King of Flames (Fae of Fire and Ash Book 1) by Ana Calin

Do I save myself, or do I save the world? Xerxes the King of Flames is out to regain the power he lost to the King of Frost, so he can wreak havoc in the realms once more. He’s focused, vicious and, worst of all, he’s after me. You see, I, Cerys Dark, am the only mage who can help him regain his full power. I’ve learned to hate him long before I met him, but I'll be damned, when he comes for me it’s not a hideous demon that I face. It’s a king riddled with shadow, magic and the promise of guilty pleasures. In exchange for my help he promises me freedom from the fated mates' bond that we share - a curse in its own right. His proximity entices me in all the wrong and yet oh-so-right ways, but staying under his control would eventually consume me. I have to resist this pull no matter what. On the other hand, releasing Xerxes Blazeborn into the worlds with full power means destroying them all. So here I am, faced with a choice—Do I save myself, or do I save the realms?

King of Tricksters: Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Tricksters Book 2) by S. L. Prater

Rain clings to life by her fingertips. She’s lost too much blood. The assassin circles her, waiting for her to succumb, but Rain made a vow to her mate, the Duke of Night. She promised him the head of his enemies, and she longs to seat him on the empty throne. Night only offered her a marriage of convenience. Now she’s determined to win his heart and keep hers beating. Succumbing just isn't in the cards. The looming war between Seelie and Unseelie threatens to overwhelm all that she holds dear, but Rain has a will unmatched by death. When knocked down, she always gets back up again. She'll search through the mysteries of her past to recruit every available ally. She'll face each adversary who threatens her new unconventional family with her dagger in hand and her demon familiar at her side. The duke doesn’t believe in love, but Rain just might trust in it enough for the both of them …

Trial of the Sun Queen: A Fae Fantasy Romance (Artefacts of Ouranos Book 1) by Nisha J Tuli

The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games. Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart. Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. Her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery. When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight when she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge. But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. She doesn't understand why she was freed, and she isn't a citizen of the Sun King's court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently. Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be sent back into the hands of the Aurora King. This glittering fae romance is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy. Trial of the Sun Queen is the first book in a trilogy with an eventual happy ever after.

Court of Tricksters: Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Tricksters Book 1) by S. L. Prater

The fae Duke of Night doesn't believe in love—but he'll claim his mate nonetheless. Mating is a matter of politics for Night, not the heart. To prevent a forced union that will plunge the Lunar Court into war, he must find and bond his true mate. When he lays eyes on Rain, he knows the shy forest witch is the bond mate he's been searching for. Unprepared for the intensity of his attraction, Night makes an offer that would keep his priorities straight and his court safe: a marriage of convenience. Any eligible woman—mortal and immortal alike—would leap at the chance to become the powerful duke's bride. But Rain isn't interested. She’s lived outside of society too long to ever fit into Night's world of shapeshifting tricksters and back-stabbing politicians. And Rain demands more than the trappings of marriage. She wants a match with heart. Night doesn't have the luxury of time to change his mate's mind. War looms closer and the Lunar Court is caught in the middle. Out of options, the fae duke sees only one choice. Kidnap his bride.

Rise of the Dawnbringer (The Bornbane Series Book 1) by I.A. Takerian

The first book in I. A. Takerian’s high-fantasy series is a slow-burn romance that surpasses the bounds of time. After living her entire life behind the white walls of the illustrious kingdom of Delinval, Princess Mara, niece of the great King Grathiel, understands what is expected of her. As her uncle’s only heir to the throne, she was raised to be a noble woman with a full understanding of the history of the lands of Zenafrost and the fallen kingdoms that lay beyond Delinval’s protected borders. But the political intrigue and endless theatrics that come with her birth-right have never suited her. Though she loves her people, Mara loathes the future her uncle has planned for her, and the approach of her twenty-first birthday brings with it a whole new horror: the expectation that she will marry a man of the king’s choosing. Mara believes this is the worst thing that could ever happen to her. She’s wrong. In the early morning hours before her birthday, she’s awakened by a living nightmare. A group of Dreads, the immortal dark magick users vanquished by King Grathiel twenty years before, have infiltrated the castle, and Mara is kidnapped from her own bed by a tall, dark stranger with dire motives. For the first time in her life, the princess finds herself outside the guarded walls of Delinval and witnessing, firsthand, the destruction the Dread’s corruptive magicks have wrought upon the land. The world is dying. Horrifying creatures stalk the barren plains and tainted forests. Foul rulers, defiled by diabolical magicks, vie for control. A mysterious ritual involving Mara herself seems to be Zenafrost’s only hope for survival. But when hidden truths about the past burns Mara’s life to the ground, can she somehow find victory in the ashes?

The Crown of Oaths and Curses (The Mortal Fates Book 1) by J Bree

From J. Bree, bestselling author of The Bonds That Tie, comes an epic and enthralling new romantasy series. I devoted my life to a king who was not my own. On the road to ultimate honor and glory, I lost everything. Now, in a world ravaged by the whims of those who rule, I must turn my back on a lifetime of friendships and loyalties to face my own fate. The Savage Prince. Heir to the high-fae throne of the Southern Lands, he is known for his brutality and cold heart. But with the kingdom on the brink of ruin, I have no choice but to seek him out. The war between the fae and the witches rages, and there’s no end in sight. My destiny is clear—help the prince defeat his enemies before it’s too late. One small problem. I am Rookesbane Eveningstar. The Favored Child returned, a Witch of the Woods. The greatest enemy of my Fates-blessed mate.

The Traitor Queen (The Bridge Kingdom Book 2) by Danielle L. Jensen

A queen now in exile as a traitor, Lara has watched Ithicana be conquered by her own father, helpless to do anything to stop the destruction. But when she learns her husband, Aren, has been captured in battle, Lara knows there is only one reason her father is keeping him alive: as bait for his traitorous daughter. And it is bait she fully intends to take. Risking her life to the Tempest Seas, Lara returns to Ithicana with a plan not only to free its king, but for liberating the Bridge Kingdom from her father's clutches using his own weapons: the sisters whose lives she spared. But not only is the palace inescapable, there are more players in the game than Lara ever realized, enemies and allies switching sides in the fight for crowns, kingdoms, and bridges. But her greatest adversary of all might be the very man she's trying to free - the husband she betrayed. With everything she loves in jeopardy, Lara must decide who - and what - she is fighting for: her kingdom, her husband, or herself.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!- Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf King. A warrior princess trained in isolation, Lara is driven by two certainties. The first is that King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. And the second is that she'll be the one to bring him to his knees. The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara's homeland. So when she's sent as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses. And the defenses of its king. Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she's the hero or the villain. And as her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she'll save... and which kingdom she'll destroy.

A Throne of Shadows (Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae Book 1) by Tessonja Odette

A feisty outlaw. A conniving prince. A war of magic and shadows. Wanted by the crown for a murder she didn’t commit, Cora dreams of getting revenge on the mage who framed her. In the meantime, she hides in the forest and hones her magic. But when she discovers her enemy’s violent hunt for faerie creatures, she forms a plan for vengeance. Prince Teryn, heir to a bankrupt throne, will do anything to keep his country from sinking into ruin. When he meets a feisty outlaw wanted by a neighboring kingdom, he gets his chance. The woman has an impressive bounty on her head, one that could pay off his kingdom’s debts. If Teryn can help Cora save a few magical creatures, he can gain her trust, hand her over to her king, and collect the bounty. But Cora has plans of her own, and none of them include being betrayed by her handsome new traveling companion. The closer Cora and Teryn get to their desires, the harder their tasks become. And it isn’t just their budding attraction that’s the problem. A secret war is coming, one stemming from ancient feuds and forgotten fae magic. They must work together to stop it, or else both their kingdoms will crumble to ash. A Throne of Shadows is the first book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Air Awakens, and Shadow and Bone. If you like breathtaking magic, fierce heroines, and enemies-to-lovers romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale. NOTE: A Throne of Shadows was previously published as an earlier edition called Shadows of Lela. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes some plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition is unpublished as of spring 2022.

A Wildflower in the Wind: Book One of the Magic of the Wildflowers Trilogy by Megan Shade

A deadly curse. A brutal enemy. A seductive threat. Ever since her mother fell victim to the Lonely Death, Azalea has tried to find a cure in the fabled petals of the moonflowers growing in her garden. Her attempts at conquering death are derailed when a secret is unearthed—one that forces her into captivity at the hands of the large, arrogant, and frustratingly handsome Fae Commander of the wicked Black King. Determined to protect the friends she calls family, she is forced to embark on a journey of danger and betrayal that will threaten everything she has ever thought to be true. But despite the monsters hiding in every shadow, Azalea realizes that the biggest threat of all may be the Commander and the way her body hums with his every touch. Let the magic of the wildflowers cast you into a world ruled by greed, lies, and darkness as Azalea confronts the undeniable truth that the man who has imprisoned her might not be her enemy after all… Authors note: This is the first book in the Magic of the Wildflowers Trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. It includes adult themes including language, assault, and sexual content, and is intended for audiences 18+.

Rhapsodic (The Bargainer Book 1) by Laura Thalassa

From bestselling indie author Laura Thalassa comes the newly revised and edited first book in her smash-hit dark fantasy romance between a siren and the "bargainer" she owes countless favors to. Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years Callie has been wearing a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she once received. Only death or repayment will fulfill her obligations. Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He's a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects. But for Callie, he's never asked for repayment. Not until now.  When Callie finds the Bargainer in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it's admitting a truth―a single bead's worth―acknowledging the attraction between them. But the Bargainer is after more than just rekindling their connection. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one, and only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to her breast.  For the Bargainer to save his people, he'll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. If she can forgive him.

Queen of Blades and Roses (Court of Scorpio Book 1) by Ana Calin

A cursed beast lurks in the woods outside my village, and it wants one thing—me. I learned to fear the Scorpio Beast many years ago. He is the most dangerous thing out there, brutal and cruel, so when he takes me captive in exchange for my brother’s freedom, I know to expect the worst. Yet deep into the ruins of his ancient castle, I discover there’s more to Ares Amberson than his ruthless reputation. There’s a tortured soul behind his mask, and a sensual touch behind his iron fist. There’s also more to my own past than I ever knew, a secret buried in my bloodline that Ares wants to use me for. But in order to unlock my dormant powers, he needs to teach me. Train me. Seduce me. Ruin me. The pull I feel towards him is wrong on all levels, but I’m hooked on the devilish pleasures he’s giving me. I must fight against it, or die trying. The secret of our bloodlines makes it impossible for us to be anything but rivals, polar opposites, enemies. In the end, there can be only one on the throne of the kingdom that we were both born to rule.

Heart of the Marked (Moons of the Divine Book 1) by Lyra Asher

An epic dragon filled fantasy romance perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J Maas. You cannot know the depth of your light without knowing the depth of your darkness.

Darkness stirs in the continent of Ladon. A realm divided by blood, built atop the bones of humans enslaved by the fae. A human pulled from the wreckage of a once-great kingdom, chosen to usher in a new era of peace. A marriage to bridge an alliance between two kingdoms and two species, to prove that humans and fae can live side by side peacefully. Eighteen years ago, Cassandra was saved from the ashes of Menodore and brought to live within the safety of Argyll’s fae-ruled borders. Now that the time has come, she will do anything to bring an end to this centuries old conflict between her kind and the fae… Even forfeit her freedom to marry the High Fae Crown Prince of Gambriel—the same kingdom that has enslaved her people for all of time. Will Cassandra’s sacrifice of her freedom be enough to unite the realm and end the enslavement and slaughter of her people? As the sparks of rebellion begin to blaze through the continent, harsh betrayals and hidden alliances are uncovered, and Cassandra begins to realize that nothing—and nobody—is ever as it seems.

Lullaby Scars: A Fantasy Romance: Warriors of the Five Realms by Hollee Mands

He’s the only man she’s ever wanted. She’s everything he can never have. Killian’s scars are all people see, but with his wretched past, he doesn’t want them to look closer. He resigned himself long ago to living as an indentured slave to a powerful and capricious high mage—until a chance meeting with a temptress outside a brothel teaches him to want… If only he hadn’t asked her price for the night. Lady Mailin’s escape from her tyrannical father is so close she can taste it. All she has to do is to fake her magical prowess long enough for the high mage to sign a marriage contract and whisk her away. Then she’ll lose him and start a new life. The last thing she needs is a tortured bondsman mistaking her for a woman who works on her back... If only she could forget his gentle, callused touch. When a stormy sea strands them together on Prison Island, Mailin and Killian’s illicit desires may prove deadlier than the convicts out for blood, or worse... Author's Note: Lullaby Scars is a full length, standalone prequel for the Warriors of the Five Realms fantasy romance series. No cheating. No cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed. This book contains explicit content and darker themes, including mature language, violence, and sexual content. Intended for readers aged 18+.
For a comprehensive list of possible triggers, please visit the author’s site.

Blood Song: A Fantasy Romance (Warriors of the Five Realms Book 3) by Hollee Mands

She owes her blood. He’ll pay with his life. Ruthless assassin Gabriel has little fear and even fewer scruples. Every head has a price, and every hunt is a thrill. He saunters through life on a tightrope, mocking fate and defying death with every step. So when he’s forced to hunt down and deliver a prophesied blood sacrifice, Gabriel has no reason to expect trouble. Until he realizes just who the mark is—a wildcat of a woman with dark eyes and an even darker secret… She may be voiceless, but she speaks to his soul, and giving her up may be a cost too steep to bear. Shyaree has lived her whole life under the weight of a terrible sin and the shame of her Changelessness. When her brother falls prey to a curse, healing him is her one chance at atonement. Only she never expected to be kidnapped by an arrogant and insufferable fae. She can’t trust him or his bargains…or can she? He’s a cutthroat bent on using her, yet working with him may be the only way to survive… He demands her blood, but she can’t deny the way he calls to her body, or the danger he poses to her heart. Author's Note: Blood Song is Book 3 in The Warriors of the Five Realms adult fantasy romance series. This book features a standalone couple with a guaranteed HEA, but for full enjoyment of the overarching fantasy arc, please start with Book 1, Little Fire. Blood Song is intended for readers aged 18+. It contains mature language and explicit scenes of violence and sex that may be offensive or upsetting to some readers. For a comprehensive list of possible triggers, visit the author's website. Please read with care.

Street Witch: The Complete Trilogy: Steamy Fantasy Romance by S. L. Prater

A bold witch. A reluctant ruler. A forbidden love that will challenge an empire. Marnie is a gifted witch—but magic has a mind of its own. Left unrestrained, it will always misbehave. When a demonic curse threatens Lord Bran, a man she’s loved since childhood, Marnie uses her abilities to save him. After years of suppressing their feelings—knowing the relationship is prohibited by the Church of the Cloth—the two succumb to their passion. Her growing power triggers a dangerous political war—and their relationship is doomed before it begins. Now the couple must decide whether to keep their love a secret or face imminent persecution . . . knowing they may not survive.

Court of Serpents and Secrets: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

Book 4 in the Shadow Bound Queen series.

Court of Monsters and Malice: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

Reyna’s friends were supposed to be safe in the Shadow Court, but she has enemies everywhere. And unless Mazrith forgives her, he will join that number. As hard as she wishes it were not true, Reyna’s desire for the Prince grows as fierce as her need to win the games and find the staff that will set him free. But she’s about to find out who he really is, and what he has been keeping from her - and that will change everything.

This is the third book in the Shadow Bound Queen series, which is an adult fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology. It is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, packed with magic, mystery and above all - delicious romantic tension.

Court of Greed and Gold: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

The threats are mounting in the Shadow Court, not just for Reyna, but for the mysterious shadow-fae Prince who has kidnapped her. Undead monsters, an insane Queen, magical curses and ancient secrets are all vying for the honor of ending their lives. Forced to work with the famously monstrous Prince, Reyna soon learns that the fae warrior is dangerously different from the rumors. Passionately, fiercely, different.
And when the stakes are raised, she will discover that he is not the only one hiding who he really is. This is the second book in the Shadow Bound Queen series, which is an adult fantasy romance inspired by Norse mythology. It is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, packed with magic, mystery and above all - delicious romantic tension.

Court of Ravens and Ruin: A Brides of Mist and Fae Novel by Eliza Raine

A defiant human woman. A dark fae Prince. Two enemies bound to a marriage that could destroy their world. Reyna was born a valuable slave to the Gold Court, imprisoned her whole life in a glittering palace by sadistic, greedy fae. When the palace is raided, she takes her opportunity to escape. But the raid is led by her worst nightmare. The Prince of the most feared fae of all; the Shadow Court. And he wants one thing. Her. The copper-haired, rune-marked human. Reyna doesn’t know why the Prince has kidnapped her. But when he announces her as his betrothed, she knows that she must escape before she is eternally bound to the monster behind the mask. Only, when he takes the mask off, he isn’t what she expects. He’s lethal, beautiful and exudes sin. And he needs her. Drawn into a deadly world shrouded in secrets, and desperate to keep her own hidden, Reyna must find a way out. If she doesn’t, she risks more than just death. She risks giving everything to her intoxicating captor. This is the first book in the Shadow Bound Queen series, and is inspired by Norse mythology and Vikings. Sexy fae Vikings. It has Hades and Persephone, Beauty and the Beast vibes, and is slow-burn enemies to lovers fantasy romance with a burn-the-world-down-for-her hero. The series builds in steam and is filled with magic, myth, and delicious tension.

The Sin of Saints: The Benevolence & Blood Series by Lauren M Leasure

For fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Raven Kennedy... Growing up in Eserene's slums, Petra's life is marred by unimaginable tragedy. Things finally begin to look up when she meets Calomyr, member of the Royal Guard and keeper of just as much heartache as Petra. Once again, though, her life is upended when her mother remarries a Lord, forcing Petra to undergo a brutal initiation ceremony in order to ascend to the Royal Court. As Petra prepares for initiation, news of a drug-fueled fanatical rebel regime reaches the high walls of Eserene. No one seems to panic, so Petra doesn't either. Until the city is smoldering before her. Outside the city walls, Petra must untangle a smoke-shrouded web woven long before she was born. She finds her entire life has been orchestrated for one purpose, a purpose kept hidden from her until she unveils the secret that thrums through her veins. As everything she thought she knew unravels, Petra is forced to confront ghosts she didn't know she had - and the monsters and demons that now join them... From author Lauren M. Leasure comes the sexy, action-packed first installment of the Benevolence & Blood Series.

Dead End Florals: A Cozy Fantasy by Lilse Asalt

Hades ruled with an iron fist, handled his affairs with all the cool intellect and remorse that one exudes from death itself. But even a king cannot deny he wishes for spring. To charge his solemn existence, he reaches for a flower -- Persephone -- and plucks her from her gilded cage to flourish in a small flower shop. What they did not imagine were monsters, mayhem, and mysteries that would bind them as partners in law and order.

The Wings of Ashtaroth by Steve Hugh Westenra

SPFBO9

The great city of Qemassen is at a crossroads. A powerful empire from beyond the ocean threatens to reignite a centuries-old feud. A slave rebellion brews in the tangled labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city streets. And Crown Prince Ashtaroth, the city’s supposed saviour, is considered unfit to rule even by those closest to him. When the high priest burns one of the royal children alive as a desperate offering to the city’s absentee gods, it destroys the fragile peace within Qemassen’s scheming first family. Seeking revenge for the death of her child, Ashtaroth’s mother calls on a powerful demon named Lilit. But Lilit cannot be trusted. Her cruel machinations pit brother against sister and father against daughter, laying waste to Ashtaroth’s family. Then Lilit approaches Ashtaroth with a demonic pact of his own – one that could save his people and his home. But between war from within and a revolution erupting within, even a demon may not be enough to keep Qemassen standing. Set in a secondary world based on the conflict between Ancient Carthage and Rome, The Wings of Ashtaroth is a sprawling, multi-PoV epic fantasy, full of queerness, political intrigue, and demons.

The Levitation Game by Sharon Wagner

A botched magician and a chef simmering with secrets unite to solve a supernatural puzzle as profound as gravity. The Levitation Game explores the power of sound, love, and magic!

River in the Galaxy by Natalie Kelda

SPFBO9 Indie Recs Indie

When Merlon's parents disappeared, his world fell apart. When his best friend died, he lost the ability to enjoy life. For Captain Merlon Ricosta, Lanier's death, two years prior, feels like yesterday. But when a map from his parents is discovered, he decides to push aside his grief to get closure and follow the route they vanished along eighteen years ago. Despite political trouble, Merlon leads his crew into the unknowns of strange galaxies in his quest to find out why his parents never returned. In River in the Galaxy Merlon fights to keep his crew alive and suppress his prolonged grief and depression. But he must face his own struggles in order to protect the ship and the people aboard.

Bloodstained Skies: The Vanquisher of Kings I by Dagmar Rokita

After a bloody revolution, a royal warrior named Erilaz and his companions are exiled from their kingdom. They subsequently choose to hide on a distant planet, where they risk their lives every day. One day he will return. Meanwhile, the king of his planet makes a single mistake that calls into question all his plans and hopes, leading him to become increasingly paranoid. His concerns are justified; however, there is a much worse danger than a band of local rebels.

A Shadow of Blood & Magic (The Shadowood Trilogy) by Daisy Hale

A shadow of a blood and Magic is an exciting Vampire and witchy read, A fade to Black YA fantasy romance with fate mates, secret royalty, enemies to lovers and kickass FMC. Through blood she gains life, From magic she receives power, with both she is one. Cassandra Woods is not supposed to exist. Fearing for her life She flees her home, escaping punishments for the crimes she committed against the tyrannical Queen of Striga to join forces with the coven's enemy. Leonardo Sage, a General of the Lamian army and a High member of the Clan is assigned to watch over Cassandra, he must put his prejudice aside as he struggles with his feelings for her but she has a secret, the real reason she left Coven and he is determined to find the truth. Cassandra’s life is in even more danger when an Assassin, an outlawed Shifter is sent to kill her, but all is not what it seems and Cassandra must trust the Clan to protect her, but a threat from inside their own ranks surfaces and Cassandra finds herself in the middle when she saves the life of the Prince of Lamia. As war rages between the kingdoms Cassandra must choose a side. The lives of the people hang in the balance, and it is up to Cassandra to save them, but will she make the right choice? Love or loyalty. Which one will prevail?

Villain's Vignettes: by Drew Hayes

A town of magic and danger, where what one dons becomes who they are. A desperate priestess in another world calling for a champion, only to receive an unstoppable monster. A night of joy and giving, of grudges and combat, all as the winter snow falls. Between grand adventures, what mishaps may occur in the world of the Villains’ Code? These are the smaller selections, short sagas within the greater story. These are the Villains’ Vignettes.

The Ruptured Sky by Jessica A. McMinn

Princess Amikharlia likes a fight. Abandoning her homeland, she travels across the ruins of Whyt’hallen to take up the hunt against the mutated remnants of a magical war that killed the gods and tore the sky asunder. But these vicious beasts are not the darkest shadow hanging over Amika's life—it's the forbidden magic she’s hidden since childhood … and what would happen if it were discovered. On the trail of a dangerous mark, Amika uncovers a madman who is more than what he seems. He claims her unnatural gifts are prophesied to restore the goddess to her throne, protecting Whyt’hallen from those who seek to rule in her stead. In return for her help, he offers her training—training that will allow her to control her powers before they control her. But following the prophecy means Amika must relinquish her hard-won liberty … and destroy the world in the process. With a dark power rising in the east, threatening to enslave her people, Amika’s options grow ever slimmer. She must confront her unwillingness to walk the path of destiny’s design—or risk the rise of a malevolent new god. But can she devastate Whyt’hallen in order to save it? --- The Ruptured Sky is the gritty first installment of the dark fantasy quartet, Gardens of War & Wasteland—an epic adventure that blurs the lines between good and evil with a diverse cast of morally grey characters, perfect for fans of Anna Stephens, RF Kuang and Robin Hobb.

The Pharaoh's Curse by Kyro Dean

There was a reason the assassins always won in the end. Why her family always died. He was smarter than her, whoever he was. More prepared. A mongoose to her cobra. And it didn’t matter how hard she fought back, how hard she bit. In the end, he’d eat her up. Zarina Nefartari is the last descendant of the ancient queens. As novel and grand as a royal heritage sounds, descending from a line of queens has only ever brought her trouble. She is, after all, a descendant of the sun god who can’t bear to see its light without getting migraines and who needs colored lenses just to stand in its rays. The laughing gods were cruel like that. Not to mention the assassin that has been hunting her family for millennia. The begrudging family of killers has been the end of every one of her female ancestors since the great queen herself--and they're coming for her next. To make matters worse, her god-appointed bodyguard since birth, Farak, does not reciprocate her growing feelings. Too bound to his godly oath, he has committed to forsaking love and protecting her at all costs. Unsatisfied with the lot the fates have dealt her, Zarina wants more than anything to free them both from the curse of an early death. She leaves her life of hiding to solve the mystery that has shaded her family for two-thousand years, hoping that if she takes fate into her own hands and fights back against the assassin, Farak's allegiance will change. The problem? Lord Richard DeClare: an over-excited Brittanian Aegyptologist who finds her absolutely mesmerizing--and who reveals her identity to all of Aegyptus. With the mysterious assassin hot on her newly-announced trail, a street lord who wants her dead so he can steal her family's treasure, and that pesky Britannian who happens to possess the resources she needs, Zarina is thrown into a foray of chaos that threatens to kill her at every turn. Now, she must use her colored lenses to solve the clues in the tunnels and tombs of her family's legacy to figure out who the assassin is and why they've wanted her family dead since Queen Nefertari's reign over two millennia ago. Deep in the heart of an alternate-history Egypt, Zarina must learn what matters more--family or fate--and how much control she has over a life ruled by the gods.

Sam Hain - Occult Detective: Volume 1 by Bron James

After leaving a party late one Halloween, Alice Carroll has a run-in with something she would much rather forget. Haunted by nightmares and visions, she tries to carry on with her life as normal, all the while feeling as if she is losing touch with reality. Just as her visions become too much to bear, she is helped by the enigmatic Sam Hain, a self-proclaimed occult detective and alleged aficionado of the abnormal. Together, they embark on a series of adventures, investigating paranormal cases, cracking clandestine conspiracies, exploring the ethereal, and battling with forces far beyond the real. Meanwhile, in the abyss of some unworldly dimension, an evil is stirring, and from across the void a darkness is coming... If Alice thought her world had turned upside-down on Halloween, she hasn’t seen the half of it yet. Sam Hain - Occult Detective: Volume I is the author’s preferred text, containing the first six stories in the Sam Hain series (All Hallows’ Eve, A Night in Knightsbridge, The Grimditch Butcher, The Regents, The Eye of the Oracle, Convergence) and features original artwork by Camilla Winquist. "Imagine Constantine written by Douglas Adams for Doctor Who, and you'll be roughly in the right area for this highly enjoyable series. Bron James skillfully weaves a thrilling tale of private detective Sam Hain and his plucky assistant Alice as they investigate murder, magic and other paranormal events." -Jeremy Biggs, Subversive Comics

Sivoa: Sunrise by H Gorlitz Scott

In a desert kingdom, a sixteen year old girl is determined to escape a vile sorcerer, but is challenged by the maneuverings of an unseen insurrection. Home to the largest library in Sivoa, Libris Del Sol is a wonder to behold. It has stood since before known civilization and is the most desired Kingdom in the world. Dragonira is desperate to leave it behind. Tormented by a lifetime spent at the mercy of her abusive father, she steals an escape spell that puts her face to face with the prince. Surprised by her appearance and wary of an underground rebellion, he and his family force her to stay within the palace walls. Meanwhile, a troubled oracle struggles to cross the continent to warn of the kingdom’s demise before it is too late to save them

Whispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon

Ladies don’t shame their families. Ladies don’t confront Otherwordly threats. Ladies certainly don’t admit some taint of the fae has touched their souls—unless they wish to find themselves confined to an Institution. Gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell is trying to be a lady. She conceals her true nature amongst her plants and her sketches—where she can almost shut out the whispers she alone hears. But a threat to her beloved aunt forces her from the comfort of home to a town perilously near an Otherworldly Crossing, with its ever-present risk of fae incursions. To protect her aunt and the townsfolk she comes to care for, she must uncover the individual responsible for a series of increasingly dangerous attacks—but to find this saboteur will require embracing the part of herself she fears most, an act that could cost her dearly. In a world where Vigilists lock up fae-touched mortals, Jessa must decide if she’s willing to risk exposing her true nature to obtain the truth and protect those she loves. Whispers in the Waters, a gaslamp fantasy novella, serves as the prequel to Tattoo of Crimson, the first book in the Blood of the Fae series. If you like quick-minded heroines who solve cases with logic and intuition, beautiful yet deadly fae, and Otherworldly intrigues, then you’ll love this mystery set in a world of manners and mythical monsters.

Tattoo of Crimson by Sarah Chislon

Society, suitors, and…serial murders? As much as she desires to please her family, gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell has no intention of making a suitable match—not when she’s seeking the truth about the taint of the fae that lies within her. If she’s to escape the madness brought on by fae-touch, she must devote her energies to seeking a cure. But then mysterious tattoos begin to appear on the citizens of Avons. None recall receiving these harbingers of death, but all die at the hand of an untraceable killer days or weeks after being marked. When the tattoo appears on her beloved mentor, Jessa seeks the Magistry with information on the case—yet they refuse to consider her findings, so she must risk both social censure and her own safety to hunt for the killer herself. Her one possible ally represents her greatest fear—the encroaching Otherworld consuming her mind—and may well undo all her efforts to control her fae-touch. Yet if she forsakes the offered aid, the killer will go free. Something sinister stalks the streets of her city, and she must decide…how far will she go to stop the killing? Tattoo of Crimson, a gaslamp fantasy novel, is the first book in the Blood of the Fae series. If you like quick-minded heroines who solve cases with logic and intuition, beautiful yet deadly fae, and Otherworldly intrigues, then you’ll love this mystery set in a world of manners and mythical monsters.

A Tale of Two Courts by R. C. "Professor" Jones

A young prince, busy spreading his oats far from his home country is found by a noble dame sent to fetch him back, as his father's death and grandmother's failing health leaves him the heir to the throne. Joined by a young woman after she attempts to rob the prince, their journey is dogged by assassination attempts that seem to originate with a shadowy elven noble. This idea makes no more sense to them than the condition in which he finds the colony he has been sent to govern makes to a young elven noble and his entourage. Both, having passed each other in the midst of the night, struggle to survive and overcome the challenges posed by servants of an ancient and almost forgotten enemy who hates all creation and the two of them in particular.

A Tree's Heart by Angelika Rust

SPFBO9

The rebellion is not over until its purpose is fulfilled. At the age of six, Ash becomes a Tree – one of the Joined Realm’s elite soldiers. Robbed of his name, his family, and any memories of the time before he took his oath, his loyalty belongs solely to the Realm and its citizens. At eighteen, he’s forced to fight in a civil war, against the very people he has sworn to protect, without ever knowing why. The rebels retreat, but they don’t surrender. Their purpose remains a mystery. At twenty-two, Ash is chosen to serve as the Prince’s Man, guard and guardian of the King’s firstborn son and heir. The rebels return the next day, and Ash faces a host of challenges – protect his Prince or die trying, uncover the truth, and keep or lose his heart.

Chronicles from the World of Guilt by Chris Durston

What is Guilt? Is it an enormous flying whale? Maybe an alien, come from deep space to punish us? Some call it an angel or a god, others a demon. What nobody can deny is that it is the end. These tales chronicle the story of the Earth in the centuries after the apocalypse: struggles for survival against twisted, horrific foes; small moments of kindness and warmth in the dark; life going on, even as the whole world changes. These are the Chronicles from the World of Guilt.

To Speak With Elders by Mike Mollman

When Figol wishes to join the druids, both he and Grahme are sent questing to form a new alliance. But who? The Wigesta are bent on wresting control from the druids. The centaurs shoot humans on sight. The Demon Summoners and their fiends are too foul to consider and the Emerald Druids of Eriu hold them in disdain. To succeed, they must do the impossible.

Sins And Sorrows by Mike Mollman

Koni gave up her high station to become Conwenna, a blacksmith’s wife and devoted mother. But duty calls at unexpected times. Sorrows await as Conwenna must become Koni again, or let cruel men come to power. Alfswich has become wealthy by committing what others call sins. When a hag’s curse is leveled upon him, he commits murder, theft and betrayal to escape it. But is his solution worse?

Becoming A Druid by Mike Mollman

SPFBO9

Grahme has wanted to be a druid for as long as he can remember. Talented but headstrong, he runs afoul of a despotic, mind-controlling mage during his initiation quest. Completing the quest will require dozens of decisions, and Grahme has a penchant for making bad decisions…

Winds of Chaos by Laura Brewer, Roland Brewer

Welcome to the training grounds of the Armies of Heaven. Born on a world full of dangerous creatures and agents of darkness, Alvinar and Rowan are rigorously trained to hunt and fight all manner of things to survive. Asked to lead a new settlement, far from aid, they throw themselves into the business of exploring and securing the area. Freya and Thor warn them trouble is on the horizon. When scouts find the remains of an ancient city, they go to explore; concerned at the presence of strange magic that feels – different. Several of the gods from Asgard come to investigate. An attempted invasion by portal stirs the strange magic in defense, but also destabilizes that magic and ripples are felt even in Asgard. Alvinar is changed by it and Freya takes him to Asgard. When a magical explosion in the ruins spreads chaos, even in Asgard, the very core of Rowan and Alvinar’s perception of who they are will be tried in its fire. Can they keep to the path of Light when Darkness seeks to sear their very souls?

Inspirisles by Hatchling Games

Experiencing visions of a mythical land throughout childhood, you are guided to a kingdom ruled by the fae. Responsible for a pact made long ago by your ancestors, Arthur & Guinevere Pendragon, you must now earn Belief and the respect of their gods to secure your ticket back home. INSPIRISLES is a completely original all ages Tabletop RPG promoting storytelling, empathy and Deaf awareness with an emphasis on cooperation. - Play as teens gifted extraordinary powers. - Meet famous characters and fearsome creatures from Celtic folklore. - Work together to heal an ailing land and restore a fractured kingdom. - Learn British and American sign language as you cast spells, solve puzzles and battle monsters. This project came about after running my teen Dungeons & Dragons group Hatchlings for over a year. I wanted to create something for them, something they could have a hand in building, and something I could take beyond the group to use in schools and communities as a workshop tool. Inspirisles is the result of this: a game for all ages that reflects my interest in mythology and my ongoing work with the Deaf community. With Inspirisles, we are especially encouraging parents, educators and tabletop beginners to invest in our game. Many of us have fond memories of 80s fantasy classics such as The NeverEnding Story & Labyrinth. Inspirisles aims to capture some of that nostalgic magic and transport its older participants back to a more carefree and imaginative time. Inspirisles features a unique system we have called Shaping. It allows participants to engage with Deaf culture and learn sign language (ASL and BSL included). It also forms the dice mechanic at the heart of the game, where our Pendragons will wield the elements to fight Disbelief (our negative force) and heal the World Tree. Inspirisles encourages teamwork at every turn. Only by Shaping can the party overcome the tests of our game. Belief Barriers are non-combative tests where our Pendragons must think up ways their elements can solve puzzles. Disbelief Battles are combative tests, where our Pendragons must pit their elements against a dangerous opponent.

Trick by Cara Nox

Cassandra Clare's THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series meets V.E. Schwab's THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE with a dash of Disney+'s LOKI in this new adult urban fantasy. WELCOME TO NEW ATLAS: A CITY WITHIN A REALITY JUST BEYOND OUR OWN. Evie is a nobody. Spending her days in college classes and her nights studying, having a social life has never really been a priority. With her sights firmly set on the future to keep away her thoughts of the past, she loses her grip on the present when her world is ripped out from under her. And it’s all thanks to two mysterious strangers showing up on her doorstep, claiming that she can turn back time. Cade is a notorious troublemaker. He’s never been afraid to throw around his name to get what he wants as someone who’s clawed his way to the top. But power is quick to change hands in this city, and when he chooses to blatantly disregard an order from his leader, his older brother, he’s tossed back down to the bottom again. He’ll be more than lucky to regain any sort of trust when everyone knows he’s one of the best spies there is, sliding in and out of shadows in the blink of an eye. Ren is a bored teenager. Always labeled as the “golden child” or “gifted student,” he finds himself writing down cryptic messages and following strange leads, rather than putting on the same old song and dance for his family. Especially once he discovers his little stolen fragments of the future are starting to take a darker turn. Perhaps chasing the life everyone wants him to have isn’t necessarily in the cards for him, but there’s only one way to find out. So when someone within the secret society known as the Custodians targets Evie for her power, the clock starts in the final sprint to hunt down the culprit. In order to uncover whatever hidden clues are lurking in the past, the three of them have no choice but to peel back the layers of obscurity built up between their factions to figure out why she’s being hunted and how they might be able to fix their bleak futures before it’s too late. Just remember: time is nothing but a trick.

Destruction by Sharon Bayliss

David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice. Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without. Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children. Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

The Tome of Haren by Damien Francis

The Tome of Haren, a powerful book, made from magic, with vast stores of knowledge, that could shift the balance of a war brewing at the edge of Narean’s borders…and one young man will become the Keeper for all to survive… The nation of Narean is vulnerable. There hasn’t been a Keeper to protect and defend its people for over 150 years. As rumours of war grow, Narean needs a Keeper more than ever. Orphaned since birth, Aeidor has no expectations for life except surviving day to day, so when a legend from old stories claims that he is to be the next Keeper, the powerful champions entrusted with defending Narean, Aeidor must journey farther than he ever imagined in search of an artefact long thought lost, the Tome of Haren. Now Aeidor must contend with elite mercenaries, called Blooders, hired to retrieve the Tome for their mysterious dark master. As the challenges mount and time draws nearer to the war to come, Aeidor questions whether he can live up to the legacy of the Keepers and save the nation of Narean…

Shady Depths by B.L. Brown

A witch running from heartbreak, a merman who hunts the stars, and the Shade which binds them both. Keir Simmons, a bounty hunter for the Coven for the Regulation and Oversight of Witches, has made a career out of running away from his problems. Blindsided by a break-up, he leaps at the first assignment he’s offered, one that will take him far away from his ex: chasing a rogue lorelei to the edge of the European continent. When a chance encounter with a midnight diver leaves the pair inextricably linked, Keir is caught between his responsibilities as a C.R.O.W. Enforcer, his past as a questionably wicked witch, and his broken, but beating heart. With C.R.O.W. breathing down his neck and the lorelei continuing to evade capture, it becomes harder and harder to turn away from his unlikely ally — a man with a secret lurking just beneath the surface.

Choice of the Traveler by Toni Binns

A war between two worlds. A destiny she can't escape... When Betha transfers to her best friend's university to study, life is looking hopeful. Her dream to open up her own café could finally become a reality, and all she has to do is study, enjoy nights out, and try not to make her crush on the tasty and intense Self-Defence trainer, Carter, too obvious. But her world is shattered when demons invade. As powers Betha didn't know she had begin to emerge, hopes of stopping the invasion fall to her, and Carter is tasked with keeping her alive. Betha has no fighting ability, no matter how hard she tries, but everyone she knows is dying. With Carter and her other friends surrounding her, will she be able to unlock the truth of her magic in time? Or will a cloak of darkness and despair shroud the land and destroy everything she loves? If found family, slow burn romance, and unknown magic are your thing, pick up Choice of the Traveler today!

An Echo of the Fae by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

Echo enjoys the peace and solitude of the Faeorn forest, regardless of how strange spending time in the "haunted" wood seems to others. But on the cusp of her thirteenth birthday, the discovery of a family secret reveals why Echo has never been drawn to the sea like her mother. This discovery shakes the foundations of her world and sends Echo on a quest, not merely into the forest, but into the heart of the fae-lands themselves, to rescue the sister she didn't know existed. Elves, dragons, and fairy courts will put Echo's wit and resolve to the test. But with time running out for her sister, will Echo even be able to save herself? A fairytale adventure perfect for fans of The Secret of Roan Innish and The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Veridian's Curse by Kyle Harvey

The Society of the Leaf Chronicles Continues, Veridian’s Curse (Book Two) In a search for answers, Cedric and his companions travel to the capital city of the Holy Order of the Verdant Guard. A simple mission to find answers becomes fraught with danger upon the Grand Lord’s death. Political intrigue, sinister plots, and the race to find the Cube threatens to throw the Empire into chaos. Cedric’s personal struggles mount as he confronts the death of loved ones and his inability to grasp his newly acquired Spark. Only closure and a return to normalcy can save him. In the midst of his personal struggles, Veridian’s foundation crumbles with the death of the Grand Lord. High Lord Pellor seeks power at all costs to assure his Ascension to the throne. The Lady Eliza Dertian, Keeper of the Sigil and daughter of the Emperor, confronts Pellor and reveals a secret about the demise of her cousin and Worlin. Loreck’s search for the whereabouts of the Cube in the famous Archives of Veridian leads to shocking discoveries about the undercurrents of power in the city. The squabbles of the world of men intertwine with the awesome power of the spiritual world. Dark powers swirl in the Empire’s holiest city along with a secret better left uncovered. Be on the lookout for updates on Book Three of The Society of the Leaf Chronicles at https://kyleharveybooks.com and @kyleharveybooks!

Salvation's Path by Kyle Harvey

Here begins The Society of the Leaf Chronicles, Salvation’s Path (Book One) The Cube is gone. The very essence of the Green God in the world has disappeared setting off a desperate search by good and evil to discover it. Young Cedric is thrust against his will into a race for the preservation of a grim world, struggling with loss, love, and the yearning to fulfill a dying wish. Cedric meets both good in the form of his best friend, a strong-willed noble girl seeking a way out, and a guide who gets more than he bargained for along with evil on his journey as he tries to puzzle out the whereabouts of the Cube and his own identity. Powerless and unworldly, Cedric must make up for the many failures of character and strength by those tasked with defending the world. Be on the lookout for updates on Book Two of The Society of the Leaf Chronicles at https://kyleharveybooks.com and @kyleharveybooks!