A Wager for Wanderlust by Michael Spearwater

Travel might broaden the soul, but Ollover Sterkey'd had enough of that during his time in the army. Now that the War was five years past and the world knew peace, he was looking to find some peace of his own. Gainful employment as a valet to a minor peer seemed the next step towards that goal. Amadeo Brume, Ollover's new employer, had passion and plans, but was fast running short on time. With his troth pledged and his wedding to be in three months, he latched onto the perfect excuse for one last grand adventure, so far around the curve of the globe that they would arrive home in time for church bells. And so, Ollover was obliged to follow Brume across continents and oceans, through boudoirs and brew houses, all the while meeting new and strangely friendly people. For, like it or not, his employer's peculiar proclivities set the tone for an adventure the likes of which a humble valet might never have imagined. Fair Warning: This is a self-indulgent conceit of a novel, a fantasy imagining of Around the World in Eighty Days set in a post-bellum era and with a bon-vivant libertine of a protagonist who's ready to charm and seduce his way across three continents and a couple of oceans. And he does, frequently and enthusiastically. Ollover has his work as a valet cut out for him. Perhaps it will all end happily for them both.

Tales From Laythrush: Fate's Foundlings Part I by J.D. Lemieux

The realm of Laythrush has always been a beacon of hope and new beginnings. But now, the lush world's fragile destiny stands on a knife's edge as the mighty agents of Chaos ply their trade. Æthalyn, a cleric within the Order of Heraldic Healers, has just fled the twisted schemes of her brutish husband Prince Godwin. She leaves the congested walls of Fortune's Fork, the southern capital, with only her faithful vigil Gable by her side. The pair travel north in an earnest attempt to find advice and refuge against growing dark plots, but a tragic response from Godwin forces them to join a group of unlikely allies. What's more, Æthalyn's clerical powers have mysteriously waned to the point of complete disappearance—testing her faith like never before. The fragile alliance is composed of characters from all walks of life and now they must work together to overcome both the trials at hand as well as confronting their own personal demons. They will face many dangers along the way; the threads of their fate bound for good or ill. . .

Secrets of Cevoria by Lauren M Clark

Ivy and her group of unlikely companions have done the impossible: they’ve crossed the Portal into Cevoria. Vampires have been unwelcome in the Fae Realm for over 600 years, and the Fae are notorious for holding a grudge. What began as a fated mission has quickly descended into chaos. Ivy and her friends are surrounded by enemies, and are ill-equipped to deal with the rapidly approaching daylight cycles. The Fae are leveraging Ivy’s mission against her: the Portals remain closed until Oake’s betrothed is found. But every kernel of knowledge they glean reveals even more secrets. It’s a race against time to unearth the truth before the splintered relationships within the group shatter completely. Can Ivy repair the rift, or will they be trapped in Cevoria forever?

Destinies of Diarom by Lauren M Clark

In the eyes of the Council of Noctis, no crime is above Punition. Ivy’s choices have landed her in a Council Inquiry, and her very existence hangs in the balance. In exchange for Ivy’s life, Killian is tasked with venturing to the Gap of Solitude after liberating his sister, Eryn, from her Living Death. They are sent to receive their Auguries: prophecies imparted upon Maurell Vampires by the first of their bloodline. What they learn propels them into a new mystery. Leseldh’s Ending has sent a shockwave through the rest of the Idthraki Clan. Finare’s carefree life is thrown into disarray, but his struggle pales in comparison to Voresta Idthraki’s turmoil. Wild, untethered and consumed by rage, Voresta’s need to avenge his Sire sends him spiralling into the depths of depravity. When Voresta and Ivy’s opposing purposes collide, no one is ready for the devastating consequences.

Ethiques of the Enthique by Lauren M Clark

Lyla Maurell’s future lays within the walls of the Council of Noctis. The only thing that stands in her way is the little matter of suitable work experience. One white lie later, Lyla secures herself the perfect stepping-stone role at the Theatre Enthique. But there’s someone who knows her secret… Her alluring and intimidating rival, Corwyn Idthraki. Can Lyla hold onto her job long enough to make her way to the Council?

Dark Lair Trilogy: Wyvern by DJ O'Brien

A mother flees through snow-covered mountains while her lover dies buying her the time to escape. A child is born into a war that has already begun. Three thousand years ago, a great evil was defeated. Three crystals sealed its prison. Three races stood united against the coming darkness. But the world has forgotten. Now the crystals have been found again. In the shadows, the Prince of Shade stirs. Kingdoms fall into war. Ancient enemies awaken. And in the dark places of the world, something far older prepares to rise. Brinn Thronso never sought greatness. Raised far from the courts of kings and the schemes of warlords, he is unprepared for the destiny closing around him. But as the old powers gather and the world edges towards ruin, Brinn and a small band of unlikely companions may be the last hope against what is coming. Megan, a princess trapped between duty and war, may hold the power to unite a shattered world… or watch it burn. If the Key is found, the prison will open. And this time, there may be no one left to stand against the darkness. Dark Lair Trilogy: Wyvern Book One of the complete epic fantasy trilogy Dark Lair Trilogy Save a princess. Win a lost war. Defeat Evil. Stay alive…

Beast Masters: Conquest Vol. 1 (The Man Behind The Monster) by T.J. Morgan

A military commander betrays his king and declares war on an entire nation. Operating under a codename that's synonymous with death, Mortem is a one-man army with a dangerous ability, and he won't let anything stop him from accomplishing his goal. Is this man truly a bloodthirsty monster? Or is he hiding something else underneath all that armor?

The Tethered God by Noah Brisk

The gods of Ashkareth built their world on blood and silence. Someone else's blood. Someone else's silence. Brann spent fourteen years drinking away the things he'd done-what the gods demanded, what the temple required, what his bond was built on. He was done with all of it. Then a name he buried came back to find him. And something older than the gods began to speak. Now he must learn the horror of what it means when the thing the gods fear most call him by name.

Goth The Wanderer by Raymond St. Elmo

Goth Kurgus: home: Pentafax Abbey. Age: Eleven. Favorite expression: “On my signal!” Lineage: Daughter of heroic adventurers. Preferred weapon: long knife. Courage: Inordinate. Common sense: Entirely absent.

The Wishing Stones by Meghan Davis

The evil Prince Saul wants the Wishing Stones in order to take over the kingdom, but he needs to find them first. His worldview will be challenged when the clues lead him to the last place—and the last person—he ever expected. Meanwhile, in a woodland cottage just outside the village of Bedford’s Meadow, a young peasant woman closely guards the Wishing Stones even while she wishes to be rid of them. Will someone worthy come along to relieve her of the burden? Or will she instead be forced to continue protecting the legendary relic that has caused her nothing but trouble? A fairy tale for all ages that explores the extraordinary power each person has when they treat others with kindness and charity. Readers who love stories like Sleeping Beauty or modern classics like Disney’s Tangled will love the themes, romance, and whimsy of The Wishing Stones.

Fallow Till We Bloom by Nikki Null

TWIN PEAKS meets STARDEW VALLEY in this stunning queer small-town farmyard romance. "Never talk about the Dark Watchers..." Robyn Fields first saw the ghostly shadows after arriving at her grandfather's farm. By the time she arrived, grandpa was dead and the farm had burned down. Villagers whisper that the cryptids atop the foggy foothills must have been involved. Local vineyard heir Ash Grantor has seen them for decades without incident. Bottling himself up worked out just fine, until he got disinherited and lost everything. After Robyn invites Ash and his friends to live on the farm, long repressed feelings bubble up to the surface as the Watchers draw ever nearer. It's said that the Dark Watchers are drawn to big secrets, and that they had something to do with the old farmer's mysterious death. To save the farm and avoid that strange and haunting fate, Ash and Robyn must cast secrets aside and bloom together...

Moon's Lament by Iris Retzlaff

Betrayal took everything from him. His love, his home, his name. Years later, Suzu has built himself a new life, found a new home, and people he calls family. But the pain from the past is not so easily overcome, and the memories he tried to forget come crushing down on Suzu when he runs into the one person he never ever wanted to see again. Jin left behind the boy he loves to build a life for both of them, but five years have passed and he has hardly achieved anything. Worse, his love has vanished without a trace and the monks at the temple they grew up in pretend to have never heard of Kari. At least Jin has his best friend Niall and a boss who is like a father to him. When Jin and Niall sneak into a high society party to gather juicy gossip and useful rumours, they learn of a young couple in the employ of the Earl of Tsukikage that has gone missing, but not even their families seem concerned. To get behind the mystery of their disappearance they need the help of the Earl's lover – Suzu. Grudgingly, and only to prove the Earl's innocence, Suzu agrees. But what they find instead is a conspiracy that puts the whole empire at risk. And in its wake follow old enemies. Once again Suzu might end up losing everything and everyone he holds dear, until all that is left is revenge.

The Empress Challenged the Wrong Senior Brother by Pocket Pixie

Ye Xuan worked himself to death once. He had no intention of doing it again. After being reborn on the Tianjian Continent as the senior disciple of the Immortal Sword Sect, he devoted his second life to doing absolutely nothing. While the other disciples cultivated, competed for resources, and risked their lives chasing immortality, Ye Xuan slept beneath the trees and spent his entire allowance on spirit wine. Before long, everyone in the sect knew him as a handsome but hopeless drunkard. Then his master returned with a new junior sister. Liu Ruyan appeared to be nothing more than a proud young cultivator, but she carried the memories of a supreme empress who had once ruled countless worlds. After failing her final tribulation, she had been forced to reincarnate and begin her cultivation again from the bottom. Her system soon issued its first command: defeat her useless, drunken senior brother. At that very moment, Ye Xuan’s dormant system finally awakened. From then on, his cultivation would always remain ten major realms above hers. The instant Liu Ruyan began rebuilding her strength, Ye Xuan was propelled straight into the realm of a Great Emperor. She expected her first mission to be little more than a warm-up. Instead, the drunkard everyone dismissed as worthless defeated her with a single move. Now the reincarnated empress is determined to reclaim her former power and surpass him. But every realm she conquers only pushes Ye Xuan even further beyond her reach. For Liu Ruyan, he is an impossible rival who must be defeated. For Ye Xuan, the entire affair is an irritating interruption between drinks. And when disaster finally reaches the Immortal Sword Sect, the world will discover that its most useless disciple may also be its most terrifying cultivator.

From Mountain Hermit to Immortal Patriarch by Xiaoyaos

Song Xiaoyao’s new life in a cultivation world came without any of destiny’s usual gifts. His spiritual roots were mediocre, his parents were gone, and no powerful sect was waiting to discover his hidden potential. Accepting that immortality was beyond his reach, he withdrew into the mountains and prepared to live out his days as an ordinary man. Then an unexpected encounter bound him to an imperial heiress descended from a Great Emperor—and the birth of their first child changed the course of history. Deep within Kunlun, Song Xiaoyao founded a clan. He never sought to conquer the world. Instead, he placed his faith in family, blood, and the passage of time. Generation after generation, the Song Clan produced extraordinary descendants: bearers of innate Dao physiques, bodies born from chaos, masters of space and time, peerless swordsmen, and ancient sacred physiques. Each of them possessed the power to define an era. Together, they formed a legacy hidden from the world. Countless ages later, a strange race descends upon the Ten Immortal Domains. Beings from beyond the realms batter at their gates, while the forbidden zones unleash a dark calamity from within. With civilization on the brink of annihilation, the long-sealed gates of Kunlun finally open. One Heavenly Emperor steps out. Then another. And another. Only then does the world realize that the family founded by an ordinary cultivator has become the greatest power in existence.

Infinite Agility: Reborn as the Last Bastion by Gameworld Immortal

Betrayed and murdered by the two people he trusted most, Li Fan opens his eyes to find himself ten years in the past—on the launch day of the revolutionary VR game Endless Firmament. In his previous life, he entered the game too late. Although a decade of relentless fighting eventually carried him into the ranks of the world’s strongest warriors, all that power could not save him from a blade in the back. Now, armed with memories of the future, Li Fan intends to seize every opportunity he once missed. His second chance begins with a hidden class, the Aegis Warrior, and an SSS-rank talent with limitless potential: every monster he kills permanently increases his Agility. For an ordinary player, Agility is merely another stat. For Li Fan, it becomes an engine of unstoppable growth. Every victory makes him move faster and strike more often, transforming a supposedly slow, defensive tank into a blur that bosses cannot touch and gods cannot follow. But Li Fan knows the truth that the rest of the world has yet to discover. Endless Firmament is more than entertainment. In one hundred days, its power will cross into reality—and an invading civilization from the Abyss will turn the world into a battlefield. With the apocalypse approaching, Li Fan has one hundred days to claim the game’s greatest treasures, settle the betrayals of his former life, and become the last shield humanity will ever need. The only problem for his enemies? This shield moves faster than light.

Frostfeld - The Mourning Son by Joseph Elliott-Coleman

"Fantasy from a unique perspective with great world building. A page turner." : Fred Gambino - Author of "Dark Shepherd" Old sorcerer. Mysterious Murder. Ancient Town. Terrifying History. Blood hasn’t stained the cobblestones of Château d'os for over a century, but the peace of this French town has just been shattered by a homicide that defies every law of nature. When the local police find a teenager murdered by supernatural means, they have no choice but to call in the Special Inquisitorial Branch—a hard-hitting unit of trained sorcerers who deal with everything from occult threats to extra-terrestrial incursions. One of the arriving Inquisitors is Phillip Frostfeld, the latest scion of a legendary family whose name is etched into history through duty and sacrifice. However, Frostfeld is a man on the edge, still grieving the recent death of his wife in the line of duty. As he dives into the investigation, he discovers that this isn't just a murder; it’s a flashpoint in an ancient cold war between indifferent, god-like beings who treat human lives as expendable pawns. In the shadows of the town, the past and present are about to collide in a brutal display of violence. As blood flows and the city becomes a battleground, one question remains: can a man fueled by loss stop an ancient war before it consumes everything? THE FIRST BOOK IN A NEW URBAN FANTASY SERIES. RECOMMENDED FOR FANS OF LAURELL K. HAMILTON’S "ANITA BLAKE: VAMPIRE HUNTER", JIM BUTCHER'S "DRESDEN FILES", AND BEN AARONOVITCH' S "RIVERS OF LONDON".

The Devil is Here (and He's Demanding The Rent) by A.L. Davidson

The Devil is in The Details While out performing his duties as a psychopomp, Lucky - AKA the Prince of Hell - accidentally plows into an unsuspecting priest-in-training named Charlie with his sports car, ending the mortal's life decades sooner than planned. Feeling a tad guilty over the accidental severing of Charlie’s mortal coil, Lucky decides to keep an eye on the would-be clergyman. The problem is, Charlie is a hapless, bumbling bundle of nerves who causes chaos wherever he goes. His do-gooder presence and holier-than-thou aesthetic makes him a target for every demon, devil, and down-and-out resident of Hell’s business district, causing endless migraines for the fiery heir who literally just wants to chill. Things couldn’t get much worse, but Lucky's luck seemingly runs out when he discovers he’s being audited on top of having his afterlife disrupted by Charlie. If he can't clean up his files - and his act - his sweet ride will get repo’d and his snooty sister will take over as head psychopomp. That’s when the Prince of Hell gets a brilliant idea to hire Charlie as an admin, ensuring he keeps his car, his job, and his fiery eyes on the handsome priest in the process. But as the days in the office tick by, Lucky soon realizes that the growing warmth in his chest isn't coming from his eternal flame, but something much worse: feelings. The devil is a dastardly landlord, and the only thing that’s certain is death and taxes, so they’d better get to filing.

Embers Spark (OrcFire #06) by Alana Khan

In a world divided by barbed-wire fences, their love defies all boundaries, igniting a passion that sets their worlds on fire. Raisa From the moment he saw me, the handsome orc went into protection mode, even though I insisted I didn’t need his help. His piercing gaze and commanding touch awakened desires I never knew I possessed. And that long, black tongue? Well, let’s just say it defies the laws of physics. In his arms, I find solace, shelter, and a love that's thrilling yet forbidden. But as danger lurks in the shadows, I'm forced to confront a choice: safety or a love that sets my soul ablaze? Durga Raisa’s combination of fierce independence and vulnerability ignites an attraction that leaves me breathless and hungry for more. Although our love is taboo, I'll battle man and orc alike to keep her safe. Though our love defies the odds, together we're unstoppable. Thrill to Embers of Healing, a sizzling tale of forbidden love, as USA TODAY Bestselling authors Alana Khan and Aria Vale take you on a thrilling journey of romance across different worlds with no cheating or cliffhangers in this scorching romance, just a strong orc who loves his very good girl. Guaranteed love and eternal happiness await. For readers 18+ ready to ignite their passion. Tropes include: Forbidden Love, Rescue/Protector, Fated Mate, and Forced Proximity.

The Grinch Who Stole Orcmas (OrcFire #07) by Alana Khan

When a grumpy orc firefighter meets a Christmas-obsessed human, sparks fly as snarky words and opposite worlds collide. Joy I've always believed in the magic of Christmas, but I never expected it to arrive in the form of a scowling, green-skinned volunteer. Grum’s gruff exterior hides a heart as big as his huge, tattooed muscles, yet our scorching attraction faces a sinister plot that threatens both our communities. Grum I hate Christmas. Period. But when Joy barges into my life with her carols, tinsel, and relentless good cheer, I’m dragged into her whirlwind of holiday madness. Now we're tracking down stolen presents, exposing corruption, and—against my better judgment—I'm thinking Christmas might not be so bad after all. Take a brief detour from the usual high-stakes OrcFire series as USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan dishes a fluffy, fun, and fiery holiday romance. Happy Orcmas! No cheating or cliffhangers in this scorching read, just a grumpy, green orc, and a woman so filled with good cheer she’s sweet enough to give you a toothache. Guaranteed love and eternal happiness await. For readers 18+ who want to kindle some holiday heat.

The Orc's Comfort (Sunshine Valley Orcs #03) by Alana Khan

He cooked for her. In his culture, that's not just kindness. It's a claim. Julia I wait all day for my green, square-jawed, absurdly handsome neighbor to fill my doorway. He's been feeding me through my recovery—healing broths, elaborate dishes, everything so delicious I've started begging him to teach me. I tell myself a woman can appreciate tusks and slabs of muscle without it meaning anything. I have no idea every meal is a proposal—and I've been saying yes with every bite. Rhazgar I am the last keeper of my clan's culinary traditions—every recipe a thread to a world that exists only in my hands. I never used my clan's traditions to pursue someone. Until the brilliant, book-loving woman next door started asking questions no one had ever bothered to ask. I stand in her kitchen, too large for her space, too far gone for my own good, watching her go still with pleasure over a meal I made to claim her. Eight years of cooking for everyone and belonging to no one. Turns out the only person worth cooking for was next door the whole time. Some gifts can't be taken back. Some come with a seven-foot green orc who spent years carrying his grief... and has very specific plans for what comes after dinner. Caretaking hero • Food as devotion • Cultural miscommunication • Forced proximity • Size difference • Slow burn to scorching • Explicit heat • Guaranteed HEA

The Driftborn Book one in The Gate Origin Series by Simon Bullock

Kade Renn repairs broken machines on a dying salvage moon and tries to keep his younger sister alive. That is all his life has room for. Then a buried ship rises from the black sand. Inside is a dying Driftborn pilot, a blood-stained secret, and a black shard that speaks in the voice of Kade’s dead mother. She has been gone for nine years. Now she is calling him beyond the edge of authorised space. Hunted by the Sovereign Directorate and forced aboard Mara Venn’s battered smuggler ship, The Moth, Kade and Lira are pulled into a hidden war over ancient gates, erased histories and routes humanity was never meant to find. But the gates were not built for empire. They were built for something older. Something waiting. Something waking up. And some doors aren’t found. They find you. The Driftborn is a gritty, character-driven space opera about family, survival, ancient gates and the secrets empires kill to protect.

What Ink Etched in Flesh by Devi Letalis

After a violent fallout with his guardian Victor, teenage half-demon Damien is sent to a ruthless academy where young demons are carved into instruments of power for a society that would never fully accept him. Graduation marks one’s place in the infernal order, but for someone with human blood in his veins, conformity comes at a steeper cost. Desperate to conceal what sets him apart, Damien struggles with the volatile magic inked into his skin and a growing sense that he doesn't fit the mould he's meant to become. While a new friendship begins to crack his carefully built mask, old bonds strain under the weight of unspoken expectations. Damien must choose: obey the order that broke him or become the spark that shatters it. This prequel unfolds alongside the events of Book One - How to Steal a Demon’s Heart and Get Away with It - and can be read on its own. But some truths are best faced after Book Three - How to Slay a Demon Lord and Get Away with It. The timing won’t spare you the pain… but it might help you understand it.

How To Become a Hero... Maybe by Iris Retzlaff

To be a hero like the ones in the stories he grew up with – this had been Bran's dream for as long as he could remember. And it seemed straight-forward enough: save a princess, be a hero. But what if every princess has already been saved and every evil been defeated? Not one to give up that easily, Bran keeps looking for that one princess that still might need a helping hand. Yet when he finally finds his damsel in distress neither the rescue nor the 'princess' are quite as expected. And have fairy-godmother's always been such rude, forgetful drunkards? Having nothing better to do, Bran and his new companions embark on a quest to turn the young man into an honest-to-goodness hero – maybe. Oh, and turning his whole world upside-down in the process.

Untwined by Helyna L. Clove

With the help of the ancient magic awakened inside her, Calla led Vesper Forn's uprising to conquer Kanmane Palace and free the mages of the Kamphua Dominion. Except the victory is short-lived: Calla's power is still not entirely hers, their people are falling one by one, poisoned by Vesper's faulty imbuing ritual, and the surviving monarch is gathering forces to once and for all topple magic's rule on the continent. Trapped, separated from Gray and Marigo, and in the clutches of her childhood torturer, Calla submerges into strange otherworlds and her own old pain to regain the power that could save her life—save everyone's lives. And this might not be her final trial either: Vesper's tampering in the order of things is bringing an insidious presence crawling up from the depths of the world, demanding its due. It's a corruption old as time and just as inevitable. And it will make Calla question even the few things she thought she knew about herself.

Infinity, Decayed: The Space Between by Lucinda Jade

New Year’s Eve, 2014. At the stroke of midnight, an emerald flash covers the world. When it fades, the mortal population has vanished. The only survivors are a handful of teenagers gathered in London. Two bickering siblings; two best friends; an isolated loner; the girl who doesn’t want to be there, and the boy who can’t bear to leave. But when they rescue Evelyn Amaefule from a burning church, the unlikely group are forced to work together. For Evelyn comes to them with tales of gifted students called Astrael, legends of Time and Space, and cursed ‘glitched’ objects brimming with uncontrollable power. Her plan is simple: locate the runaway power that has caused the apocalypse, destroy the source of its energy, and return the human population to the world. The mortals jump at the chance to reconnect with loved ones—and for Evelyn, how better to prove herself a worthy Astrael than saving the world? But as their journey across the country progresses, the survivors realise the skeletons in Evelyn’s closet may lead to their own demise. For she is being hunted by Harpies: a gang of masked children exiled from the Astrael’s ranks. And they will kill anyone—even the last remnants of humanity—to catch her.

One Year Left to Ascend by Tigress at Home

At one hundred years old, Bei Hanfeng has already buried nearly everyone he ever loved. Eighty years ago, he was declared incapable of cultivation while the woman he loved was chosen by an immortal sect. She disappeared into the world of flying swords and eternal life, leaving him behind to grow old as an ordinary mortal. Then, with less than a year left to live, Bei Hanfeng is tested again. The result is impossible: hidden within his failing body is a Heavenly Spirit Root—an extraordinary talent that could have made him one of the greatest cultivators of his generation. His opportunity has arrived a lifetime too late. But Bei Hanfeng has no intention of dying quietly. Carrying a mysterious crimson gourd that crossed worlds with him, he begins cultivating with a body already at the edge of death. His journey will take him beyond mortal kingdoms, into battles fought upon flying swords, and toward legendary beings once dismissed as myth. This book is his testimony—a record of the wonders, dangers, and secrets he encountered on the road to immortality. He even claims to have concealed several genuine cultivation arts within its pages. By the time you reach the end, Bei Hanfeng may have become immortal. Or he may already be dead.

The Improbable We Can Do Today by Jon Dixon

A collection of cosy fantasy mystery stories about resilience, ingenuity, love, belonging, and gentle justice. In the ancient, rain-drenched streets of Draffe, where temple bells mark the hours and secrets lie behind every door, the most sought-after researcher, information-broker, and investigator is a disabled ex-thief who can’t raise a hand or take a step. Meriva Secaret was once the very best of thieves. Until she lost her limbs. Now, with her retired mercenary partner, Custos, she makes her living finding what was lost, fixing injustices, outwitting the powerful… and still occasionally stealing just the right thing from just the wrong person. Her speciality is small problems with big consequences, puzzles and predicaments whose solutions require observation, ingenuity, and, above all, the ability to see people as they really are. Meriva is very good at seeing people. Perhaps because those people all too often don’t see the real her, but only what she no longer has. What she does have is a mind like a lock-pick, an ex-thief’s instincts, and attitude to spare. Plus a partner who loves her as she really is, and an absolute determination to live life on her own terms. Told from the perspective of a disabled protagonist who is capable, complex, and central to her own narrative, these whimsical, warm and often wryly funny stories invite you into the fiercely kind-hearted world she creates around herself, and will appeal to readers who enjoy small-scale, character-driven fantasy where the stakes are personal rather than world-ending, and where kindness always matters.

A Touch of Class by Jon Dixon

Welcome to the city of Draffe, where the rich get richer, the poor stay poor, and the money only ever flows one way. Master Alvius Fruckle, Second Assistant Treasurer of Pellenac's Exchequer, the second most prestigious bank in Draffe, would like you to know that he has had a very good quarter. He would like you to know it at some length. He would especially like you to know that the money was, in his own delighted phrase, entirely free…. Except, of course, to the small investors who lost everything. Fruckle, though, is on the way up and nothing can possibly go wrong! But Fruckle’s about to meet Meriva Secaret. Three years ago, she was the best thief in Draffe. Before she lost everything. Now she’s 23 years old, raising eight orphaned children in an abandoned warehouse on watery starchroot stew and stubbornness, and the money is running out. So when Fruckle comes to her attention she does what any self-respecting ex-master thief with no arms, no legs, and only one eye would do. She takes a pen between her teeth, and writes a list. Meriva might not be able to climb a rope or jemmy a window any more. But what she can still do is read a person the way she once read a lock, and Fruckle is a very simple mechanism indeed. And she has eight pairs of small, clever hands to help her pull off the perfect heist. There’s only one thing standing between her little family and the contents of Pellenac’s vaults. A touch of class.

The Knucker King by Alicia Dingley

Call for me, I will hear it and come to you... The church has deemed healer Avice Gardener an outcast from her village — her strange herbs and ancient knowledge mean she is too witchy for comfort. But when a baby is born “wrong” and a second birthed with the mark of magic, Avice knows human remedies will not suffice. Instead, she takes the infants to Knucker Hill, at the entrance to the Underneath. The dragonesque Knucker, King Trewoofe, has long watched Avice’s healing abilities from afar. For years, he has yearned for her gentle hands and kind eyes to rest on him a little longer. But when he agrees to help care for the suffering children she brings him, the church turns on them both, pouring poison into the Underneath. Desperate to save the noble, wounded king, Avice takes Trewoofe into her home, riddled with darkness and barely clinging to life. And as the frost deepens, two hearts seek solace in one another… even as the outside world threatens to divide them forever.

The Heiress Who Conquered the Survival Game by Cangshan Snow

Qin Zhen was born into wealth but raised by the wrong family. When her true identity finally came to light, returning to her biological parents brought her neither love nor acceptance. They continued to favor the daughter who had taken her place, while the family that raised Qin Zhen offered her no reason to stay. Tired of fighting for affection that had never been hers, she severed every tie and chose to build a life of her own. Her freedom had barely begun when countless people were suddenly transported into a deadly island survival game. The system offered to place Qin Zhen near her family. She refused without hesitation. She had already walked away from them in the real world—she had no intention of depending on them now. Qin Zhen arrived on a deserted island with only a storage backpack, a fishing rod, and a crumbling thatched hut. While other players struggled to secure their next meal, she fished for seafood, gathered enchanted fruit, explored hidden realms, and awakened elemental magic. She hunted monsters for equipment, expanded her shelter, and turned every scarce resource into another step toward power. Before long, her weapons were dominating the trading market, her ruined hut had become a sprawling island estate, and two adorable companions had joined her growing domain. No matter how often the rankings changed, Qin Zhen’s name remained at the top. Then the game regions merge. Her biological and adoptive families—both desperate and barely surviving—come looking for the daughter they once cast aside. Now they want forgiveness, protection, and a place within everything she has built. But Qin Zhen no longer needs a family that only remembers her when she becomes useful. She closes the gates, blocks every one of them, and turns her attention to the next disaster.

When Everything Was Fresh & Green by Bethany Tap

When Tessa, a single foster mom, is charged with the care of Astrid, an abandoned teen witch, the world as she knew it disappears. Discovering secrets about her lost foster child Theo, Tessa follows Astrid and a fabulous witch named Cece to a magical house. There, she joins the ranks of Magix, including a burly siren, a snake-charming ogress, a morbid little vampire, a pair of wild werewolf toddlers, and a coven of ice fairies, all of whom are in hiding from a murderous organization hell-bent on destroying the magical and non-magical worlds alike. Interwoven with Tessa's journey is the story of three friends: Val, Tish, and Gunner. Letters between the three outline their work to prevent a looming climate crisis at all costs. As their story collides with Tessa's, it becomes clear that Tessa, Astrid, Cece, and even sweet Theo are mixed up in something far more sinister than they realized. Tessa must set aside her disbelief, fear, grief, self-doubt, and even her growing infatuation with Cece to join Astrid on a journey to find her family, finding her own family and the truth of herself along the way.

Breaking the Mage Meta by Blazing Lotus

Everyone knows how a mage is supposed to fight: stay behind the front line, keep the enemy at a distance, and never allow a warrior into melee range. Chen Chen has no intention of following those rules. While other mages depend on spells and careful positioning, he is perfectly willing to turn his staff into a close-range weapon. Warriors who charge him expecting an easy kill often discover—far too late—that this “fragile” caster can hit back harder than they can. Armed with sharp gaming instincts and a wildly unconventional fighting style, Chen Chen begins overturning everything players think they know about the mage class. Before long, he is carving out a path through the virtual world that no ordinary spellcaster could follow. His philosophy is simple: if a problem can be solved with force, there is no reason to make it complicated. There is, however, one absolute exception—violence is never an option where a beautiful woman is concerned.

Chronicles of Ankhara: Quest for the Godkiller by Tutku Tuzlu

The Gods abandoned Ankhara five hundred years ago. Something they left behind is about to awaken. Nisha has escaped from a land that should not exist. Behind her lies Shadow—a forgotten power gathering monsters, raising the dead, and preparing for a war the Five Kingdoms do not yet know is coming. Her only hope may be Tuth, a solitary hunter from the Wilds who wants nothing to do with Kingdoms, Gods, or their wars. He is enormous, nearly silent, and far more dangerous than any ordinary man has a right to be. Together with Sophrus, a young scholar who trusts ancient books more than the world beyond them, they set out across Ankhara's Five Kingdoms in search of a legend. The Godkiller. A weapon said to have wounded a God. Their journey will take them through forbidden scriptures, forgotten histories, deadly trials, political rivalries, and truths buried since the War of the Elementals. But the deeper they search, the more one question becomes impossible to ignore: What if the story everyone believes about the Godkiller is wrong? Quest for the Godkiller is the first novel in Chronicles of Ankhara, an epic fantasy series of ancient mysteries, dangerous magic, morally gray characters, and a world whose history cannot always be trusted.

Dang Convergence by MouseyDang

Living peacefully was all that seventeen-year-old mercenary Dang wanted. Slacker student by day, mercenary bodyguard at night, he navigated the streets of Starlight Bay, California with a determination to survive. Although plagued with memory gaps from his past, he pushed forward to make his future worth remembering. Going back home from a routine gig, Dang encounters an unknown enemy that nearly ends his life, that is, until after a string of unexpected events, he comes face to face with the only person he can rely on: himself! As Dang confronts the surreal challenge of coexisting with multiple versions of himself, he must also grapple with the relentless invaders who bring chaos in their wake, disrupting the peace he sought to create for himself Join Dang and the Gang as they tries to uncover the origin of the quantum displacements along with the threats they bring, the truth behind the alternate versions of his existence, and perhaps the inklings of his forgotten past.

Cultivation Has Never Felt This Good by Mythos078

On his first day in a world of cultivation, he is taken captive by the female cultivators of a dual-cultivation sect. To them, his rare Innate Cauldron physique is a once-in-ten-thousand-years treasure—a living resource meant to be drained for power. Just as he believes his new life is already over, the Cultivation Reversal System awakens. Any technique used to siphon away his spiritual energy is turned back on its caster. Instead of losing strength, he absorbs theirs, and every attempt to exploit him pushes him toward his next breakthrough. The sect’s prized cauldron soon becomes the one person no one can safely touch. But once the secret of his physique spreads, ambitious cultivators, powerful enemies, and dangerous beauties all begin closing in. Surrounded by those who want to possess, control, or destroy him, he must turn every scheme against him into fuel for his ascent. They thought he existed to help others cultivate. Instead, they are all cultivating him.

The Cloven Thief by Kelsey Wooley

With their horns sharp and hooves swift, new heroes will rise to the quest… In the mystical realm of the Wilds, Pan, a clumsy, but good-hearted young faun of the Clovernest Herd, is excited to finally be old enough to become a Full Horn. He’ll be able to help protect his herd and their valley home…and hopefully finally gain some respect among his herdkin. But due to Pan’s foolish judgment, his herd’s peaceful life is thrown into chaos when their greatest treasure, a magical lute of fantastical power, is stolen by the young satyr, Hobkin. To atone for his grave mistake, Pan, along with his headstrong sister Omelia, must journey away from the safety of Clovernest to track the thief into the depths of the grand Hollowshade Forest. But evil forces are brewing within these ancient woods…a faun is missing and wicked, blood-thirsty satyrs are roaming about. It will take all the bravery and strength within Pan, Omelia, and their allies to stop a great danger from spreading…not just to their herds but to all across the Wilds. The debut fantasy novel of animation story artist Kelsey Wooley, who also provides illustrations for readers of all ages to enjoy.

To Defy a Dream: A Sleeping Beauty Retelling (The Shattered Tales, #4) by Mary Mecham

What if Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on purpose? Princess Aurelia’s kingdom is plagued by the Eternal Slumber, a disease progressively ensnaring the minds of her subjects. After Aurelia wishes for the means to revive her brother, her sinister fairy godmother presents an ominous solution: Aurelia must stab herself with a poisoned spindle. Accepting this fate plunges Aurelia into a nightmare where victims of the Eternal Slumber are being held hostage by a dark djinni. However, Aurelia’s brother isn’t the only familiar face she finds herself reunited with; Everett, the love of her life who mysteriously disappeared years ago, is there as well. As the djinni’s power grows, Aurelia must decide who to save before the djinni escapes and enters the waking world. Failing on her quest could trap her in the dream world forever. Will she forgo her chance at a happily ever after and protect her brother, or will she choose to rescue herself and the man she loves? No matter who she chooses, someone will be doomed to remain in the nightmare that never ends. To Defy a Dream is a second chance romance retelling of Sleeping Beauty. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romances, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

The Midnight Blizzard: A Cinderella Retelling (The Christmas Chronicles) by Mary Mecham

An ice slipper wasn’t the only thing left behind at midnight… Noelle Frost only has one chance to reclaim the inheritance stolen from her after her father’s death. With her stepfamily plotting to win the prince’s heart during his bride competition to secure their own power, Noelle must infiltrate the royal ball to confront her stepmother and reclaim her birthright before time runs out. But in order to get close enough, she must compete for a crown she doesn’t want—and a prince she doesn’t love. The real danger lies in her growing feelings for Jack, the prince’s enigmatic mage advisor. As their forbidden romance ignites, Jack becomes Noelle’s only ally in a world of treachery, with access to the records that could restore her to her rightful place as the heiress of the Frostwood estate. The closer Noelle gets to Jack, the more impossible their future seems. As the competition heats up and the prince’s attention turns to Noelle, her stepmother offers a risky bargain that Noelle can’t turn down if she wants to protect Jack, even if it means leaving the castle forever. After all, if Noelle and Jack can never be together, does she have any reason to stay? As midnight approaches, Noelle must decide if she can truly leave her heart behind. This is a Cinderella retelling, filled with forbidden love, dog sleds, blackmail, and an illegal courtship set in a snowy kingdom. Perfect for a cozy Christmas read, fans of Melanie Cellier, Tara Grayce, and Deborah Grace White will love this no-spice romantic fantasy book. Tropes in The Midnight Blizzard: ❄️ Forbidden, Illegal Love ❄️ Blackmailed by her Stepmother ❄️ Ice Slippers (instead of glass) ❄️ Cinderella Goes in a Dog Sled to the Ball ❄️ Locked in a Closet and Can't Kiss (but they want to!) ❄️ Jack Frost is the fairy godfather ❄️ Grimms inspired What Readers Are Saying: "This was absolutely THE PERFECT choice for a cozy winter read! I'm all gushy and stuff now" "I'm fairly certain I didn't breathe during the last 30% of the book because PLOT TWISTS AND FORBIDDEN KISSES." "With dog sledding, ice skating, magic ice slippers, and a nod to the 12 Days of Christmas, this “prince picks a bride” competition is magical."

Byron: The One Lung Filipinomenon by Russovoir

Bridging multiple genres, Byron: The One Lung Filipinomenon is a story of Byron Thomas, an 18-year-old openly gay student in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Enthralled with a fantasy of the American Dream, he is convinced beyond a doubt that he was born in the wrong country, and, with his parent’s blessing, he immigrates to the US. Finally free from suppression and the religious society of his homeland, Byron is able to start exploring his sexuality, while also dealing with feelings of inadequacy, the challenges of living alone, and fears of being an immigrant in a foreign land. Then, one night, Byron brings a stranger home, and everything goes terribly wrong. In a possibly supernatural turn of events, he becomes a completely changed man. Inspired by Greek mythology, the story asks: what if you had the chance to be totally happy and healthy, but in exchange you have to start all over again, forgetting anything—and anyone—who hurt you? Would you take it?

After Three Years, My Wife Came Home with Three Dao Companions by Rosy Glow

Three years ago, Chen Yang’s wife left their humble home to pursue immortality in a mountain sect. She vanished without a word, while he remained behind and faithfully waited for her return. When she finally comes home, three senior disciples accompany her—and they are far more than fellow cultivators. A deadly love gu, she claims, forced her to form intimate cultivation bonds with all three men. The curse has been broken, but those bonds remain. Now she has returned to divorce the mortal husband who waited three years for her. Then, on the night before their separation, she offers him another choice: follow her into the mountains and enter the sect where she now lives with her three Dao companions. Powerless, humiliated, and without spiritual roots, Chen Yang enters the world of immortals as a lowly servant. But when a mysterious clay bowl grants him an opportunity to cultivate, his fate begins to change. In a world where strength determines everything—even a man’s dignity—he will rise from the lowest rung until no one can ever look down on him again.

Chords of Green and Gold (Tales of Eukarya) by Sarah Beran

Rumpelstiltskin meets the Frog Prince... Prince Dorian of Anura has been looking a little green lately...literally. After an encounter with a disgruntled princess, a curse has left him with a rather frog-like appearance. Desperate to find a woman to break his son's curse, King Ion decides to host a lavish, golden ball. The only problem? The kingdom is short on funds, and the king's grand plans could send their small kingdom into bankruptcy. Lydian Miller has always been her father's pride and joy. In fact, he is so proud of her skills as an artist that he drunkenly claims one night that she could turn straw into gold if she wanted to. These claims reach the king of Anura, and before she knows what is happening, Lydian finds herself locked in a room full of straw. The king has one order: turn the straw into golden party decorations or forfeit her life. All seems lost...until a funny, green-looking fellow arrives with just the help she needs. Who is her mysterious savior? Why is the golden ball so important? And who would even want her firstborn child, anyway?

The Crystal Realm: A Collection of Retold Christmas Tales (The Realm Collections) by Abigail Manning

A Festive Retelling of A Christmas Carol, The Gingerbread Man, and The Nutcracker... In the kingdom of Wiessel, the Festival of the Crystal Star is a greatly beloved celebration that has always been welcomed with mounds of holiday cheer. But this year, some citizens are finding it difficult to indulge in the celebrations… On the eve of the celebration, three women are met with a twist of fate that may put a damper on the festivities. A young queen struggles with finding joy in her future while dealing with the trauma of her past, an orphaned sixteen-year-old gains a home, only to run from it, and even a starry-eyed dancer finds herself chasing a thief into the night. While the realm celebrates around them, these three must conquer their new enemies while relying on each other in unforeseen manners. Will the secrets of the Crystal Realm be unraveled? Or will their hearts be left frozen and shattered? Between orphaned royalty, shadowy strangers, and frigid nights in the snow, it seems hard to believe that this festival could have ever been so jolly… For more more updates on retellings like these, sign up for my free newsletter at abigailmanningauthor.com

The Rose Realm: A Collection of Retold Flower Tales (The Realm Collections) by Abigail Manning

A Magical Retelling of Snow White and Rose Red, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Wildrose The forests of the Rosenwood kingdom are a delight for many who call it their home, even if most have never explored it in its entirety. The trees provide them with shelter, materials, and, in more recent cases, mystery. As the secrets and magic entangle the kingdom’s inhabitants, they must fight both with and against the woods they call home. A pair of sisters find an unlikely friend in the depths of a storm, only to question if he was ever a friend at all. An herbalist hunts for a forbidden flower to heal her dying family, even if it means robbing a powerful mage. And a girl who’s spent her entire life up in the trees discovers her home is doomed to fall. As magic stirs and secrets unfold, they must determine who can be trusted and who they must stand against. Can they reclaim their home without losing each other? Or does danger root deeper than they thought? With two-faced strangers, carnivorous plants, and vengeful mages standing in their path, the task may not be so rosy. Sign up for my newsletter at abigailmanningauthor.com and get a FREE copy of this ebook!

The Shadow Realm: A Collection of Retold Halloween Tales (The Realm Collections) by Abigail Manning

A Shadowy Retelling of The Invisible Man, Pinocchio, and Dracula... The Silver Shadow Ball is the event of the year in the kingdom of Umbria, filled with dancing, flaunting nobles, and, of course, romance. A princess and her two noble friends are counting the minutes until the party and have been stringing along as many potential dates as possible. However, things go too far when they offend one man in particular. After being refused and insulted by the princess and her friends, the young enchanter places a curse on each girl as punishment. With each curse being different from the next, the clues to cure them leave more questions than answers. As the air chills and the leaves fall, one girl is forced to flee her home out of fear of being seen as the ghost she is—or not being seen, that is. Another remains home with the constant threat of pain each time her body turns her as fake as her words. As for the princess, she’d rather die than concede to her curse’s wishes... not that she’s truly living, anyway. Can the enchanter’s curses be broken? Or will they forever be forced to hide in the shadows? As questionable allies are made and pumpkins are carved, it might be best to keep one’s heart left in the dark. For more more updates on retellings like these, sign up for my free newsletter at abigailmanningauthor.com

The Feather Realm: A Collection of Feathery Short Stories (The Realm Collections) by Abigail Manning

A Summery Sweet Retelling of The Ugly Duckling, Swan Lake, and The Golden Goose... Deep in the woods of the Feather Realm, a cozy town blissfully enjoys their summer festival with sunflower crowns, market vendors, and off course, fresh eggs. That is, until an unsuspecting mother brings home a basket of eggs that immediately hatch into strange little companions for her daughters. There's nothing too odd about a feathery new pet, but something about these birds and the vendor's cryptic warning feels unusual... An odd little duck accompanies the youngest daughter as she hides from her childhood bullies, a sweet swan follows the second daughter on her troublesome hunting expedition, and a quirky gosling with a knack for getting lost clings close to the eldest. As the summer sun burns, so does the girls' curiosity as charming and irksome men alike, take interest in their newfound pets. Will the girls be able to protect their feathered friends from the villains watching them? Swan hunters, mischievous enchanters, and one man that never smiles aren't the type of birds one would expect to flock together, but perhaps they know each other better than they realize... For more more updates on retellings like these, sign up for my free newsletter at abigailmanningauthor.com

The Heart of Wynter: A SciFi Alien Warrior Holiday Romance (Horned Holidays #06) by Honey Phillips

Can an independent woman melt the heart of the legendary Winter King—and give a lost child the family they all need? Tamsin has built a quiet, independent life tending her small herd on her isolated mountain croft, and she likes it that way. But when a mysterious little girl appears on her doorstep, Tamsin can't turn her away. Wynterian d'Kingmar has lived alone in the mountains since his ship crashed on K.R.S. Three. Avoiding the humans who fear him as the legendary Winter King suits him just fine. Until one stubborn, tempting human female turns his disciplined life upside down. Tamsin certainly doesn't intend to fall for a huge, horned alien whose stern commands make her want to argue with him almost as much as she wants to kiss him. But as winter closes in, the mystery surrounding the little girl draws them closer, and the heat between them becomes impossible to ignore. Wynter has survived a crash, a brutal winter, and more than a year alone. Letting Tamsin into his heart may be the one challenge he can't overcome. A sweet and steamy holiday romance featuring a fiercely independent heroine, a protective horned alien, a precocious little girl, an enormous snow beast, and an unexpected family in the making. (Intended for mature audiences.)

The Knotty Clause: A SciFi Alien Warrior Holiday Romance (Horned Holidays #04) by Honey Phillips

Can a single mother create some holiday magic for a reclusive alien warrior? Lured by the promise of steady work, Gemma accepts a job at a remote mining claim, only to find that both she and her young son are virtual slaves to the greedy mine boss. When a desperate attempt to escape finds them caught in an unexpected snowstorm, she thinks all is lost - until a very large and very not-human male appears and rescues them. Their savior is gruff, reclusive, and unexpectedly kind. He offers them a refuge - as long as they don’t intrude on his privacy. He even draws up a contract, but the longer they stay with him, the more Gemma wants to break every one of his rules. Ever since his ship crashed on K.R.S. Three, Yede has concealed himself in his mountaintop hideaway. A life alone with his memories is better than risking more heartbreak - until he rescues a fragile, tempting human woman and her determined little boy from a snowstorm. Now the icy walls around his heart - and other important parts - are beginning to thaw. Can he find the courage to take a second chance on love, despite the risks? This sweet and steamy holiday romance features a clever and resourceful heroine, a not-as-reluctant-as-he-seems hero, an irresistible little boy, and all the warmth of the holiday season. Not to mention enough long, sweet, lickable... candy canes to satisfy your every craving! (Intended for mature audiences.)

A Kiss of Frost: A ScFi Alien Warrior Holiday Romance (Horned Holidays #03) by Honey Phillips

Can the warmth of the holiday season thaw an alien warrior’s frozen heart? When Katerina is faced with an unwanted marriage, she takes her younger sister and runs, only to discover a small band of misfits hiding in some ancient ruins. Their fight for survival grows even harder as the holidays approach - until a massive horned warrior appears in their camp. Subcommander Jackasarian D'Frostulen never seems to get things right. Stowing away on his leader’s ship - and crashing on the backwater planet of K.R.S. Three - is his worst mistake yet. Knowing that his career, and possibly his life, are over, he runs. He finds an unlikely place with an enchanting female and her band of orphans. For the first time in his life he’s both wanted and needed. When unexpected difficulties arise, will he fight for the woman and children he’s come to love - or will he run again? A sweet and steamy holiday tale featuring a feisty heroine, an unlikely hero, and, of course, a very happy ending! (Intended for mature audiences.)

A Gift for Nicholas: A SciFi Alien Warrior Holiday Romance (Horned Holidays #02) by Honey Phillips

Can a single mother show an arrogant alien warrior the true meaning of the holidays? Jenna is a hard-working single mom with no time for fairy tales. She dismisses her daughter’s stories of a mysterious horned Santa living in the woods as no more than the imagination of a precocious child – until the day her daughter doesn’t return home. Her frantic search leads her to a crashed spaceship and a massive, horned alien warrior. He’s bossy, arrogant – and has a loneliness which matches her own. When Ambassador Nicholsarian’s chief rival doesn’t return after the… distraction he arranged, he refuses to admit he’s concerned. But when the months pass without word, he finally sets out to investigate – only to have his own ship crash on the backwater planet of K.R.S. Three. Before he can determine if a similar fate befell the other male, his mission is diverted by two of the most fascinating creatures he has ever encountered: a small child who shows no fear of his mighty horns, and a beautiful female who is equally unimpressed with his mighty… sword. Trapped together by an early snowfall, Jenna and Nicholas find an unexpected comfort in each other’s company. It is the season of giving, but she has a daughter to raise and he’s looking for the fastest way off the planet – what could they possibly have to offer each other? A sweet and steamy holiday tale featuring a determined single mom, a reluctant hero, and, of course, a very happy ending! (Intended for mature audiences.)

Krampus and the Crone: A SciFi Alien Warrior Romance (Horned Holidays #01) by Honey Phillips

Can a horned alien warrior and an isolated woman grant two children their holiday wish for a family? Jaelle is lonely. Ostracized by the village, like her mother and grandmother before her, she poses as an old witch in order to eke out a meager living selling herbal remedies to people who don't want to admit they need her help. When children start disappearing from the village, she is determined to find an answer to the riddle. She doesn't expect to find a massive, horned alien - one who sees through all her disguises. Since crash-landing on K.R.S Three, Commander Krampusarian D'Marchandar spends his time working on his ship and secretly observing the other inhabitants. During his explorations, he discovers a strange, beautiful female. It is an impossible attraction - but when he sees her treatment at the hands of the other villagers, he decides she is his to protect. A sweet and steamy holiday tale featuring two precocious orphans, a determined heroine, an unexpected hero, and, of course, a very happy ending! (Intended for mature audiences.)