Of Stars and Lightning by Melanie Mar

“Destiny wasn’t meant to be tested. Then again, neither was she.” Sol Yarrow didn't ask for much. A nice day for hunting. A peaceful shift at her gods-awful job. A steaming bowl of her Aunt's famous stew. Easy. Simple. But after twenty-five years of simplicity, everything she thought to be true was rewritten when four strangers came to her town of Yavenharrow to take her back to a shielded land known to be inhabited by ruthless Elemental Magic Wielders, a land only known by rumors and bedtime stories. A kingdom where her Mother had been the Queen. A kingdom that, by order of succession, now belonged to her. But what would a human with no magic and a short temper have to offer the Wielders? Sol didn't think much. Her Court thought otherwise.

The Treasured One by Hannah Levin

Forced to choose between loyalty and love... Avery is a Golden Child with the ability to heal any illness or injury. She lives a sheltered life, dutifully healing hopefuls from around the globe. Although she dreams of freedom, she fears disrupting the status quo—that is, until her powers go on the fritz, threatening her health and her relationship with her government caretakers. In search of answers, Avery travels through The Rift to the realm of the fae, intimidatingly beautiful beings with powers humans don’t understand. Their prince, Riel, has motivations of his own when he agrees to teach her about her rare magic. But as they work together, the two are drawn to each other. Just as Avery manages to unlock the full potential of her powers, a betrayal shakes Riel’s House, putting pressure on the already tenuous relationship between humans and the fae. Caught in the middle, Avery and Riel will have to decide what matters most to them: loyalty to their respective nations, or their feelings for one another. This debut novel from Hannah Levin will appeal to those new to Romantasy as well as seasoned Romantasy readers who enjoy contemporary and high fantasy elements, light-hearted adventure, and descriptive yet digestible world-building.

Ascension by Brittany Engstrand

If you die in your dreams, do you die in reality? When Maaya Hasan is devoured by her late grandmother’s mirror, she learns a powerful shadow demon is after her soul. To remain alive, she’s forced to ally with her enemy’s heir—a flirty, cursed assassin who hides the truth about his broken past. With Ares’s help, she must collect the souls of five dead gods in order to return home. Throughout their journey, Maaya struggles to survive encounters with merciless demons, spirits, and otherworldly creatures like seer plants, heart-stealing vultures, and a demon of illusions… and to resist her desire for Ares, despite his alluring, incessant attempts to charm her. As secrets are exposed and a dark power stirs within her, Maaya learns her soul is not the only life at stake. She must sacrifice the love she couldn’t help but become entangled in, or risk the lives of innocents across the universe. For all gods covet sacrifice.

The Boy The Monsters Made by Ronan Graves

GRIFFIN THOUGHT THE MONSTERS ONLY LIVED IN HIS HEAD. He was fine with that. In fact, it was far more preferable than his father sitting him down to talk about the regular visits from the things that go bump in the night and hearing him say “yeah bud, I see them too.” The delicate fabric weaving Griffin’s sense of normalcy unravels when his best friend, Jude, is called upon to do the work of a fractured relic for apathetic The Reapers. SENTINEL WILLIAM “MOZ” MOSLEY is demon-host turned renowned demon-hunter, labelled a madman for storming from his wife’s sham funeral. His family are the only ones who believe she’s still alive until a flame from his past is drawn out to join the search. The thin line between the horrors of monsters and the evils of man is a visible distinction to them. Until the bodies begin to appear. A string of grisly murders plague the restless capitol city, leaving both the Royal Sentry and Brightloch Police Department scrambling to solve them first. Haunted by visions of faces that shortly after turn up in the macabre crime scenes, Griffin knows that he owes it to the victims to find their killers. With a suspect list that includes an ancient demon of the crossroads and a band of Oracles gone rogue, Griffin and his family find themselves way in over their heads. WHO DIED AND PUT THE KIDS IN CHARGE?

Chrysalis and Requiem by Quinton Li

At Adraredon Academy, fervent passion, contemporary companionship, and forbidden desires intertwine with tall gothic spires, ancient halls, and centuries of history. Veaer Rosell can't imagine a better place to satiate her craving for beauty, knowledge, and art. Yet senior year shatters her illusion of tranquillity and civil intellect when she witnesses the headmaster's daughter murder another student and is confronted by an unthinkable choice: avenging her fallen peer or taking this secret to the grave, one way or another. But fate laughs at Veaer's expense when the headmaster's daughter requests her aid. Driven by an all-consuming thirst for answers, Veaer becomes an untimely partner in solving a murder they both know the answer to, unaware of the intricacies that come with learning the bigger picture and playing with death. Chrysalis & Requiem is a haunting thriller of tragic obsession and relentless grief, weaving two young, queer women in a spiral of clandestine violence and illicit love.

Echoes of the Lost by Spectral Drogo

My name is Caleb and I can save the dead. - After extreme headaches, Caleb finds himself back at his family home. With his headaches getting worse, Caleb attempts to get to a hospital but is drawn back to his old high school instead. When he arrives at the school he learns about a series of murders. Upon investigating the building, Caleb witnesses a murder and learns he can pull spirits from the afterlife. But his new skill comes with consequences and his growing need for answers might kill him. -

Blades Reforged by Liz Sauco

The world is on the brink of ruin. The Goddess’ chosen must fight back, lest Abomination consume everything. Everything is hurtling towards catastrophe. The Blade is lost. People have died. Abomination is still out there. No one knows what to do… but they have to do something. Without the Blade tying him to the situation, Jamirh feels adrift and forgotten about as the government of Romanii tries to brace itself for what’s coming. Takeshi is still trying to navigate whether or not he wants to be a priest of Hades, but the effects of his encounter with the Truth Seekers are making everything more difficult. Ander blames himself for not foreseeing the events at Tilden Base and has locked himself away in his lab. After centuries of being controlled by the Empire, the Seekers themselves have their own plans – which may or may not align with those of the goddess. But what even is Abomination? What is magic? Why do these two forces find themselves in conflict cycle after cycle, and what does it mean for the mortals who find themselves caught between them? As Abomination begins to gain ground, can anything be done to stop it? Or will the world finally end in ruin?

Colors of Magic by Liz Sauco

Where we come from does not define where we go A long time ago, Abomination almost succeeded. A man who had lost everything found something to have faith in. A child of the desert found a Master of Blades in a cold forest far from home. A half-Avari struggling to find a place for himself has his life implode around him. These stories from the past, both distant and near, are collected into this anthology. Nine short stories featuring Hades, Jak, Sukra, Ander, and more offer a glimpse into life at different moments on Gaia. As magic pulses through the world in a spectrum of colors, how will it shape the characters we have come to know in Blades of the Goddess?

Broken Blades by Liz Sauco

Abomination has returned. The Goddess must strike back before all is lost — but are her chosen ready? Jamirh: A thousand years ago, the Avari Hero Ebryn Stormlight saved the world from falling to Abomination, making a bargain with the goddess of death in the process. Ebryn reborn, Jamirh wants very little to do with the bargain his predecessor made with Hades. Still, how much of the choice is his own, when the bionic Abominations of the Empire have attacked him directly in the heart of Romanii? He took up the Crystal Light Blade, and has been learning how to utilize his inherent magic as a Master of Blades, but will it be enough? Or is it too little, too late? Takeshi: Haunted by the ghosts the two women he failed to save, Takeshi is fleeing north, trying to accomplish the last thing Hel told him to do - find Ander. It's all he has left to him, since returning to Ni Fon is no longer an option. But with the threat of more debilitating migraines and the realization that something is wrong with him and his magic, even the safety of Tarvishte may not be enough. Ander: The Abomination has attacked Romanii in its capital city. The Eighth High Priest of the goddess Hades, Ander finds himself with more questions than answers - Will they attack again? How did they reach Tarvishte in the first place? How has the Empire managed to combine tech and magic? Why are they being constructed from Avari? He is also responsible for Takeshi as the potential priest makes his way north. They know Abomination has something to do with Takeshi's condition - but what?

Disenchanted by Brianna Sugalski

The Princess Bride and Buffy the Vampire Slayer meet Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass in this Breton legend-inspired fantasy debut brimming with wry humor, epic adventure, and an irresistible romance. Lilac Trécesson is a prisoner in her parents' castle after a most wicked secret was revealed on the eve of her fifteenth birthday. Years later, her Accession looms upon her father's decision to abdicate, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobles bent on snatching her throne, she prepares for the worst… Until a letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, containing a curious offer to banish her curse forever. She begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande, only to find herself cornered by a bloodthirsty barkeep who demands her help in exchange for protection against the even deadlier forces of the woods. With only the protection of her inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—Lilac must find the impious enchantress and return in time to claim her crown. Pity the fool to underestimate the girl with subpar blade skills but the spite to make up for it. This is the tale of a cursed princess, A crestfallen killer, The town that wants them to burn, And the witch who can save them both.

The Rarkyn's Fall (The Rarkyn Trilogy #2) by Nikky Lee

They survived mancers. They survived monsters. They survived the Storm. With the mountains behind them and Illredus on the horizon, they thought the hardest part of the journey over. They were wrong. Outlawed and on the run, Lyss struggles to control her new and volatile magic. A magic that will destroy her. Her only hope: Find the last remaining witch to tame it. Her only clue: Buried in Illredus. City of mancers. Capital of the Empire. Together, she and Skaar descend into Illredus’ underbelly and discover a warren of illegal magics and the monstrous legacy Lyss’ father left behind. As truth, loyalties, and magic clash, Lyss must decide how far she’ll go to exact justice in her father’s name… And how far she’ll fall to rule the power inside her once and for all.

Pillow Forts and Hurricanes by Margherita Scialla

Emma has an unbreakable bond with her roommates and lifelong best friends, yet struggles to create a romantic connection that comes even close to their friendship. That’s why Emma accepts her stoic boyfriend keeping her at a distance. All of her fantasies about romance and relationships, however, come tumbling down when she witnesses said boyfriend cheating on her. Following her recent breakup and her evolving bond with her best friend, Noah, Emma begins to question everything she ever knew about relationships, romantic and platonic. When Emma suggests the possibility of a queerplatonic relationship to Noah, the two must navigate their feelings, unveiling secrets they’ve kept from each other… but as confusing it can be, at least they’re doing it together.

The Shadowbearer's Curse by Jasmyn Morning

The first installment of "The Shadowbearer Trilogy"; a tale of courage, love and revenge. A Queer (M/M/M) Dark Fantasy Romance, Book 1: "The Shadowbearer's Curse" In an enchanting forest, Micah crosses paths with a mysterious man, igniting an unexpected romance that challenges all of his preconceived notions about his identity. But as their bond deepens, they face an ominous presence that threatens to change their destinies forever. With each step closer to the truth, Micah finds himself increasingly entangled in a maze of betrayal and forbidden desires, compelling him to grapple with the essence of loving without conditions.

Etched in Stone by Sarah Alserhaid

Imagine if who you thought you were wasn't your true identity. That is what Jade and her sister Amber discover soon after inheriting their multimillion-dollar company from their late parents. Gathering clues to understand the strange coincidences and answer the questions left unanswered for years, they come across the truth and learn that everything is two-fold. With knowledge comes consequences. The Parker sisters must navigate this new information while keeping their parents' legacy alive and each other safe. Etched in Stone is a harrowing and magic-rich novel that takes you on an incredible journey of self-discovery and teaches the power of heritage, choices, owning one's gifts, and the ultimate lesson of forgiveness.

A Witch in Isenshire by Azalea Forrest

A Witch in Isenshire is a bold cup of coffee made with determination, personal growth, and adventure. Magnolia Hanna never thought she’d forgive Basil Olivander, the witch who inadvertently upended so many lives in Lightview. Yet four months after their battle, Basil’s learning to deal with his heartache and make amends. He’s become Maggie’s roommate, her technomancy teacher, and—just maybe—her friend. Now, they’re packing for a trip to visit Maggie’s family in the hidden hamlet of Emelle. Maggie and Basil face their grief together, finding closure at her late uncle’s grave and comfort among her friends and family. If it were up to her, she would stay for a fortnight, but their trip is cut short at the behest of Lightview’s mayor, who sends the two witches on an adventure of a lifetime—to the advanced city of Isenshire, the birthplace of the automaton. To Maggie’s dismay, Isenshire’s witches can only use magic with a permit, and their jobs have been reduced to fortune telling and parlor tricks. Magnolia’s fear of her skills being replaced by tech is reignited tenfold. Are the witches in Isenshire truly happy, or are they complacent to the powers that be? Magnolia’s only wish is to make magic relevant again, but she soon finds that the power of the automaton is too awesome to ignore. Book Two in The Witch of Emelle Series

Pluralities by Avi Silver

"Wait—rewind. I was still a girl back then, before the universes converged." Guided by premonitions and a fateful car ride, a burned-out retail worker stumbles into the grand exit from womanhood. Meanwhile, in a galaxy not so far away, an alien prince goes rogue with his sentient spaceship, seeking purpose in the great glimmering void. As the two of them come together in a fusion of body and mind, they must reckon with their assigned identities. Tender, witty, and daring, Pluralities is a slipstream-meets-space-adventure story honoring the long and turbulent journey into gender euphoria.

Someone Else's Shoes by Aldrea Alien

Stepping out in borrowed shoes has never been so dangerous. Stripped of her inheritance as a child by a greedy stepmother, Alla’s future hovers between drudgery and slavery. Having spent years toiling in the mansion that was once her happy home, tending to her stepmother’s every whim, she has long since put aside any thoughts of a better future. When a chance encounter in the marketplace leaves her with an invitation to the upcoming ball, her only opportunity to play out an old dream of seeing inside the palace walls is by being someone she’s not. A farce that could see her executed or sold. But will she be able to maintain the illusion once she meets Princess Viktoriya?

Spark Of Magic by Hailey Gonzales

Gryphons And Grimoires

My name’s Gwen and apparently, I’m a witch. But there’s a catch. The coven I stumbled into says I have to win my spot. Even worse, I’m up against the handsome but broody son of two powerful mages—Zane Casimir. If I lose, my memory will be erased. This world is more dangerous than I imagined. The magic council hates me for my weak magic. The fae queen prides herself on tormenting me. And my competitors are all too eager to beat me down. To top it off, a grinning demon’s begun haunting my dreams. I should back away. Magic isn’t nice. It’s deadly. But even so, it’s all I’ve ever wanted. And I’ll be damned if I let this opportunity slip through my fingertips. I’ll survive this semester and win. I don’t care what I have to do. Spark of Magic is the first book in the Gray Stone Witches six-book series. This high-stakes and fast-paced series is packed with magical creatures, found family, complex characters, and a slow burn romance!

A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping by Kami King Larsen

In the frigid waters, off a moonlit beach, a magical transformation is occurring. The Girl Aylee is a shop-keeper’s daughter in a nameless coastal town. Kind, thoughtful, and recovering from a broken heart, she yearns for a life she may never have. She would do just about anything to make her parents happy, including perhaps, living a life she doesn’t want. The Stranger On a brisk autumn morning, Aylee stumbles upon Cailean. He’s an outsider—lost, confused, and very much out of place. Cailean has more than a few secrets, but for reasons Aylee can’t quite explain, the two strike up a quick friendship. The Peril Cailean has lost a very valuable item—one that may mean the difference between life and death. As Aylee and Cailean search for answers, they call on friends and enemies alike in the hope of avoiding tragedy. In the process, Aylee must confront danger in many forms—both human and fey—all while learning just as much about herself as the mysterious people and creatures surrounding her. What will she choose for herself in the end, and who will she lose as she fights for her new friend and her own future? Steeped in Celtic folklore, A Simple Tale of Water and Weeping is a timeless tale sure to bring a smile to your heart and possibly a tear to your eye. It is a magical story of love, friendship, and accepting not only ourselves, but also those around us.

A Cursed Son by Day Leitao

SPFBO10

Romantic & sexy dreams link a false princess to a dangerous, disgraced fae prince in this fun, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy.

In her dreams, he envelops her in love. In real life, he imprisons her in ice. Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer. As a royal decoy, trained to replace the Krastel princess even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love? And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth. But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince. Banished for heinous crimes and armed with powerful stolen relics, he’s a wielder of mighty magic and can even infiltrate minds. It turns out that he is the man in her dreams. And this is about to get very, very awkward. A Cursed Son is a fun, sexy, enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy for fans of fae, elemental magic, arranged marriage, forced proximity, snarky banter, and dream connection.

Thorns by Walt S. Williams

SPFBO10

Finn Silvers survived a contract with a powerful demon. Surely, he can handle whatever working at a pizzeria dishes out. A new city, a new job, and new friends; that’s what Finn expected to find when he moved in with his aunt. He didn’t anticipate the new romance, another ingredient to his new life. But Finn has made some mistakes that aren’t easily overlooked, so things might boil over before they’ve begun to even simmer. If that’s not enough, a new drug called Thorn has taken hold of the city, threatening to ruin his peaceful, pizza-filled days. Finn’s already dealt with enough calamities for one lifetime, but he’ll have to decide whether to ignore this one and hope things get better, or stick his hands into the fire and risk waking up a part of his past he’d thought he left behind. Are some things are better left sleeping? Finn must decide, because he isn’t about to give up after his first slice of a normal life.

The Songs That Beckon by M.A. Brown

SPFBO10

Their grief binds them The Song calls them The Darkness wants to claim them As winter wraps Areth in its frozen embrace, nightmarish beasts descend upon the Hastings household kidnapping Mr. and Mrs. Hastings and leaving behind their daughter, Bianca, as sole witness. In the wake of their abduction her quiet world is turned upside down and shaken revealing the secrets and lies her parents have buried. As truths unravel it binds her to those who have similarly lost. Together they must wade through the thorny tangles of growing love and grief to find those that they hold dear before the looming threat of darkness is unleashed to destroy them all. Travel worlds in this dark, dreamy and romantic debut filled with dusty books and pining looks.

Magic on the Cards by Marina Finlayson

SPFBO10 Gryphons And Grimoires

Never trust a werewolf. I’m the weakest cartomancer who ever lived, but I can use Tarot cards to work magic. Most days. That makes me the natural prey of the Soldiers of the Light, the jumped-up werewolves who police the magic community. They’ve hunted cartomancers for centuries because of some stupid ancient feud. Never speak to a werewolf. I’m helping the local vampires track a rogue that’s menacing our little town when I knock a handsome stranger off his motorbike. He’s badly hurt but refuses medical help. So I take Mr Tall, Dark and Suspicious home—and find out he’s a Soldier. Because that’s just the kind of day I’m having. Never, under any circumstances, fall in love with a werewolf. He’s my sworn enemy, but sparks fly between us. Now I have a monster to catch and a town to save, all while guarding my secret—and my heart—from a man who would kill me without a second thought if he knew the truth.

The Wind at Oak Hollow by Melissa Widmaier

SPFBO10

2nd Place Winner in the 2023 Firebird Book Awards for Dark Fantasy Families can be complicated, especially when the fate of the kingdom rests on yours. Marl Ganwin is more than just a mischief-maker. He's a pain in the ass--the Wind spirit's favorite youth. The Village of Na-ir tolerates his antics, giving him free rein to ramble and rumble. But things take an unexpected turn when Wind forces him to accept an unfathomable fate. Can Marl's family and the entire village survive the implosion of his gifts? Or will his choices send their peaceful world order into a whirlwind? What will he lose when he accepts his power? The first installment of the Realm of Light series!

Sidetracked by S. K. Kelley

SPFBO10

Jayde Palmer considers herself a typical college student, but life is messy. The day before her 19th birthday, a chance meeting with a beautiful young man named Ice Monroe disrupts Jayde's plans for a quiet, relaxing summer. She assumes he's too good to be true—until he calls. Jayde takes the bait, and things go well at first, but the relationship takes a bizarre turn when Ice drops a bombshell secret:
He is a magical human-feline shapeshifter, known as an immortal. As Jayde comes to terms with the existence of immortals and struggles to work out Ice's true intentions in dating her, a series of unexpected and uncomfortable encounters with a figure from his past leave Jayde increasingly unsure who she can trust or what she should do next. Even so, it's clear that something is wrong, and she may have no choice but to act on instinct. --- Sidetracked is part one of a four-part series about dark secrets, difficult decisions, strange dreams, a secret government program, and mental illness. With cats and a little bit of magic!

The Last Lunar Witch by S.F. Henne

SPFBO10

I only wanted to control my magic, but a single potion catapulted my life into chaos… I’m Nyssa Thornheart, a witch with broken magic. I escaped to the big city to pursue my passion for alchemy, and hide from my coven until I fix my powers.

If my unstable gifts are exposed, they will be stripped away. To live without magic, that’s a fate worse than death. So I drank a long-forgotten potion in a desperate bid to harness my volatile powers. But when I’m cornered by thugs, I unleash a rare and dangerous magic, tearing the veil between our world and a demonic realm. My new powers are growing stronger and resist every attempt to subdue them.

Now I’m a hunted witch, pursued by both demonic creatures and authorities determined to protect our realm from the threat I pose. Can I master my magic, or will I have to sacrifice my powers before the city falls to demons?

The Door to Trilesk by Shannon Holly

SPFBO10

Her family can travel to other dimensions through doors only they can see. But the key to saving those hidden worlds and her missing aunt lies in a childhood summer she can’t remember and a power she didn’t know she had. Kate shouldn’t be here. Yet here she was, risking her mom’s wrath, to come back to a house she can’t remember. A house her estranged aunt lived in until her disappearance a year ago. A house her mom desperately tries to keep Kate from. But Kate can’t resist the pull of the house as it draws her in and soon memories of a forgotten magical childhood summer spent with her aunt start to surface. Seeking answers, Kate discovers her aunt’s hidden journal, locked away. Not sure what to expect, she begins to read and is soon lost in her aunt’s tales of her adventures and danger on other worlds. She also learns her family comes from a long line of travelers and can travel to other dimensions through doors only they can see. When a powerful creature thunders down from a hole ripped in the sky and threatens Kate, she is left shaken with the possibility that her aunt may be alive, held captive for information in the journal that could end all worlds and Kate is the key to finding her. But first she must figure out how to see those doors…

Of Shadows and Death by Sharlene Healy

SPFBO10

Rapunzel, Rapunzel. Let down your hair. I have heard my tale told. A story about a princess with long flowing hair trapped in a tower, saved by a handsome prince, who kills the wicked witch imprisoning her.
How sweet. How charming. How wrong.
Except for the hair, of course.
A fateful meeting with the Vampire King and my world shatters. All I'd ever known ground into dust. I must separate truth from lies and become who I am destined to be. Consequences be damned.
This is my story. A story of power. Love. Hope.
And above all?
Revenge. Of Shadows and Death is book one of the Five Queens Prophecy. It is a low-spice New Adult retelling of Rapunzel, with vampires and dark fantasy elements. It can be read as a standalone. It's perfect for fans of Tessonja Odette and Sarah J Maas!

Knights of the Alliance by Stefanie Chu

SPFBO10

Nineteen-year-old Mirari fears her magical powers more than anything else in the world. They are the reason she ran away and concealed her identity. But when her childhood best friend, Gaven, is framed and sentenced to death, Mirari must strike a deal with the only man who can save him — Lord Fangbane. Fangbane strongly believes that all it will take to end centuries of passive disdain is to establish a nonpartisan selection of fighters whose mission is to enforce unified peace. His efforts lead to the recruitment of elite fighters known as the Knights. Meanwhile, Mirari and Gaven only desire to live their lives in peace, far away from the chaos of the world. Fate, however, has other plans for them as they are forced to reunite and thrust into the midst of Fangbane's quest. As they gather a motley crew of misfits to join their cause, bonds form, and secrets are revealed. The Knights must come together not only to protect the Alliance but also the lives of their new friends. Trust, friendship, and revenge collide in this epic tale of magic, loyalty, and bravery as our heroes fight for their survival and the greater good. Will they rise up as legends or fall as pawns in a dangerous game? Step into a world where pulse-pounding action, uproarious humor, and gripping political intrigue collide. Immerse in this heroic tale today! A New Adult Speculative Adventure dubbed "RARE" and "DAZZLING." Fans love this original story that intertwines George R. R. Martin’s enthralling world-building with the epic elements of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The Stars Would Curse Us by Stephanie Combs & Valerie Rivers

SPFBO10

The Iris were sent to us from the stars, but their rule is controlling and oppressive. Every season, we send our brothers and sisters to the marriage drafts . . . but the selected never return. Aella My world falls apart when my best friend and I are drafted to compete for the hand of Esterra’s most eligible bachelor, the devastatingly handsome Iris prince. As an elemental fae, it should be the greatest honor, but the competition is filled with violence. I question my true purpose as we fight to survive in games rigged against us. Arianwen Life should be simple—go on my rite and return to marry a man I’ve never met—but when a handsome stranger falls from the sky, everything is turned upside down. Secrets and lies unravel, leading me to question everything as I find myself pulled into a rebellion. My heart longs for a better world, but am I willing to forsake duty in pursuit of it? We both face choices: LOVE or DUTY LOYALTY or ADVENTURE FIGHT or SURRENDER Is fate truly written in the stars, or have they abandoned us?

The Saga of Bjorn Unfrid by John Simons

SPFBO10

The omens are not good. Ancient forces are at play… …and ancient forces are known to be assholes. Bjorn knows this because he’s not like other people. He sees the past and future, ghosts and gods. Sometimes he talks to them. But he never expected or wanted to get dragged into the business of the spirit world. He already has his own problems, like how to start a conversation with the woman he followed all the way to Texas so he could stay close to her. He’s pretty sure that wouldn’t go over as a great opening line. Unfortunately, the spirit world and the physical world are tied together and Bjorn is tangled up in all of it. It’s a lot to handle all at once in your freshman year of college, and UH is not the college experience he was expecting. But when things turn dark and the lives of his loved ones are at stake, it’s the place where he must awaken to his destiny whether he wants to or not.

Rites of Passage by M. D. Presley

SPFBO10

Corbin James has never been so lost. Able to dowse since a kid, he’s adept at finding missing things. But after weeks on the run from the FBI, the teen’s luck has finally run dry. Enter the enigmatic Mister with a tempting offer: find an enchanter who has disappeared inside the mysterious Harmon House. Recruited into a reluctant crew of motley magicians, Corbin only has days to navigate their shifting loyalties to earn his freedom by entering the Inner Circle. Lucky for him he’s got his trusty dowsing rod, a defaced 50-cent piece, and enchanted iPod.

Moon Bitten by C. S. Churton

SPFBO10

She didn’t believe werewolves were real…
…until she was attacked.
Will Jade be able to come to terms with her new shifter life? For as long as she could remember, she wanted to go to Uni and study law. When she got bitten, everything changed. Jade’s not ready to accept her new reality, but she had better come to terms quickly, because it’s her only way out. There are rules at the shifter academy. They’ll keep her locked up if needed. Facing the realities of her new life, her strange powers, and the fact that she’s more prisoner than student, Jade has some tough decisions to make. What she doesn’t know, though, is that there’s something sinister going on. People are in danger. Another gets bitten. The adventure has just begun. You’ll love this new Shifter Academy series, because every young woman has a hero inside of her she didn’t know existed.

The Faithful Dark by Cate Baumer

SPFBO10

A gothic fantasy for fans of Hannah Whitten and Caitlin Starling. In a holy city where sins and blessings can be revealed through consecrated touch, Csilla - born without a soul - is worthless to the Church that raised her. But when a series of murders corrodes the magic that keeps the city safe, the Church elders see a use for her flaw: she can assassinate their prime suspect, a heretic with divine heritage. The heretic, however makes a counter-offer; clear his name and catch the real killer, without becoming a target herself, and he has the power to get her soul. When their investigation catches the attention of Ilan, a ruthless Inquisitor demoted for his failure to solve the case, he reluctantly offers his help in order to earn back his position. He’ll bring in the murderer— and failing that, Csilla and the heretic. But as the death toll rises and their hunt pits them against the Faith, Csilla will find that salvation comes at the cost of everything she believes in.

A Conduit of Light by Chelsey Ann Tompkins

SPFBO10

He has the cure. She is the payment. Forced from her home to train as a conduit in Felgren Forest, Ash'Arah is faced with accepting her new life or boldly denying any evidence that her magic is exponentially powerful. But when a closely guarded secret is revealed, she cannot deny her role as the forest's savior any longer, nor her newly ignited passion for the charming Baron Revich. Karus is a woman who wanders the forest with her faerie friend until the day she discovers a stone embedded in a dead tree. While she holds it, painful memories begin to return. Through these glimpses of her past, she will no longer wonder at who she is, who she loves, and who she is destined to become. This is a multiple POV romantic fantasy with enchanting magic and very little violence. It has dark, yet cozy vibes and the many twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end.

Creatures of the Malignant Thicket by Demetria Meltinos

SPFBO10

Humans and dinosaurs should have never lived at the same time, but here they are: surviving together in precarious harmony. Fara Adven is a fierce advocate for the protection of Dinosaurs—despite the fact that she is orphaned because of them. When a stampede breaches the City-State walls, Fara doesn’t think twice before stepping in to stop it. In the wake of destruction, Fara’s discovery of a dinosaur hybrid becomes a beacon of hope for her, and a target for those seeking power. The political conflict with Metanoia, a neighboring City-State coveting their land, escalates as they learn of Fara’s unique charge and her unparalleled understanding of dinosaur behavior. They aim to exploit her knowledge to domesticate dinosaurs for their own ends. As Fara raises the dinosaur hybrid, finding in it a kindred spirit and a reason to look beyond her grief, she must navigate a treacherous path between safeguarding her new companion and preventing her enemies from using her abilities to tip the balance of power. Will her determination and unique bond with the hybrid lead to a new era of coexistence, or will it ignite a war that could spell the end for both species? Echoing the emotional depth and resilience found in Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent and the complex, richly drawn conflicts of The Grey Gates series by Vanessa Nelson, The Mesozoic is an action-packed fantasy novel that delves into themes of survival, the quest for understanding, and the fight for a better future.

Vengeance Is Our Legacy by M.C. Burnell

The difference between justice and revenge may come down to having a friend. The Tabbaqeran Empire is defended by the Scolate, governed by the Illiumate, guided by the Hakam; its people worship and quarrel with a thousand-thousand gods. But there are none more revered than the masters of martial arts who serve as living cages to the Archetypes of War, primal spirits created by Chaos before the dawn of time to destroy the mortal world. A complex class system holds Qanath back from her chosen career, sitting on one of the senates. Her mother, a Senator herself, could change that with ease; it’s a matter of convincing her. Ink drying on her diploma from Magic U, the next step in Qanath’s perfect plan is to get herself apprenticed to Xar anKebbal, the Embodiment of Vengeance. Everyone thinks they know he stopped taking students several years ago, and she isn’t prepared to run up against the prickly, hostile foreigner who is secret heir to Xar’s Legacy. When calamity strikes, she follows her new enemy out the door without a strategy. Havec is determined to go home, to find out who had him disappeared six years ago and punish them. Qanath can’t stand in his way; he has become Kebbal’s Embodiment and vengeance is his calling. The border between Tabbaqera and his homeland is restive, though, tensions swelling between their peoples. They find rampaging giants, tight-lipped spies, an unnatural winter season that doesn’t want to end. Innocents killed in the name of ambition. The cynical, bitter, frightened, angry person Qanath first met wouldn’t have been willing to involve himself. That man refused to care about anyone else. Then he got to be friends with a stubborn young woman with a chip on her shoulder and a pocket full of crystals. Come learn more about the power of an unexpected friendship. Pick up this new adult fantasy adventure now.

You I Lie With by Meghan Davis

Have you ever watched an apocalypse movie and, instead of admiring the stunts in the foreground, found yourself distracted wondering about the fate of a sweet-looking, nameless couple in the background? This is their story. Sam and Ally are stranded in a hotel during a catastrophic winter storm. Their bond with each other grows stronger as the world around them begins to crumble. A romantic, atmospheric, slice-of-life apocalypse novella that explores what it means to love unconditionally and grapples with what it means to die well.

Surrendered Twilight by Emma Flemming

In the past, created, rather than born, Dmitri is thrown through life and used by one person after another. Part of an organisation, hidden both from supernatural and humans, the werewolf follows orders, all while striving to be more than what he was made for. Happiness finally finds him when he’s not looking. But the fates have been rarely kind and it’s gone, before he ever really had it. In the present, all but a ghost in her own life, Kaylah Bannon drifts through existence with nothing to cling to. No real friends and no family to call her own. Just barely existing, until one late night fate lands her at the feet of the tall, dark and grumpy Mikhail, far from home and her life changed forever from a single bite. A werewolf and the Alpha to the Hawthorn pack, Mikhail is not happy to have Kaylah tossed into his relatively controlled life. And a turned human to boot? There hadn’t been one in years! Keeping her put is a challenge and training her is a pain, but when he starts to fall for her, that’s what frustrates him the most. The past and present are about to collide, with two different worlds aligning. Who will be standing when the dust clears…?

The Veil of Death (The Azetha Series Book 2) by Robin Glassey

Tika reaches the place of her birth, hoping to find a home, a family, and a safe haven. But Mortan has other plans for the girl with incredible healing powers. And what is worse than an evil sorcerer who wants you dead? An evil sorcerer who wants you alive. Tika is forced to leave Xanti and find a way to protect herself against Mortan, for even though she denies being Azetha, she can't deny the danger she faces. Only The Veil of Death will provide her with some measure of protection against Mortan and his assassins. But how many more souls will Death claim this time as she travels to The Tower of Sorrows?

The Second Book of Kalendeck by David W. Sherwood

Marc finally learns the true nature behind Nathel’s betrayal. The kingdom is in turmoil, being brought to the breaking point by a ruthless enemy. With his family lost and his friends scattered beyond reach, Marc must search deep inside himself and find the strength to save those he loves and the kingdom from the onslaught of the Drenthen horde.

The King of Stonewood by Jeremy Hayes

Stonewood is in peril! The demon lord, Lucivenus, now sits upon the throne. To his right, stands High Priest Sarvin, leader of the demon-worshipping Cult, whose dedication led to the release of the demon lord from his extra-planar prison. King Stonewood, who was believed dead, is now beginning to fight back. The King hides somewhere in the south district surrounded by loyal companions, striking at cultists and inspiring hope in the citizens that the Cult may be overthrown. Harcourt and Krestina, two south-side orphans, are thrust into the middle of the conflict. The pair of unlikely heroes may be the only ones capable of finding two ancient items that will be needed to defeat, the mighty Lucivenus. Without them, the King cannot win and Stonewood will be left in the control of the vile Cult.

The Demon of Stonewood by Jeremy Hayes

Welcome back to Stonewood. Six months have passed and the Thieves Guild is embroiled in a bloody street war with the Cult of Demon-Worshippers. The new leader of the Guild is determined to rid the city of their filth, once and for all. The Cult, however, draws closer to their goal. Only a precious few hand-selected hearts are required to release their Demon Lord Lucivenus from his extra-planar prison and summon him back to Stonewood. Chief Magistrate Krommel, utilizes city resources to fund his war against the meddlesome Thieves Guild, hiring bounty hunters to track down and capture known members. Captain Dornell is trapped in the middle, wishing to see an end to both groups. Harcourt struggles with the idea of reaching out to his former nemesis turned friend for help. Time is running out. The King’s birthday fast approaches and Krommel has a special surprise in mind.

Prince of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch

An avian tournament. A chaotic prince. An unwanted engagement. Assassins out for blood. Crown Prince Orson of Mannerobes is a turbulent young man, desperately trying to live up to his father’s impossible expectations. Engaged to Lady Liadan, a woman he does not love, and longing for freedom, Orson’s life takes a darker turn when the Avian Tournament, where birds and their handlers challenge each other in a variety of contests, begins. When Orson’s friend and fellow noble, Overster Tristan Arrington, is poisoned as they greet guests, they discover a sinister assassination plot. As the tournament progresses, Orson’s relationship with Lady Liadan’s deteriorates, while a new and intriguing bond forms with Sir Rorik Ironhold of Chim, a gemstone connoisseur whose true intentions are unclear. As if juggling the tournament, an unraveling betrothal, and his father’s ire isn’t enough, it does not take long before a second assassination attempt makes everyone question who the real target is. “Prince of Shadows” is a thrilling tale of passion, complex conflict, and the fierce pursuit of one’s true self, set against a backdrop of a vivid fantasy world. The book is the third book in the series Stories of Gereon and contains HBTQ relationships and neurodiversity.

The Elf-Witch of Bazzleboo (Running with the Elves Book 2) by Charles G. Stuart

This sequel to "Running With The Elves" takes the reader to darker and deeper places than its predecessor as four of the original characters return for an encore and travel to the coastal town of Bazzleboo. What awaits them there questions their own sense of reality and even their sanity as they fight to unravel a mysterious dark force that holds the local residents in its evil grip. This thought provoking book delves into a thicket of subjects such as religion, philosophy and addiction which the reader must untangle and resolve to his or her own satisfaction. Definitely not a book for young children or the weak minded.

Running with the Elves by Charles G. Stuart

In the distant past, a young man strikes up a relationship with some of the world's few remaining Elves, becomes involved in various adventures with them and eventually falls in love.

Time's Bridge by Cameron Roberts

Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Pons’ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you don’t get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIA’s vultures circling, Pons’ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both. Only, there’s a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages. To let the AI live might be to doom his own species to devastation, but to destroy it would be to snuff out an entire race of machines before it had even begun, and, more importantly, send his truest confi-dante to the grave. With no clear path and an uncertain future, he makes his decision, but was it the right one?

Azetha Rising (The Azetha Series Book 4) by Robin Glassey

WHEN TIKA FOUND OUT KING MARIC AND QUEEN ISLEEN WEREN'T HER PARENTS, LIFE AS THE FORMER PRINCESS KNEW IT CHANGED FOREVER. Accused of trying to kill the king, Tika became a fugitive, dodging Mortan's assassins and the sorcerer’s evil Sha'andari. She journeyed to the deadly Swamp of Tears to obtain the Veil of Death from a mysterious warrior Elf who became her protector and teacher. She was captured and collared by the cunning Prince Perdon and added to his Elemental "collection." And she was forced to battle her beloved sand tiger Herra in Sicor's Arena. In the thrilling conclusion of the epic YA fantasy series The Azetha Series, Tika must complete her journey to the Mercy Mines to rescue King Maric and honor her promise to return Death his stolen cup. But Mortan has other plans for this healer on the run. Tika faces the ultimate betrayal, winding up in one of Mortan’s frozen cells, tortured and stripped of her powers. Is the Human Elven Elemental hybrid really the long-awaited Azetha, or just another one of Queen Lindra's pawns in the Elf's manipulations to defeat Mortan?

A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai

No, I didn’t meet him by my bangles getting caught in his sleeve. Or by grabbing his hand from a running train. No, instead he met me with a Darcy-like disdain you won’t ever see in a Bollywood movie. Bollywood movies and smutty romance novels are every Desi girl's guilty pleasure. And I had the crazy idea to combine the two... −Miya Malai

By Her Grace: A Dell Chronicles Novella by HL Bernabe

If you liked Legends and Lattes, you'll love this novella. Halfling chef Paisley Dell lives in Aspenwood, a small town at the meeting of two major trade roads. The Dells own the Rosebud Inn and are pillars of the halfling community. Paisley is happy, but… something is missing. She feels unfulfilled and restless. On her Becoming Day, she meets a mysterious young human, pregnant and on the run, and through her Paisley glimpses a world she desperately wishes she could know. A world of spice, elves, and exotic, faraway places. With every recipe Prilani teaches her, Paisley’s desire to save her new friend from her pursuer grows, too. Protecting Prilani means facing an evil she has never known. Is the risk worth it?