Strange Liberty by Johannes T. Evans

Salvo Caine, a young man cursed with a magically sapping touch, is convicted of manslaughter and dispatched to an island prison. Once there, he’s offered limited freedom — and affection — by the cold and manipulative prison warden, Guillaume Villiers. Rated M, 27.5k, dark fantasy with some M/M dark romance on the side. Good bit of age gap sexiness, and some medical and care-giving kink as well.

Powder and Feathers by Johannes T. Evans

Aimé Deverell, a depressed and lonely artist finishing up his degree in Dublin, watches the world go by, and paints it as it goes. Life is short, he thinks - and thank God! He’s tired of living it. That philosophy shatters like glass when his life is threatened by the beautiful Jean-Pierre, a Fallen angel.

The Fight for Balanced Magic by E.R. Munley and Ruth Sanger

Four months, seventeen days. Wren had been too distracted to count the exact hours since Lily’s capture, but she could probably ask Ricky for specifics if necessary. When the Guardians of Statera arrived in Turkey, their only thoughts were of reassembling Statera—the ancient staff representing the unity of magic—and restoring balance to the world of magic. They had traveled the world collecting the pieces and rituals to complete the task. They didn’t expect to emerge from the spell to the chaos of an Arsa siege. In an effort to save her friends, Lily Zuo made the decision to flee with Statera, resulting in her capture by the enemy forces. Months passed and every effort made to rescue Lily from Arsa have resulted in failure. Wren Byrne and Ricky Lee, alongside Absalom Peres, Karina Hasanov, and Javier Moreno, will race across the country to try and find her. Balancing the search for Lily with the building of alliances has the team struggling to stay one step ahead. With Statera in the hands of Arsa, the Guardians and their protectors will be faced with their most dangerous challenge. Beside their allies, they must stand their ground in a final battle against Galiena Lear and her forces. There’s only one thing left to do Fight for Balanced Magic.

SLAKE HOUSE by Idal Waves Hallot Alexandra T. Singer IVQKS159 fleshfeel Crane J. Alan Andrews cam Judas Salieri Max Banshees Johannes T. Evans b

SLAKE HOUSE is a queer erotic horror choose-your-own-ending (CYOE) anthology featuring 13 author/artist pairs collaborating to create a sexy and horrifying multi-route story which will end in spectacular climax and abject terror.

The Mending of Severed Magic by E.R. Munley and Ruth Sanger

Blood of Arsa, make us strong. Blood of Sia, keep us from wrong. Blood of zheng, balance our forces. Gifts of others, adding more sources. When Wren Byrne entered the interrogation room with her partner, she never expected to be teaming up with her detainee, Lily Zuo, to save the world of magic. With Absalom Peres and Ricky Lee by their sides, the pair was able to collect the piece of the ancient relic known as Statera, a magical staff that represented and balanced the known magics of the world. Now, the Guardians of Statera have a new mission: expand the number of magical pieces and reassemble the staff. They are joined by Karina Hasanov and her protector, Javier Moreno, in the quest to balance the power of the universe once again. However, as they cross the globe once more, collecting new pieces to increase the power of the staff, Galiena Lear, a leader of Arsa, is hot on their heels. She longs to claim the power of Statera for herself and dominate the magical world in the process. Will the Guardians of Statera be able to reassemble the staff and stop Galiena’s evil plan?

The Price of Broken Magic by E.R. Munley and Ruth Sanger

Long ago, the three magics of the world came together to bring balance to the universe. Europe brought a staff carved from the Tree of Life. Asia brought a jade orb, imbued with magical power. Africa brought a gold bowl, decorated to look like the wings of magical birds, one wing to represent each magic: a crane for Asia, a hawk for Africa, and a raven for Europe. This brought balance to the magics and all was well for a long time. Until it was broken… Wren Byrne is a good Arsa soldier: she follows orders and doesn’t ask too many questions. She fights diligently to help her clan fix the magical imbalance of the world. Lily Zuo is a dedicated zheng warrior who is trying to balance her family and magical life. She works hard to ensure the best life for all as the world of magic deteriorates around her. During an interrogation, Zuo feeds her a fairytale that makes too much sense to ignore. Torn between truth and loyalty, the pair will escape from the Arsa base and embark on an epic journey across the world, searching for the pieces of an ancient magical artifact. Will they be able to reunite the pieces of the Unity Staff in time to save the world of magic?

Swords & Stones by Kimberly Lynn Hanson

It started with a sword. And it will end with one, too. Seventeen-year-old Ren Bedivere is no stranger to the protected life in Camelot, even though the rest of the kingdom is war-torn in the aftermath of King Arthur’s reign. As the son of a respected Knight of the Round Table, he’s trained his entire life with the expectation of becoming the first person knighted since Arthur’s death. But when his name isn’t called at the knighting ceremony, and his girlfriend betrays him by joining forces with Mordred’s vengeful sorcerer son seeking the throne, Ren is thrust into a world of self-doubt, questioning the life he knows. With a nudge from Merlin, Ren sets out on a rogue quest with his friends by his side—his supportive twin sister, the wise-cracking best friend, and a mysterious druid girl who is more than she appears. Together, they must venture to retrieve the legendary sword Excalibur to protect their home. The quest leads to an ancient magic that may save Camelot but uncovers a generation of lies about the king and his knights that, once revealed, threaten to destroy the kingdom. In the shadow of betrayal, Ren must choose to embrace the legacy of the knights who came before or shatter the myths to tell his own story.

Mark of the Witch by E.R. Munley

The fires of persecution burn hot tonight in the city of Caer. Since the great rebellion of Myrridia fifty years ago, the Dread King Georg VII has ruled the country of Briganta with an iron fist. A religious zealot and follower of Malleus, the King has decreed that a new wave of inquisitions must begin. He created the Hex Breakers, an elite division of witch hunters to root out the plague of magic in his lands. Kate Morgan has tried to remain under the radar since her mother’s arrest and execution. By day she works at the Caer Chronicle, and by night she runs an informational blog for the Red Dragon Movement, an organization working to take down the Dread King’s regime. She keeps her nose down and trusts no one with the truth. When a powerful explosion rocks the Chronicle, Kate finds her world turned upside down. Though her boss is arrested for the incident, she finds herself at the center of the magical world that she thought she had left behind. With the help of her new friends and coven, Kate will embark on a journey to power and destiny. Will she be able to master the magic she has long suppressed and save the ones she loves from destruction?

Floodwaters by Wren L. Rivers

Theology and science mix like oil and water. Never in his life would Eris Vandermere have thought The Effect of Divine Presence on Human Behavior would be the topic of his final research paper of the year—yet he finds himself combing the city streets with sophomore Miri Chase, tracking the footsteps of a real-life god who walks the mortal realm. When the god of the sea rescues a child from certain death, his divine blood heals the child’s wounds, and the mortal world hails him as a hero. An undercurrent of intrigue among the mortal population grows and slowly festers, which leads Eris and Miri to stumble across a horrifying truth: mortals will do anything to get their hands on God's Blood. What starts as a simple school project morphs into a frantic scramble for human survival. What must one do to appease an angered god? And how far is a god willing to go in the name of justice? After all, nothing is more devastating than divine rage.

Mere Flesh by Catherine Labadie

Wynnifred Treloar has everything she needs to succeed as a budding occultist on the cusp of vowing her allegiance to king and country...and marrying the most tame yet influential man in society she can find. Yet everything is not enough for her when she knows more influence than she can dream of will be withheld from her because of who she is.Breaking one rule after another, she sacrifices portions of her body to summon a demonic entity to take over the world. There should be no harm in it: demons are only dark energy, after all, and Wynnifred is a prodigy. When the demon she summons into a circle vows she'll die screaming in his claws, and omens plague her friends and estate, Wynnifred begins to realize there are worse mistakes to make than marrying the wrong society darling. Like beginning to fall for the demon's allure.

The First Stone by Teshelle Combs

Sanaa of Rote exists only to please her father, the King, by marrying the High Prince of an allied realm. And she will succeed. She must. If she can bear to swallow her hatred for the man to whom she must yield every fragment of her power.

The Old Goat and the Alien by Veo Corva

Avari keeps to themself. They’re a goat-shape cosmoran, a member of the Cleaners’ Union, and a bit of a grump. That suits them just fine. They don’t have any friends, and that’s fine, because they have siblings. And if their siblings have all grown away from them to start their own lives, then that’s fine, too. Really. But then Avari meets a lost alien in the Elder Grove, and that is not fine. Everyone is telling Avari that this alien is their responsibility just because she’s lost on an unfamiliar planet. Avari can barely tolerate cosmorans; how are they supposed to cope with a human housemate? To get Jenna the human out of their home, Avari is going to have to do several unthinkable things. They’ll have to leave the house, talk to strangers, and even travel to the terrifying ocean planet that is the binary twin of their own. They’ll have to learn about Earth and go to board game parties and meet some of the strangest people in the city. They might even have to make friends. But the trouble is, Avari isn’t sure they deserve them. The Old Goat and the Alien is a cosy, slice-of-life space fantasy with an all-queer cast set on the binary planets of Geminus in a far-away star system. Geminus is populated by cosmorans, sentient creatures whose shape is determined by the stars at their hatching and who bear a striking resemblance to the animals and mythical creatures of Earth.

Witchborne by Rachel Grosvenor

In medieval Locklear, Agnes harbours a dangerous secret - she can touch fire without being burned. As war rages beyond the town and whispers of witchcraft echo through its streets, Agnes navigates arranged marriages, rival’s schemes, and the threat of the hangman’s noose. When a desperate bargain with a local widow goes awry, Agnes’s world erupts in flames - she is accused of witchcraft. In a society that fears female power, can Agnes find the strength to forge her own destiny?

Twisted Souls by Skye Crawford

Valan Anartes has a secret. Many, in fact. Growing up in the Unseelie Court meant learning how to fake a smile, how to lie directly to other sidhes’ faces, and to kill anyone who obstructs his path to power. At least, that’s the goal he’s led everyone to believe he has. He’s not the only person hiding something in the shadows. A mysterious rogue, who has vowed his life and love to Valan, will risk everything to protect the truth. But as their enemies—including Valan’s sadistic twin sister—close in and more than just their demi-immortal lives are at stake, Valan’s going to need something beyond an arsenal of magic and manipulation to keep their twisted secrets safe.

Black Rose by Arlo Z. Graves

Step into an Old West of legends, legacies, and lies, where machines come to life and deadly silver terrorizes the land. Twenty-four years have passed since the devastating Awakening of the rogue commuter train, Bucephalus, left countless dead and America forever changed. It also took everything from Geist Warden Gabriel Velasquez. It took his father, his sister, and left him infected with silver, an illness that can be controlled but not cured. Since that day, Gabriel has lived for vengeance, but his time is running out. A chance encounter in the Nevada desert sets Gabriel on the trail of the legendary Colt .45 Buntline Special, the Black Rose. Fabled lawman Wyatt Earp himself once carried the cursed revolver. No one knows how he bent the demon to his will. Some say the Rose twisted him to hers. Whatever their pact, Wyatt Earp once carried the most feared gun in the West, a silver-spitting fiend. Only silver can kill Bucephalus, and only the Black Rose shoots silver. She’s exactly what Gabriel needs, and he’ll go to any lengths to get his hands on her. He will take the Black Rose for himself, one way or another, and finally have his revenge. But the Black Rose has plans of her own …

Blade Broken by Niranjan

A spy lurking in the shadows, a nation on the verge of an invasion, a man desperate to protect his home. Lucian is the Blade of Castrial, the kingdom's spymaster and first line of defence, lauded for his success in repelling an invasion from Garaner. But the war has left Castrial's economy in shambles, and when the neighbouring kingdom of Sarian musters their armies and sends spies into Castrial, Lucian realises two things: they have a spy in their midst, and they can't afford the cost of fighting off another invasion. And if that wasn't trouble enough, there is Alaric, the Shield of Castrial and the only man in the Echelon whose power is equal to Lucian's. Returned from banishment like the vengeful spirit of their long-lost relationship, Alaric carries a deep-set grudge against Lucian, a grudge that may well be justified. Lucian’s desire to protect his nation is nearly equal to his wish to reconcile with Alaric, but if he cannot get his act together and convince the Shield to work with him, Castrial will fall. Blade Broken is a queer, sword-and-sorcery fantasy and the first book in The Echelon Series. If you love flawed characters, betrayals and redemption, and gritty worldbuilding with lots of political machinations, you will love this book.

Grim Portents by Christian Akins

Bill Baker wants nothing more than to marry the woman he loves, but when his wedding is interrupted by a rampaging hell-beast, his life is thrown into disarray. Desperate for a second chance, he will do anything to set his future back on track. Now, with the help of a soul-collecting reaper named Sonny, he must uncover who is releasing monsters from Hell, in order to earn back the life that was stolen from him and prevent the oncoming end of days. Faced with the choice between what is right and what is easy, Bill may have to sacrifice all he holds dear for one last shot at life. Grim Portents is a paranormal odyssey that takes a man through Heaven and Hell in a satirical exploration of the institutional pitfalls of the afterlife. Though desperate to return, death may have been the very thing he needed to learn how to live.

Solace of Dusk by K. V. Meadows

Those who play with prophecies will get burned… 23-year-old Undesirable, Durvla Garrick, has a dangerous secret. Being both deaf and having a chronic ailment, her very existence is treasonous. So, when the Queen’s mercenaries accuse her of stealing a dress, she comes quietly—better to be arrested for her knitting skills than her illness. Under the watchful eye of the broody royal guard, Tiernan Kilkenny—the embodiment of the very people she’s spent her life hiding from—Durvla is appointed dressmaker to the princess. But castle life isn’t quite what she expected, and nor is its staff… With the Queen dying, Princess Carys Meredyth fa Rhodri is reluctant to inherit the throne of a broken Kingdom when she feels so broken herself. Magic has been outlawed for a millennium—so why are her memories filled with whispers of enchantment? When Carys finds a book that only she can read, more questions unravel. Are the fairytales that have provided her comfort since childhood really only stories? Or has the truth been right there all along?

How to Survive This Fairytale by S. M. Hallow

You are not a hero. You don't get your True Love. This is the part where you lose everything. This is the part where you rewrite your story. After losing everything in service to the Evil Queen, and driven to the edge of sanity by a cruel narrator who won't let him die, Hansel must bring himself to do the impossible: forge his own destiny or give up on his Happily Ever After. For fans of T. Kingfisher's THORNHEDGE and Tamsyn Muir's HARROW THE NINTH, comes a story crafted by S. M. Hallow. Twining together a dark fairy tale retelling with mental health and disability representation plus queer normative world-building splashed with a cozy horror game vibe, HOW TO SURVIVE THIS FAIRYTALE is rewriting Happily Ever Afters.

The Shadowbearer's Promise by Jasmyn Morning

Whispers of unrest echo through the Shadowrealm. As tensions rise and long-buried fears resurface, a mysterious cult emerges from the darkness, vowing to challenge the rule of the Shadowbearer. As the shadows close in, Edan finds his guarded heart unraveling and his growing affection for Ryuji and Micah pulling him deeper into a bond that defies fate. But with betrayal lurking in every corner, love may be the most dangerous promise of all. In this soul-shattering final instalment of the trilogy, the Shadowbearer must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice, and whether their love is strong enough to survive the chaos.

The Shadowbearer's Burden by Jasmyn Morning

The High King of Aetheria stands at the crossroads of duty and desire. Bound by his love for the Shadowbearer, he navigates a fragile bond with the man cursed to wield the darkness. But as a Shadow warrior claims his place in their star-crossed union, their hearts wrestle with jealousy and doubt. With his kingdom demanding unwavering strength and the Shadowbearer's burdens growing heavier, the High King must face impossible choices. Can he bridge the growing chasm between love and duty, or will the shadows tear apart everything he's fought to protect? In this gripping sequel, betrayal and passion entwine as the trio discover that the path to peace is paved with sacrifice.

Against an Alpine Sky by Nicole Leland

Talos is an artist, a naturalist, and a lithander—a person carved of stone. He lives with his brother but spends his days wandering the mountains and observing the natural world, not realizing how lonely he is. Maëlle is a human woman dreading her arranged marriage to a nobleman. While she doesn’t like her betrothed, she’s convinced herself it’s her duty to tolerate him. When Maëlle receives devastating personal news that makes her situation with her fiancé unsafe, she flees on her owl gryphon to the mountains—and into Talos’s life. As the gentle stone man and the strong, vibrant woman discover truths about themselves and each other, they feel the budding promise of something new, something bigger and more lasting than the mountains. But to embrace their happiness together, they’ll need to overcome Maëlle’s obligations, the censure of Talos’s brother, and most importantly, their own insecurities.

Hearts of Bark and Scale by Nicole Leland

The world is blood and pain, but still there’s love. All Kvisti has ever wanted is to protect her desert village in a way that would make the Mother Tree proud. Unfortunately, an old injury has left her once-potent dryad powers broken, and she can’t even stop the ruthless magic poachers that invade her village for the scraps of magic she still holds. Snake shifter Iason is bound to a criminal snake den for the sake of his rare healing magic. But the magic poachers want his magic, too. When the poachers throw Kvisti in the same magic-proof cell as Iason, the two are inexorably drawn together, bonding over past traumas. In their isolation, they begin to heal each other, finding a connection deeper than they imagined possible. But when disaster strikes the poachers, Kvisti and Iason are abandoned in their cell with no hope for freedom. In a world that thrives on cruelty and despair, love may be their only salvation. Can Kvisti and Iason break free of their prison and the pasts that haunt them before their connection is torn apart? Will the delicate new feelings taking root in their hearts bloom, or will the desert bury them? When blood and pain are a constant, love is a fragile thing—but one worth fighting for.

The Skeletons In Our Closet by Sinclair A. Macabre

For as long as he can recall, Daedalus Macabre has been bound to one rule above all else: Don't Step Out of Line. He's always followed it to the letter—his days spent training in elegant forms of fighting, his nights spent studying in his library, and the breaths between spent lost in the worn keys of his piano. He keeps his head down, and he does what he's told. But when Daedalus moves to Nemoure and meets Cain Sidrelle, his meticulously crafted control and rigorous adherence to the rules seem to disappear overnight. Without realizing it, his entire world narrows down to a pretty rich boy with hair like hellfire. A hellfire that threatens to consume him with every passing smile and shared glance. Still, his mother's expectations are a heavy burden, and her anger only grows with his continued distraction and blatant disregard for her rules. The longer Daedalus allows himself his dalliance with Cain, the more dire the consequences become. Until one day those consequences arrive, and Daedalus is faced with a punishment he cannot run away from. Separated by forces outside their control, Daedalus and Cain must overcome years of distance and longing when fate deems to grant them a second chance. But as others start to find themselves in Daedalus' way, Cain begins to question whether this is the man he once knew, and if there can be any hope for the two of them in the end.

Not The Fighting Kind by Will Soulsby-McCreath

Nat should be doing what dandies do creating fashion, trading information, working on the edges of high society to further their own aims, and flirting with scandal. Instead, they're in the bowels of a ship, captured by pirates intent on ransoming them back to their family as soon as they find out to which family they should send the letter. Unfortunately for all involved, Nat knows one thing the pirates can never be allowed to find They are unransomable. Their family has plenty enough money to pay any ransom, but Nat's father sent them to sea in the first place, put them in the path of these pirates, because he wanted Nat out of the way. Ransoms create scandal. Nat can't afford another.

Rise of the Dragonwitch by Timothy K Clark

Kidnapped from NYC and thrust into Tir Na—a dangerous world where myths and legends truly exist—college student Finley Maguire is named the prophesied savior destined to stop a mad king’s rise to immortal power. But Finley isn’t a warrior, and dealing with deadly court intrigue, her intense training, and even fiery dragons might kill her before the prophecy ever has a chance. As war looms, she must decide: fight for a world she doesn’t understand, or risk losing everything to a king who will destroy it all.

A Demon to Save Me by H.S. Kallinger

Gabriel Belmont's life is succumbing to a downward spiral when he accidentally summons a demon. After he refuses to make a contract, something ignites within him, inspiring him to strive for a real future—a real life. Two years later, he has everything he wanted, and his life is on track. But it's a fragile thing. A cascade of events threatens to destroy it all. He has to find it in him to not only save the people he loves, but also the demon who saved him in the first place.

A Spell of Bones and Madness by E. K. Condos

Blood. Daggers. Golden chains. Katrin’s nightmares have returned. This time they are not visions of the past, but the present. His present. Castle Drakos hadn’t been attacked since the ancient war. Until that day. The day everything changed. The day she became Queen. The day she barely escaped with her life in exchange for Alexander’s. Now Katrin must work with the crew of The Nostos and several unlikely allies to not only rescue Alexander, but journey through the depths of Aidesian itself to prevent Hades from being resurrected. Because if King Athanas and the King of Harrenfort have their way, the fallen will rise

SUMMONED to ANOTHER WORLD, but ALL I’M SUPPOSED to DO is FARM MYTHIC-RARITY RAID DROPS by eskay

Gravity Gales is depressed. Her retail job is physically painful, her student loans are coming due, and her relationship with her long-term girlfriend grows rockier with each bill. Life out of college is nothing like she was led to expect, and merely navigating the maddening rituals required to get by in modern society has left her helplessly exhausted. So when she’s inexplicably summoned into the virtual reality game Final Destiny Light 3, she’s in no hurry to leave. Things here make sense—the mission guidelines are clear, the player roles are unambiguous, and if she works twice as hard as the next person, then she’ll receive twice the rewards. Despite the fact that her favorite weapon has begun to talk to her, speaking of some apocalypse-averting quest that she supposedly was summoned to complete, Gravity is determined to stay here for the rest of her life—even if that means letting the rest of her world fall apart around her.

Marigolds and Murder by AK Ikezoe

What good is it to know the truth if you're powerless to change it? Philadelphia, 1950. Nobody suspects that private detective Katsumi Okazaki uses prophecy magic to solve her cases. But her uncanny "intuition" at finding the truth can't help her prove that her new client's wife was murdered. Not when everyone else is convinced the death was accidental. To make matters more complicated, Kat's new client is an Exalter--afflicted with unpredictable magical abilities as collateral damage from the war--and her story stirs up Kat's own painful memories of displacement and the love she lost. Luckily, Kat has plenty of practice burying her personal problems under a mountain of work. She sets out with her ethically questionable but trustworthy assistant to find evidence and catch the killer. But dread creeps in when she realizes she's being tailed. Is someone trying to thwart her investigation, or does the government still not trust her? Either way, Kat can't let her client down. And if what her magic tells her is real, then catching the killer might not be enough... not if she's going to be able to live with herself when it's done. The first book in The Exalted series, Marigolds and Murder is a queer fantasy murder mystery that blends WWII history with magic.

The First Sin by Cheyenne Brammah

In the sweeping expanse of the Årdrakin Empire, the people fight and die for honor as elite warriors of the galaxy. But long ago, a prophecy was spoken that presaged the apocalypse. Everyone knows and fears the truth: one day, the empire will fall. Tårik is a guard for small, independent Clan Tsinna. Instead of pondering the end of his civilization, Tårik’s greatest concern is maintaining his honor while escorting a group of impertinent dignitaries across the treacherous Barren Gale. When the Mother Goddess speaks a passage from the prophecy to him, he has the good sense to be frightened, but he doesn’t heed the significance of Her visit. Then disaster strikes, and Tårik is branded as an exile, leaving him with no home, no honor, and no future. Forced into a desperate struggle for survival, all Tårik can focus on is living just one more day until luck—or maybe fate—gives him the opportunity to join a new clan. But even this is fraught with danger and uncertainty, and it takes him to an inhospitable world far from the empire where survival seems all but impossible. Faced with new challenges, including trying to navigate first contact with the low-tech locals, Tårik believes the prophecy can’t reach him. Yet it continues to loom, signaling that his fate and the fate of the empire are irrevocably entwined. This is a dark, spicy, adult science fantasy set in a world that includes war, violence, and other mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. Reading guidance can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author's website.

Fey & Wolf: A Lusefell Novella by Noah Bodie

Osmond Banes is at his wits' end. Plagued by nightmares from 12 years ago, constant worry about his family, and an unsettling fear of immortality. The one thing keeping him afloat is his longtime partner, Christian Baker, who just returned from a trip across the sea. Upon their reunion, they learn of a growing threat from a monstrous force. This duo of monster hunters sets out to investigate the creatures rumored to have murdered Oz’s father figure and to finally exchange the vows they have been postponing for years.

Letters to Satan by G Eilsel

The One Handed Holidays: Crossed Swords Edition Series - Christmas Novella Just when things in Hell are starting to get boring, The Lucifer receives another of these blasted letters... the candy-striped, smiley-faced, hopeful letters of humans. Only these letters aren't intended for him, and he's tired of reading about the silly Christmas wishes of mankind. The best solution is the most obvious one: go to the North Pole, and demand Santa do something about it. Only things don't... quite... work out the way he's imagining. Lucifer's riled up and ready to put Santa in his place, but the tall, dark, and somber man who greets him at the workshop door isn't a man that can be bossed around, and he's quick to put Lucifer in his place. Only Lucifer isn't so easily dissuaded, and soon, he's causing chaos right underneath Santa's nose. It quickly becomes a game of cat and mouse, until they're no longer Lucifer and Santa, but Damien and Niklaus, and what's happening between them is a lot more complicated than either of them could ever have expected. Author's Note: This is an 18+ erotic novella based loosely on holiday themes. Read accordingly.

Bulwark: Book 2 of the Desert Rose Saga by Noah Bodie

The next installment of the Desert Rose Saga follows Simon and Andreas as old wounds are reopened, and they’re forced to confront their growing feelings for one another. What awaits them as they leave the city of Sebree eight months after being sent into isolation? Will Simon be able to confront his inner demons? Will Andreas uncover answers to a surprising revelation about his family? What challenges lie ahead as new foes emerge and a hidden piece of the world’s history claws to light?

Ronan by G Eilsel

It's been almost a century since the veil fell and monsters invaded the world. We didn't give the humans an opportunity to retaliate as we charged in and took over, and I was at the head of the front lines with my sword in hand. A perfect soldier, fighting the battles that ultimately put my people in charge of this planet. Half of humanity was slaughtered, and in the decades since the invasion, things have only gotten worse. Tensions between the rebel humans and monsters grew as the climate changed, and temperatures rose as resources dwindled. The sun scorched away plants and trees, leaving behind a husk of a planet where everyone fights for survival. The Fates were furious at our violence, and now we're trapped inside the hell we created. We've all heard tale of the Mate's Mark, and how we're destined to find our fated mate. One human, one monster - foretold to be the cure to this cursed world and repair the damage that has been done. What was once the cause of curiosity and intrigue has turned into nothing more than a mockery. Decades have passed, and not a single pair of fated mates had been found. Until now. Until me. Until the night I pull off my armor and find the mark staring back. Author's note: Ronan is a First Person Dual POV MM Monster Romance series with explicit content intended for readers 18+. It is the first in a series that will have an overarching storyline carrying between books. While this series ends with a guaranteed HEA, individual books end on more of a HFN basis. The feature couple's story will be resolved, though there will be some unanswered questions and mild cliffhangers that lead into the next in the series.

The Monsters Among Us by Kent Priore

“Kent Priore writes like a natural about the supernatural, and The Monsters Among Us is a marvelously dark and true novel. American fiction has found a terrific new voice.” —Joseph O’Neill, PEN/Faulkner Award-Winning Author of Netherland Seth’s life until now has been a product of a diabolical, evil Truman Show, his entire upbringing a façade orchestrated for malevolent purposes. After his beloved dies, he undergoes a demonic metamorphosis, which causes the world’s fictitious walls to crumble. As he tries to piece a semblance of his life back together and move on, he meets friends who inspire, but even more harsh truths are revealed, perhaps too difficult to cope with. The very existence of life and reality is exposed as a machination of grotesque gods. And to defeat them, Seth will have to fill his emptiness, for which there’s only two options… Bring the world to ruin, or learn to transmute his pain into strength. Fans of "Jerusalem" by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.” “I was intrigued from the first sentence, determined to spend the night speed-reading so I didn't have to remain in suspense any longer.” -Ella Dupuie, author of Fractures of the Fallen “Supernatural storytelling at its best, this vivid cinematic novel takes the reader on an imaginative journey through what could be considered end of days. The Monster’s Among Us is a masterful creation and a must read—even for those who aren’t fans of fantasy/horror.” —Joni Marie Iraci MFA author of Vatican Daughter

Diminished by Erica Rose Eberhart

A queen haunted by ghosts. A dragon cursed in human skin. A kingdom on the brink of war. In the aftermath of her father's death, Queen Greer stands at the edge of grief and revelation. Magic—once forbidden—has returned to Wimleigh, but so have enemies. When a prophetic funeral warns of rising death, it sets into motion a chain of events that will test the mettle of queens, heirs, and warriors alike. As Greer grapples with panic attacks and the vengeful ghost of her father, her sister, Caitriona, struggles under the weight of monstrous expectations. Bearing horns, scales, and the voice of a dragon in her mind, Caitriona must lead a secret mission with Ailith MacCree—now a royal guard—north to find a lost prince who could stop a war—if he’s willing to fight. But treachery weaves through the forests, poisons creep in, and fae assassins lurk in the shadows. With kingdoms falling to darkness, an ancient tree bleeding out its final life, and bonds shattered by betrayal, Wimleigh’s hope rests on a dragon no longer afraid to rise. When magic is reborn and monsters wear crowns, who dares to lead the charge?

Tarnished by Erica Rose Eberhart

An outlawed magic, a hidden curse, and a love tested by fire. In the struggling city of Braewick, a determined 20-year-old gate guard named Ailith MacCree longs for a chance at financial stability and adventure. Little does she know, her wish is about to come true. She accepts a mission from Princess Greer that promises both: escort Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains to meet the enigmatic hermit for a great financial reward. Ailith jumps at the opportunity and bids goodbye to all she’s ever known. But as they journey together, Ailith discovers that Caitriona holds a dangerous secret—she possesses powerful magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed. Ailith and Caitriona face mysterious attacks and supernatural challenges. But as they delve deeper into the treacherous landscape, Ailith learns of Caitriona's tragic past and the dark curse that threatens her very existence. With rebellion brewing in Braewick, and the oppressive king hot on their trail, Ailith must not only navigate her growing feelings for Caitriona, but also fight against relentless foes. As they race against time to stop the curse, Ailith and Caitriona uncover shocking truths about their kingdom, their families, and themselves. Will their burgeoning romance survive the trials ahead? Can they break the curse and save their homeland from tyranny? Join Ailith and Caitriona on a thrilling quest filled with magic, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Fans of high-stakes fantasy will not want to miss this epic tale.

Beyond The Dead by Veronica Talliss

"BEYOND THE DEAD" FOLLOWS THE JOURNEY OF VIOLET, A RESILIENT PARAMEDIC. AS SHE NAVIGATES A WORLD RAVAGED BY A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. AFTER LOSING HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY, VIOLET FINDS SOLACE AND STRENGTH IN HER BOND WITH HER FATHER, ARTHUR, WHO BECOMES HER SOLE COMPANION IN THE FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL. AS SHE STRUGGLES TO ENDURE THE HORRORS OF THE NEW WORLD, VIOLET IS UNEXPECTEDLY REUNITED WITH HER LONG-LOST LOVE, RYDER. TOGETHER. THEY EMBARK ON A PERILOUS JOURNEY FILLED WITH DANGER AND UNCERTAINTY, FACING HORDES OF THE UNDEAD AND TREACHEROUS HUMAN ADVERSARIES. AS THEY FIGHT TO STAY ALIVE AND PRESERVE THEIR HUMANITY, VIOLET AND RYDER MUST CONFRONT THEIR PAST AND FORGE A NEW FUTURE IN A WORLD BEYOND THE DEAD.

Toothsucker by Kaden Love

In a cyberpunk future, an alarming disease strikes, dissolving the bones of those with cybernetic enhancements. Petya, a refugee, sells himself to a company experimenting with a potential cure and instead finds himself with a strange new implant… and a vampiric hunger for teeth. Petya only wanted a short trial with easy money, and now he’s at the mercy of a company hell-bent on market control, even if it means turning him into their personal pharmaceutical assassin. They’re out for political power. Petya is out for an escape and teeth. Book 1 in Kaden Love's newest series, Toothsucker is perfect for fans of Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Red Rising, Gideon the ninth, and epic science fiction.

The Book of Origins by Jean Swan

You are the silent knife in the night, the eyes everywhere, that will do what no other can or will…”  The vast Vol Supremacy maintains an iron grip over its people through a secret cabal of spies and assassins known as the dakir. Offered as tribute by their parents, and trained from childhood, the dakir are skilled and ruthless – tasked with crushing dissent in any way they see fit. Three dakir novices approach their final trial, having long relinquished any hope of a future for themselves. Their only wish is to serve their religious order. Or so they tell themselves. Meanwhile, the Supremacy has discovered a lush, wild continent to the south. The settlement there slips slowly toward rebellion - dissenting voices speaking in public, attendance at holy ceremonies dwindling, and an underground resistance fanning the flames of an uprising. And what of the mysteries of this strange new land itself – apparently uninhabited, yet so suited to human life?  Something awaits that will alter the Supremacy forever. This is where it begins.

The 13 Likenesses of Tennie by Tuesday Simon

Max managed to find a figurine that looks a lot like the shy sixteen year old girl who works at the local bike shop. He’s determined to unravel the mystery that is Tennie Harper, but nothing can prepare him for the challenge that awaits. Tennie was kicked out of her realm after trying to do the right thing. Once a highly respected guardian of Eylavast, she’s now stuck in the weird realm of Earth until she completes an overly complicated scavenger hunt as her punishment. It won’t be easy as obstacles and unwelcomed visitors await her at every turn. With the help of her friends, her realm jumping capybara, and her long-lost uncle, Tennie races against the clock to get back home.

In the House of Root and Rot by Sam Weiss

Old Gramps always said the Deadmarsh family was cursed. Will never believed him—until now. In a last-ditch effort to pay his grandfather’s mounting medical bills, Will signs up for a shady sleep study, ignoring the warning signs. But everything changes the night his grandfather vanishes. In his place, Will’s dead sister returns. Convinced the sleep study is to blame, Will tracks down Spectre, the enigmatic research firm behind it, only to discover they’ve disappeared. His search leads him to a girl whose father vanished after her own harrowing encounter with Spectre. She also seems to know more about his family’s past than she’s letting on. Desperate to stop seeing his dead sister and unsure of who to trust, Will forms an uneasy alliance with the girl to find out what Spectre wants with them. Together, they plummet down a rabbit-hole of secrets, discovering Spectre’s true purpose and what it planted in Will’s bloodline centuries ago. Something ancient, something not of this world, has been feeding off his family for generations, growing stronger, hungrier, and desperate to be set free. The family curse is real. And it’s been waiting for Will to unleash it.

The Somnia by Alethea Lyons

Something dark and twisted is stalking Harper in her sleep. Her nightmares are her only clue as to the whereabouts of the home and family she lost over a decade ago, but venturing into the dreamscape means drawing the attention of the hunter. It puts not only Harper at risk, but her sister and everyone else who knows the secret of her witchcraft. While the predator pursues Harper in her dreams, something is kidnapping people in the wakening. When an eyeless corpse is found in the cathedral’s supposedly impenetrable secret archives, Harper’s magic is once again the key to finding the supernatural killer. But searching for them leads her back into the dreamscape and into the waiting embrace of her deadly past.

Under Darkened Skies by H.E. Bauman

A librarian with a secret. A prince looking for redemption. A dark discovery that will force them to confront their truths. Astrea Sovna is destined to die. As a Lightbringer, she’s expected to serve the Helosian government as a battlefield healer; but when the court seer—Astrea’s uncle—has a vision of her being killed in the line of duty, he forbids her to reveal her powers. Until now, Astrea has gone unnoticed as a junior librarian. But when she gets reassigned to a diplomatic project to strengthen ties between Helosia and one of its neighbors, she finds herself saddled with her past, in the form of returned war hero and her ex-best friend, Prince Varojin Auris. Forced to work together, Astrea soon learns that although Varojin has been out of her life for years, he’s still the kind, patient friend she remembers. As they navigate old friendships and imperial politics, the pair discovers that the mysterious shadows stalking the city are leaving a trail of murder victims in their wake. And when Astrea becomes a target, a dear friend gets caught in the crossfire… As Astrea and Varojin begin searching for answers, they realize there is much more to the emperor’s project than political niceties. If the shadows aren’t stopped, Astrea’s future—and the security of the entire continent—hangs in the balance.

The Sundered Stars by H.E. Bauman

Betrayal is just the beginning… After a decade of hunting the Federation’s deadliest criminals, Mora “Mo” Cevi is done risking her life—but she needs a way out. So, when a lucrative military contract lands in her lap, she takes it despite her mistrust of the government. Steadfast leader Ezra Lyre has dedicated sixteen years to the Federation Space Command, climbing the ranks to become one of the military’s most revered Vanguards. But when he’s assigned to protect a group of archaeologists on a remote dig, he’s confused. The Federation is at war, and he should be on the front lines, not babysitting scholars. Mo has been fighting Ezra’s orders for days, until a group of traitors steal a treasured artifact, and he needs her to help him bring them to justice. With the Federation rejecting their concerns, they pursue the thieves on their own. But as their manhunt tangles them in a web of dangerous conspiracies, Mo and Ezra find themselves racing to stop a threat that could destroy the Federation—if their enemies don’t destroy them first.

And the Age of Summer Will Rise by Camilla Andrew

When there’s nothing left to burn you have to set yourself on fire… Having chosen a torrid love over political ambition, Laila must face her greatest challenge yet—that of married life as the star bride to the demon king of Mortos. Despite her best efforts to acclimate to her new crown and country, she finds herself ill-equipped to deal with the schisms starting to form across multiple competing factions. As well as the toll it takes on her husband’s fraying mask of civility. With the web of deceit slowly unravelling the true nature of Darius a constant looming threat, a meddling-mother-in-law, and scheming nobles, can this star-crossed pair hope to make it to their first anniversary intact? Across the sea, the solarites slowly recuperate after a devastating act of terrorism. With tensions high and emotions fraught, a division soon forms between those intent on keeping whatever frail charade of peace can still be maintained with Mortos and those intending to shatter it completely. As a high-stakes game of backstabbing and betrayal ensues, the consequences promise to be far-reaching from the beaches of the south to the mountain peaks of the north, leaving everyone involved forever changed. The third and final instalment in the Essence of the Equinox trilogy promises a heart-wrenching finale to this gaslamp fantasy saga that you don’t want to miss.

We Will Devour the Night by Camilla Andrew

Twenty years after her fateful first voyage north, Laila is preparing for her campaign to become the next impératrice of Soleterea, contending with negative attitudes towards chaos magic and the demons who wield it. In the meantime, Darius has settled into his new position as the rex of Mortos, but his rule has not been without conflict and conspiracy, either. When her mother suggests that Laila distinguish herself politically by lending a hand to the famine-stricken Mortesians, she finds herself once more crossing paths with her old lover and confronting the whirlwind of emotions that twenty years apart have done little to settle. Determined to put her feelings to one side, Laila throws herself headfirst into the viper pit of Mortesian court politics to try to win their favour. However, Darius has an allure of his own—one that is not quite so simple to resist. The second instalment in the Essence of the Equinox trilogy continues on the trajectory of character-driven gaslamp fantasy with high emotional stakes and classical worldbuilding.

Copper Skin, Oaken Lungs by Adam Bassett

For a thousand years, The Old Town has stood as humanity’s last bastion against the maalkonis, malignant black mists that reduced the rest of the world to ash. They are kept at bay by rusty machines on the town’s walls. In order to survive, the dwindling population depends on one another. Since a young age, Justīne has embraced the harsh responsibilities that accompanied her apprenticeship on the last farm in existence. Her younger sister, Anna, is beginning her own apprenticeship as well. Learning engineering was not Anna's first choice, but the town's last mage fell to the maalkonis years prior, leaving nothing behind but confusing books and strange runes. When food runs low during a particularly harsh winter, distrust spreads like a plague, and Justīne is blamed for it. As hunger leads to violence, she and her siblings are forced to flee The Old Town, embarking on a perilous journey into the very mists that had formed their cage. Their fight to survive in the dark develops into a hopeful mystery as they follow the breadcrumbs of a mage’s efforts to save the world. Meanwhile something pursues them through the maalkonis…

Blade of Broken Scales by Makayla Marie

With the dawn of her eighteenth birthday, Princess Adeline of the Ambrose family has become the most eligible young woman in the Kingdom of Scalebreak. As suitors from across the realm line up for her hand-in-marriage, Adeline daydreams about her dangerous midnight adventures. More than anything, she wants to protect her kingdom and learn to harness the brief moments of power she’s been collecting since she was fifteen. She’s never felt more alive than when her body hums with magic stolen from the deadliest creatures in the realm, and she’s willing to kill for it. What will win out – her desires for power, freedom, and to be hailed as a protector of the realm, or the sense of duty to her family and the expectations that come with being a princess? Burdened by the heavy weight of her decisions and overwhelmed by suitors, Adeline turns to what she does best, slaying dragons. But when an average night of ruthless hunting goes wrong, she finds herself injured and kidnapped by the clan she thought to exist only in legend. After just a few hours with her kidnapper, Roman Drache, Adeline finds herself questioning everything she has ever known. Will the princess submit to the whims of family and country in the name of duty, or will Adeline choose to embrace the power within arm’s reach and learn to fight for the truth she has cowered from her whole life?