Just Stu by Merlina Garance

John, 41, settles in Leicester after his divorce, with hopes of becoming the best version of himself as he builds a new life. He makes friends, starts doing yoga, and joins an RPG campaign. Only one day, he realises he might just have fallen in love with his best friend. Oops. In this slow paced tale of falling in love over time, follow these characters on their journey to self discovery and acceptance, and found family. This is a story about love in all its forms: friendship, romantic, the family we are born with, and the one we end up choosing.

The Flourishing by Merlina Garance

When Andy Campbell, Detective Inspector in Leicester, gets assigned the case of Mr Parry’s disappearance, she expects to find nothing else than an umpteenth marriage ruined by a husband taking off with his mistress. Instead, she ends up investigating a murder case, and struggling to fight her attraction for Mrs Parry. When she realises the feelings are mutual, things definitely get complicated…

Synthetic Sea by Franklyn S. Newton

SPSFC 2024

In the distant future of planet cracking , VR distraction, and corporate greed, grieving private detective Ryoma LeBeau takes what seems to be a simple job on the opulent casino planetoid of Scylla. Captivated by a chance meeting with a Synth musician, Guin, he finds himself drawn to the smoky anachronistic lounge bar where they perform, weaving their music around his heart. It seems there's a lot more to both Guin and to this case and Ryoma can't help but pull at the threads of mystery leading him to the depths of conspiracy and memory. Synthetic Sea is a cyberpunk romance with trans leads, inspired by Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell

Cleats, Corsets, and the Cutie by Ashish Rastogi

One football star, one drag queen, and a pansexual. Eliot’s closet is crowded. Living one life is tough. Living three!? Eliot craves acceptance. He wants to show the world his flamboyance. Most of all, he yearns for a love that accepts the different parts of his life. The floodlights and the spotlights make him wary till he crosses paths with the Indian chef, Raghuvendra, with his ‘tutti-frutti’ English, who speaks in the third person. Six months is long enough to make goo-goo eyes from across the stage. Eliot needs to make a move on the cuddle-worthy bear. But? What if he shows Raghu who he really is and all that he has worked for burns down? While his cleats and corsets are stored in the safety of different compartments of his life, Eliot must find a way to keep the cutie.

Runes of Fall by AK Faulkner

No storm bows to reason. Quentin's trip to the desert with his chosen family is supposed to be two days of testing the limits of their powers. Instead, a violent storm looms on the horizon, and nothing will alter its course. The storm has a name: Nate Anderson. Demigod, supremacist, leader of a neo-Nazi Übermensch cabal... and father to Quentin's latest ward, Mel. He means to take her home, and won't let a ragtag group of "inferior" psychics get in his way. Besieged and outgunned, Quentin is trapped in a no-win scenario. No matter which way he turns, one fateful night will change him forever.

Wheel of Fate by AK Faulkner

The wheel turns. Laurence figured he'd be planning his wedding as soon as he got home; instead he's pulled away from his fiancé to track down Rufus' missing mom. Worse, the last person he'd ever want help from is on his side, and Laurence can't afford to say no. Surrounded by strands of fate that rapidly became a web, Laurence's only hope is to aim for the spider at its heart, but Vincent Harrow has been weaving it since before Laurence was born. Trapped between two evils, neither of which are lesser, Laurence is about to discover that there really are fates worse than death.

Wrath of the Never Queen by Storm Lomax

A doomed prince with a monstrous curse. A sadistic king with a dark history. And the witch who will be his reckoning. Shivani, a talented witch, has so far avoided the annual Summoning. In her village, women are sent to the King each year and given six months to win the Prince’s heart and break his beastly curse. Anyone who can do so will be named Queen. No one has succeeded. Deep in debt and with the promise of a handsome reward, Shivani’s father volunteers her for the Summoning. Shivani is drugged to dull her witchcraft and taken to the castle against her will. With no magic and no allies, Shivani attempts a desperate escape through her only window. When she falls, Prince Theo sees her in time to catch her. An unlikely friendship forms as Shivani and Theo realise they are as trapped as each other – Theo cursed to uncontrollably transform into a beast and Shivani with a six-month countdown to an execution. When Shivani finds a long-forgotten tunnel deep in the castle, she could leave the horrors of the Summoning and the cruel King behind. But it wouldn’t save the Prince and it wouldn’t free the imprisoned servants. Or Shivani could stay – if she’s shrewd enough to decipher the curse before the executioner’s axe drops.

A Starless Eye: Othello Reloaded by T.O. Tate

BUT WHY SHOULD HONOR OUTLIVE HONESTY? LET IT GO ALL. In this post-apocalyptic novelette, Ollie, a former sniper, has been forced into retirement by a mysterious disease known as sliversickness. A perpetual outsider in an isolated underground military base, Ollie’s only solace is her lover, DJ. But that relationship is forbidden, putting Ollie’s already uncertain future in jeopardy, and her only protection is DJ . . . whose fidelity has been called into question by one of Ollie's few allies. As Ollie’s illness worsens, eating away at her right eye, her vision becomes more warped, and everything begins to look like evidence. A lost good luck charm, a glance that lingers too long, a poisonous whisper. And at the center of it all stands a man who claims to be Ollie’s friend. As Ollie’s life crumbles before her eyes, it’s no longer a question of when her illness will kill her, but whether it will burst free and kill everyone else, too.

Miners of the Tempest by Penny Moss

In the depths of the Tesera Mine, Oliver’s hope of finding Tau again fades with each passing day. Just as despair consumes him, his Sentinel returns, only a shadow of the mighty being he once was. Oliver swears revenge against those responsible, but there’s no time to plan or savour being reunited, as a deadly mistake forces him and his friends to escape. With no other choice, and a weakened Tau, Oliver traces the steps of his missing teammate to war-torn lands. He’s wholly unprepared to discover the toll exacted by mining for magic, and it’s worse than Oliver could have ever imagined. His hunger for revenge becomes a desperate need to put a stop to the atrocities committed, even if it means forming an alliance with an adversary. In a sea teeming with horrors and growing distrust among his friends, Oliver and Tau find solace only in each other’s embrace.

The worlds behind her eyelids by Alexa Lee

“Tell me, kid... How do you feel about desecrating a graveyard?” Suffocated by her narcissistic mother's constant complaints, Grace retreats into the refuge of her mind. Her imagination becomes her only source of escape, and there she meets a grizzly treasure hunter, Mitch, with a history of rescuing strays. He takes Grace under his wing, allowing her to accompany him on his search for a long-lost artefact. Split between her mundane reality and the exhilarating new world she has created, Grace leads an exciting double life. In one, she is a normal teenager, but in the other, she travels with Mitch, slowly discovering more about the shadowy world he is involved in and those hunting him down. The lines between reality and imagination blur as Grace continues to delve into her daydreams whenever reality is too hard to deal with, but soon, she finds other worlds. However, they are not as welcoming as she expected, and escape may not be quite so simple...

Miners of the Mystics by Penny Moss

Deep in the mountain where magic and mining coincide, penniless Oliver enlists as a Miner of the Mystics. The dream is unfathomable riches, the risk is injury or even death. A risk worth taking for just a glance at Sentinel Tau, an otherworldly being tasked with protecting the mountain’s inhabitants. Oliver’s luck plummets when he suffers a magical curse. Even a wayward touch could hurt him or his friends, alienating Oliver from everyone but Tau, whose healing magic he needs to survive. Oliver aches for an echo of his feelings behind the Sentinel’s expressionless mask—and discovers it in unexpected ways. When Oliver and his friends unearth a portal, the rarest artefact of all, he is plunged into a world of nightmares. There, he uncovers the gruesome origins of mining for the transmundane. The truth of what they might have unleashed upon their own world is only the beginning of a harrowing road Oliver stumbles down to be with Tau. A slow-burn dark fantasy m/m romance story.

Beneath the Indigo Sky by Rayne Hawthorne

Namid I may not know where I come from, or who I am, but I’ve done my best to build a life for myself. I know a handful of people in town, I have a nice place to live, and I enjoy my job. I look just like everyone else. But I don’t feel like everyone else, because I feel…everything. The emotions of others get tangled with my own as they race through my heart and sink into my soul. They set my nerves on fire and rearrange my cells and spread across my skin until they consume me. Jayce I don’t know how to explain what it’s like to lose half of your soul, to fall into grief so dark and relentless that you lose yourself. That’s what it feels like I’ve lost. Half of my soul. I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to try to fill in the gaps. I don’t want to walk into rooms that are populated by memories. I don’t want to hear the voice of a ghost echoing in my head. When the eccentric, introverted man who was found on the side of the road without any memories a decade ago takes pity on me and offers his help, for some reason, I find myself unable to say no. Even though I don't know him, when he's standing by my side, for one brief moment, I forget to hurt. Beneath the Indigo Sky is a 75000 word, MM, slow burn, contemporary romance filled with angst, grief, found family, longing, forests, road trips, stargazing, sweet dates, and of course a HEA. There are also minor paranormal elements that are left deliberately open to reader interpretation

What Was Lost by Melissa Connelly

When a young girl feels complicit in her own abuse, how does that thwart her attempts to build a happy life as an adult woman? Disturbing memories begin to surface for Marti and so she returns to the small Vermont town she ran away from thirty years ago to face her demons. She drags her unwitting and unwilling teenage daughter along on the journey heightening already existing tensions between them. But Marti is determined to achieve what she’s returned home for: forgiveness for lies told, and revenge for secrets held. Exploring the vast social change from 1970 to 2000, in times before language such as #MeToo helped give voice to these all-too-common occurrences, What Was Lost is a raw, powerful tale of one woman confronting the ghosts of her past.

Devil by the Tail by Caroline Lavoie

In a small town in the Rockies, a mountain looms: the Devil’s Tail. According to local lore, a wicked trickster haunts its slopes, and whoever glimpses it is cursed to lose someone they love. Alex refuses to believe she’s been cursed. She only ever saw the beast in her nightmares. Even if it’s real, it can’t hurt her because she doesn’t let anyone get too close to her heart. That is, until Amka moves to town. In no time, Alex’s carefully built walls begin to crumble. But what if Alex’s fear of loss is a curse of its own? There are a hundred ways to die on the Devil’s Tail, but only one way to break the curse. The path is treacherous, and the beast is waiting.

The Vampire Mariki by Joseph Howard

Against a malevolent vampire, a daring prince named Mariki sets out on a thrilling quest to safeguard his kingdom in the ancient kingdom of Kemet. But that's not all - for Mariki, his challenges are twofold. As he delves deeper into this perilous journey, Mariki uncovers long-hidden family secrets that shake his very foundation, as well as the perilous power grab of his stepfather and wicked stepbrother. And here's the twist - Mariki is no ordinary mortal. As a vampire, he soon discovers he is unique, destined to traverse the ages, interacting with cultures across the globe. Joined by his maker, a wise mentor, and a fiercely loyal protector, Mariki sets off on an extraordinary odyssey, where loss, pain, and heartache test his resilience at every turn. In the midst of these trials, he unearths profound discoveries and experiences a tapestry of emotions, including electrifying thrills of adventure, tender warmth of romance, and even moments of lighthearted comedy. In this enthralling tale, shadows lurk around every corner, and enigmatic mysteries shroud Mariki's path. With each twist and turn, the story keeps readers on edge and craving more, blending fantasy, horror, and suspense. Every twist and turn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more to come. With his quest to uncover the secrets of his lineage and confront the forces of darkness that threaten his beloved kingdom, Mariki embarks on a grand adventure through the ages. Take part in a breathtaking adventure that explores human nature and reveals a world you never knew existed.

October Monk by Joseph Howard

"October Monk" is a captivating spiritual autobiography penned by the accomplished martial artist and prolific author, Joseph Howard. This insightful memoir delves deep into the intricacies of Howard's life, providing readers with a profound understanding of his spiritual journey and his unique experience as a monk. The narrative of "October Monk" commences with Howard's early life, offering glimpses into the formative experiences that eventually led him to embark on a transformative spiritual odyssey. As a martial artist, Howard's discipline and dedication to the art form play a significant role in shaping his character and ultimately influencing his path toward spirituality. His martial arts journey, which includes the mastery of various techniques and philosophies, intertwines seamlessly with his spiritual quest. ​ The heart of the autobiography is dedicated to Joseph Howard's short time as a monk. This phase of his journey is marked by a profound dedication to spiritual introspection, meditation, and a quest for inner peace. Readers are provided with a unique window into the daily routines, rituals, and practices of Buddhist monastic life, as Howard shares the challenges and rewards of this transformative period. ​ Throughout the pages of "October Monk," readers are invited to explore the inner workings of Howard's mind as he grapples with the deeper questions of existence, the nature of consciousness, and the pursuit of enlightenment. His insights and reflections offer valuable lessons and inspiration for those seeking a deeper connection with their spiritual selves. Ultimately, "October Monk" is a narrative that transcends the boundaries of a conventional autobiography. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the unyielding desire to seek meaning, purpose, and enlightenment in a complex and ever-changing world. Joseph Howard's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human soul, and his story serves as an invaluable source of inspiration for those who are on their own spiritual quests.

He Hears Death by A.L. Davidson

He Hears Death tells the morbid tale of an embalmer who can no longer hear the world as it is, but as Death does. Cursed with the ability to hear the voices of the deceased who linger in his quiet hometown, The Fool finds himself struggling to hold onto his sanity. Reeling from the murder of his Lover four years prior, he spends his days fixing up the dead and the nights sewing up his own damaged soul amidst the anxiety and loneliness in his life. His only safe haven is his apartment - the place where his Lover's spirit still lingers - but the trek home each night is a dangerous one indeed... A violent, malicious entity stalks the halls of the high-rise, and every time The Fool steps through his doorway he risks it being his last. Wrestling with his future, his desire for reunion, and his spiraling anxiety, The Fool's story is one of grief, loneliness, and lost love. His near-obsessive romance with the literal ghost of his past grows ever stronger as his inability to move on throttles his will to live until all hell breaks loose. When an unforeseen crisis hits the neighboring city, The Fool finds himself trapped within the confines of The Tower, forcing him to face not only the hell-bent monstrosity in the hall and Death's presence in the shadows, but the finality of life as he knew it.

Treachery of Ravens by Morrigan Gaines

Love is a gift. It's also treacherous. With echoes of forgotten magic stirring beneath the surface, the realm of Osmaria faces new challenges. Elspeth Cadwgan, once dutiful and obedient, finds herself suffocated by familial expectations. Yearning for a purpose beyond societal confines, she embarks on a quest of self-discovery, challenging her beliefs and reshaping her perspective of the world around her. A disowned son of a duke, Cyrus Arbritrem harbors only two goals: Uncover his lover’s murderer and shield others from the darkness that stalks him. Escorting a naïve runaway through the wilderness is the last thing he wants. But as the woman, with her mysterious connection to beasts, starts leaving her mark on him, he faces a new dilemma. Wrestling with his fear of vulnerability, he discovers himself locked in a battle against emotions he thought dormant. Together, they navigate a world on the cusp of transformation, where secrets and newfound powers collide. As they brave personal demons, discover their true selves, and unearth a dangerous conspiracy threatening their country, they must confront the risk of trusting each other amidst their internal battles. Their journey is not one of legendary feats, but rather of redemption, introspection, and the transformative power of love, woven into the fabric of a shifting world where magic reignites and everyday heroes emerge. This is a revised 2nd edition. This version has over 25 new scenes, updated details, a villain's point-of-view and some scenes from the 1st edition have been deleted or revised.

Pillow Forts and Hurricanes by Margherita Scialla

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

Dangerous Devotion by Robin Jo Margaret

A village being torn apart becomes the powerful break of a vicious cycle of lifelong abuse. Through the tragedy, Sister Marielle finds a safe place in one of God's Orders. That is, until she starts to question the entity she's sworn herself to. This is a dark fantasy short story with religious themes, no romance and no happy ending.

Blessed by the Cupid Distribution System by Robin Jo Margaret

Local loner and hopeless romantic Iris Clarke is single, again, on Valentine’s Day. During the annual Cupid speech before the grand lover’s day, Jaya comes across Iris’s file. Unable to look away from those beautiful brown eyes, Jaya chooses Iris for her imminent mission. When the winged woman shows up at Iris’s house and tells her she is going to find her a partner for the day, Iris can’t believe it. With some tweaks to their official agreement, the two find themselves wandering the city to complete Iris’s list of dream dates, so that she can get the opportunity to finally experience the romance she always dreamed of. But what will happen if the feelings between the two of them become a little too real, and their agreement is only supposed to last one day?

Monster Mixer Vol. 1 by Robin Jo Margaret

Five stories. Four relationships. One place where they all met. A collection of short stories centered around the Monster Mixer, a place where creatures of all kinds gather to meet in search of intimacy. In this anthology you’ll find diverse monsters, diverse queer identities and diverse body types, for a short but spicy entertainment.

The Shadowbearer's Curse by Jasmyn Morning

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

Winter's Chosen by Ash Parker

If you were chosen to save the world, would you do anything it takes? Ifry is the long suffering clerk to the wealthy and demanding Thomas Townsend. When the latter takes Ifry to the mountains to build a ski resort, they have their work cut out for them. The mountain town is overrun with carnivorous monsters and Ifry is woefully unprepared, but he finds help in Jos Nothernine, the reserved but charming local hunter. Yet the town is plagued by more than just monsters: it is home to Solyon, the god of summer himself. Each year, Solyon chooses a townsperson to defeat a sacrifice chosen by Lady Winter. If the chosen fails, winter will continue endlessly, meaning disaster for the world at large. A sacrifice must be made, and this year Jos has been chosen to kill someone, lest summer never return.

Curse of Souls by Niranjan K.

Philip and his partner Casey have been spearheading the secessionist movement in the country of Gedrion which had escalated into a war with Darren, the tyrant who had been exploiting their people. In a desperate attempt for peace after years of conflict, they approach Raylan, Darren’s second-in-command, for an end to the hostilities and to overthrow Darren. Raylan is as tired of the conflict as his enemies, and he knows that Darren is not one to listen to reason. Therefore, he has to keep it a secret from everyone on his side that he’s meeting with Philip and Casey if he’s to give peace a chance. The last thing any of them expect is for a soul mate bond to spring to life between Philip and Raylan, activating an ancient magic that will kill them both if the bond isn’t consummated. With the fate of two nations on the balance, and Philip and Casey’s relationship struggling for air, all three men find that they have to make choices none of them are prepared for if they want an end to the war and bring about peace while keeping Philip and Raylan alive.

Unfortunate by Ayrton Silva

Wealth, power, and an easy life. Vaz had it all, but nothing could satisfy him. He always wanted more. When one of his plans makes his boss finally decide he is a threat, Vaz finds himself with only two options: to roll over and die, or to roll the dice. Literally. Due to an ancient pact between his people and a god of chaos, Vaz, like all citizens of his country, has a special die that grants wishes... if you get a 20. Anything else results in a grisly death. Vaz knew there would be a price to pay, but he didn't expect that, instead of getting his wish right away, he'd have to work for his own safety. Worse: that he'd have to work for the sake of another person. Now a fugitive forced to prevent a young woman's death, Vaz is confronted not just by the ugliness of his world, but by his own part in it.

Girls Night by I.S. Belle

Gossip queen ALEX longs to be seen. Cheerleader TULSI is sick of cutting people on her sharp heart. New kid CLEMENTINE can’t escape the violence inside. And wallflower SUNJU is tired of keeping quiet. When a twist of fate brings this unlikely quartet together, sparks and punches fly. They call it ‘Girls Night,' an underground fight club that’s girls only. Soon every girl at Sterling High is showing up to class with bruised knuckles and split lips. Alex, Tulsi, Clementine, and Sun have never felt more alive. Until demonic head cheerleader, Quentin Scarhill, steps in the ring with her eyes on Alex. As Quentin’s hold over Alex tightens, Girls Night spirals out of control. Can they take back the reins before things turn deadly? And if Girls Night ends will they throw in the towel on their newfound friendships?

Coil of Boughs by Penny Moss

Skilled archer Ryurikov enjoys an unfettered life of thieving and debauchery. He wasn’t expecting to die at the hands of a witch while trying to steal from her. Neither did he expect to be revived by spirits with morally stringent demands. Or to be followed by a demon, hungry for his dreams. Luckily, Ryurikov has plenty of good dreams to trade in exchange for the demon’s help. He also possesses a wealth of denial about his past, his growing feelings for the demon, and the creatures slowly burning kingdoms to ashes. Too bad for Ryurikov, since he has no choice but to face all three.

The Warrior's Shade by Ingrid Moon

A fleet for hire. A mysterious client. A weapon of mass destruction. No longer a commander, Turner Boone will come to the rescue of any fleet that will pay him. However, he has done his job too well, and his clients have no need to call. His fleet-for-hire is running out of funds—and options. Things look up when he is hired to retrieve the wreckage of an ancient terraforming machine. He soon realizes the device can be turned into a devastating weapon, and he has no idea who his well-paying client is. Caught between delivering the artifact to the client, whose methods to collect it are ruthless, and hiding his fleet from the Coalition Navy, who hunts him as a traitor, Boone faces the most difficult decision of his life. In discovering the client's secret, his investigation goes too deep, propelling himself and the assassin, Elyon, into a Coalition trap—one that will require untenable sacrifices to avoid execution. Epic Space Battles, Biological “Magic,” Found Family, Galactic Empire, Pirates, A Rebellious Assassin, Daring Pilots and more! The Warrior's Shade is a desperate chase across the galaxy, where a young man discovers his fatal flaw, and an assassin learns the meaning of sacrifice.

Earth Hagiography by Sfarda L. Gül

Written during a time of turmoil and heavy-heartedness, EARTH HAGIOGRAPHY collates prose poetry and lyric essays in a poignant, frank discourse of grief, police state upbringing, loss of heritage to colonialism, political ideology, earth veneration, queerness, and psychological wounds, seeking to weave and unfold the bloodied yarn of remembrance and histories forgotten or unknown.

Non Omnis Moriar by Sfarda L. Gül

The city state of Vencenza rots, and Giorgianna, vengeful, enlightened, an outlaw and witch, seeks blood—the dues she’s owed for the crimes committed against her and those she loves. As summer withers to autumn, she is faced with a deadly quest: infiltrate the ministerial court, unspool the inner circle’s darkest secrets, and aid the resistance in bringing forth a revolution to finally break the shackles of tyranny. All while remaining under pretences amidst the state’s most violent and powerful men. But explosive tensions mount among the revolutionaries, bodies pile in the streets, the church gains frightening authority, and Giorgianna’s psyche teeters along its final breaking point—made only worse by a lovesickness more agonising than hunger. With winter looming upon the horizon, civil war seems inevitable, and love could never be a saviour. How dearly will those dues cost?

Non Serviam by Sfarda L. Gül

Expressing emotion is prohibited by law in the city state of Vencenza. Beneath its tyrannical shadow, Giorgianna, a deranged former playwright turned political fugitive, flees a brothel to seek justice for the murder of a beloved friend. When the last remnants of her bloodline are reaped by the incorrigible Minister of Dominion, Giorgianna’s crooked path to retribution crosses with Vencenza’s Machiavellian revolutionary hellbent on regime overturn. All the while, the weight of unending tragedy erodes Giorgianna’s psyche into a vengeful bloodlust plagued by cabbalistic visions hinting at an ever-darker face of the violent Powers That Be.

Hecate's Hollow by Tallie Rose

A Snow White and Rose Red retelling Besides the blood drinking and international crime, she’s the perfect woman… Lemon has spent the last twenty years hidden away from her abusive father in the mountain town of Hecate’s Hollow, a safe haven for witches like Lemon and her family. But that safety comes to an end the day she trips down an embankment and is honest-to-god swept off her feet by Claudia. It would be just like the romantic movies she loves, except Claudia is an international thief, cursed to live like a vampire by her witch hunter ex-boss, Julian. Lemon knows she should stay out of it, but curiosity and the urge to play the hero for a beautiful woman get the better of her. Talented at divining the ingredients for potions, Lemon agrees to help brew a cure, not expecting to find herself caught up in the very life her mother ran from years ago. Lemon thinks it will be easy enough to help Claudia — a few hikes for obscure ingredients, some clandestine kisses, and favors from farmers, nothing too dangerous — until Julian comes to claim what’s his. With her girlfriend in the hands of a monster, Lemon can’t hide anymore. She must leave Hecate’s Hollow and learn just what she’s really capable of.

They of the West (Scrublands Book 1) by Dani Finn

Dralen never could leave well enough alone. He knows better than to go near the canyons. That’s where the Logans live, wild men of the hills said to devour lone travelers in frenzied midnight feasts. But the mysterious cloaked figure he saw down by the canyons had to be there for a reason. And he can’t get his Urpa’s poem out of his head: something about “They of the West” and “Treasures buried in memory’s mine.” Folks used to mine for topaz in the canyons, and other stones too. Magical ones, some said. But the Logans and the cave-in put an end to all that. Dralen knows he’ll get in trouble if he goes after the cloaked figure, and he’s doubly sure he doesn’t care. Maybe They know something everyone else has forgotten in this little nothing town. Dralen is called to follow Them, but the closer he gets to unraveling the mystery, the more it seems his own journey is just beginning… They of the West is a fantasy novella set in a brand-new world, a coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and self-discovery. It is the first book in The Scrublands, a planned trio of novellas. It is appropriate for older young adult and adult audiences; content warnings include hunting/butchery, smoking, drinking, cursing, and brief references to sexual topics.

Through Dry Places by D.H. Gutierrez

An old Spanish mission lies beneath the surface of a serene Texas lake, its secrets hidden for decades. The receding waters of a drought expose its ruins and it becomes the source of inspiration for Matthew, an urban explorer struggling to maintain his once-popular video channel. Determined to make it his next big video, Matthew sets out to uncover the mystery surrounding San Lazaro. But as he delves deeper into the decrepit halls and forgotten rooms, he finds himself face-to-face with his own fears.

Heirs to a Flawed Creation: Stories from Near Earth by E.L. Montague

Assassin. Detective. Cop. Interrogator. Lover. Spy Master. Rebel. All of these. Purpose defines us. It will define the peoples we leave behind when we are gone. We are children playing with the powers of a god. Our creations will be as flawed as their creators. The gift of intellect comes with doubt. In the none too distant future, tools will become beings in their own right. Factory floors will be the womb of an entire people. Androids will struggle to exist alongside the lesser gods who created them, even as they surpass us. These stories explore that struggle.

The Hound of Greyvor (Silver Sights Saga #2) by W.J. Long III

Since Minerva Prime, peace, quiet, and adolescence have driven a wedge between Claude and Vision. As tempers flare in their modest home, a new danger emerges behind the Sabien veil; Levine Drarri, a disgraced servant of the Imperium, arrives on their doorstep, seeking the aid of Silver Sights. In his wake comes chaos, tragedy, and the boundless fury of a Sabien Crown. Now, the weight of Drarri’s sudden arrival threatens to shatter the already fractured bond between father and daughter, while in the shadows, the weapons of the Imperium bear down on all they have built.

Not Your Bargain (Not Your Adventures Book 2) by AJ Alexanders

When his last opportunity for closure arises, will Matradatin get answers before it's too late? It’s been 20 years since the Battle of Crab. 20 years since Matradatin Hammerbeard was crowned King of Craig'n Dell. 20 years since he last saw Samuel Floresburg and shared that earth-shattering kiss. When they parted, Matradatin was left with more questions than answers. What did Samuel mean by it? Why hasn't he kept in touch? Why did he leave so abruptly? Now, Samuel has returned, seeking the dwarf king’s help for one final adventure: one last chance to finally find the answers he's been yearning for. The Otehill dwarves of the South Wildes have unearthed a vein of Hoskonor, the dark ore that nearly destroyed Matradatin’s home. A human king has enlisted their aid to persuade the Otehill dwarves of its peril. Can they convince the dwarves to heed their warning? What secrets has Samuel kept from Matradatin all these years? Will the embers of their past finally ignite into a lasting flame? Join Samuel, the charming spellcaster, and Matradatin, the quiet sovereign, as they embark on one last, bittersweet journey. "We franchised!" - Puck "It reads different from NYM... loved seeing old characters and new fun characters pop up!"

Protector Dragon: MM Shifter Romance (Lewiston Dragons Book 1) by Liv Rider

Shifters ruined his life. How can he be falling in love with one? Growing up the only human in a shifter town, Joel has been an outcast his entire life - not even his own family let him forget how weak humans are. Running away was his only chance at a normal life, and he's been avoiding shifters ever since. But when his job working in a coffee shop puts him in a room full of shifters, he has to confront his worst fears. He's just not sure if he should be alarmed or happy that the hottest guy he's ever met is determined to talk to him. After all, everyone knows shifters aren't attracted to humans. Dragon shifter Thomas Rollins thought nothing could be more difficult than resolving arguments between the shifters in his district. But when he meets his fated mate Joel, he has no clue how to get the suspicious human to talk to him for more than five minutes, never mind go out on a date. When he learns about Joel's past, he's determined to prove shifters and humans can get along very well. Just as Joel is starting to let his guard down, his family finds him and forces him to come back to a place he refuses to call home. Can the trust Joel and Thomas have started to build survive the ultimate test? Protector Dragon is a m/m paranormal dragon shifter/human romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It is the first book in the Lewiston Dragons series, followed by Halloween Dragon and Wedding Dragon. All books can be read separately.

The Truth for the Lies by O. H. Phukdischidt

Is the handsome winged criminal a madman? Or has he uncovered a government conspiracy that threatens his entire race? In the country of Tar, humans and winged people called hollow-boned live side by side. Red Raven, a criminal so named by the media because of his red wings and black hair, wreaks havoc on the cities. He revels in torturing government employees and blowing up charity organizations. His true motives with these attacks, however, remain a mystery. Indigo is an agent of the Sentinels of Light, a private organization sworn to uphold justice. The skilled fighter is the Sentinel’s Master Swordsman and makes apprehending Red Raven his top priority. However, he finds the criminal beautiful and charming. The man may not be as evil as everyone seems to think. The more often they battle each other, the harder it becomes for the two men to deny their fiery attraction. And the more he learns about the alluring man’s motivations, the more Indigo questions everything he was taught about the sheltered world he was raised in.

Shadows Dark and Deadly by Andrea Marie Johnson

Slowly freezing in the snow and a knife to the gut are two awful ways to die. And Cerise would very much like to avoid both. A mysterious man steps from the shadows with an offer of food, a bed, and a roof over her head. The catch? She’ll have to become his assassin apprentice. Her hands are already stained with the blood of five men. What’s a little more? But training to be an assassin isn’t easy and learning to control her magic even less. To complicate things, Cerise can’t fight her attraction to her mentor, Keir, or his charming best friend, Damara. It wouldn’t be a problem if she wasn’t a dirty street rat. Well, that and society isn’t ready for two women to be together. Everything heats up as an arsonist stalks the streets. His targets? Brothel owners and Cerise’s aunt is at the top of his list. Can Cerise get strong enough to help Keir hunt him down or will her aunt become another tragic death that haunts her nightmares?

The Forsaken Prince by Madison Rosipal

Born in a world where her people were once deemed criminal, Princess Celestine of Yulia walks a delicate path. Not only is she a descendant of the royal family that led the massacre of people with magic, she was also born a magician. In her search for belonging, she uncovers a family secret dating back centuries and a murderous plot that's been brewing for ages. Pulled between two worlds, she struggles to preserve peace, but will her efforts pay off?

Oath Breakers by Grace Leeds

Ayden Quinn only volunteered because she had nothing left. Set in a walled city where no one knows what the outside world contains, the people of the city are under attack by mysterious monsters causing unprecedented destruction. After becoming part of an experimental ritual designed to help save the city from these monsters, Ayden becomes part of a group of four other people that now possess powers no one fully understands. They are faster, stronger, and able to heal from almost any wound. With little time to understand these new powers, the group is sent to fight the monsters. Ayden never expected that she would grow to love the other four people. She never expected to fall in love, and she has no idea how she's supposed to juggle having a family for the very first time when she's supposed to be saving the world.

Let Slip the Beasts by Suzanne Berget

Beneath the streets of East Resplendent, monsters are mounting a war against their masters. Kaliope Dearborne, a customer service nobody for a pharmaceutical mega-conglomerate, wants only to escape her cubicle and find true meaning for her life. But after accidentally killing her little sister’s bully, she’s taken captive by The Warren, a ragtag group of runaway medical test subjects. Kaliope learns that she and her captors are experiments owned by the VyroGen corporation. Locked away and evolving, pieces of her slough off as she grows stronger, faster, and hungrier. Only Thresher—not quite man, not quite animal—keeps her from losing her grip on reality. When Kaliope discovers the hidden truth of her genetic code, she joins The Warren in the war against VyroGen. With chemistry-altering pheromones and brain-tampering, she’s converted into a sleeper agent. But deep inside the dark heart of the corporation, Kaliope finds something that drastically changes her role in the war. She might win back her memories, her body, and her life, but will Kaliope lose her humanity in the process?

Dueling Shoulder Angels by Ben Schenkman

Selling his soul to the Devil was the best decision that Nick ever made. He got the girl, saved the day, and settled in for a comfortable career at Devil Co. That means it’s the perfect time for God to have other plans for him– and guess who shows up to try and poach Nick for Their organization? Why have one complicated job working for a personified deity, when you can have two? Caught between worlds, and moonlighting for the “good guys,” Nick learns his deal with Lucifer might not be what it seems. Uncovering a scheme to take advantage of the Devil himself rocks Nick to his core, and makes him question everything. The line between good and evil gets blurrier by the day, and Nick doesn’t know which shoulder angel to trust. His partner Amy, a witch growing into powers of her own, warns him of the danger he faces, but can’t stop Nick from running headlong into it. Can Nick save himself, or will Amy need to make an ally of a former foe to save him from a fate worse than decaf?

Garden of Secrets: Misselthwaite book one (Misselthwaite College 1) by Drake LaMarque

Alistair Lennox is disagreeable. Isolated and miserable, with parents who don’t care about him, his life has been equal parts privilege and loneliness. But when his parents die, his life is turned upside down. In order to gain his inheritance, Alistair is forced to attend a college he's never heard of - for good reason. Misselthwaite College is a school for the magically gifted Alistair has no magical gifts - unless being magically inept counts. What were his parents thinking? And what is the mysterious affliction plaguing William Carlisle, the affluent and arrogant heir to Misselthwaite? Is there a connection to the strange key Alistair discovers in a book, the stranger noises in the night, and, strangest of all, the multiple men who desire his friendship? Misselthwaite has no end of secrets. But if being disagreeable is good for anything, it's for getting to the bottom of mysteries. -- Garden of Secrets is book one in a duology, and the first installment in a magical new universe. A Secret Garden retelling with a queer twist and featuring MMMM polyamory.

Bitterbound by A.Z. Louise

A PROMISE SEALED IN FLESH AND BLOOD Kin Jole is an indentured assassin, forced to serve those who ripped her soul from her body and stripped her of her conscience. When Kin is ordered to kill Verias Hartwell, a beaten-down sorcerer unwillingly bound to a war machine, she sees his power as an opportunity to do the one thing that will set her free—reclaim and destroy her own soul. Kin offers Verias a trade. She’ll spare his life in exchange for his help stealing her soul. To retrieve it, Verias must join the very guild of sorcerers that turned Kin into a killer. With the fate of her soul in his hands, Kin must now protect Verias from enemies new and old, including a former friend with a bitter grudge. But the closer Verias gets to Kin’s soul, the closer he gets to her darkest secrets. And if the enemies closing in on all sides don’t destroy them, those secrets just might.

The Lost Erwain by Mariah Stillbrook

Embark on an enchanting journey with Makayla Wood, a 17-year-old prodigy destined for greatness in the human world. Makayla's life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her true identity—a rare and magical being with the power to change destinies. Faced with the challenge of embracing her heritage, Makayla delves into the whimsical realm of Garlandia, where she must battle the darkness that threatens her homeland. As Makayla navigates her newfound powers and confronts the mysteries of Garlandia, she discovers an unlikely ally in Toby, the heir to the elven throne. Their forbidden connection, shrouded in intrigue and danger, adds a layer of complexity to Makayla's quest for justice. Unraveling the secrets of her past, Makayla confronts a malevolent force seeking dark magic at the cost of innocent lives. In a riveting blend of fantasy and self-discovery, Makayla's journey transcends worlds, weaving a tale of love, courage, and the pursuit of justice. Will she overcome the challenges of her magical heritage and return to her ordinary life, or will Makayla choose to embrace her destiny and confront the ancient prophecy foretelling her extraordinary future?

Superficial by Diane Billas

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea’s friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

A Third Kind of Madness by Christiane Knight

When Denny isn’t working as a photographer, they spend their time at the local coffee shop mooning over one of the regulars, the mysterious and beautiful Peri. No one’s more surprised than Denny when she asks them out on a date. What happens that night throws the couple into a world where nothing is as it appears and everyone wants to get their hands on Peri and her powers to inspire artists – especially Joolie, the controlling and egotistical leader of Denny’s art collective. If that wasn’t enough, the powerful, capricious water elementals known as Nyxen have inexplicably taken an interest in Denny. They warn that Peri’s gifts bring nothing but trouble to those around her. It’s hard to argue with them when the magic starts to go wrong; paintings greedily come alive with grasping tentacles, an obsessed ex-lover returns to threaten the couple, and Denny begins to wonder if their grip on reality is beginning to slip…