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

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

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

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

Waves Take Your Bones by Athena Giles

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

Isaac by Allee Mead

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

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

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

Only a Chapter by Heather Tracy

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

Tavern Tale by Kristina W. Kelly

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

The Awakening of Lora Abernathy by MJ Anthony

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

The Celeste Files by Sienna Eggler

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

Voracity by Sienna Eggler

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

Turn Back Time by Anagha Bailur

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

HOLIEST by Sancta Seraphina

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

The Dhampir's Acolyte by Nyx Coronado

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

Wishes and Loopholes by M A Andrach

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

Tales From Cemetery by C. J. Daley

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

The Flowers I Deserve by Tamara Jerée

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

Canvas of Scars by Shane Blackheart

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

The Druid's Bindings by M. Vixen

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

The Traitor & The Wretch by Jasmine Walls, Rowan MacColl

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

The Outsiders of Orkland by Kenneth Feller

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

Vividwater by Jacqueline Owens

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

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

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

Dissatisfied Me: West Coast Larry by Bruce D. Gordon

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

Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars by Charlotte Saulter

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

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

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

Hyperspeed by Lily James

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

Guns Forged by Scott Kelemen

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

Barons of Memphis by Marnie Gellhorn

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

The Pactbound Angel by S.J. Brown

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

Ginny - A Yearning to Belong by Gary M. Roberts

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

Mourning Hearts by Karen Thrower

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

Familiar by Cara Nox

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

A Legacy of Blood and Bone by Millie Abecassis

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

Bright City, Shattered by Millie Abecassis

Reine just started her job as head of security at Clean Crystal Corporation (C3) when Isaline, a brilliant technician and the CEO’s niece, is found dead in the crystal’s Core Room. Chief Executive Max Caldwell and Detective Inspector Novau are convinced Isaline was murdered by another employee, dismissing theories of a safety accident. They claim the crystal, powering Bright City’s clean energy, is harmless. But Reine, haunted by Isaline’s fear when she warned her away from the crystal, suspects otherwise. Isaline knew something, and Reine is determined to uncover the truth. The problem is: she needs her job at C3 to support her family, and Max Caldwell won’t tolerate Reine’s eagerness to investigate Isaline’s death as a potential accident. A retro-futurist vision of life in an isolated metropolis, Bright City, Shattered is a gripping mystery of lies, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Trapped by the Alpha's Mate by Rowena Aiello

A lost hiker. A dangerous shifter. A trap disguised as a choice. I just did the one thing you should never do while hiking—let alone backpacking— I got lost. Yes, I have my compass, and my map, but it was getting dark and I had to pee, and by the time I stepped back towards the trail… I don’t know. It was just gone. What can I say, it’s like a jungle out here in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. I have to find a place to sleep, before I get turned around anymore, so I wander just a little bit…and wouldn’t you know it, but in the middle of nowhere, there’s a huge estate parked in the center of the forest. It’s not on the map—I would know, I’ve been staring at it all evening. It’s also dark. places this big never, ever have all the lights off. But there’s no security cameras or fences or…anything. So you’d think no one would notice if someone just…I don’t know, casually set up a tent right at the very edge, close enough to the forest to not technically be on the property. But no. They do. And they’re not happy about it. They’re really not happy about me being here. So that’s Not Good. But they’re not letting me go, either, which is its own level of Very Not good. Now I need to what on earth have I just stumbled into? And now that I what will it take to get me back out of it?

Shadow Sentinel by Rex Flint

Shadow Sentinel: A Genetic Engineering Thriller by Rex Flint Monsters aren't born. They're made. Wrongfully discharged Air Force investigator Archer Lucas thought his career was over ... until he got an offer he couldn't refuse: join the Shadow Sentinels, an elite, secret team tasked with threats too terrifying and too bizarre for ordinary forces. His first mission plunges him deep into the eerie Appalachian woods, into Tall Pines, Georgia, a town haunted by dark legends and sudden, unexplained disappearances. Locals whisper of the legendary Wampus Cat, but the truth is infinitely darker: a powerful biotech firm has unleashed genetically engineered predators, and they're hunting the townspeople for sport. As a catastrophic flood isolates the town, Archer and his team face off against horrifying creatures born from science gone wrong, corrupt government conspiracies, and a chilling corporate cover-up reaching the highest levels of power. The only ally Archer can truly trust is A.L.I.C.E., a mysterious AI with secrets of her own. In a battle between nightmare and reality, truth and lies, Archer must rely on his instincts and confront his darkest fears if he hopes to survive the night. Shadow Sentinel is Michael Crichton's scientific dread fused with Stephen King's bone-chilling suspense, delivering heart-pounding action and relentless terror that keeps you breathless until the final page. If you love: Thrillers like Jurassic Park, The Terminal List, and Relentless Edge-of-your-seat horror like The Troop and The Ruins Deep-state conspiracies, military secrets, and unstoppable monsters …then you'll devour Shadow Sentinel in one unforgettable sitting. Lock your doors. Keep the lights on. The hunt begins now.

Legends of Bone and Oath by Pedro Corzo

A cursed Alpha A stolen soul A war between Gods and Monsters Tyler Lockwood was born a monster. As he struggles to control the beast inside him, fate draws him into a hidden world of supernatural war and divinity. Seraphina Reyes might be the only one who can help him survive. But as gods wake, love and loyalty might not be enough to stop what's coming. Oaths will be broken. And Tyler must choose to remain a pawn of fate—or break the cycle and become legend. Legends of Bone and Oath is a myth-inspired dark fantasy about found family, tragic love, and the cost of becoming for than human.

Lavender & Gin: A Sapphic Historical Romance by Abigal Aaronson

Taking on her brother’s identity has given Kasia almost everything she wants: money, power, a gang to call her own in Prohibition-era Detroit. Until a new police chief threatens to destroy everything she’s worked for, and a beautiful woman tempts her to expose her secret. After a decade disguised as her missing twin brother, Kasia leads a gang running liquor for the most powerful mob in the city. The ruse gave her a foot in the door, but in order to keep her position—and more importantly, to keep money flowing in for her and her sick mother—she has to be willing to do whatever it takes. And what it takes is cold calculation and a ruthless hand. She needs both in spades when a new police chief is determined to eliminate Detroit’s mafia, a threat to destroy everything she’s built. When Kasia learns Sophia—a glamorous flapper who owns an underground queer club—has an unusual hold on the supposedly-incorruptible chief, Kasia wants in on Sophia’s secret. Blackmailing Chief Harding could protect her gang and give her a leg up in the mob’s ranks. But her plan unravels when she falls for Sophia’s fiery spirit and sophisticated charm. After years of avoiding relationships to protect her identity, her feelings for Sophia lead Kasia to take bigger risks than ever. Risks that endanger her gang, her secret, and her life.

Morvelving by C. J. Switzer

Enter the captivating fantasy world of Erviad and begin a journey of family, magic, and cruel Fates. ‘They see you, hold your immortal thread, but hers. Her short mortal ribbon warms their timeless hands. The Fates cackle with glee at the sorrow and doom that awaits upon her path’ Morvelving, an exile trapped by the same vices that led to his son’s death, is ready to end it all. Until he meets the orphan, Nippiktua, a mute and deaf child, marked by the Fates and with a knack for mischief. Though guilt ridden, Morvelving will not allow himself to abandon her to her treacherous destiny, and so vows to find her a safe and hidden home. A wayward and perilous journey begins. Along their path, the two encounter a mystical Stag, escape warmongering centaurs, dispute with an obstinate prince, and flee from a dragon’s zealots. But when the zealots capture Nippiktua as a sacrifice to the dragon’s whim, Morvelving must allay his fears and race to save the child from the strings of the Fates in the shadow of the tyrannical dragon.

The Orb by Robbie Sheerin

The Orb inspires and ignites the imagination with its explosive twists and intriguing characters. This epic tale transcends the boundaries of the universe, exploring the depths of human nature and the unyielding quest for truth and justice. The Galactic Realm, a vast and omnipotent empire, its governance is supreme but with all empires, they have their detractors. The Ceithern, a group of rebels and outsiders, have long sought to disrupt the Realm's tyranny. Led by a wise-cracking ex-soldier and his ingenious girlfriend, they team up with a brilliant, albeit eccentric scientist and his loyal robot companion. Each member brings their unique skills and quirks to their mission, united by a common goal: to steal the Orb and dismantle the Realm's oppressive rule. Their theft of the Orb causes the Realm to activate two elite agents, known for their relentless pursuit and cunning, to retrieve the stolen relic before the great Realm summit. Their journey takes them across diverse planets, each with its own challenges and dangers. From the icy tundra’s of Zardo to the sprawling deserts of Casis, the cat-and-mouse game intensifies, with both sides displaying remarkable ingenuity and resilience. But not all is as it seems as this story unfolds. History, identities and goals all shift. Everyone has a reason to fight. At its core, The Orb is a story of human development and the indomitable spirit to overcome insurmountable odds. It delves into the essence of what it means to be flawed yet strive for greatness, to face one's demons while fighting for a just cause. The characters' journeys reflect the universal struggle for identity, purpose, and redemption. This story is not just a thrilling adventure across the galaxy but also a profound exploration of the human condition. It challenges readers to reflect on their own journeys, their values, and the battles they face, both within and beyond. Through its rich narrative and dynamic characters, The Orb leaves an enduring impact, a testament to the power of storytelling to transform and inspire.

The King's Time (The Brass Machine: Book Three) by Isaac Grisham

Damian Traynor leaves home for the first time, hoping to escape grief by throwing himself into his art. Not long after he departs, disaster falls upon his home. From a distance, he watches as friends, family, and history disappear in flames. Worst of all, he believes himself responsible. Now, the only hope to fix everything is the brass machine. Stuck in a strange land, Damian encounters the demon Gokko, who bends his will and alters his life's trajectory. With the demon's unique powers, he makes it his mission to kill the Yokai, siphon their magic, and force the brass machine into submission. In another place and time, Kitsune and Myobu celebrate their reunion. Plans are disrupted when the brass machine alters their path. Together, they learn the story of Tsukumogami, relive past traumas, and discover the truth of Kitsune's father, King Oni. The pieces of history fall into place, and Kitsune and Myobu find themselves hurtling on a collision course with Damian and Gokko. As past and present intertwine, the evil plaguing Kitsunetsuki becomes clear. All must work together alongside the brass machine to rid the world of malice for good.

Bad Girl Pie by Marilyn Horowitz

Bad Girl Pie follows the tumultuous journey of Dorothy Sherlock, a celebrity cookbook ghostwriter. After the death of her father, Dorothy has a vivid dream warning her that she must write her own book or risk becoming a ghost herself. Spurred on by her best friend and agent, Suzanne, Dorothy embarks on writing a book about how eating dessert first can help with weight loss. With her book outline complete, Dorothy heads to Cancun for a week of tango dancing, where she meets a sexy fireman. Their passionate interlude reignites Dorothy's long-dormant desires, a flame that had been extinguished since her heartbreak over a fellow tango dancer. Dorothy finishes her book and Suzanne promptly betrays her by selling it to a Food Network diva. Devastated, Dorothy seeks comfort in her ex, but after a steamy reunion, she finds out that he has been living with his cleaning lady. The final blow comes when Dorothy learns her father cut her out of his will. Overwhelmed, she takes a near-lethal dose of Oxycontin, but survives, finding humor in her paradoxical situation. This moment of levity marks the beginning of her recovery. In her quest for a fresh start, Dorothy receives an unexpected opportunity to co-write a tango book with a renowned teacher preparing a famous actor for a film role. Despite her initial skepticism about the book's commercial prospects, Suzanne’s remorse and a promise of success persuade Dorothy to take on the project. When the actor heads to Hollywood, he insists that Dorothy join him as his on-set tango coach. While filming the climactic dance scene, the actor freezes and Dorothy steps in, leading to an unexpected cameo. This boosts the book's success and establishes Dorothy and her co-writer as a formidable team in the tango world. Yet, Dorothy realizes that while tango is a passion, it is not her career. She decides to quit and reflect on her next steps. One evening, as Dorothy cleans up her computer files, she finds a recipe for Bad Girl Pie, a decadent confection. She shares it with Suzanne who immediately recognizes its potential as the foundation for a new bestseller and lifestyle brand. This discovery gives Dorothy her second chance at true success.-------------------------------------- **A feminist, Jewish and smart and dynamic main character who goes through hell and back to take a courageous step to claim her life and her dreams. This is empowering, funny and sharp!**

When Blood Burns by Andrew Stevens

Magic is fading. The ancient races have all but vanished. Humans and dragons remain, a fragile peace offering a brief respite in their ancient struggle. On the outskirts of human lands, twins Kai and Mara still remember the deaths of their parents, murdered at the hands of a rogue dragon when they were young. Eager to avenge their family, they’ve sworn fealty to the Order, a legendary group of warriors who wield the magic of the dragons’ own blood against them. The problem is, that source has long since dried up, and the twins question if their true purpose has dried up with it. Until the rumors begin… Whispers speak of a strange sighting in the mountains, a group of hunters waylaid by a woman with inhuman qualities—her scarlet eyes burning with vengeance, her voice planting dark thoughts in the minds of men. Her arrival speaks of a new conflict, one with roots that extend far deeper than any in the Order could possibly know. And somehow, Kai and Mara seem to be at the very heart of it. Peace will not last. Vengeance will not rest. And before all is over, blood will burn.

The Night Farm: The Sweet Sounds of Summer by A.L. Davidson

Summertime arrives in Wylder Wood! After recovering from his surprise possession at the end of spring, Rhys Anderson’s life has mostly returned to normal - well, as normal as it can be when his neighbors are literal monsters. His farm is thriving, his friendships are growing, and the warm days of summer have swept through the town of Wylder Wood. If only he could figure out why Vic started avoiding him, things would be perfect. With the town's beloved summer festival on the way and visitors arriving to experience the magic, Rhys finds himself overwhelmed by the supernatural pull of the season, made all the more heavy by his still-declining health and a growing list of dreams that may never come true. Despite the chaos, Love is definitely in the air, but what’s a hopeless romantic to do when the guy he likes doesn’t seem to like him bacK? Enter Lex, a handsome half-gorgon who sets his sights on the fledgling farmer with a fanged smile and outgoing personality. The artist offers Rhys the chance to enjoy a whirlwind summer romance that he simply can’t refuse. But when feelings develop too fast, Rhys is forced to make a choice that could change the course of his life forever. -------- The Night Farm is a 2023 Queer Indie Ink award nominee for "Best Web Serial", "Best Lead Character", and "Best Supporting Character". Volume one is a 2024 Indie Ink Award nominee for "Best Book Cover and Cover Artist", "Best Friendship", "Best Light Read", "Best Setting", and "Side Character MVP". It was a 2024 Inkies finalist on Tapas for "Favorite Community Novel". It was featured on Tapas' LGBTQ+ Supernatural Series list for Pride in 2024 as a recommended read, has been featured on their Staff Pick's list several times, and was a featured title in their 2024 Halloween scavenger hunt. The Night Farm is a cozy paranormal romance web novel originally published on Patreon and Tapas.

All For The Blood of The Lamb by A.L. Davidson

It was a Good Friday... On the third Friday of every month, a young priest named Connor makes the long trek through the isolated countryside to visit his stoic lover, Ivan. The humble shepherd welcomes him with open arms and a ravenous appetite. They lose themselves to the throes of passion until the sun comes up on Saturday, then Connor leaves to tend to his own flock in the city - much to the dismay of Ivan who longs to have him give up the priesthood and call the cottage home. Though Connor knows he cannot give in to those desires, his heart yearns for a simpler life at Ivan's side. During one of their Friday visits, a storm forces Connor to stay longer than he'd planned. Despite his bubbling guilt, he begins contemplating the risks of accepting Ivan's pleas to stay, igniting a crisis of faith and identity that rattles the priest’s constitution. As the storm rages, red lightning cracks overhead, and a demonic entity appears at the gates of the pasture, leaving behind a trail of carnage in its wake. The towering figure begins closing in, mutilating any living creature that dares to cross the threshold of the ranch, all the while counting down the days with a raised hand and malicious intent. Trapped with time running out, the panicked priest and his skeptical shepherd soon realize that they may be next for the slaughter if they can't overcome their own demons in time to exorcise the one on the other side of the door...

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf by Heather G. Harris

Someone paid the vampire king’s creepy son to turn me into one of the bitey undead. I’m not hanging about to find out who or why. The vampires want me to stay with them for one hundred years of indentured servitude but I have this thing about following orders so I ran from the streets of London to the wilds of Alaska. I have an eidetic memory and a can-do attitude. I can-do anything to get away from the vampire king. So when the Sheriff of Portlock, a hidden paranormal town, invites me to be his assistant, I say sure thing. It beats servitude hands down. At first things seem ideal in Portlock, I make a new friend and even get asked out on a date. But the truth is, there are secrets aplenty. The paranormal council are at each other’s throats, figuratively of course. But then someone rips out a werewolf’s throat, literally this time. I need to work with the Sheriff to find the killer, before he strikes again. We just need to winnow through werewolf pack issues, council politics, and more suspects than you can shake a stake at. Simple. Portlock is a melting pot of witches, necromancers, vampires and shifters, but things are starting to boil over. I hope I don’t get burnt.

Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America by John Egenes

Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America is a remarkable memoir that chronicles John Egenes’ incredible 4,000-mile solo journey across the United States in 1974—on horseback. At a time when the country was grappling with post-Vietnam disillusionment and cultural upheaval, Egenes set out on an adventure that was as much about self-discovery as it was about traversing the vast American landscape. With only his horse, Gizmo, for company, Egenes rode from ocean to ocean-- Pacific to Atlantic-- encountering everything from harsh deserts and rugged mountains to small-town kindness and unexpected dangers. His writing is vivid and introspective, blending the physical challenges of the ride—extreme weather, logistical hurdles, and the sheer endurance required—with deeper reflections on solitude, freedom, and the vanishing frontier spirit. What makes Man & Horse stand out is its raw honesty. Egenes doesn’t romanticize the journey; instead, he shares the loneliness, doubt, and occasional despair that accompanied the triumphs. His bond with Gizmo is heartwarming, a testament to the unspoken understanding between human and animal. Along the way, he meets a cast of memorable characters who offer help, wisdom, or simply a listening ear, painting a portrait of an America that was both rugged and generous. Egenes’ prose is engaging, often lyrical, capturing the beauty of the land and the quiet moments of revelation that come with such an odyssey. The book is more than just a travelogue; it’s a meditation on perseverance, the American spirit, and what it means to truly connect with the world around you.

The Marfa Blues - searching for treasure by John Egenes

Vera DeSoto runs a cafe in Marfa, Texas in 1968. The cowboys and truckers who come in fantasize and hope for a chance with her, but she enjoys her solitary life and isn’t ready to settle down with anyone. Somehow, Vera seems to collect strays—lost and wayward people looking for second chances. A 14-year-old girl, two hippie boys, and a scared young artist manage to find their way into her life and suddenly, Vera is joining them in a search for buried treasure in the badlands of the rugged desert of Southwest Texas. Egenes gives us a mismatched group of characters that helps explore themes of found family, redemption, and the varying interpretations of "treasure"—is it gold, or human connection? The dusty, mystical backdrop of 1968 West Texas—with its iconic Marfa Lights—adds a magical, almost surreal quality to the narrative. In a playful yet poignant tone, the author takes us from hippie culture and desert adventure to giant cloned cows and a psychic raven, as the novel balances whimsy with real emotional stakes. If you're drawn to offbeat, character-driven fiction with a strong sense of place, this could be a delightful discovery. It’s breezy enough to read quickly, yet it lingers in your mind due to its emotional resonance and quirky charm. It’s an unexpectedly warm, humorous, and heartfelt adventure story—perfect for fans of nostalgic road trip vibes and unconventional treasures. If you enjoy that kind of narrative, The Marfa Blues is definitely worth a read. From the author of the award-winning “Man & Horse: The Long Ride Across America.”

Don't Date the Haunted: A Dark Romantic Comedy by C. Rae D'Arc

"Certain to have the reader laughing out loud . . . a highly intoxicating story . . . unexpected plot twists." - Readers' Favorite Does the heart beat faster from love or terror? As a born-and-raised citizen of Horror, Pansy Finster has survived Hauntings such as mad killers and poltergeists by living her brother's rules, including, "Avoid dolls, clowns, and masks." But after the death of her fiancé, Pansy finds herself alone--which is a dangerous status in Horror. When she flees to Heartford, Romance, she's startled that a masquerade has Regency ladies screaming... in excitement. Culture-shocked, Pansy struggles to avoid any ill omens, such as repeated glances from the curiously handsome Lord Theo, from Fantasy. With a seemingly useless magical ability, he could be the Romance Pansy never knew she needed... or her most deceitful Haunting yet. Pansy must learn to love like a Romantic and teach her new friends to survive like a Horror before the masquerade becomes a massacre. Follow Pansy Finster's hauntings and romance in "Don't Date the Haunted," first book of the Haunted Romance trilogy, by C Rae D'Arc. If you like Seth Grahame-Smith, Isaac Marion, or Christopher Moore, then this dark romantic comedy will keep you up! Don't forget; it's never just a power-outage.

Specter Inspector: Dead and Back Again #1 by C. Rae D'Arc

Nothing is as it seems in the land of Mystery Welcome to sleazy Shigaqua, capital of Noir, where the line blurs most between friend and foe, mentor and monster, and victim and villain. Among the dense population of law enforcers and private investigators, Aeron Spade has a unique edge to solve crime: he can visit the dead in his dreams. With the help of his ghostly friends (including Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Auguste Dupin), Aeron is determined to use his gift to bring justice against the city's most elusive criminals. He's on track to become the newest recruit of Noir's most prestigious private investigations agency, but first, he must prove his mettle by solving the dead-end case of a young boy's murder in a haunted theater. Lacking support from the police or his potential employer, Aeron must use his own resources to defend the accused and find the real killer. However, Aeron's few living contacts are occupied with treacherous cases that dredge up his paralyzing fears and threaten to expose his true identity. In a city teeming with mobsters and sleuths, keeping his own secrets may be more challenging than uncovering those of a vengeful poltergeist. Join Aeron's haunted cases in Specter Inspector, book one of the Dead and Back Again series, and follow-up of C. Rae D'Arc's Haunted Romance trilogy.