The Captain and the Guppy by Noah Bodie

In the underground city of Pirn, Cedric, the enigmatic second-in-command of the feared pirate ship The Waning Moon, oversees an orphanage that provides refuge to the city's most vulnerable. Captain Hawke, the legendary Warden of the Seas, is known for his strength, cunning, and love for those in his charge. As tensions between them simmer beneath the surface, a deeper bond is tested when Hawke returns home wounded and weary, leaving Cedric to question their place at Hawke's side.

Suneater by Noah Bodie

In a world scarred by war, Andreas and Simon are unlikely companions brought together by fate. Andreas struggles with the weight of his family's legacy, while Simon, a hardened mercenary, is haunted by his past. As they journey together, their bond grows from wary allies to something deeper, offering glimpses of hope amid the darkness. They must learn to trust each other not just with their lives, but with their hearts. "Suneater" is a captivating story about trust, family, and self-discovery. It follows the fateful meeting of Andreas and Simon as they navigate a world filled with mystery, magic, and turmoil. As they confront their pasts and grapple with their intertwined destinies, they must unravel the complexities of their relationships and confront their feelings for one another. This captivating narrative explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection, offering a rich and immersive journey into the depths of the human spirit.

The Vault by Cara Nox

No hidden maps. No secret words written among the dotted specks of white. His fingers itched to touch the paint and peel it away to whatever lie beneath—to whatever felt both so horribly familiar yet strange. With about half the keys in Noa’s possession and a horrible discovery that several members of a project to emulate lost magic through a device, it’s looking far more likely that this mission to find the Vault isn’t as much of a fabled fool’s errand as she originally thought. Every piece is seemingly falling into place, heralding the coming of the dark with the light of magic dwindling to sparks. As Noa’s priorities shift with the newly-planted thought that she’s the one chosen to see this task through after the loss of her would-be-Seer and surrogate father, Lazarus, she decides that it might be better to distance herself from that growing bond she’s found comfort in with Glacier. After all, his place is with his kingdom, and once they reach the end—whatever their fates might be—there won’t be any place for a group of killers and thieves in his life. However, Noa doesn’t realize that the other half of her quest’s fated set might actually be standing next to her. Glacier is starting to unravel, thanks to that echo of power rippling along the surface of his soul. Power that he’s not willing to accept, let alone acknowledge, with the crushing weight of what might be awaiting him back in Amarais. Being Miraltan is one thing, but a powerful Seer—a Mage—is another. And with one daemon-summoning adversary recognizing that potential, it’s only a matter of time before he’s hunted for his magic instead of just his blood.

The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles

A lord in danger. A magician in turmoil. A snowball in hell. Exiled to China for twenty years, Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England. But with the mysterious deaths of his father and brother, it seems the new Lord Crane has inherited an earldom. He’s also inherited his family’s enemies. He needs magical assistance, fast. He doesn’t expect it to turn up angry. Magician Stephen Day has good reason to hate Crane’s family. Unfortunately, it’s his job to deal with supernatural threats. Besides, the earl is unlike any aristocrat he’s ever met, with the tattoos, the attitude…and the way Crane seems determined to get him into bed. That’s definitely unusual. Soon Stephen is falling hard for the worst possible man, at the worst possible time. But Crane’s dangerous appeal isn’t the only thing rendering Stephen powerless. Evil pervades the house, a web of plots is closing round Crane, and if Stephen can’t find a way through it—they’re both going to die.

Secrets of Urthis by KD Lumsden

In a world where metal sings with raw power, Irwin Miner’s gift marks him as either savior or destroyer. For nineteen years, he survived his father’s brutality in the isolated mines of Urthis. Now his rare ability to manipulate metal has become both a blessing and a curse. Each surge of his growing powers draws him deeper into a realm of ancient mysteries and deadly secrets. When Irwin meets the captivating telepath Yace and her fierce shapeshifting companion Kipp, he dares to dream of belonging. But their fragile bond shatters as Yace vanishes after a devastating encounter with her past. Hunted by the tyrannical Ishik Empire and haunted by shadows that shouldn’t exist, Irwin must master his abilities before they consume him. Every ally could be an enemy. Every choice could lead to destruction. And somewhere in the darkness, Yace’s screams echo in his mind, driving him toward a confrontation that will shake the foundations of Urthis itself. With its unique magic system and unforgettable characters, “Secrets of Urthis” weaves a spellbinding tale of betrayal, redemption, and the price of power. Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson’s intricate world building and Sarah J. Maas’s emotional depth. Discover why readers can’t put down this stunning fantasy debut. Let the magic of metal sweep you away on an unforgettable adventure

Fall Into You by Georgina Kiersten

It’s Autumn. Is there a better time to fall in love? Imari Haines has had it with the gossip. The whole town is acting like she’s their very own Runaway Bride. A plus-size, black version of Julia Roberts that left a perfectly nice boy at the altar. Her family is no exception. Her mother won’t stop making passive-aggressive comments. Exhausted by this charged atmosphere, a boss that doesn’t appreciate her, and the never-ending town rumors, Imari makes a bold decision. Come autumn, she moves to Appeley (a small town in Hill Country) and never looks back. In Appeley, for the first time ever, Imari feels welcome, happy, and unapologetically herself. She tries new things, makes brand-new friends and, while attending the fall apple festival, she accidentally bumps into a very familiar face… Cassidy Martinez was her childhood best friend and partner in crime. Now, she has grown into a stunning, confident woman, and Imari can’t help noticing. Should she take a risk? Can the two of them pick up where they left off, or is being friends not going to be enough this time around? An F/F Black BBW Sapphic Romance featuring plus-size main characters, a small town, autumn themes, butches and studs, motorcycle rides, coffeeshops, childhood friends-to-lovers romance, and tons of found family feels.

Revenge of the Bakeneko by VB Scott

A dice game in the hands of Takana Gozen is anything but a matter of chance. Takana covets golden ryō coins almost as much as she hates yakuza, and she is a master at manipulating both as she hosts backroom gambling events to pay off her deadbeat father’s debt. She’s spent the last eight years wandering the Nikkō Kaidō highway, living the life of a homeless vagabond—stealing, cheating, and killing—all in the never-ending pursuit of coin. Instigated by the lowliest of prostitutes in the brothel Takana’s mother runs, a series of brutal, deadly events break Takana out of debt, and she earns the power to oppose the very structures that bound her. The found family she collects along the way looks to her for leadership, and together they form their own yakuza clan—the most prosperous and feared in all of Eastern Nihon--The Bakeneko Clan. Takana has trained her whole life to survive deadly encounters, but the risks that come with being a clan head come in more forms than katana and kunai. Protection, love, compassion, friendship, and sacrifice will all be necessary if she is to survive her new life—a life that proves to be more dangerous and unfulfilling than the old one.

Alex McKenna and the Academy of Souls by Vicki-Ann Bush

No dark entities shall pass through this shield, as I will it ... so shall it be. Alex McKenna's plans for a couple of supernatural-free days are interrupted by an ominous visit from the ghost of seven-year-old Haven. The little girl needs his help and he's willing to risk his life to save her after-life. Despite his great-grandmother's warning, he choose to cross the bridge between the living and the dead to assist her. The trip lands Alex and his girlfriend at a high school known as the Academy of Souls. The ghostly campus for dead teens is a safe place for those who are unable to complete their after-life journey. There they meet Ophelia, Haven's older sister, who has been searching for her for more than a century. To reunite the sisters, Alex must cross the teacherous terrain of the in-between realm known as the Underworld, and rescue Haven from the clutches of the Soul Gatherer. A demonic spirit that feeds off of the souls of children. Could this be Alex's last case or will he keep his promise to Haven and save her soul before it's too late?

A Christmas Chance by A.L. Brooks

Timid Californian, Cara, has rented a remote cottage in Scotland for a vacation before starting her new job. But her peace is shattered when an attractive stranger arrives unexpectedly. For the quiet Cara, Steph, whose buzzcut is as sharp as her chainsaw, is possibly the last person she wants to share her retreat with. After her girlfriend cleared out their flat and disappeared, Steph needs a reset, and her gran’s peaceful cottage is just the place. She’ll chill over Christmas and work on her chainsaw sculptures. However, she hadn’t planned on having to share the cottage with a stranger who also wants to be alone. But when a snowstorm blasts through the country, Steph and Cara have to make the best of it. At least they have food, shelter, and a bed. One bed. Is their forced proximity and sizzling chemistry the chance for each of them to hit the reset button in their lives? Or is it the chance of something much more? A sexy lesbian Christmas romance that’s low in angst but high in all the feelings!

The Destined Road by J.M. Testa

Much of Vostheloren’s history is lost. The formerly united realms of men, elves, and dwarves have retreated to separate corners of the world, deeply suspicious of one another. Most remember only war, fear, and a darkness, known as the “horizon of storms,” that bloomed across the seas. Thousands of years have passed since the shadow first appeared, but now the evil, once thought vanquished, lies in wait, threatening to destroy all who challenge it. Tagwen Braithe, newly ascended queen of Yeacralas, the southern realm of men, has taken up the throne after the death of her father. She knows little of her world’s tumultuous past and even less about how to fill her father’s shoes. Many consider her title unearned, so when she answers an urgent call from a neighboring kingdom, she considers it her chance to prove her mettle to the people she is sworn to protect. But as she discovers, her journey will be the beginning of the world’s darkening end and she will be forced to embark on an odyssey that will take her beyond the call of duty and reveal her true destiny.

Tales of the Navigators: Strange Space Short Stories Volume 1 by Katie Silverwings

The Strange is calling you… The world of Strange Space™ is full of stories of all sizes. This first collected volume of Katie Silverwings’ Strange Space™ Short Stories includes ten tales from the lives of the enigmatic Florivans and their human Astral Navigator Counterparts: Sleeping Beauties A Conspiracy of Fluff Aliens at a Tiki Bar An Interlude of Colors A Mystery, Unsolved The Ones who Wear White Hats The View From a Distance Fox in the Cave Rooftops and Space Whales The Tragedy of Harold the Violet These tales of adventure, friendship, and family are all set in the world of Silverwings’ award-winning Strange Space™ Adventures series, where people are accepted for who they are and anything is possible.

Warmth and Darkness: A Strange Space Novella by Katie Silverwings

Even in the depths of space, you can find warmth... Admiral Jennifer Marvin used to think she’d seen everything the galaxy had to throw at her. That, though, was before she met the Florivan Elder Celadon Toreval. She can sum up this Quantum Space Drive Engineer and dear friend of hers in two words: cryptic chaos. Their preference for the company of the most troublesome humans they can possibly find in the Fleet’s ranks doesn’t make matters better. These days, Admiral Marvin is just grateful that the galaxy occasionally sends her a sign that something unusual is about to upset her carefully laid plans. Whether she manages to see those signs in time to do anything about it, though, is always a gamble. Join Admiral Marvin’s crew aboard the starship SCV Aegolius as they face the next chapter in the tales of the Novan War, and find out what new adventure waits for them in the darkness.

The Garden in the Darkness: A Strange Space Novel by Katie Silverwings

Adventures happen when you least expect them... In the time of the Novan War, the pilots of the 2nd Darter Squadron “Musketeers” are no strangers to peril. Even the little Florivan kitten who serves as their mascot has a tendency to get into trouble. When two of the Musketeers and their mascot find themselves stranded on a seemingly deserted mining colony, though, they find themselves in a situation none of their previous adventures could have prepared them for. With no way to contact the rest of the Defense Fleet, they’ll have to find their own way to repair their darters and get back to their starship. To make matters worse, enemy forces are lurking in the nearby asteroids. The Mayview outpost was abandoned at the start of the War, but the Musketeers aren’t alone here. Someone is watching them from behind the overgrown vines... The Garden in the Darkness: A Strange Space™ Novel is the third installment in Katie Silverwings’ award-winning Strange Space™ Adventures series of optimistic science fiction stories. Featuring friendly aliens, the occasional talking bird, and a future in which people are accepted for who they are, the world of Strange Space™ offers tales of adventure and friendship for readers of all ages.

How Ocean Merlani Stole their Navigator: A Strange Space Novel by Katie Silverwings

A new adventure begins... Every starship wanting to use the veiled dimension of Quantum Space as a shortcut around the physical distance between planets and stars needs a Florivan to run the Drive. Every Florivan QSD Engineer needs an Astral Navigator to orient them and keep them anchored to Normal space. Finding the right human to be their life-long counterpart is one of the most important choices a young Florivan ever makes. What happens, then, to someone like Ocean Merlani Barker, who can’t seem to click with any of the highly qualified Navigator prospects their instructors have to offer? Ocean themself seems content to spend their second year in the Nav/Quan training program alone and taking extra classes for their secondary degree in geosciences. Content, that is, until a chance encounter with a certain graduating student from the Security and Tactical program changes the course of their life forever… The way forward isn't always the path that we expect. How Ocean Merlani Stole their Navigator: A Strange Space™ Novel is the third installment in Katie Silverwings’ award-winning Strange Space™ Adventures series of optimistic science fiction stories. Featuring friendly aliens, the occasional talking bird, and a future in which people are accepted for who they are, the world of Strange Space™offers tales of adventure and friendship for readers of all ages.

Celadon: A Strange Space Novel by Katie Silverwings

It's the dawn of a new era... The Novan War has just begun. All that stands between humanity and utter destruction are the ships of the Sol Coalition Defense Fleet. The only problem? None of those ships are equipped with the all-important Quantum Space Drive which allows humanity to travel between planets and stars at a reasonable scale of time. The Drive needs Florivan QSD Engineers to run it, and Florivans are pacifists. Their Council of Elders has never allowed service on military vessels. The Fleet can do little more than sit at the edges of the Coalition’s seven member systems and wait for the Novans to attack. Celadon Toreval is the Youngest of the Florivan Council of Elders. If anyone can come to Fleet Admiral Marvin’s aid and help her save her people—and theirs—it’s them. Celadon, though, has their own reasons to get involved... The time to act has come. Celadon: A Strange Space™ Novel received the 2023 Richard Wright Literary Award for Best Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy from the Memphis Public Libraries. It is the second installment in Katie Silverwings’ award-winning Strange Space™ Adventures series of optimistic science fiction stories. Featuring friendly aliens, the occasional talking bird, and a future in which people are accepted for who they are, the world of Strange Space™ offers tales of adventure and friendship for readers of all ages.

Feathered Friendship: A Strange Space Novella by Katie Silverwings

Something new is about to hatch... Dr. Ariadne Salzar-Newman is not a mad scientist. She is a scientist—a brilliant one at that—but she’s hardly mad. If one asks MSS Venture’s staff psychologist and QSD Engineer, the Florivan Elder Navy Irleeim, she’s only “amusingly eccentric, with a bit more of a fascination with the Strange than is healthy for a human.” That fascination has her once again working with the dangerous miasmas of Quantum Space, in hopes of making travel through that veiled dimension safer for human starships. It’s not particularly safe for a scientist, for sure. Still, having taken Navy’s apprentice under her wing as a part-time assistant, she’s safer than usual. Working with her is good for Cobalt Mereday, too, if only because her unique brand of oddity seems to be the only thing capable of helping them. Even Dr. Salzar-Newman has no reason to suspect just how much of an effect this particular project will have on her family and her protégé, nor how far-reaching the consequences will be. Little Bernadette is not an ordinary budgerigar... Feathered Friendship: A Strange Space™ Novella is the first installment in Katie Silverwings’ award-winning Strange Space™ Adventures series of optimistic science fiction stories. Featuring friendly aliens, the occasional talking bird, and a future in which people are accepted for who they are, the world of Strange Space™ offers tales of adventure and friendship for readers of all ages.

Sparkle Kitty vs. the Clothes by Amy Coles

Sparkle Kitty vs. the Clothes teaches children how to choose the best clothes for the day, with interactive pages and whimsical illustrations. For children learning to read, this story has a phonics focus of the hard "TH" sound. Sparkle Kitty is off to see Grandma Sparkle today! But first, Sparkle Kitty needs to get dressed for the day. There are so many things to think about when picking out your clothes. Can you help Sparkle Kitty pick out the perfect outfit? Recommended Age: 1-5 Word Count: 343 words Lexile Level: 580 Phonics Focus: hard "TH" sound

Sparkle Kitty vs. the Sun by Amy Coles

Sparkle Kitty vs. the Sun teaches children about sun safety with interactive search-and-find pages and whimsical illustrations. For children learning to read, this story has a phonics focus of "IGHT". Sparkle Kitty wants only one thing today: to play outside. But the sun is too BRIGHT! And the sun is too HOT! If only someone could help Sparkle Kitty find everything they need to stay happy and safe in the sun... Recommended Age: 3-8 Recommended Grade: K-3 Word Count: 415 words Lexile Level: 880 Phonics Focus: "IGHT"

Perfect Strangers: Echoes of a Black Suburban Youth by Justin Marlowe

Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Justin Marlowe's Perfect Strangers delves into the challenges of growing up in an era still reverberating from the Civil Rights movement. This poignant memoir captures the dual narratives of Justin and his childhood best friend, Nicos, two African American adolescents navigating the complexities of suburban life in the late '80s and early '90s. Their stories explore the universal struggles of youth—romance, socialization, and mental health—against the backdrop of racial and class tensions. The intertwining experiences of Justin and Nicos reveal a nuanced portrayal of teenage confusion and family dynamics, offering a unique perspective on suburban black life. Marlowe's raw honesty bridges generational divides, presenting a narrative that resonates with readers across diverse backgrounds. Perfect Strangers is a compelling account of friendship, identity, resilience, and pop culture illuminating the shared human experience in a divided world. This is a story that speaks to the heart of our collective struggles, told with unapologetic authenticity.

Awakening in Sapphire by Jonathan Hawker

Camelot is fallen. King Arthur is dead. The world carries on, slouching toward its final breath. "I do what I have to just to stomach this cesspool I woke up to!" Seventeen hundred years after the events that shaped him into a villain of legend, Morgan le Fay wakes, little more than flashes of his life past to guide the way. Thus, he dons the mantle the world has fashioned for him, cloaking his true identity beneath the guise of a mercenary—teaching the neon city of Etna that he is not one to be trifled with. "And me? What about my life helped you stomach this place?" Aaron Jones will never know a land beyond this one, and while it may not be a place of fairytales, he does everything within his limited power as an officer with the ECPD to make it safe. That is until his efforts lead him to a dark alley in the middle of a city-wide blackout, and a jab to the neck lands him on Etna's missing persons list. The past and future collide in Etna—one of the final bastions of humanity—as Morgan navigates the schemes of the corporate giant, Esotech, the politics of the Occult Community—and the notion that he could be so much more than the world remembers. Awakening in Sapphire is the first installment in the Once & Forever Kings series. While it is a low spice MM Romance at heart, it features many characters along the LGBTQ+ spectrum. With a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, a soulmates theme and a cast comprised of found family, it's a Happily Ever After for now that will continue in the following four books!

Dad Magic: The Monarch Children Saga Book One by Benjamin Twigg

Welcome to Spellford A city where enchanted coffee shops serve lattes with a side of prophecy, and fried chicken is delivered to your door in mere seconds. Here, Brent Abernathy, an ordinary dad with a not-so-ordinary past, is about to have his world flipped upside down. His teenage daughter, Victoria, is not just any teen; she is the key to an unimaginable power, and sinister forces have taken notice. Armed with nothing but his wits, some dad jokes and the help of his Half-Orc best friend, Paxton Grimtusk, a loveable geek with a heart of gold, Brent sets out on a spellbinding adventure. As secrets unravel and betrayals sting like cursed nettles, Brent finds himself tangled in an age–old conspiracy that threatens the balance of magic itself. To save Victoria, he will need more than just a dad bod and fire spells. He’ll have to face down ancient forces and do the impossible: rewrite the rules of magic.

A Gift of Words by Rosalind Dando

Cam has plenty of things to worry about. His best friend might have broken someone’s fingers, the class bully won’t leave him alone, and staying under the radar of his teachers is much harder than it ought to be. He definitely doesn’t need magic to make his life any more complicated. Which is good, because when he does write his name in Libris Sapientia—the book of wisdom—a whole lot of nothing happens. He is a failure, and even a book agrees. Then, Loman Lykill joins their class, bringing a whole new brand of chaos to Highgrove Secondary. Cam has his magical gift, whether he wants it or not.

RUNNIN' NO MORE by G.T. DÍPÈ

Love shouldn't be a crime, but for twenty-three-year-old Teniade Adeowo, it is. After fleeing Nigeria to escape both the law and his trauma, Ade arrives in England with one goal: to leave everything behind. But when his path collides with Stefan Wickström's at Heathrow, Teniade learns that sometimes the things you run from have a way of chasing you down. Stefan is no stranger to running either. Leaving Sweden behind, he's convinced that constant motion is the only way to stay one step ahead. But Teniade's quiet intensity stops him in his tracks—and suddenly, Stefan's past feels closer than ever. In a world where love feels like a luxury they can't afford, and with the ghosts of their pasts lurking just behind them, Teniade and Stefan must decide whether to let love be the force that finally sets them free—or if their fragile bond will snap under the weight of secrets too heavy to bear.

Caraway of the Sea by Madeline Burget

Caraway Auclair has devoted herself to protecting her brother, serving as the ship’s first mate and enforcer. Sacrificing nearly all she is to ensure that he becomes the most fearsome pirate Captain to ever sail the Carnelian Sea. She realizes too late, that the seas have only grown darker, and the waves more fearsome, they threaten to pull her under completely and mold her into something akin to a nightmare. After Caraway's closest friend dies in a brutal storm, grief puts Caraway and her brother at odds more than ever before. When they dock on Isla Dalia after the devastating storm, Caraway is surrounded by both friend and foe, oftentimes unable to distinguish between the two. She must navigate a torrent of emotions unlike any she has weathered before. Seeking out any and all distractions, she begins to grow dangerously close to a rival Captain, despite her brother's warnings. As another storm looms, ever encroaching upon her crew's uncertain future, her fears are laid bare for all to see. Caraway struggles to face the demons of her past ... only to discover that they pale in comparison to the monster that she had a hand in creating. As she drifts further away from all that she once knew, secrets slowly begin to surface, and the tides of her life as she knew it begins to shift ... A shift that just might destroy the life she's worked so hard to protect, and her future with it.

Fall by Brian Guthrie

In the wake of Brian Guthrie's Dragon Award nominated novel Rise, comes Fall . . . War has broken out between the shells, fragments of a shattered world that humanity clings to for survival. To stave off the conflict, the survivors of a brutal attack seek aid from the one source no one else believes can help: the dragons. But the creatures are fractured into two factions and caught up in a fight of their own, a conflict that may be connected to the war above. As the survivors seek answers and help, they stumble onto a secret, long lost, that once nearly destroyed the world. A secret that has the power to save humanity. Or end it.

Rise by Brian Guthrie

On a world brought to the brink of destruction, life now clings to the shattered remains of the planet's crust. These fragments are the Shells: fragile wastelands of desert and rock, protected from the cold of space by a water shield. In the struggle for survival, its people have depended on ancient technology, controlled by the omnipresent Network, to sustain the entire population. But the Network is breaking down, water is sparse, and a complete societal collapse is imminent. As the stakes become clear, the inhabitants of the Shells begin to turn on each other, and appear headed for all-out global war. Now the paths of several strangers will converge at the opportune moment. From a woman who seeks to protect her family as it's ripped apart to a prison warden hiding from his past, this unlikely group has little in common--but together, they may hold the key to saving humanity from its worst enemy: itself.

The Fractured City by Morgan Moreau and Kate Jenkins

She might be the queen, but mounting pressure from the old guard prevents Collette from making real change in Coralia. Following the death of her father, Collette dreams of peace and prosperity for her people. She wants to stop the Merscales trade and grow the economy through international cooperation. The nobility wants to maintain the status quo. ​ When an important visit from the Nereid emissary is overshadowed by the brutal murder of Wrenn Almeida, Collette finds herself accused of murder by Wrenn's sister, Rhoslyn. As tensions rise between herself, her half-brother Zephraim, and Rhoslyn’s supporters, the queen finds that her only choice is to flee the kingdom. Her allies—a trio of mercenaries, her aging guard captain, and her half-human lover—must stop at nothing to protect her.

Silver Star, Red Dragon by C.A. Chaplin

Immortal love begets immortal conflict. Millennia into a self-imposed solitude, elvish healer Cúraniel is content. She has her garden, the Great Tree, and her goddess. That is, until fate brings a dying soulmate to her hill. Twice. The Red Dragon, called the “God of Carnage” for all the elves he’s slain. An elf king, begging her to join his cause. Drawn into a mysterious war threatening the very existence of her people, Cúraniel must turn to their oldest enemy for aid; the Red Dragon himself. She is a moth to his destructive flame, but he loathes her other soulmate. The feeling is mutual, and backed by a court who blames her for the Dragon’s malice. Can Cúraniel make peace between her hostile soulmates, a society who shuns her, and the darkness threatening to swallow them all? “Silver Star, Red Dragon” is an epic dark romantic fantasy for those who wished “Lord of the Rings” had a bit more “Kushiel’s Dart.”

The Other Side of the Looking-Glass by Dakota Jackson

Fifteen-year-old Naomi Nakano craves love and acceptance. She never knew her mother, her birth father is neglectful to say the least, and her guardian Matt isn’t exactly the traditional parent. So when she moves to a new town and finally makes a real friend, she can’t help but feel good about the attention her friend’s older brother, Wren, immediately gives her. He lavishes her with compliments and attention — and so what if he’s 25-years-old and she can’t tell anyone about him? At least she’s no longer an outsider. But as Naomi gets lulled into the intoxication of Wren’s attention, she fails to see how easy it is to lose her newfound sense of normalcy in all the lies. Now she must fight to maintain her secret at the same time she juggles hardship after hardship before she loses not only Wren, but herself, too. If you're a fan of compelling young adult fiction like Amber Smith's The Way I Used to Be, or thought-provoking literary fiction that dives deep into the complexities of love and identity like Kate Elizabeth Russell's My Dark Vanessa, then The Other Side of the Looking-Glass is a must-read for you.

The Shadow of Arcadia by Alan K. Dell

SIDERA SILERE: LET THE STARS REMAIN SILENT. Nestled in the shadow of a derelict alien warship, the Martian city of Arcadia Landing shines as a beacon of humanity’s golden future. There, United Nations representatives gather to sign a new international treaty; a stepping-stone towards global unity. But when a dangerous faction born of an unlikely blend of isolationists and alien-worshippers attacks the city, the hope of unity lies scattered among the ruins. Heartbroken, Captain James Fowler must work together with Nate Rifkin, the rueful captain of the Magellan, to bring those responsible to justice. But a deadly encounter with the cabal’s enigmatic masked leader draws James into a deeper mystery stretching back nearly fifty years. With the help of Capt. Erin Pritchard, and anachronistic force of nature, Capt. April Rose-Hartley, they investigate the links to James and Angela’s past to uncover the identity of this murderous figurehead, track him down, and put a stop to his grand plans for humanity.

Even If We're Broken by A.M. Weald

Still reeling from being ghosted by her girlfriend, bioarchaeologist Kate Roth agrees to join an estranged colleague to teach at his field school at a Viking-age archaeology site in the wilds of Newfoundland. While welcoming the escape from Colorado where she’s been medicating resurfaced anxieties with wine and angry rock music, she’s wary of three important facts: 1) she’s had a crush on Viking Cowboy Ben for half her life, 2) Ben is a family man who lives in Norway, and 3) all her romantic relationships, and most friendships, seem to have an expiration date. For archaeologist Esben “Ben” Veholt, inviting the woman he’s been in love with since digging alongside her 23 years ago was, of course, the worst possible thing he could have done for himself. This summer was supposed to be his escape from reality: a love life in ruins, worsening body image issues, and a teenage daughter who suddenly wants nothing to do with him. When Kate accepts his offer, he intends to retain a professional relationship with her. A woman like Kate could never love him anyway—not with how much he’s changed inside and out. All seems fine on the surface as Kate and Esben’s friendship rebuilds, but as they dig deeper, they realize just how broken they both are. To heal from their painful pasts and reclaim their crumbling presents, they each need a friend who accepts them, mess and all. But summer won’t last forever, and a third chance at romance threatens to drift across the ocean yet again.

Wristlocked by AK Blythe

Monsters don’t cry… they devour. Gia I’m a monster, disguised as a princess. Only Lyot has seen pieces of what lurks beneath the circus prodigy, and some shadows are too dark for even my best friend to handle. Gale Shepard, on the other hand, is just my kind of nightmare… Lyot I’m in love with a beautiful monster. Just because she’s been by my side since we were kids doesn’t mean she won’t destroy me. While I’m reeling in the wreckage of the only future I’ve ever wanted, Gia offers up a darker dream. One that includes a green-eyed sadist and has me wondering: Maybe it's time to let my own shadows out to play… Gale I’m the biggest monster at the top circus school in the country and I’m trapped in a cage. When cirque royalty Gia Laurent shows up with her pretty boy guard dog, I know she's the key to my freedom. But when our shadows collide, forcing our duo act out of rehearsals and into my bed, all I want is to claim every flavor of her pain—including the man she left broken on his knees.

Unlocked Dive by AK Blythe

Even fallen angels are allowed to dream… Echo Fearless. Flawless. Fractured. I’m an aerial prodigy with a perfect future—until it’s shattered with the bones in my wrist. Now my only hope of rebuilding my dream is to spend four months training in a secluded cabin with Cirque recruiter Byrd Baardwijk. One look at the former rope god, and I want him to “evaluate” a lot more than my unlikely recovery. He sees me as a bad idea. I see his own broken pieces begging him to lose control. But as our time runs out and our shared ghost comes calling, I start to wonder—is my salvation worth the price of his soul? Byrd Retreat. Recover. Resist. Running away after my divorce isn’t supposed to be complicated. Until an old friend asks me for a favor and my dreams of solitude are invaded by the ghost of the first guy who broke my heart. Except Echo Wash is nothing like his older brother. He’s sass and sin, a mistake I can’t afford to make. And for the first time in my life, I want to ignore all my cautious, moral warnings and drown myself in every forbidden fantasy he offers. But how can I put him back together when all I want to do is take him apart?

The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala

The Duchess of Kokora, Phera Ylir Mdana, has entered the marriage games of the neighboring kingdom of Ryene. But she’s not there to woo the dashing Prince Dominic. Her true objective? To win back one of the other contestants, Lady Rocelle Virae—Phera’s true love and ex-fiancee. Love proves to be a game like any other when Phera must not only mend matters with her childhood sweetheart, but conceal her true intentions in order to earn votes and stay in the competition. And as long-brewing political tensions simmer beneath the surface, the playful veneer of the competition begins to crack. In the end, Phera, Dominic, and Rocelle find themselves united in a desperate bid to prevent a duel that threatens the integrity of the kingdom, the stability of the continent, and any hope for a happily ever after.

Dogmatic Dungeon Dominion by Schuyler Lisette

In a world where the supernatural collides with the ordinary, dungeons—dangerous rifts to other realms—begin appearing across the city, threatening humanity. The Hunter Association, tasked with sealing these rifts, relies on Guides who are psychically linked to Hunters with extraordinary powers. A former soldier, becomes a newly awakened Guide at 27, struggling to adapt to his role. Paired with an S-ranked Hunter, a reckless veteran esper, he faces the daunting challenge of navigating deadly dungeons filled with nightmarish creatures. Their partnership is strained—A disciplined and methodical solider, and an esper who's impulsive and dismissive of rules. As dungeons appear more frequently, each mission tests their limits and teamwork. While the Guide adjusts to his new life and role, the esper wrestles with his haunted past and growing responsibilities. Together, they uncover a disturbing pattern behind the dungeon outbreaks, suggesting a larger, sinister plot at play. Amid the chaos, the guide grapples with losing his former life and his growing attachment to his esper, while the looming danger threatens to push them—and their fragile trust—apart. Every decision they make could determine the city's fate, or possibly the entire world.

Corrupted Tides by S.M. Campbell

Centuries ago, the gods of earth and sea went to war and ravaged the worlds of humans. Now, the oceans have swelled and mortals have made their homes on floating cities, using precious sea glass as the key to their survival. Vila is one of those survivors, fighting every day for control in this brutal world as a Blue Lady and prize fighter. But when a strange corruption seeps through the waters of the Planks, Vila must find allies in an unlikely group to help the people she loves. Narrio is a master thief, making his way on wits, charm and luck; until a secret cult recruits him for a mysterious mission. Now he must travel to the Planks for what may be his most dangerous heist yet. Something is coming, and it threatens the existence of all. When the moon rises, the seas will change, and nothing will ever be the same. Welcome to the world of the Swell. Welcome to Corrupted Tides

Sparkle Kitty vs. the Campground by Amy Coles

Sparkle Kitty vs. the Campground is an interactive picture book that teaches children about camping safety and etiquette in a fun and vibrant way! Sparkle Kitty is going to the campground. That means exploring, campfires, and s'mores! But there is a problem: there is no wood for the campfire. Can you help Sparkle Kitty get everything they need to start a campfire and make yummy s'mores? Recommended Age: 1-5 Recommended Grade: Pre K - K Word Count: 448 words Phonics Focus: "OU" sounds

In Fog by Amber Reinke

With a gasping breeze it fluttered the fallen leaves, toying with the weight of them as easily as it did the tail of my coat. We did not speak, the park and I, not in words. Yet we understood one another through the memories that followed. In those memories I felt your hands—chill as ever against my cheeks–and we were together again, whole as we were meant to be, whole as we had been so many years ago…

Venor by Halli Starling

A novel of werewolves, horror, and romance… Renzo's a bartender at the Silver Crow Pub. He's technically part-owner, but since his ex has the majority stake in the bar, Renzo often gets punted off to the side. An average midweek night turns dangerous when a patron seems to turn almost...rabid. As Renzo moves to defend the others in the bar, he's saved by another patron. Cedrick went to the Silver Crow looking for information on his latest case - a woman who went from mild-mannered schoolteacher to frothing rage and mindless fury, seemingly overnight. She died, and her brother wants answers. So Cedrick took his private detective skills to the Silver Crow, where the sister was last seen, but winds up using his fighting prowess to defend the bartender from a guy with a switchblade and blackened teeth and gums. What starts in the Silver Crow takes Renzo and Cedrick all over the city of Bennek and beyond, leaving them to grapple with their pasts, their attractions, and their secrets. And when Renzo’s ex is taken hostage, they team up again - this time to head back to a city on the brink of riots and to infiltrate the rehabilitation facility that had once saved Renzo’s life. Whoever is feeding people tainted drugs is causing mayhem across Bennek, and their sinister motivations are unknown.

Coup de Coeur by Halli Starling

A queer historical fantasy/romance set in a version of 1899 New York City where magic is common and convenient, Coup de Coeur follows the journey of three men whose fates are tied to the seemingly sudden appearance of a strange, possibly sentient, grimoire. Calix Addington, Earl of Batherton, has a complicated relationship with his friend and former classmate, Lawton Adler. Lawton’s tendency to attract, and often cause, trouble leaves Calix sometimes holding the bag (which definitely happens). Calix is also harboring a secret – he’s an Oracle, like his mother, and in a world where small magic is meant for aesthetics and convenience, larger displays of magic are frowned upon, sometimes illegal, and very much what the church and several important organizations fear. When Calix is stuck with a strange book after Lawton’s shady dealings go wrong one spring morning, he takes shelter in Ethaniel Harkness’s magical tailoring shop. Calix and Ethaniel know each other as customer and tailor, but Ethaniel’s kind heart won’t let Calix stay in danger. As Calix hears the strange book speak in his mind, Ethaniel contacts his old flame Aubrey Lavigne. Aubrey’s expertise with magical objects as the curator for the Magnificus Collectio, an archive hidden behind a tourist trap museum, will be key to understanding what this book truly is. Magic, love, lust, fear, and danger run rampant as this strange book becomes the catalyst for a much larger plot conducted by a secret sect known as The Golden Order. With The Golden Order giving chase to retrieve the book, Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey’s lives tangle and they must flee the city to separate Calix from the book, shake off their pursuers, and find time for their burgeoning attractions. COUP DE COEUR has deep roots in the real-life queer history of New York City, but also in art and culture.

And Then He Kissed Me by CM Daniels

Britain is booming. The winds of change are blowing. But for some, love is still illegal. Tommy Kent lives a boring, unfulfilling life and can’t see any way out. He does the same thing over and over again, hundreds of times a day in an unbearably loud, hellishly hot, acrid-smelling factory. He lives for the weekends, when he can lose himself in the music, fashion and nightclubs of the mod scene. His friends and family love him unconditionally, but he’ll never have the one thing he truly wants: someone to share his life with, someone to grow old with. He decided long ago that it’s easier - and safer - to be alone. Even if that means a life half-lived. That is, until Eric Greene rides into his world on a beautiful blue Lambretta, making Tommy want things he’d long since given up hoping for. Eric has his own demons to fight. He was born into wealth and privilege but he’s never known love or affection, not even from his family. All he’s ever wanted is to belong somewhere. Are they brave enough to risk falling in love? What have they got to lose? Only everything. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s London, And Then He Kissed Me is a story of forbidden love and found family accompanied by a soundtrack of American Soul and British Beat music.

Where Willows Weep by Luna Fiore

If these walls could talk… Years ago, Jess ran away from her small Southern town and vowed to never return. But when her mother needs a caretaker, Jess is forced back into her childhood home with its rotting floors and growing stains. Reconnecting with her high school sweetheart, Sam, is the bright spot as Jess is haunted by disembodied cries, malicious shadows, and sleepwalking episodes. Will she survive the specters that haunt her home or will the house drown her in its secrets?

By the Pint by Jemma Croft

Dima Black might be the richest, most successful vampire in all of Borderlands, but all he wants to do is sew his quilts. Dima enjoys a quiet life in his inner-city Remy apartment with his flatmates, a fridge full of B+, and his fluffy bunny slippers. At least, as quiet as things can be for a mind-reading vampire. He definitely doesn’t need some gorgeous telepathic human ex-athlete showing up and upside-downing his undeath. But when Dima is summoned to present the keynotes speech at the Bloodsucker’s in Business conference, that’s exactly what happens. Disgraced former wingball star Casey ‘The Temper’ Freckleman wants only one thing, immortality. Luckily for Casey, his master has promised to turn him into a vampire if he can telepathically extract business secrets from the famous Dima Black. Should be easy, right? Casey’s never struggled with this sort of thing before. Unfortunately for Casey he can’t seem to break into Dima’s mind, and the vampire himself turns out to be the most distractingly distracting man alive … or undead. By the Pint is the third book in the Fantasy Flatmates series but can be read as a standalone. The book features spicy content, grumpy sunshine, a vampire/human pairing, and a HEA

The Gifted by S T Geeves

Power. Who has it? Who wants it? Who fears it? Betrayed by a friend and pursued by a brutal warlord who massacred her people, Einna seeks to fight back. Her headstrong actions only make things worse. Women aren't supposed to be gifted with magic, and weapons are forbidden. In the fight for her life, and with everything gone, can a girl barely of age make a difference? Across the Daymocle Sea, King Ahron’s magic is a secret he must hide at all costs. With war inching closer the Peasant King must act. A powerful alliance seems a solution, if only his bride didn't detest him. In distant lands far north, the Fury is unstable. Could the perpetual storm fall? What happens if a host of cruel predators escape their magical prison? For Einna the Fury is a story, less real than visions of impossible flying lizards. Ahron knows the Fury intimately but has other concerns. Who is the flame-eyed girl spying with magic? Can he unravel a plot and protect his realm without revealing his true face?

The Way It Would Become by Amena Jamali

Before the rise of the Quest of Freedom, their mothers and their fathers witnessed the darkening of the skies... Riqeta, Princess of Zahacim, is the most powerful warrior to stalk across eastern and southern Icilia. Both her skill and her honor in war are legendary, and her defection to her new husband’s nation is an upheaval of their world’s political balance. Yet beneath her fierce veneer is a woman unsure of how to love. Naman, Prince of Koroma, is renowned for his compassion and good heart, and his wedding to Riqeta renders him a political force to behold. Yet there is one flaw to his happiness — he cannot be sure whether Riqeta loves him. Not long after their wedding, the king gives Riqeta and Naman a mission of dire importance: resolve the growing insurgency in the south before it poses a true threat to the crown. Riqeta’s martial prowess and Naman’s benevolent voice surely can resolve anything. So they set out, thinking success will not be too difficult to achieve. But the evil festering in the south is unlike anything they could ever imagine… Will they even be able to see it to survive it? Amena Jamali continues on her literary career with a sweet yet haunting new adult fantasy tale of romance, home found through love, strong heroines, and gentle heroes that ponders at what it means to have courage in the face of evil. Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon will savor this story of staying strong in dark times.

The Reverence Chosen by Amena Jamali

With the reconquest of the nation of Nademan, some light has returned to the world of Icilia. The Quest of Freedom has been victorious in the first part of their war against the Blood-soaked Sorcerer, and now they look to the second. But just as Lucian, Malika, Elian, Arista, and Kyros finally finish their preparations, a scream echoes through the night. A sign that the protections around Icilia’s most sacred places, the athar mountains of Asfiya, are breaking. And soon after arrives the news that the Blood-soaked Sorcerer is coming — with an army vast enough to blacken the plains. Rushing west, the Quest finds a nation on the brink of madness. The hallowed cities are too filthy to endure, and the people they have come to save are more than lost — they are cruel themselves. Yet the Quest must save them — all of them — before the enemy reaches Asfiya. For, if they fail in the least degree, the cost will be in the currency of souls. With such high stakes and such little time, they cannot escape the Does even the Divine truly possess the power to defeat the encroaching darkness? Amena Jamali continues on her literary career with a haunting new adult fantasy tale of found family, strong heroines, and gentle heroes that ponders the meaning of human dignity amid a clash of absolute good and absolute evil. Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon will savor this story of redemption, mercy, and hope in the darkest of times.

The Bell Tolling by Amena Jamali

The Blood-soaked Sorcerer tyrannizes the land of Icilia with every form of cruelty imaginable, dyeing his armor red in the blood of innocents. Crushed to pieces under such savagery, the people of Icilia abandon hope and forget the gifts of civilization that had once been their dearest blessings. Amid this darkness comes light in the form of Lucian, the divinely-appointed hero of Icilia and the Leader of the Quest of Freedom. Educated in all of the ancient arts, Lucian has the virtue and power necessary to cleanse evil from the land. But not alone—answering the call of his sacred destiny, Lucian gathers together his four divinely-chosen companions and embarks on a journey to free his world. He is determined to restore the forgotten laws, heal the tormented, and unite the land behind his banner. Yet his companions seem too shattered to save anyone, while his people might be too blind to see the light. And above all he must confront the question: Are there some evils even the Divine cannot conquer? Amena Jamali embarks on her literary career with a haunting new adult fantasy tale of found family, strong heroines, and gentle heroes that ponders the meaning of freedom amid a clash of absolute good and absolute evil. Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon will savor this story of light springing forth from dark places.

Cross the line by Lucky hart

Alexander King: Handsome, popular and a D1 soccer star, Alexander King appears to have it all. He’s just hiding one (or two, or three) little secrets, like the fact that he’s still in love with his older brother’s best friend Theo, he doesn’t actually want to play soccer anymore, and that at twenty-one, he’s still a virgin. When unexpected circumstances bring him and Theo together, it’s a recipe for heartache, but Alec is sure that he can handle it. He just needs to make sure the jenga tower of secrets he’s been keeping doesn’t topple over and ruin everything. Theodore James: At twenty-nine, Theodore James has the kind of stable life his childhood self could only dream of. Sure, the only person he lets into his life is Jason, the best friend he’s had since he was seven, and his sole form of companionship is one-night stands, but he’s content. Mostly. When Jason requests his help, Theo doesn't hesitate, even when that favor involves Jason’s feisty, smoking hot little brother who’s all grown up now. Theo can definitely handle Alexander King. Maybe.

Offset: Book 2- Children of the Gulf by Delvin Howell

Magic is violent. No one understood this more than Kyle Harding, a young stick-licker from the Caribbean island of Bimshire, where miracles are sold every day. The problem is, each one comes with a burdensome debt. As an obeah witch, Kyle's mother has built a massive debt which was passed on to her sons upon her death. And now Gulfsyde, a duo of brutal assassins notorious for leaving carnage in their wake, has come to collect. With a past drenched in blood, fire and bodies, Gulfsyde aims to retire with one final kill. But Kyle has a little brother—Damien—to protect, and he will not lose any more family to the obeah trade. Though bus stops ignite, and devastating magical weapons form against him, Kyle defends his home with only the lowly sugarcane his mother left behind.

Offset: Book 1- The Mask of Bimshire by Delvin Howell

Magic is Expensive. An underground obeah trade lies within the Caribbean island of Bimshire, where miracles are sold every day. The problem is, each one comes with a burdensome debt. As a child, Kyle Harding thought Bimshire a frightening place. Bus stops glow. Flute music haunts the air. And the shadows themselves stalk him. With his mother dead, and a baby brother—Damien—to raise, Kyle had much to endure growing up. But when a serial killer attacks his home, Kyle is forced down a bloody path where he discovers the history surrounding his family and the massive debts his mother left behind.