told myself I wouldn’t love again. But Rose isn’t just anyone. She was made for me, and now I will prove to her that she is MINE. Even if I have to tear the gnome’s magic apart with my bare hands. Coming this curvy heroines, alpha monsters, and fairy‑tale chaos collide in a whirlwind of dirty declarations, magical matings, and heart‑thumping happily ever afters. For readers who like their fairy tales filthy, heartfelt, and unforgettably fun.

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.

Baby for the Alien Warrior (Treasured by the Alien Book 14) by Honey Phillips

A warrior with nothing left to give. A woman who’s lost too much. A miracle that changes everything. Dr. Corinne Vale thought her life of quiet study ended the day she was abducted and sold across the stars. Now, she’s on the run with a traumatized teenage girl and a baby she risked everything to save. When she encounters Commander Selik, a huge Cire warrior with haunted eyes, she expects another cage. Instead she finds a hero. Selik has done his best to bury the past and the family he failed to save. He doesn’t expect the fierce, beautiful human he rescues to awaken feelings he thought long dead. But when a night of shared grief leads to a moment of passion, the impossible happens. Now Selik will risk everything for his fragile new family. Because sometimes the most powerful bonds are the ones you never saw coming. Each book in the Treasured by the Alien series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy HEA is intended for adults only.

Castoff by Brandon Crilly

Six months after saving her city from destruction, Deyeri Renn is outrunning leadership she doesn’t trust herself to take on. Mavrin Leed chases secret knowledge beyond the business of a mere street magician, wondering where his friend Eyasu Temergon has gone, and how much his devotion to the god-like Aspects endangers him this time. All while the Raw wait to be freed from their prison—the extent of their patience unknown. And as the Highest Voices work to silence the gods who keep Aelda safe, dangerous truths at the edge of the world still find their way to light.

Masks Worn by Magical Wives by Hiyodori

"Look humble. Look bashful. Look harmless." Masks Worn by Magical Wives is a slow-burn f/f romance packed with secret identities and surreal magic. The story unfolds in a unique contemporary fantasy setting: a twisted yet beautiful realm where kings slowly turn amphibious and snake-worshipping nuns lurk in colossal caverns. Nemesia is one such nun. Chosen by an eldritch god, she spends most of her life underground, but her sect sends her on occasional pilgrimages to work in the land above. This time, in her mid-thirties, she gets hired to snoop on a mage named Eden... by going undercover as Eden's wife. In a world of cold and unsociable mages, Eden alone is the opposite: both powerful and well-loved. Perhaps too well-loved—she's left behind a long string of angry paramours. The exasperated king of the land orders her to settle the issue by taking a spouse. Despite her friendly facade, Eden would rather marry a stranger than someone who adores her. Nemesia (who has spent decades living devoutly in a hole) is the perfect candidate. Eden welcomes her new bride with warmth and generosity. But one of her oldest enemies ordered Nemesia to accept her offer, and it's only a matter of time till she finds out. Their marriage of convenience feels strangely comfortable, even with multiple layers of mutual deception. Yet as the seasons turn, Eden begins to lose control over her magic, and Nemesia begins to lose sight of her mission. Secrets unlock deeper secrets as tentative, unwished-for emotions spill over into a relationship that was never supposed to mean anything at all. This standalone fantasy novel has loose connections to the author's other work, but can be read and enjoyed without any prior knowledge.

No One Else Could Heal Her by Hiyodori

“I want to see you cry. I want to see you destroyed.” No One Else Could Heal Her (a standalone prequel to the Clem & Wist series) marks the contentious beginning of a lifelong f/f romance. Their slow-burn relationship deepens in a stratified magical academy packed with rules designed to keep them apart. They’re opposites in every way. Their feelings for each other are stifled, unfamiliar, charged with resentment. And impossible to deny. In this modern-era fantasy world, mages get all the magic and glory. Mages run the nation. Healers shuffle around in their shadow. Clematis is a talented healer. That’s what traps her at a prestigious boarding school for high-class mages and the healers being trained to serve them. Her only goal: keep her head down. Pretend to be mediocre. Avoid catching the interest of any mages whatsoever. Tall, dark-haired Wist is a quiet loner, despite being the strongest mage student in the entire academy. She seems just as determined as Clematis to cover up her true gifts. Yet every once in a while, she cracks and shows more glimpses of her power. For some reason, those moments usually have something to do with Clematis. Clematis can’t begin to understand why a top-tier mage would try to avoid the spotlight. The sheer infuriating mystery of Wist keeps dragging her in closer. Even if they're supposed to be enemies. Even if it means making herself a target for envious classmates. Even if every step she takes toward Wist puts her at risk of expulsion. Once Clematis would’ve been thrilled to escape the academy. Now—confronted with a cold, secretive, long-suffering mage unlike any other—she finds herself scrambling for excuses to stay.

Rise of the Phoenix by Brendan Arnold

Winner of Debut Author of the Year, Young Adult Book of the Year and Book Cover of the Year at the Bookstagram Awards 2025. Filled with emotional stakes, heartwarming angst, and shocking revelations, Rise of the Phoenix is the first book in the Phoenix Chronicles where magic is just the beginning. One moment can change your life forever. Will Tavner never imagined his quiet life in Fawkeston would end with fire and shadows. Marked by a strange glowing symbol and plagued by visions he can't explain, Will's dreams of leaving his small town behind crumble as he's thrust into a world where magic is more than myth - and far more dangerous. Together with his fiercely loyal friends - Aylise, Seb, and Rupert - Will is drawn into an ancient conflict brewing across the kingdom of Arulean. The ruthless Queen Haveena and her husband, King Rickard, rule the land with fear, wielding their powers to crush dissent. When whispers of rebellion stir and a long-forgotten power begins to rise, their reign threatens to topple. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Will must decide who he can trust and what he's willing to sacrifice to awaken a long-lost power. In a world teetering on the edge of revolution, his choices will either spark a new dawn - or doom it to ashes. Why you'll love Rise of the Phoenix * A rich new magical world filled with loveable and love to hate characters, strong, powerful women and magical gays. * A blend of fantasy, action, mystery and self-realisation that will hook you in from the beginning. * A slow-burn romance formed from a lifelong friendship. * It's is a love letter to anyone who's ever felt different or had to fight to be themselves. * Perfect for readers looking for a less brutal Game of Thrones (George R. R. Martin), a queer twist on Throne of Glass (Sarah J. Maas), or looking for the self-discovery and friendship of Heartstopper (Alice Oseman).

The Servant by Justin Greer

Nearly a thousand years ago, the tyrant-sorcerer Mordechai betrayed his people, forged a weapon of darkness, and led an assault against the Middle Kingdoms to claim the throne of Reality. He slaughtered the defenders, broached the Shimmering Door, ascended to the Unseen Realm, and sought to make himself a god at the Heart of the World. Only at the last moment was he thwarted—by the sacrifice of a young woman, Lightbringer, who slew the Servant of Darkness and ended his terrible campaign. But now evil stirs in ancient strongholds, and blood-rituals claim the lives of innocents throughout the cities of the world, and fearsome shadow-monsters have reappeared to feast upon the living. The Servant has been resurrected. His armies have grown. His power has swelled. And he has resumed his bloody war against the free world. Again he marches for the Shimmering Door and the Heart of the World; and now there are few who remain to stay his hand. Only a young forest girl, Ashera Eldibara, has any hope of standing against Mordechai. She bears the Sword of Light, the fabled weapon of her predecessor, and its magic hums in her bones. Others stand at her side as protectors and guardians—a wizard, a warrior, and a huntress, each prepared to sacrifice all in the last desperate struggle against the Servant of Darkness. But they are few, and Ashera is young and untrained, inexperienced in the ways of magic and warfare—and the monstrous armies that she faces are vast and powerful . . . and already hunting her.

Woodfire & Lakelight by Justin Greer

Autumn has returned to the Ambarax Kingdom, bringing a new summons to Derry of Haverdell: he and Caedan have been invited to a celebration in the northern highlands by the lord of a noble house. Bringing Barrow and Jaslyn along, they travel to the holdings of House Ulforre, a sprawling estate among lakes, hills, moors, bogs, and a misty green countryside with wonders at every turn. The celebrations are magical and powerful and pleasing; Derry and his friends find themselves surrounded by all manner of interesting people, poignant tales, subtle beauties, and wild nature. But within the halls and grounds of House Ulforre lie deeper secrets still—and some of them are restless. Strange sorcery, ghosts in the garden, haunting songs, disappearances, and attacks begin to dominate the ten days of their stay. And these restless secrets are only growing stronger. Amid fire and light, days of revelation and nights of reflection, Derry, Barrow, and the others must solve the mysteries of House Ulforre, save their friends, and thwart the dangers they face. Before the end, all who attend the Dance of Fire and Light must recognize the responsibilities they have to one another: and reckon with deep-rooted questions of home, heart, and heritage.

Ghost: A Small Town Age Gap OTT Instalove Biker MC Steamy Short Romance (Steelwood MC Book 1) by Julia Stone

He stole her to save her. Now he can’t let her go. I found her by accident—just a glimpse during a job finished a few months back. One little discovery turned into an obsession. I told myself to forget her, but that was a lie I never stood a chance of keeping. When I learned her father planned to trade her to another club’s bastard, I couldn’t let it happen. So I took her. Now she’s here, hidden away in my world of smoke, leather, and scars. She looks at me like I’m her captor, and maybe I am. But I’m also her only chance. Every day she’s near, I lose another piece of the restraint I swore I’d keep. I can’t let her go—but I can’t let myself have her either. Because if I touch her, there’s no coming back from it. My whole life has been planned for me—every breath, every choice, every future moment dictated by my father. I never questioned it until Ghost tore me from that life and dropped me into his. He’s chaos made flesh—scarred, and dangerous—but somehow, he feels more honest than anyone I’ve ever known. He says he took me to protect me. Maybe that’s true. But the way he looks at me burns hotter than any lie. The longer I stay, the more I see the man beneath the rough edges—the protector, not the villain. Somewhere between fear and fascination, I start to fall. Ghost may have stolen my freedom... but he’s the first person who’s ever made me feel free. Each story in the Steelwood MC series is part of a shared storyline that is best enjoyed read in order. Each couple ends with a HFN ending that will result in their HEA by the end of the series!

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.

The Shard and The Serpent by Jinapher J. Hoffman

A high-stakes, spicy dark romantasy where assassins and criminally ruled cities battle for dominance, Fate twists bonds into violent obsession, and female rage fuels a revenge story as brutal and relentless as John Wick. In Mirror, ruined kingdoms have risen into darkly inventive criminal empires, each perfecting its trade through human trafficking and ruthless experimentation. Among the shadows, a secret league of female assassins with Fate-blessed powers exacts their ultimate punishment, vendettas paid only in blood. Rayze Angeline is one of them. A Shard Daughter. The Angel of Sin. She can fold oceans, warp gravity, and slip into minds. But her specialty is pleasure threads, entering a person’s mind by fulfilling their darkest desires and commanding them to spill their secrets. Her target? Warrick Ivor. Obsessive Heir to The Serpent. Her sworn enemy. The one man she should never touch. Unfortunately for Rayze, and to Warrick’s smug satisfaction, their souls are bound by Fate. She hates him almost as much as she craves the way he makes her his. Every glance is a challenge, every touch a dare, and neither of them ever walks away without drawing blood. Why would they? Killing is their favorite pastime. The more they push the limits of their Bond, the closer they edge toward a line that, once crossed, could turn passion into ruin. Dark secrets unravel, lust and empires collide, and revenge will be taken. For. Always. No matter the cost. If you crave a genre-bending dark fantasy/sci-fi romance with morally grey heroes, addictive spice, and twists that cut deep—where betrayal is as intoxicating as desire–The Shard and The Serpent will keep you up all night, gripping your Kindle, and screaming at the page. ✦ Tropes You’ll Find Inside ✦ ★ Criminal empires and assassins in a female-rage, John Wick–style revenge story ★ Unique twist on fated mates and fate magic ★ Medium-burn, addictive spice with a hard-earned HEA ★ Found family with women supporting women ★ Playthings to enemies to lovers ★ Masked, morally grey Heir who kneels only for her ★ Deadly female assassin with Fate-blessed superpowers ★ “You’re mine”, “Touch her and die”, “Who did this to you” ★ Primal chasing / primal hunting tension ★ Betrayal as foreplay, revenge as devotion ★ Pirates and flying pirate ships colliding with a grunge-punk cityscape of masked criminals ★ Dark secrets, memory loss and memory manipulation ★ Standalone in a series of interconnected standalones

Crown of Olympus by Kate Asher

Thirteen powerful champions. Twelve deadly trials. One golden crown. And a prophecy that could ruin them all. For the second time in history, the throne of Olympus sits empty. With only one way to appease godly egos and negate a civil war, a brutal tournament is announced. The champions are chosen. The arenas are set. Olympus is waiting. Nyssa is Death's daughter. She is powerful, fierce, and feared by the living. Caelus is the King’s son. He was forged for power, and born to rule. She enters for reasons wrapped in grief and vengeance; to defy the Olympians who dared to look down upon her, and ensure that the fate written for her doesn’t end in disaster. He enters to claim his birthright, to prove he is more than a mirror image of his father, and to get close to the woman threatening to steal more than his crown. Olympus demands a victor. Fate demands a price. It’s not just about a crown – it’s about who survives long enough to wear it. And whether they’re willing to pay the cost in blood.

Mediterranean Waves by L.E. Minx & T.J. Fox

After over a year Sam has broken free of a narcissistic online lover, but mentally, a shell of who she used to be; Sam is lost. Her oldest friend, Nina, insists Sam take a healing journey to the scenic country of Greece. Sam’s hesitation about the journey melts away as she’s entranced by Greece’s lovely scenery, kind people, and gorgeous men, one in particular. Lucian, the sarcastic and flirtatious Florida boy, instantly charms Sam and offers a chance to step out of her comfort zone and experience the fun in life. “You’re thinking too much, Sam, life is an adventure, you should live it,” Lucian says and a sassy new friend, Jenny, agrees. Together, they take Sam on an awakening journey that changes how she feels about herself and life. When Sam’s heart is opened and she loves herself again, unexpected, perfect love finds her, now she must be brave enough to trust it. Mediterranean Waves is an adult Contemporary Women's Romantic Fiction novel featuring unconventional romantic relationships open door spice 4-5 level. It features an independent, sex positive FMC, and includes multiple lovers and friends. LGBTQ and CNM relationships present.

The Legacy by Hollis Barkhaus

Findarien and Faedraline. Bound by unbreakable bonds. Destined to bring balance to a land ravaged by war, corruption, greed, and oppression.

The Secret of Magik and Blood: Witches of Tradbeldam Book 1 by Laura E. Thompson

Sowena’s life changes forever when she is forced from her home chased by soldiers and dogs. Her birth mother’s coven, that she never knew existed will reveal her mother’s sordid past and her own magik gifts. She will join a lifelong sisterhood and learn the truth of her lineage as well as how to hone her magik. Amid the chaos of war, fear of capture, and struggle to learn her magik spells, Sowena will experience something she didn't expect, the confusion of first love. The witches need to join forces with other magik allies, some of whom are not thrilled to be working with them. They will all need to act fast together because war is coming! A high NA fantasy, Witches of Tradbeldam is an epic series that is full of romance, action, adventure, secrets and surprises.

The Thread Ruby by VK Leon

When nineteen-year-old Ellie Ioannides crosses paths with her enigmatic tutor, Alex Rodocanachi, she feels an attraction she cannot explain. Magnetic and terrifying. Alex is rational, disciplined, and the heir to a powerful Greek shipping dynasty. He is not the person she would expect to fall for. Yet, every glance they share feels deeply like fate. Every touch sparks something deep within her. Alex feels it too, but he’s convinced their worlds can never truly meet. Ellie tries to dismiss the recurring dreams that feel far too real. Yet a part of him lingers with her — waiting at the edges of her life like a promise left unsaid until fate brings them together on her university graduation.. At the start of a deeply passionate and electrifying love affair, Ellie begins to uncover the truth. Some desires are not new but remembered. Some bonds are not chosen but returned. Alex holds secrets that go beyond one lifetime. Those secrets could take her heart, her destiny, and everything she thought she knew about herself. From modern London to 19th-century Thessaly in Greece, beneath the shadows of Mount Olympus, The Thread Trilogy is a story of obsession, fate, and unapologetic passion where love is never truly lost; it is only waiting to be found again. Lyrical, romantic, and unforgettable, this story will obsess you and remain with you long after you turn the last page.

Return of the Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey

Afro Samurai meets The Boondocks in this anime-inspired novel I've wanted nothing more than to become a Sistah Samurai. When I was expelled from the training academy for sneaking in my stupid ex-boyfriend, I still had hope that I could cry enough to convince them to take me back. Then, demons invaded the capital and decimated the clan, and there went my dreams of ever naming my own pair of pink swords. Until I heard a rumor of one last Sistah Samurai. I packed my favorite outfits and my trusty teddy bear, and recruited my forever bestie to help me find her. If we could manage not to interrupt her lunch, maybe we could convince her to train us? We were ready to do whatever she asked, even if that meant confronting old flames and taking down the patriarchy. As long as we looked good while doing it. The sequel of Sistah Samurai is an Action Fantasy novella that is an homage to the anime, Afro Samurai. Both works feature a feudal Japan-inspired setting that is rife with anachronisms. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “Is that a motherf—ing RPG?”

Death Among the Stars by C.M. Lockhart

“This is not what I had in mind when we agreed ‘til death do us part’.” Kyra Johnson is married to an alien. At least, she was until he was murdered. Left with only his ship and a gaping hole in her life where her husband used to be, she takes to the stars with his crew as their unwilling captain. But grief isn’t a thing so easily discarded, and she’ll have to confront his memory — and the man who killed him — before she can face a future without him. And the best thing for heartbreak is revenge.

May Chaos Reign Over You by La Purvis

Hezi is the purveyor of wine and chaos at Wayward Sip, the safe haven she created to escape her abusive ex. As chaos incarnate, she bestows her golden apples at her discretion and it is there that she meets Edno. The young dragon carries a darkness that threatens unmeasurable destruction and Hezi can't help but offer him the thing he wants most -- power. But when he returns days later with Emry, the alpha of his coven, Hezi realizes she made a mistake. Edno was consumed by chaos. But rather than feeling remorse, Hezi is amused and Emry is incensed. Emry decides that Hezi's life will be a suitable replacement for Edno's, but when their eyes lock, Emry's demands become far more personal than she'd anticipated. Bigger problems arise however as Emry is called back to her home to deal with the growing mistrust between her coven and The Regime, while Hezi's ex is trying to force his way back into her life. Hezi knows that getting attached to anyone is a risk, but she doesn't know which is more terrifying -- pushing everyone away for fear of losing them, or succumbing to the love of a dragon hellbent on claiming Hezi as her own.

The Ruin of the Watcher by Collings MacCrae

When a trail of shattered innocence leads Fox Argall to a twisted empire of silence and secrets, his razor-sharp mind unravels the threads of betrayal binding his closest allies. But in this prequel to the Fox Argall Mysteries, the hunter becomes the haunted: one wrong step, and the watcher falls—ruined forever. Dive into The Ruin of the Watcher by Collings MacCrae, where loyalty bleeds into obsession, and his fractured armor echoes through every case to come in this great series. The scars? Those linger.

Walking the Knife's Edge by Elise Carlson

It’s hard to focus on your studies when you’re from the wrong side of town, your dad’s an abusive prick and classmates are intimidated by your skills at hand to hand combat. But for Rarkin, getting into Sythe School means monsters, the chance to contain ones that stray into human occupied zones, and the opportunity to do something meaningful with his life. Even better; it includes an Electric Way pass out of town and travel beyond city limits.​ Rarkin seizes his chance at his dream job with everything he’s got, forcing down traumatic memories to focus on work he knows he could love. But it’s a dangerous time to be holding everything in, to have little contact with friends like brothers, or to be keeping new friends at arm’s length. Sythe’s nemesis, Organised Crime is no longer playing by the ‘rules,’ and Rarkin and his classmates are on the front line. Organised Crime’s bold new tactics tear at the bandages of Rarkin’s unhealed wounds and his unresolved CPTSD. To be the person Rarkin doesn’t believe people saying he can be, he must change his toxically masculine approach to emotions, and break the cycle of violence in his family. If he doesn’t make peace with his past and stop fighting EVERYTHING, he’s on the road to self destruction. In working for Sythe; Rarkin is Walking the Knife’s Edge.

Reality With You by L.E. McQuinn

Lights, camera…controversy? Lennon Young is a failure. Her marriage to her first love ended in under a year, and so did her first record deal. Now, a chance encounter throws her music career a life raft — but broadcasting all her failures on a reality show back in her home city of Arden Beach, Florida, isn’t exactly what Lennon had in mind. Especially when the producers discover her ex-husband is disgraced baseball star Dylan Strickland. As the son and grandson of two Arden Beach baseball legacies, all eyes are on Dylan to make a comeback from a major PR scandal. With an old family rival poised to seize team ownership, Dylan’s career needs to be his priority — but that’s what lost him Lennon the first time. Appearing on Arden Elite is a second chance to fix everything he’s broken. When “reality” TV turns out to be anything but, Lennon and Dylan learn the hard way that scandal sells better than sincerity. They’ll have to play this ruthless game right to avoid losing their reputations, their careers, and most importantly — each other. Reality With You is the first book in the Arden Beach series of interconnected standalone romance novels about the residents of a steamy South Florida city teeming with wealth, secrets, and scandal.

Saving Grace by Jon McConnell

Middle school English teacher Gabriel Walker always joked that his students were going to kill him; he never thought it might actually happen. After a mysterious epidemic turns children into psychotic killers who rule the night, the world descends into chaos. Gabriel and a small group of survivors are alive because they hide in plain sight; they broke down their own door, busted in their windows and even took pictures off the wall to make it seem as if the house was abandoned in a rush. The survivors have a system of survival and it works. But when they run into Grace, who might be the last healthy girl on earth, everything changes.

Enochian Memories by K.M. Daniels

Nicola di Celestina is the latest in a long line of knights sent on an impossible mission: rescue a mysterious prisoner from the impenetrable fortress of Kilkeep. In all of Lutegel, there is no more feared prison. Inside, Nicola expects to find the person that’s been sending the visions guiding the knights to Kilkeep to rescue the prisoner. Instead, Nicola finds Orobas. Her horns have been shorn off and her memory wiped, and she only knows two things: she needs to recover her horns, and she’s innocent of her supposed crimes. With more mysteries than they can count on their hands, Nicola and Orobas have to turn to new and old allies to gain the upper hand on the hardline Kilkaun theocracy. They believe that Orobas is a demon, banished from sight by their glorious gods, and will stop at nothing to ensure she returns to her cell and her allies are slain. But the bases of Orobas' horns are just the tip of the true story of Lutegel, hidden for years by those willing and unwilling. Now, plagued by her own visions of the past, Orobas finds herself spiraling down a journey of self-discovery and hidden secrets. In the end, what matters most will be the fundamental truth that betrays the dark secret of Lutegel's past: the gods lie. With forces coming in on all sides, a final question faces Orobas and Nicola: who can be believed?

Moth Woods by Amara Lynn

A lonely mothman… The little piece of almost heaven I carved out for myself ain't bad. I've got my truffle pig, Rampy, and my farm, and my work. It ain't much, but it's honest work, and a peaceful existence. There ain't nothin' else I really need. But every year when the moth mating call comes along, I'm reminded of how lonely my life can be. Then I meet Ollie, and a smidgen of somethin' is growin' like a breeze between us. I ain't nothin' special, though. Ollie cain't possibly want me. After all, I ain't normal. Ollie's a little strange, but their weird cain't possibly match mine. A shy flatwoods monster… I finally return to life in West Virginia, where my kind first took root. Nothing's worked out for me, and I'm ready for something less stressful and more peaceful. I don't expect to meet Glen, the sweet guy at the farmer's market selling mouthwatering ramps, my favorite West Virginia specialty. I keep coming back for more, but Glen's kind eyes and welcoming smile are just as alluring. All I wanted was peace and quiet. I wasn't looking for love, but it sneaked up on me out of the woods, and now I'm falling hard for Glen. But I'm a cryptid, a frightening monster. There's no way he'd still want me if he knew how weird I really am. Moth Woods is a 20k word novella about an autistic mothman and an anxious flatwoods monster, two classic West Virginia cryptids. It features a pansexual x genderfluid sweet, spicy, and cozy romance with a side of angst, and of course, weirdness. The Contemporary Cryptids series are standalones and can be read in any order.

Black Sails to Sunward by Sheila Jenné

In a world of frock coats, solar sails, and rigid class boundaries, Lucy joins the Martian Imperial Navy as a midshipman. Mars and Earth are at war, and Lucy hopes for quick promotion. But when she arrives aboard ship, she finds her childhood ex-friend, Moira, already there. Class differences got in the way of their budding romance five years ago, and both of them are nursing grudges. Those same class differences are threatening the ship, as the enlisted spacers threaten a mutiny and Lucy is forced to support the abusive officers. When Moira becomes a pirate, taking Lucy captive, the tables are turned. Lucy now has to rely on her enemy for her life. Her oath as an officer forbids her from helping the pirates, but it’s becoming obvious that the Martian Empire doesn’t deserve her loyalty. If she throws in her lot with the pirates, her family is doomed to poverty, but it could give her a chance to reconcile with Moira and claim the love she rejected so long ago.

Catalyst by Marlissa Cunningham

In a land divided by centuries of war and distrust, an elven princess and a human prince are the last hope for peace — or the spark that ignites another war. Princess Elissa of Treiaul has never fit the mold of royal perfection. She prefers the forest to the throne room, her bow to the delicate trappings of court life. But when Prince Hayward of Aasleagh arrives to negotiate a fragile peace treaty, she’s ordered to play the gracious host to the human she’s been raised to despise. Hayward is no stranger to being underestimated — the youngest of his brothers and a seasoned soldier, he’s spent his life carving out a place for himself. He enters elven territory with low expectations and party of men mostly chosen by his father who he doesn’t trust, prepared to endure the cold shoulder of a princess who sees him as the enemy. But what neither of them anticipates is the undeniable pull between them. Their sharp words turn into lingering glances, and every clash of wills ignites something far more dangerous than hatred. As their chemistry simmers, Hayward becomes the unexpected catalyst for Elissa to embrace her wild heart and for her people to see the looming human threat for what it truly is. With tensions rising and kingdoms on the brink of war, their forbidden connection might either shatter the fragile hope of peace — or forge a love powerful enough to change the fate of their realms forever. This romantasy debut is a tale of passion, prejudice, and the power of choosing love in a world that demands war.

Child of Shivay by JR Cathers

Two hundred years ago, when mortals hunted the fea toward extinction, the Ancients sundered the veils of Terr, fracturing their world into five realms. Many fled beyond the Veil of War, but not all who remained did so with benevolent intentions. Shivaria is an elite assassin of the crown, forged for a single purpose: to end the life of the Feyn King. Upon foreign shores, she discovers a land steeped in power, forgotten truths, and whispered legends that defy everything she was taught. When she finds herself bound to the king's general, sought by the fea in the northern woods, and uncovering the hidden truths of her world, she is thrust into a choice that will define her: follow the path she has always known, or endure a breaking that will set her on a course destined by the Fates.

A Light in the shadows by El Pace

The Light in the Shadows is the haunting first installment of the Born of Shadows series. It follows Skia, the daughter of the ruthless King of Shadows, who was born with light inside her - a gift stolen by her father. As two kingdoms teeter on the edge of war, Skia must decide who she is: the weapon her father raised, or the spark of rebellion destined to burn the Shadowlands to the ground. Across the border, the newly crowned King of Light is drowning under the weight of a kingdom that worships the sun but hides its own secrets in the dark. When fate binds him to the enemy's daughter, he faces a choice: protect the light, or let it burn everyting he's ever known. As war brews, ancient magic awakens, and a prophecy threatens to unravel both realms. Skia must decide: Will she become the monster they fear- or the storm that breaks them? Enemies to somwthing more. Betrayal with teeth. A crown made of shadows. For fans of morally grey heroines, star-crossed destines, and dark fantasy that hurts so good.

My Lord by L.B. Shimaira

"You try to comfort yourself with visions of events that didn't happen, but that doesn't mean that what did happen left no scars." After losing hearth and home, Meya attempts to escape the traumatic memories by travelling east. In 13th century Tristanja, however, it’s not safe to be alone. A local slave trader catches wind of the kinless woman and abducts her in the dead of night. Beaten and abused, the now meek Meya is sold to Lord Deminas. He's known to be cruel, yet becomes strangely protective of his new chambermaid, punishing anyone who dares hurt her. After cutting her to drink her blood, he even uses his own to heal her wounds. Meya and her paramour wonder if Deminas' dark secret is why servants regularly vanish, including the lord's previous chambermaids. However, the two women quickly learn that Lord Deminas isn't the only danger lurking in the castle's shadows. MY LORD is a queer, slow-burn erotic gothic horror novel about rediscovering yourself after trauma—with kinky, blood-drinking immortals and polyamory.

The Reluctant Godfather by Allison Tebo

Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather, who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care…a cinder girl and a charming prince. A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.

Blessed is the Rot by Sheri Singerling

Fenrir is a mask. Before his fall from grace, he was Ashtin, a lauded surveyor responsible for containing distortions, corrupted pockets of space-time that twist all they touch into horrid creatures. Five years prior, Ashtin defied the teachings of the Church he once served, costing him privilege, purpose, and his old name. Now, he is Fenrir, a shadow of his former self, reduced to ringing a bell for his livelihood. When a distortion claims Fenrir’s bell tower, the Church sends Surveyor Sophie to assess and contain the threat. She is a painful reminder of all that Fenrir has lost, but as the weeks slip by, Fenrir falls for her. And her him, even after learning his true identity. But Sophie harbors an even darker secret. Her only hope of salvation? Commit an unforgivable sin by descending into ancient ruins festering with distortions and their horrifying victims. Fenrir accompanies Sophie on the journey, but the truths they uncover are heinous in their own right. He must make a choice—abandon Sophie to fate or throw the world into chaos. Blessed is the Rot is a dark science fantasy novel, the first in the Bit Trilogy and part of the Alfom shared universe.

Break the Beast by Allison Tebo

Who is to say who is the real beast? Grendel haunts the land of Frisia in a restless need for vengeance on the human world that has rejected her. With a fiendish master urging her on, she attacks without fear of repercussion. But the arrival of a foreign prince causes Grendel to doubt her invulnerability. Beowulf is renowned for killing monsters, and he can have only one purpose in visiting to break her hellish reign. When the inevitable confrontation occurs, the battle between man and beast will change both their lives forever as they find themselves thrust into a quest for truth neither could have anticipated. Allison Tebo re-imagines the ancient legend of Beowulf in an epic story of redemption and grace in a high-stakes fantasy adventure.

Neuen by Sheri Singerling

Neuen is a planet of extremes, thanks to a crawling rotation rate. Nights of bitter cold. Days of searing heat. For Levi Zetmer and the other Reisende, survival means a nomadic existence chasing the ever-shifting twilight. Exiled from the polar cities for their “flawed” genetics, they live under constant surveillance, forced to cleanse their bloodlines birth by birth. It’s Lyn’s job to keep them on track. A polar city denizen, she travels from Reisender settlement to settlement and monitors the genomes of the newborns. The work is lonely and tedious until all the inhabitants of a neighboring settlement mysteriously die, and Lyn is tasked with uncovering the cause of the deaths. For the journey, she needs help from Reisende knowledgeable in plagues and blights. Levi’s expertise in the latter earns him a place in her expedition. But all their efforts yield only questions, and whatever killed the others seems poised to wipe out Levi’s settlement next. Lyn is determined to find a solution. Levi is dead set on learning the truth. Together they just might be able to unravel the mystery. Will what they learn finally free the Reisende from their age-old shackles? Or will the truth break them? Neuen is a science fiction mystery with aspects of botany and genetic engineering.

Nytho by Sheri Singerling

Keza never planned to fall for a rogue artificial general intelligence (AGI), especially one she helped keep imprisoned. But Nytho, the AGI, was fascinating. When Nytho showed Keza how he could help humanity reach a new level of consciousness, her captivation turned to veneration. She was resolved to break Nytho out of his digital prison. Too bad Guel, her on-and-off boyfriend, caught her in the act. Now, Keza’s wasting away in a cell with only a rigged trial to look forward to. Except, she has a hunch that Nytho has a backup plan, or two or ten. There’s going to be a jailbreak for the both of them. Then the world will see what Keza does in Nytho. They’ve got so much to learn, and she’s just itching for their enlightenment to kick in. Meanwhile, Guel finds himself obsessing over his ex—his role in Keza’s imprisonment and her descent into madness. He’s convinced Nytho infected her with a virus and that the AGI has other more sinister plans. Guel knows that Keza’s the key. That if he can free her from Nytho’s grip, she can help them all avoid whatever hell is barreling their way. He's just got to figure out how he can reach her. Nytho is cyberpunk with hints of Lovecraftian/cosmic horror and is told through multiple voices.

A One-Time Thing by Kate Hawthorne, E.M. Denning

Gil Valentine knows three things: he doesn’t want kids, he doesn’t want a relationship, and he likes to be alone. He spends Sundays tinkering in the garage, cruising on his motorcycle, and enjoying the luxury of a bed that he doesn’t have to share. After his last relationship with his best friend’s brother ended in disaster and nearly cost him a friendship, Gil swore off anything that might lead to complications. Rowan Verne knows two things: being a single dad is hard, and being a single dad to a pre-teen is harder. After the death of his wife and a tough few years as a struggling single dad, he’s determined to give his son a better life in a new town. Between moving into a fixer-upper and handling the demands of parenting a twelve year old, he’s juggling more than he anticipated—and then his son turns up down the street, talking to a very handsome, and very single neighbor. Rowan is everything Gil doesn’t want and Gil is everything Rowan doesn’t think he needs. Even though they’re opposites, the chemistry between them is undeniable. What’s supposed to be a one-time thing quickly turns into something both men want to continue. And when tensions get high and memories from the past flare their ugly heads Gil and Rowan realize everything has changed, but they both know one thing to be true. Once is never enough.

A Soul Divided by Daniel M. Quilter

A kidnapped princess. A disgraced prince. And a galaxy caught between empires of magic and steel. When Olivia, heir to the Human Empire, is captured by an agent of the Mystics, her fate seems sealed. Her only hope lies in the hands of the most unlikely savior: a smart-mouthed pirate with a bloody past. Drake Ashbell was once a Mystic prince—before forbidden magic turned him into an exile and a murderer. Now he’s content with a nearly respectable life of piracy. Until a job gone sideways forces him to work for the very empire that killed his family. But how hard can rescuing their princess be? To survive, Drake must face more than ruthless empires and old enemies. He’ll have to confront the limits of his own broken soul. Firefly-style banter. Star Wars-scale conflict. A Soul Divided launches the Blood-Fire Trilogy—perfect for fans of snark, starships, and space magic.