The Professor and the Siren by Vala Stone

My whole life, I dedicated myself to discovering the secrets of the ocean. When I encounter a merman, I think I might be losing my mind. Except he’s real, and he's asking me out, spilling all his secrets, sating my curiosity, and stirring my lust. My own private nerdy professor turned merman; he ticks all my boxes. What do I do when my merman is in danger of being discovered by my colleagues? Do I turn my back on them and help him? Do I sink or swim? Do I fall in love? This is a short paranormal romance novella about a brave marine biologist, a sexy merman, and a sizzling HEA. Romance, Paranormal, HEA, Steamy, Merman, Shapeshifter, Sweet, Fated mates, Beach Read this novella for free by signing up to the newsletter.

Bound to the Warlock: A Cozy Smalltown Paranormal Romance (Hillcrest Hollow Shifters #05) by Vala Stone

He tells me to leave town. I can’t seem to stay away. Maggie I come to Hillcrest Hollow with a broken career, a bruised heart, and every intention of hiding out with my best friend until my life stops falling apart. Instead, I find her broody coworker, a magical town full of secrets, and a stubborn little bobcat kitten determined to adopt me. Thorne is filthy rich, dangerously powerful, and makes it painfully clear he wants nothing to do with me. Too bad his actions keep betraying him. Every cold warning comes with quiet protection. Every sharp insult only makes me more determined to uncover his secrets. Then my dreams start calling me into the woods... and something ancient starts calling me by name. Thorne I’ve sworn off obsession. Sunshine like Maggie has no place near a warlock like me. Fate disagrees. Now the woman I keep trying to push away is tangled in the magic threatening Hillcrest Hollow. She finds the family she’s always deserved, a troublesome little companion determined to throw us together, and me. She thinks I’m trying to keep her safe. She has no idea I’m willing to burn the world down to do it. This is Book Five in the Hillcrest Hollow Shifter series, but each book can be read as a standalone. Bound to the Warlock delivers a secretive grumpy warlock billionaire, an always cheerful, artist with a temper, a cute bobcat kitten with romance plans, and a sizzling HEA that will leave you breathless. Fun tropes: Down-on-her-luck heroine Small town Best friend’s coworker Grumpy/sunshine Mysterious billionaire warlock Animal companion Dreams Ancient magic Found family Possessive/protective MMC “Burn the world down for her” energy

Bound to the Griffin: A Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance (Hillcrest Hollow Shifters #03) by Vala Stone

He’s sworn to protect the town’s secrets—but she might just unravel his heart. Gwendolyn Buying the old B&B was supposed to be my fresh start. But Hillcrest Hollow isn’t exactly welcoming. The house is crumbling, the neighbors glare like I’m some kind of threat, and something’s definitely watching me from the woods. Then there’s Jackson—the town’s sheriff with storm-gray eyes and a quiet intensity that makes my heart forget how to behave. He’s always there when things go sideways, and I’m starting to think those hands could fix a lot more than broken porch steps. The more I dig, the darker the town’s secrets get—and the more tangled up we become. Whatever’s hiding in Hillcrest Hollow isn’t just folklore. And if I’m not careful, it won’t just break my heart—it might claim everything. Jackson The second Gwendolyn arrived, I knew she’d be trouble. Hillcrest Hollow chews up outsiders, and the things that live in the dark don’t take kindly to curious humans. She should’ve left—but she’s still here. And I’m starting to forget why I ever wanted her gone. She’s fierce, stubborn, and too damn tempting for a man who’s spent years keeping his beast on a leash. But something old is waking, and she’s at the center of it. I swore to protect this town—but I’d burn it to the ground before I let anything touch her. Even if the real danger… is what I am. This is Book Three in the Hillcrest Hollow Shifter series, but each book can be read as a standalone. Bound to the Griffin delivers a protective griffin shifter, a bold human heroine looking for a new beginning, ancient secrets, and a sizzling HEA.

Bound to the Minotaur: A Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance (Hillcrest Hollow Shifters #02) by Vala Stone

Car trouble on a desolate road? Terrifying. The brooding, irresistibly hot mechanic who shows up? Utterly distracting… Kess Running is my only option. When a job offer across the country promises a fresh start, I grab it like a lifeline. But fate, it seems, has other plans. Stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken car, I’m at my wit’s end. Then he appears. Gregory, the grumpy mechanic with smoldering eyes, a scowl that could cut steel, and secrets as dark as the night. Trusting anyone has never been my strong suit, but when he uncovers evidence that my “accident” wasn’t an accident at all, he’s the only one I can turn to. And the more time I spend with him, the more I realize—beneath the gruff exterior is a man worth risking everything for. Gregory Patience? Never heard of it. Tact? Doesn’t live here. I prefer my life quiet, my sanctuary off-limits, and my secrets buried deep. Then she crashes into my world: Kess, the fiery little stray with a broken car and danger on her heels. She’s fierce, maddeningly stubborn, and absolutely captivating. Against every instinct, I find myself letting her in. The closer she gets, the harder it is to keep my distance. And when her past threatens to destroy her, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her—even if it means revealing the beast within. This is Book Two in the Hillcrest Hollow Shifter series, but each book can be read as a standalone. Bound to the Minotaur delivers a grumpy Minotaur shifter, a fiery human heroine, an adorable kitten who knows too much, and a sizzling HEA that will leave you breathless.

Bound to the Dragon (Hillcrest Hollow Shifters #01) by Vala Stone

Inheriting a sprawling picturesque farm in a cozy small town is probably everyone’s secret dream. When it happens to me, my life gets turned upside down. Rosemary My father’s will stipulates I have live to there for a year if I want to inherit his millions too. The place is a fire trap, ready to collapse at the slightest breeze. Then the dreams start. A voice calling to me, seducing me, whispering in my sleep. Nothing is what it seems in Hillcrest Hollow, I expect more dreams, but then a rainstorm brings a stranger to my doorstep. A naked stranger. It is then that the seduction truly starts and I find myself bound to a dragon. Chardum For twenty-six years I was trapped beneath rubble. My only anchor the faintest touch of my soulmate’s mind against mine. Suddenly she’s here, next to my prison, on my land. I will do whatever it takes to get her to free me, and then I will seduce her until she will never want to leave. My Rosy does not know the truth about her father, or this land, she does not know the peril she’s in. I am Chardum the Destroyer, a mighty dragon, and I will teach her all she needs to master her powers and her inheritance. I will claim her heart and soul. Protect her with my dying breath from the evil that seeks to destroy us all.

Ensnared by the Stone Freak: A Paranormal Romance (Twisted Carnival Series) by Vala Stone

At the Twisted Carnival, the ‘Stone Freak’ can turn anyone to stone—but when he meets her, she’s the one who stops him in his tracks. Camryn Being called the ‘Ice Queen’ stings, but after my ex shattered my trust, keeping my distance feels safer. When my best friend drags me to the Twisted Carnival, I expect a night of cheap thrills—not a collision with the impossible. The moment I meet the Stone Freak’s gaze in the middle of the ring, my world tilts. Heat ignites, shattering the walls I built. Halvard is powerful, mesmerizing… dangerous. But for the first time in forever, I want to take a risk. Forget contracts and a stalker ex—I’m about to embark on the wildest adventure of my life. And it begins with him. Halvard My gift was once a blessing. Now it’s a curse. My gaze turns flesh to stone, making me a monster in the eyes of the world. The Twisted Carnival is the only place I belong—until a Seer’s prophecy changes everything. Then I see her. Camryn. My mate. And suddenly, nothing else matters. I will seduce her. I will claim her. I will show her that a life with a Stone Freak is the greatest adventure of all. But when her past comes hunting, I’ll do more than fight—I’ll unleash the beast within. No warlock, no shadow, no force in this world will take her from me. Let them try. This standalone novella is part of the multi-author Twisted Carnival series. It features a passionate half-gargoyle, half-basilisk 'Stone Freak,' a pet boar named Hogzy, a lawyer with a stalker, and a guaranteed steamy HEA.

Guarded by My Gargoyle: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls) by Honey Phillips

He returned to Fairhaven Falls with a fortune and a plan. Falling for the widowed plant nursery owner next door was not part of it. But her little boy sees him as a guardian. And she sees the softness beneath the stone. And once a gargoyle puts down roots… nothing will move him. Guarded by the Gargoyle is a cozy, protective small-town monster romance about second chances, chosen family, and a hero who finally decides to stay.

Protected by the Orc (Fairhaven Falls #07 / Sweet Monster Treats #08) by Honey Phillips

Her orc bodyguard is determined to keep her close! Holdar doesn’t do commitment. Even his latest security job as bodyguard to a pretty, spoiled - and annoyingly adorable - heiress won’t last, which is just as well. The sooner he gets away from her innocent smiles and tempting curves the better. Trish is desperate to escape her father’s gilded cage, even though her latest bodyguard is the biggest, most intimidating - and most enticing - male she’s ever met. Then her disastrous attempt at freedom leads her straight into his massive orc arms. Holdar failed one person in his care, and he’s not about to do it again. He’s determined to keep Trish safe, even if it means returning to Fairhaven Falls and facing the past he wants to forget. A tiny southern town and the smallest cabin she’s ever seen? A grumpy orc who insists on putting her to work - when he’s not kissing the heck out of her? Trish should be miserable. Instead, she’s never been happier. But can their relationship be more than temporary? And is she willing to take a chance on an orc who's afraid to commit? * * ~ * * "Protected by the Orc" is the eighth sweet and steamy monster romance that makes up the Sweet Monster Treats multi-author, shared-world collection. Each book is a standalone, containing its own 'Happily Ever After', and can be read in any order -- (but the series is likely enjoyed most when read in order, as characters may appear throughout the stories!) Be sure to explore all the titles brought to us by three bestselling authors: Book 01: "Cookies For My Orc Neighbor" by Michele Mills (2023) Book 02: "Candy For My Orc Boss" by Ava Ross (2023) Book 03: "Cupcakes For My Orc Enemy" by Honey Phillips (2023) Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" by Honey Phillips (2023) Book 05: "Single Dad Orc" Ava Ross (2023) Book 06: "Twins For The Wild Orc" by Michele Mills (2023) Book 07: "Undercover Orc" by Ava Ross [2024] Book 08: "Protected by the Orc" by Honey Phillips [2024] Book 09: "Arrested by the Orc" by Michele Mills [2024] * * ~ * * "Protected by the Orc" is also the seventh book in Honey Phillips' series, Fairhaven Falls. Be sure to explore all the titles Book 01: "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy" Book 02: "Trouble for My Troll* Book 03: "Fireworks for My Dragon Boss" Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" Book 05: "Mistletoe for My Minotaur" Book 06: "Valentine for My Vampire" Book 07: "Protected by the Orc"

Valentine for My Vampire: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #06) by Honey Phillips

Her vampire is heating up the kitchen! Wendy’s first visit to a supposedly gourmet restaurant in the sleepy little town of Fairhaven Falls did not go well - especially her interaction with the arrogant and annoyingly attractive restaurant owner - and she didn’t hesitate to tell her readers all about it. She has no intention of returning, but she never could resist a challenge. Restaurant owner and vampire? It’s an odd combination given Damian’s very specific dietary requirements, but Midnight Manor means everything to him. He’s not about to let one snippy and surprisingly succulent food critic destroy everything he’s built, even if it means using his special gifts to convince her. As a series of mysterious mishaps continue to plague the restaurant, Damian and Wendy are forced to work together to track down the culprit. But as the tension in the kitchen heats up, so does their attraction... Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy holiday tale is intended for mature readers.

The Single Mom and the Orc (Fairhaven Falls #04 / Sweet Monster Treats #4) by Honey Phillips

Her grumpy orc is going to hammer his way into her heart! When Pippa finds herself in Fairhaven Falls with empty pockets and a brand new baby, she’s thrilled when a sweet - and slightly scary - old lady offers her a job and a place to live. Their new home isn’t much, but it offers a desperately needed shelter. Then her grumpy orc neighbor comes charging into their lives. She should be wary of the huge male, but when she watches him handling his hammer, fear is the last thing she feels. And when he cradles her daughter so tenderly against that big muscular chest? Her heart isn't the only thing melting! Trogar likes his own company just fine, thank you very much. When his grandmother insists he help out his new neighbor, he reluctantly agrees. But the more time he spends with the curvy human and her adorable daughter, the more he wants to claim them both as his own. When Pippa’s past catches up with her, can Trogar keep her and her daughter safe? And when the dust settles, will he have a new family - or the solitary life he no longer wants? * * * "The Single Mom and the Orc" is a sweet and steamy monster romance that is the fourth book in the Sweet Monster Treats multi-author, shared world collection. Each book is standalone, contains its own Happily Ever After, and can be read in any order-- (but the series is likely enjoyed most when read in order, as characters may appear throughout the stories!) Be sure to explore the other titles in the collection: Book 01: "Cookies For My Orc Neighbor" by Michele Mills (2023) Book 02: "Candy For My Orc Boss" by Ava Ross (2023) Book 03: "Cupcakes For My Orc Enemy" by Honey Phillips (2023) Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" by Honey Phillips (2023) Book 05: "Single Dad Orc" Ava Ross (2023) Book 06: "Twins For The Wild Orc" by Michele Mills (2023) Book 07: "Undercover Orc" by Ava Ross [6 May 2024] Book 08: "Protected by the Orc" by Honey Phillips [13 May 2024] Book 09: "Arrested by the Orc" by Michele Mills [20 May 2024] * * * "The Single Mom and the Orc" is also the fourth story in Honey Phillips' Fairhaven Falls series: Book 01: "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy" Book 02: "Trouble for My Troll" Book 03: "Fireworks for My Dragon Boss" Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" Book 05: "Mistletoe for My Minotaur" Book 06: "Valentine for My Vampire" Book 07: "Protected by the Orc"

Fireworks for My Dragon Boss: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #03) by Honey Phillips

Her dragon is turning up the heat! After a series of corporate mergers, Charlotte’s job is hanging by a thread. When her boss orders her to drag an overdue manuscript out of their bestselling author, she’s determined to succeed - even if it means leaving the city for the small Southern town of Fairhaven Falls. She just didn’t expect the elusive author to be so big. And handsome. And winged. Nakor Earlsworth refuses to give in to the common stereotypes about dragons. He lives in a glass-walled house, not a cave. He doesn’t breathe fire - at least not most of the time. And he certainly isn’t sitting on a hoard of treasure. So why is it that when an annoying, buttoned-up, and irritatingly attractive, female shows up on his doorstep, he’s suddenly envisioning her wearing his gold - and nothing else? A very stubborn male and an equally determined female are about to find out what happens when an immovable object meets an irresistible force. Sparks are going to fly. Literally. Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy story is intended for mature readers.

Trouble for My Troll: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #2) by Honey Phillips

Her troll mechanic is determined to get her engine revving! Alison is looking forward to finally settling down in Fairhaven Falls. Surely a town full of monsters will make it easier to guard her vulnerable heart. When she runs into a truck driven by a massive troll with a charming smile, she realizes it might not be so easy after all. Despite her attempts to avoid him, he keeps coming to her rescue. Will isn’t happy about returning to his small hometown to take over the family business. The sooner he can escape a job he doesn’t want in a place he doesn’t want to be, the better. The curvy little female who collides with him can’t be more than a distraction - so why does his inner troll want to carry her off to his den and keep her forever? He doesn’t even have a den! Can a male who doesn’t want to stay and a woman who doesn’t want to leave find happiness together? Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy story is intended for mature readers.

My Ex Is A Vampire by M.S. Ocampo

Relationships bite! Jane Dela Cruz's life is anything but normal. By day, she's your average honor student, the girl next door who's dating the guy on the football team. By night, she hunts vampires with her family. She hates what she's been called to do, the gifts she inherited from her family bloodline. At the same time, she craves revenge and closure for past emotional scars. Andy Santiago is the new kid in the swanky suburb of Sugar Land, Texas. Haunted by nightmares of red eyes and fangs, he hunts down vampires and attracts his share of trouble along the way. He keeps his life of vampire hunting a secret from his mother and finds himself in hot water when he finds out his new girlfriend is a fangirl for romantic vampires, which only exist in fiction. When Jane's boyfriend and Andy's girlfriend get taken by the local vampire court and turned into vampires, they have to team up and figure out how to take down their exes. What they don't realize is that they will unravel a darker conspiracy that will change their lives forever.

Mia the Magnificent by Srivarshini Thenappan

On her fifteenth birthday, Mia discovers that she is the next-in-line ruler of a place called Magic Globe. Very soon, she gets transported to a world filled with magical beings and mystical landscapes. However, before she can claim the throne, Mia must prove her worth by completing a series of challenging tasks. Each task is a test of courage, kindness and intelligence where Mia solves riddles, faces fearsome creatures, and saves her friend from danger. Mia's determination and faith in herself guide her through every task. She learns valuable lessons about trust and compassion that helps forge strong friendships with the creatures and people of Magic Globe. In her captivating story - the author - nine-year-old Srivarshini Thenappan introduces a cast of characters, from talking animals to magical beings, transporting readers to a world filled with wonder and limitless possibilities.

My Brother's Keeper by Ben Schenkman

Magic is real, demons walk the earth, and Max’s brother is dead. Max Asher, Jewish mystic and private-eye, never thought he’d be coming back to his home town to bury his twin brother, Solomon. He definitely never thought the funeral would turn into a case, but when Sol’s widow Gabby asks him to investigate the cause of death, “Uncle Max” is on the job. When Max kicks the demon’s nest, he uncovers a conspiracy that forces him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about his brother. Unfamiliar local politics blur the line between the supernatural and the mundane, and soon, fighting for justice becomes dangerously literal. If Max can uncover the murderer, he might just save his brother’s soul—but if he can’t, he’ll fall victim to the same deadly fate. Putting the past to rest is going to take more than a shovel full of dirt.

Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy (Fairhaven Falls, #1 / Sweet Monster Treats, #3) by Honey Phillips

One very large orc. One very small human. Does size matter? When Elara flees corporate life to open a coffee shop in the small southern town of Fairhaven Falls, the last thing she is looking for is a relationship. But when she meets Grondar, the gruff orc owner of the bakery next door, sparks fly. Literally. Grondar has been burned by human females before. He has no intention of letting the feisty little female next door get under his skin - no matter how attractive he finds her. And it certainly doesn’t mean he’s going to let her get away with sabotaging his business. Despite their disastrous first meeting, Elara still finds herself having inappropriately heated thoughts about the massive orc next door. The attraction seems to be completely one-sided - until he reluctantly comes to her rescue and she discovers a very different side to the grumpy male. Can they overcome their initial animosity, their ongoing rivalry, and their very obvious differences to find a future together? * * ~ * * "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy" is the third sweet and steamy monster romance that make up the Sweet Monster Treats multi-author, shared world collection. Each book is a standalone, containing its own 'Happily Ever After', and can be read/listened to in any order -- (but the series is likely enjoyed most when read/listened to in order, as characters may appear throughout the stories!) Be sure to explore all the titles brought to us by three bestselling authors: • Book 01: "Cookies For My Orc Neighbor" by Michele Mills (2023) • Book 02: "Candy For My Orc Boss" by Ava Ross (2023) • Book 03: "Cupcakes For My Orc Enemy" by Honey Phillips (2023) • Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" by Honey Phillips (2023) • Book 05: "Single Dad Orc" Ava Ross (2023) • Book 06: "Twins For The Wild Orc" by Michele Mills (2023) • Book 07: "Undercover Orc" by Ava Ross [2024] • Book 08: "Protected by the Orc" by Honey Phillips [2024] • Book 09: "Arrested by the Orc" by Michele Mills [2024] * * ~ * * "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy" is also the first story in Honey Phillips' Fairhaven Falls series: • Book 01: "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy" • Book 02: "Trouble for My Troll" • Book 03: "Fireworks for My Dragon Boss" • Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" • Book 05: "Mistletoe for My Minotaur" • Book 06: "Valentine for My Vampire" • Book 07: "Protected by the Orc"

They Meet in Dreams by H. B. Wasiak

It’s 1999, and Max Reid’s summer takes a strange turn when a boy in his dreams starts feeling way too real. Seventeen-year-old Max seems to have it all—friends, attention, the kind of effortless charm that makes people look twice—but inside, his life feels hollow. He drifts through his days avoiding his mother’s meltdowns and going along with whatever life puts in front of him. Everything changes when he starts dreaming of a boy named Andy. Andy is nothing like anyone Max has ever met. He’s unguarded, honest, a little bit weird—the kind of person Max didn’t realize he’d been missing in his life. He makes Max feel truly seen. But here's the weird part: Andy insists he isn’t just a dream, but a real person, sharing the dreams with Max. Max doesn’t believe him, of course. That would be insane. And yet, night after night, he escapes into that hidden world, forming a bond more vivid and intense than anything he experiences when he wakes up. But the dreams are changing. Andy is hiding something. Whenever Max asks him to meet in real life, he refuses. He won’t explain why, leaving Max questioning everything, including his own sanity. Max is determined to prove Andy exists, because if the dreams end… what is he supposed to do with feelings for someone who might not be real at all? And sooner or later, everybody wakes up. They Meet in Dreams is a bittersweet, coming-of-age story about identity, emotions, and depression. It explores what it means to love someone you may never truly have.

Brownies for My Grumpy Bunny: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #10) by Honey Phillips

She’s sweet, stubborn, and far too tempting. He’s big, grumpy, and determined not to fall. Sara Cartwright came to Fairhaven Falls for a fresh start—quiet mornings, kind neighbors, and maybe a few furry friends hopping through her garden. She wasn’t expecting her next-door neighbor to be six-foot-plus of scowling muscle and twitching ears. Ben Hollowell likes his peace, his pub, and his solitude. The last thing he needs is a relentlessly cheerful kindergarten teacher moving in next door with flower boxes, laughter, and curves that make his pulse race. But when Sara’s warmth starts melting his defenses—and her brownies start showing up at his door—Ben finds himself craving things he swore he didn’t need. Will spring in Fairhaven Falls turn out to be mating season for the most reluctant of bunnies? Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone. This sweet and steamy small town romance is intended for mature readers.

The Sorrow of Bees by Andie Holman

Dark magic comes at a cost, one that Jelly, warrior mermaid, must pay. After enduring a brutal ritual to give her Fae powers, a vital piece of her soul goes missing. She must abandon everything and everyone to find it. It is her journey alone. If she fails her mission, her lover’s brother will never again see the sun, trapped in a horrifying dimension called the Hellhole. If she fails, her lover Mako may not forgive her. If she fails, she will never be whole. She’s sent to a queendom so foreign she can barely breathe, transformed into a body she can’t possibly understand. Grappling with the enormity of her task, she struggles to appreciate the sorrows of the pollinators. But she must if she wants to succeed. Kirkus reviews: "The intricate details and person growth of major and minor characters make for a welcome continuation of this saga... The detailed depth of the fantasy world will delight those who enjoy all-consuming magical realms that integrate cleanly with contemporary, nonmagical locales... An often rousing personal quest that will have audiences looking forward to the next book."

The Mermaid's Wrath by Andie Holman

The ocean is dying. A mermaid vows to save it. The Mers are barely surviving in a magical marine bubble, isolated from the rest of the world. Jelly, warrior mermaid and champion of sea life, battles against the choking, accelerating pollution, living beneath the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. When Jelly's mind opens to terrifying premonitions, she must leave the ocean, collaborating with estranged magical beings on land. She’s seen one of theirs in a vision, a woman abducted for the power in her veins, and Jelly is the key to this woman's freedom. The black pearl at her throat holds a secret. When it wakes, it sends Jelly on a tumultuous journey, changing her life forever. Kirkus review: “A lighthearted novel that simultaneously features heavy environmental themes, multifaceted characters, and lots of charm. Holman weaves elements of humor, magic, romance, and environmental activism in a quirky ocean-set romantasy.”

Hot Wolf in the Country - A Cozy Monster Romance (Monster Mate Mayhem) by Honey Phillips

Working late has never been this dangerous! Tech genius Harper moves to Monster Island for a fresh start, hoping to escape her workaholic tendencies. She doesn’t expect to fall even deeper into her old patterns, or to accidentally run into the most infuriatingly attractive man she's ever met. Adrian Moonstone isn't just the Alpha of the Moonstone Pack; he's a growly, dominant force of nature. Adrian wants nothing to do with big city girls, but Harper, with her pink hair, defiant attitude, and tantalizing scent, proves impossible to resist. He knows a tiny human female can't be his Luna. He knows she'll never truly belong in his world. Yet, his wolf’s need to claim her grows with every encounter. When a vicious cyber-attack threatens his pack, Adrian needs Harper's genius more than ever. But as they fight together to defeat this new threat, their undeniable passion ignites. Can Harper find her happily ever after, or will love prove to be a code that even she can’t break? smart heroine, possessive hero, fated mates, forced proximity, shifter romance A sweet and spicy monster romance! Each book can be read as a standalone romance. Intended for mature readers.

Visionary Investigations: Dead And Back Again #1.5 by C. Rae D'Arc

Three Teammates, Three Cases, and a Touch of Magic In the Noir city of Shigaqua, Truth Locke solves crime with her magical ability to Read into people's lives through their palms. After making a name for herself as a private investigator, she now heads her own agency, Visionary Investigations. Her rag-tag teammates include Nita Incog—an amnesiac with the personality and skills of a fighter robot, and Aeron Spade—a young investigator who visits the dead in his sleep. Truth must keep Nita and Aeron from bringing out the worst in each other while making sense of her own relationship with her best friend, Michael (Micro) Johnson. Maneuvering between mob bosses and drug dealers, Truth and her team must solve the Cases of a serial killer who steals victims' shoes, the murder of a close friend with a twisted crime scene, and an undead victim who had a seemingly impossible heart attack.

What Lies Beneath by Matthew Nation

Everything comes at a price. What's yours? In 1895 Massachusetts, Andrew Dawson uncovers a dark secret his family has kept from him his entire life. When a mysterious stranger, Cornelius Phenton, comes to rescue the family from its crippling debt, everything comes to a head, and the truth is revealed. Andrew makes the deal of a lifetime. The only price to be paid is his beating heart. He takes on the identity of the confident yet arrogant, Derrick. When the moon eclipses the sun, the transformation will be permanent, and Andrew will be gone forever. However, Derrick quickly realizes that leaving his past behind isn’t as easy as it seems. Even without his heart, he somehow still loves the life he has left behind.

The Alpha King's Fated Mate by Rowena Aiello

A shifter story

Barnaby Stump and the Soul Thief by Ezra Snukal

BARNABY STUMP never wanted much—just a quiet life with his grandma and a chance to become a fencing champion. But his dreams are shattered when his fencing tournament turns deadly, and he’s falsely accused of murder. On the run, he is whisked away to a mysterious island that houses a secret pirate school for outcasts and misunderstood teenagers. Here, the teachers all dress like sailors from the 17th century, and the students compete in intense, ferocious naval battles for sport. There’s also something oddly familiar about the school’s headmaster—perhaps something to do with his magnificent black beard… But before Barnaby can adjust to his new life, a sinister force begins possessing his classmates, turning them into killers. Worse still, Barnaby once again finds himself named the prime suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, he must uncover the true culprit and face a nautical horror thought to have been destroyed centuries ago.

Being Magic by Myles Katt

In Lake Bounty, a small lakeside town shrouded in mystery, magic isn't just in the water and air—it permeates everything. Elana and Jerome have reincarnated together throughout time and now find themselves at the center of Lake Bounty's secretive magical community. When a demonic hatred surfaces, threatening the very magic that sustains the town, Elana must sacrifice herself to save Jerome and their newfound family, but risk destroying her and Jerome's entwined destiny and the power of reincarnation itself. As their found family unravels and malevolent power mirrors the dark depths of the lake, Elana and Jerome must confront the core of their beings—individually and together—to banish this darkness and save not only each other, but their entire world. Being Magic is a modern, spiritual fantasy intertwined with romance, quirky characters, and a deeper exploration of connection and being.

Token of a Wolf by Cara Blaine

What if the big, bad wolf wasn't actually the villain? What if Little Red found herself allying with him... And even falling for him? Roux Torres just wants answers after her elderly neighbor vanishes without a trace. But when her search draws the attention of a vigilante known only as the Wolf, she’s thrust into a world of blood magic, justice, and buried secrets. The Wolf is a shapeshifter hunting the secret society responsible for abducting his closest ally. Protecting Roux should be a distraction, but when he discovers she might be their next target, watching from the shadows is no longer enough. As stalkers close in and trust turns to fire, Roux and the Wolf must decide which is more dangerous: the hunters in the dark, or the pull between them. Magic. Murder. And a romance that bites back. Token of a Wolf is the first book in the Venandi Venator series, a dark urban romantic fantasy perfect for fans of slow-burn tension, supernatural intrigue, and sharp-tongued heroines who refuse to be saved. Expect danger, desire, and a vigilante romance that howls long after the last page.

Suck Suck Suck by Brandt Scheidemantel

"Riveting, disturbing." "Deeply weird...very ticklish...the strangest thing I have ever read." "An odd collection...Scheidemantel can weave a story!" In this genre-bending debut short story collection, psychological horror gets a magical twist. A man makes a routine stop at the bank—and surfaces days later sucked dry of his identity. Faced with eviction, a babysitter trades her sin to a troll—but there’s a lustful catch. A breast cancer survivor awakens in the Devil’s sock drawer and runs like Hell. Two closeted young men find love—but a deranged murderer finds them, too. Suck Suck Suck is a surreal ride fueled by dark comedy, satire, and desperate longing.

The Clearing by Dani Ripley

Imagine dying in a mass shooting, only to wake up on the other side right next to the person who put you there… When Alice Wheaton meets her untimely end in a mass shooting along with five other strangers, she's shocked to awaken moments later in a beautiful meadow surrounded by a lush green forest. One by one, the other victims wake nearby, and as they gather, they're horrified to discover one of them is the very teenaged killer who put them there in the first place. And worse—they must now agree to engage in a quest together in order to wrap up the loose ends of their lives. Former cop and FBI profiler Roz Cooper is hired to consult on the case that's stunned the residents of Crescent Moon Bay along with the entire country. Digging into the killer's history, Roz uncovers an even older mystery of a woman gone missing nearly a decade before, and it soon becomes clear that her disappearance is deeply intertwined with both the shooter and the shooting. Even though it's not what she was hired for, Roz finds herself drawn to uncovering answers about the missing woman—to the point of dangerous obsession. Will she risk everything she loves in order to solve the mystery of what really happened to Inez Blackbird White? And how it all relates to Inez's teenage son murdering six innocent people eight years later?

Family Demons by A.L. Sestier

When fifteen-year-old Ophelia is betrayed and institutionalized for seeing moving shadows, she thinks her life is over. But those shadows are about to lead her to an ancient letter, a pair of magical train tickets, and a world hidden beneath our own - the Netherworld. There, paper can kill, mirrors are portals, and family magic comes with a terrible price. As Ophelia discovers her true identity as heir to one of the great magical houses, she must master her newfound powers to save her sister from a demonic curse. But in a realm where even love can be weaponized, choosing who to trust might be the deadliest magic of all.

Crowning Soul (Heart of Noorenia #1) by Sahira Javaid

Be swept away in this unique fantasy debut from Sahira Javaid. A spellbinding adventure of belonging, finding hope and where the price of a soul is another soul’s fate. Perfect for fans of InuYasha and Children of Blood and Bone. Nezha Zaman considers her gift to control fire a dangerous secret. A secret that unravels when she encounters a vengeful shadow jinni in a maze garden that has been stalking her family, and knows about her power. Weeks after seeing the demonic being, Nezha is torn from her world through her backyard pond and transported to another dimension which sought out the light inside her heart. Nezha learns from two unicorns that the dimension is her family’s roots, and the light is a fragment of an angel’s shattered soul. The three must work together to find the soul’s shards in a land teeming with shape-shifting jinn. If Nezha fails to stop the corrupted Iron Prince, the malevolent jinn at his side will shatter her soul next.

Nights of Noctis by Lauren M Clark

NOCTIS The Realm of Night What is lost in darkness may never be found Ivy Winterstone knows she’s destined for more than what Ternewell has to offer. When she encounters Leseldh, the air crackles with electricity and dark promise. He invites her to accompany him for an evening in Noctis, and fate’s call makes the choice a simple one. Although Ivy has made the Portal Journey to the Realm of Night before, this trip alters her life forever. Not only does she find herself Created as a Vampire, she learns that her Sire is also her Mate. Could this be everything Ivy's been searching for? But a newly Created Vampire is vulnerable until they complete the Ascension at the end of their first year. No one knows this better than Killian Maurell: the Vampire known as the Hunter. He sets his sights on Ivy and is determined to bring about her Ending. Once the Ascension is complete, Ivy and Leseldh can seal their Resonance bond – but can Ivy avoid the Hunter until then?

Kuxtal Academy: The Beginning by Mikayla D. Hornedo, Nelle Nikole

In the shadowed corridors of Kuxtal Academy, ancient whispers echo through the hallways. Mira Canek finds herself pulled back into the grasp of her family’s political influence when she's called to attend Kuxtal Academy—Inecha’s school for the elite. However, the reunion with her older brother Koa is far from simple. As the owner of a notorious club entwined in the clandestine dealings of the city, Koa leads a life shrouded in secrecy and danger. When the veil of secrecy is lifted, revelations emerge, threatening to fracture their already fragile bonds. Ancient prophecies intertwine with their destinies, weaving a complex web of fate and forbidden desires. As Mira holds tight to the image of the brother she once knew, fated connections leave Koa grappling with the weight of his own secrets. In this spellbinding Mayan-inspired urban fantasy romance, the Canek siblings are thrust into a reality where the boundaries between light and shadow blur. Will they unravel the mysteries that bind them, or will they succumb to the darkness that lurks within?

Event Horizon: When stars die by Victor Neil Murray

(Continuation of the book “Event Horizon. The Dark Middle Ages”) “Event Horizon. When Stars Die” The story spans the Victorian era and other realities — living worlds with their own nature, cultures, and laws, where the very fabric of life resonates differently than on Earth. There, light can be lethal, and darkness may be the only thing capable of giving hope. This is not merely a journey through worlds. It is a journey through destinies that cannot be escaped and wounds that cannot be forgotten. There are worlds where fate is a thin thread that can be severed. There are worlds where fate is a choice paid for in blood. And there are worlds where even fate itself fears to speak the names of those who must live. When light disappears, darkness does not come. History comes — and it demands sacrifice. Event Horizon is an epic about those who cannot hide from themselves. About those born of light, and those who rise from darkness — yet still seek a way to remain alive without becoming monsters. There are no characters who desire greatness. Only those forced to carry it like chains. Their fears are louder than weapons, their choices heavier than battles, their love — more dangerous than any magic. Against collapsing skies, dying worlds, and civilizations that have forgotten their names, every hero takes a step that makes reality itself tremble. No one here is born to be central. Each is the center of their own tragedy. The one who fears the power flowing through his veins. The one who fears his own weakness. The one who runs from the past — and the one the past finds even in other worlds. The one who tries to save others, and the one who knows that sometimes salvation is the worst form of destruction. Their voices carry pain, their footsteps carry prophecy, their mistakes carry the breath of gods. Can one bear light without burning? Can one love without destroying? This is not a story about war. Nor a story about the end of times. It is a story about the cost — the price paid by those who dare to look into the deepest darkness and ask: “Why do we live, if stars die all the same?”

You Look Lost, Pup by Rob MacWolf

Early fall. A werewolf pack, in procession, on the highway. From campground to crossroad, from state line to state park, from motel to mountain pass to mourning they chase not just their grief, but a question: how did they each get there, and who will bring them home? Because each looks in the mirror and says... And then, late spring. A lone wanderer, with more hope than is wise and less time than he knows, carrying what he believes to be good news but which is really a question, saying to all who will listen... At last, high summer. A young werewolf feels, with all the desperation of youth, that he's waited all his life to find the place he belongs, if only he can find the right person to say to him... And you, as well, who read this now. You look lost, pup.

Shifter Awakened by M. L. White

How would you feel if it were illegal to simply exist? That's a question Shanely Thomas has had to ask herself ever since she discovered she is more than human. After growing up bouncing between foster homes, Shanely thought the biggest challenge was the mysterious grandmother who left her a cabin. But that is nothing compared to the night a large wolf runs her truck off the road and tries to kill her. After she is rescued by the local pack of wolf shifters, Shanely learns that her grandmother was the Alpha Female before she died. While Shanely finally understands who her mother is, no one knows her father. But it's clear it's not someone from the pack. Shanely's scent is off. Shifters do not mix, and the children born of two different shifter kinds are considered to be illegal. A threat to both shifters and humans alike. Mixers must be slaughtered at all costs. Bastian Fenrir, the Alpha's enforcer, is assigned to watch over Shanely and help her navigate her new world while hunting the wolf that wants her dead. Something pulls him towards her. The mate bond hasn't snapped in place, but he can't help the way he feels about her. It doesn't matter to him that Shanely's father isn't a wolf. All he knows is that she belongs to him, and he must keep her secret. Twilight: New Moon but without the vampires. Shifter Awakened is a perfect shifter romantasy for those who love werewolves, soulmates, and foretold prophecies.

Horned to be Wild: A Cozy Monster Romance (Harmony Glen) by Honey Phillips

Big horns. Bigger… heart? When city artist Lila inherits her great-aunt’s cottage she expects rustic charm—not a fixer-upper with a failing roof and a grumpy, reclusive minotaur living next door. Torin is big, brooding, and annoyingly attractive. He might have the social skills of a tree stump, but every time he stomps to her rescue she’s more intrigued. Torin likes his life quiet, his woods undisturbed, and his horns—and his heart—well out of sight. Unfortunately his deliciously curvy new neighbor has a way of bypassing all his carefully crafted rules. She’s sweet, sassy, and impossible to ignore. But Torin has spent years hiding, and Lila’s presence threatens to upend the safe, quiet life he’s built. As the town's art fair approaches, Torin must decide if he’s ready to show more than his carvings to the world! * * * * Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did. But not in Harmony Glen. After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.” Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here. Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.

Wedding for My Werewolf (Fairhaven Falls #9) by Honey Phillips

One runaway human. One frustrated werewolf sheriff. Pretending to be mates is supposed to be the easy part… Robin never imagined she’d be on the run, but after being framed for a crime she didn’t commit, her only option is to disappear. She lands in Fairhaven Falls, a quirky small town full of creatures that should terrify her—but after dealing with real-life villains, a town of monsters is almost a relief. If only she didn’t keep falling into the arms of the town's huge werewolf sheriff… Eric has had it with his pack’s matchmaking schemes. They’ve been sending a steady stream of she-wolves to his door in an effort to tie him down, and he needs a break. The pretty little human with the frightened eyes and the most delectable scent he’s ever encountered seems like the perfect solution—they’ll pretend to be mates, and his pack will finally give him some breathing room. Robin’s not thrilled about cozying up to the law, especially not a bossy, protective werewolf, but when he gives her that hot, hungry look, it's easy to forget she’s a fugitive. With his pack breathing down their necks and her past catching up fast, the only thing scarier than the monsters in town is the fact that their little charade is starting to feel dangerously real… Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy holiday tale is intended for mature readers.

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

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

The Orc's Captive Bride (The Five Kingdoms #5) by Honey Phillips

The Five Kingdoms are poised to fall into eternal darkness. All hope lies in a forgotten prophecy—and a woman from another world. Dr. Thea Monroe knows nothing of prophecies. She only knows she's been transported to a strange new world, kidnapped by a terrifying orc warrior, and is being dragged toward the heart of an enemy's empire. Her only chance at survival is to outwit her captor, a male taught to be a monster. But his reluctant care and fierce protection tempt her to believe he could be so much more. Khorrek was bred for one to obey. But his beautiful new captive, a brilliant woman with fire in her eyes, challenges his every command and sees through the lies that have defined his existence. He was sent to deliver the final piece of his master's puzzle, but Thea may be the one person who can help him destroy it. In the final battle for the future of the Five Kingdoms, a monster must become a hero, a captive must become a queen, and two souls from different worlds will have to risk everything for a love that could save them all… Although each book in the Five Kingdoms series can be read as a standalone romance, there is an overall series arc which concludes in this book. This sweet and steamy romance is intended for mature readers.

Healed by My Hyde: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #11) by Honey Phillips

He’s the one man in town she’s been warned about. So why does he feel like the only safe place to be? Pregnant and seeking a quiet place to start over, Chloe arrives in Fairhaven Falls hoping for a peaceful sanctuary. What she finds is Dr. Victor Jackson—a male as handsome as he is rigidly controlled. The town whispers about the darkness he keeps locked away, but Chloe sees past his forbidding exterior to the lonely male beneath. Victor has spent his life caging the beast within him. Every emotion is suppressed, every minute scheduled. But the gentle female with the sad eyes and warm heart is a temptation he can’t resist. Her touch threatens to awaken the possessive, primal instincts he has fought for so long. One passionate, reckless night shatters his carefully built defenses, leaving Victor convinced he has to push Chloe away to keep her safe. But when a historic blizzard traps them together in her isolated cabin, the storm outside is nothing compared to the one raging within him. And when disaster strikes, the only thing that can save Chloe is the very beast she’s been told to fear—and his monster has already decided she belongs to him. Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone. This sweet and steamy small town romance is intended for mature readers.

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

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

Middle-Aged Man in a Trashcan by William Brian Johnson

Joe's lived here all his life, but he's not from around here. Street names are different, landmarks lie, and even money shows presidents he's never known. Some versions of Fort Wayne, Indiana are apocalyptic wastelands, others harbor darker secrets. When trouble strikes, Joe opens a trash can and tears a sixth-dimensional rift in reality. Inside lies a void where he glimpses the multiverse and rides unknown currents to another Fort Wayne, hoping this one might finally feel like home. He emerges at the same time, same date, in a different universe. With each crossing, his memories slip away. Only Nobuyuki, his shape-shifting kitsune companion, remain constant, and they are hiding secrets about Joe's past that he may never remember. In a multiverse where the next trash can might lead to salvation or doom, Joe must find his way back before he forgets what home is.

Young Wizards Society by Dillon McKenzie

A new era begins at Myddrin School for Magic—whether the wizarding world is ready or not. When a revolutionary law opens the doors of Myddrin to Elves, Fairies, Pixies, and even Vampires with wizard blood, the school’s centuries-old traditions are shaken to their core. For some students, it’s a long-awaited opportunity. For others, it’s the beginning of chaos. Justin, a returning student with a secret heritage, teams up with Indie, a Witch with Elven roots, and Marshall, a mysterious newcomer with more to hide than most. As they settle into their school year, they discover that acceptance on paper doesn’t equal equality in practice. Segregation, suspicion, and rising tensions threaten to unravel everything magic is supposed to stand for. When a dark incident sparks fear across the school, the students must decide: stay silent, or stand together. Forming a defiant alliance known as the Circle of the Zodiac, they uncover a mystery that could endanger not just their place at Myddrin—but the future of magic itself. Friendship, identity, and magical rebellion collide in Young Wizard Society—a powerful fantasy about fighting for the right to belong.

Red Green Blue by PS Shai

Micah, a young archaeology student, gets lost on his first dig in the Mesopotamian desert and discovers a dragon statue chained up deep underground. It follows him home.

Tawny Delis: The Curse Breakers Arrive by Lillie J. Marl

Tawny Delis is a small town in Massachusetts with a big secret. It's cursed. Not a big curse, just a lot of small inconvenient curses. In The Cursed Cookbook, Joey finds a cookbook. Everything he tries to cook from it comes to life and makes a mess. Too bad Mom doesn't believe him. In The Cursed Apple Tree, Gil finds an apple tree on his family's land that is throwing apples at people in order to get their attention and show them the secret it's been keeping for over 50 years. In The Curse in the Woods, Franklin finds it hard to believe there's really a creature in the woods. Until he meets it.

The Betrayal of the Guardians by Diana Calanguia

When Arisa joined the trials to become a new Astral Guardian, she never thought she would have to fight for her survival. Arisa, Kazuya, and Zen have been friends since childhood. For Arisa, their friendship is what makes her smile and what made her develop deep feelings she had to forget. Living in a world that suffers attacks from other worlds' creatures, the chosen Guardians once fought for her world's survival. Blessed with the powers given by the Stars, those same Guardians have now become threats themselves. Despite hearing tales of when Guardians were still heroes, Arisa refuses to grow a liking for them. Even when one is always there to save her from troubles, she doesn't believe that they will ever return to the heroes they once were. Due to their more recent despicable behavior, she wishes she could do something to stop them. Her wish is granted when she is chosen as a candidate to compete for a spot to become a new Guardian. Even though she hates the Guardians, she has to become one of them if she wants to overthrow them. She accepts the challenge. But she never knew that the road to becoming a Guardian would be more challenging than she ever imagined.

The Memoir of Johnny Daywalker by Meghan Davis

The world knows him as Johnny DayWalker, the vampire whose willingness to challenge the status quo fundamentally changed the dynamic between our two species worldwide. But if you ask him, he’s just a guy who fell in love with a human. Interview with the Vampire meets Warm Bodies in this memoir of an isolated vampire who longed for a different kind of life. His story urges us not to take for granted the things that make us human, and to appreciate the beauty in our mortality.

Hounded fire & brimstone by Quinn Cameron

Loren sold his soul for love and, for love, he may risk eternity. As a hellhound, Loren has given his life to the service of his demonic owner, but he keeps one thing for himself: his relationship with a phoenix named Indy. Protecting Indy from those who would exploit his power has always been paramount to Loren, but it becomes far more difficult when word of the phoenix reaches Hell. Rumors that a phoenix’s tears can purify even the most corrupted soul make Indy a valuable asset to any demon, and Loren’s owner is no exception. Intervening in the hunt for the phoenix would reveal Loren’s treachery and guarantee his death, but he can’t stand by and allow the destruction of the man he loves. His devotion cost him dearly before, and now he may pay the ultimate price.

Fly Stone, Fly by Dust Kunkel

A boy, his dog and a monstrous friend. 16-year-old Clayton Stonefly, who lost his parents four years ago and is being raised by his Granma Lina, just wants to be brave like Dammit, his dog, and face the town bully, Big Jim. That, or read Shakespeare on the porch alone in the Idaho wilderness. But Clay has an unfortunate he’s haunted by monstrous dreams of his family’s dead nemesis, Das Ungeheuer, and every time he tells a story, someone dies. That — and he just watched his friend, MK, suck the soul out of a man, leaving the man clawing at his chest. Who is MK anyway? Is Big Jim just a small town pastor, or something else? Something with insect eyes sacrificing boys to bring a greater evil? Is there a chance that Clay’s new friend, Penny — the one with the dark eyes and twisted smile — could be more than a friend? Clay learns that his parents kept many secrets from him — not the least being there’s a family calling that involves monster-wrangling, and a family axe with a mind of its own that may or may not be trying to talk to him.