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Blue Ridge Calling by Olivia Neal The Appalachian mountains are some of the oldest in the world. They say ancient magic runs through these rivers and valleys. Two years ago, a car accident on a perilous mountain road sent a family into freefall, and none of them have been the same since. Sage used to have everything under perfect grades, record times on the swim team, and carefully medicated ADHD. But ever since her mom died, she' s just been going through the motions, and no one in her family seems to notice. Kora has known Sage' s family her whole life, so losing Sage' s mom was like losing her own. At the end of the summer, she' s supposed to abandon her beloved Blue Ridge mountains for a prestigious art school in New York, but leaving now feels wrong. And an unexpected romance with a new girl in town might complicate things. Then there' s Sam, Sage' s older brother. He' s spent the last two years traipsing through the mountains, trying to find evidence of local ghost stories. He said he would be back by now, but no one has heard from him. To find him, Kora and Sage will have to dig deeper into the myths and legends of the mountains they call home â before it' s too late. |
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Song of the Hell Witch by Taylor Hartley Once a vicious street rat, Prudence Merriweather has clawed her way to the top of society and now enjoys newfound power as the Duchess of Talonsbury. All she has to do to protect her fragile position is maintain the act of gentility, make her husband happyâand keep her monstrous magic a secret. Puck Reed, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, once delighted in taking risks and humiliating the social elite at any cost, but now lives a quieter criminal lifestyle. With a daughter of his own to protect, Puck tries to lay low and stay safe for her benefit. His daughter, Bea, suffers from a mysterious illness bent on killing her, and Puck will stop at nothing to find a cure. When Prudenceâs magic betrays her, she has no choice but to fleeâand who better to smuggle her out of the city than her childhood best friend and former sweetheart, Puck Reed? With the help of old friends and new allies, they learn about Stormlash, a safe haven miles beyond the city walls where women and their magic can flourish beyond the oppressive eye of Leoraâs religious fanatics. Stormlash may also hold the key to curing Beaâs illness. The challenge? Keep her alive long enough to get there. With Beaâs illness claiming more of her strength, Puck and Pru must work together to reach Stormlash and, in the process, confront a growing evil threatening to devour the country they call home. |
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The Great Tree of Iris by Jess Skultety 7 Unlikely Companions. 5 Libraries. 1 Hidden Prophecy. The Great Tree of Iris: a place of unmatched healing power for humans. Top scholar Lia Tovar protects the Tree in honor of her dead father, but she has visions of its tragic demise. When Rory Elatha, an elf from the hidden city of Kyrali, arrives seeking experts to save the decaying, sacred sunflower fields, Lia suspects their situations are connected. For once, her books cannot help, and she answers the call. To save the Tree, Lia must learn to trust six allies: - A youthful jeweler - A haunted scholar - A vibrant secret-keeper - An inkdelver on a mission - A wizard seeking a friend - A dragon looking for home When they discover one part of a deadly prophecy, Lia, Rory, and their party search desperately for a way to challenge fate. But as more natural disasters arise in their race across the continent, Lia must decide if she can let Rory into her heart, and if that will free or destroy her. The Great Tree of Iris combines a 30-year-old FMC's map-crossing, world-saving quest with fade-to-black sapphic romance in a queer-normative world. Perfect for fans of Samantha Shannon, L.R. Lam, S.A. Chakraborty, Saara El-Arifi, and J.R.R. Tolkien. |
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Lust and Found by Sylvie Helstaff Who knew you could summon a demon by accident? When Rowanâs eccentric great aunt died, they felt lost, now the lone queer sheep in a flock of faithful lambs. But when they move into the late womanâs house, a cleaning accident activates a dormant ritual and theyâre suddenly confronted with two revelations: magic is real and demons are surprisingly hot. At least this one is. When opportunity shows up with lust in its eyes, you might as well grab it by the horns.voided. With their world upended, Rowan finds themself embracing newfound magical abilities with the help of an elderly trio of witches, navigating a budding relationship with an amorous archdemon, and nurturing a growing group of queer friends at their new bartending job. Life finally seems to be going their way, despite their pious family and the nosy neighborhood priest who keep trying to tempt them back into the fold. But sometimes Hell is other people. Just when everything seems perfect, a stunning betrayal sees them taking refuge in an infernal realm unlike anything they expected. Hell isnât what they were taught and maybe âhomeâ isnât so much about âwhereâ as it is âwho.â Lust and Found is a high heat, insta-lust monster romance with slow burn romance, eventual polyamory, and heartfelt found family. |
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HALLOWED BE HER FLESH by Emryn Bird It had only been three days. Three days since Trella had been accused of being wicked. Three days since her flogging and excommunication. And three days since she began searching for a mysterious village deep within the Cantabrian Mountains. When a sudden, bright star becomes something more, this pious woman finds herself face to face with an entity she can only assume is one of Godâs great celestials sent down to guide her. Terrifying yet beautiful, the creature vows to protect the woman as the pair journey together to find this promising new home. But will it be the safe haven Trella believes it to be? Or can safety only be found in this cosmic beingâs embrace? Hallowed Be Her Flesh is an illustrated cosmic horror romance set in 1570s Spain where the ineffable horror of what lies beyond the stars meets Christian mysticism as an asexual woman questions her faith and her attraction toward a strange entity. |
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Our Bright Window by James Chance Once a loyal hellhound, Vincent now runs with a new pack: a ragtag group of werewolves, hiding from the supernatural authorities now swarming their college town. But he canât get his past betrayals out of his head. Henry visits his dreams every night, tormenting him with visions of the happiness he almost had. And the people he couldnât save still haunt himâliterally. Ghosts are pouring out of the Underworld, spreading corruption and darkness in their wake. Vincent is responsible for it all, and he knows better than anyone: nothing ever truly stays dead. He must mend the broken pieces of both worlds, before everything he has come to care about is lost. In the end, the final price to save the mortal worldâand the people he lovesâmay destroy everything he has ever known. |
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Our Dark Mirror by James Chance A stranger named Vincent emerges from a hole in the earth. He is a hellhound, bred and trained for one purpose: guarding the Underworldâs prisoners. At least, until he lets one escape. Disgraced, he is sent to recover the fugitive, disguised as an ordinary college student. But the mortal world holds its own secrets. Mysterious murders plague the school. Supernatural creatures hide in plain sight. And the fugitive has his own planâone that may spell doom for both Hell and earth. To stop it, Vincent must team up with others like him that walk the line between light and shadow. The best of them is monster hunter and football star Henry Wellfellow. Kind and charismatic, he is beloved by all; and yet he takes an interest in Vincent, accepting him in a way no one has before. But Vincent has demonsâliterally. He canât fall for the hero of the story. He doesnât belong in this new world he has come to love. And yet, he may be the only one who can stop its destruction. But will the mortal worldâand Henryâforgive him for what he will have to do to save it? |
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Matsdotter and Adrastus: When A Human Falls In Love With An Archdemon by Aelina Isaacs Elochian Adrastus is the pinnacle of demon nobility, and he hates it. When heâs not leading an aristocracy, in therapy, or rebelling against his birthright by running the most famous bar in Levena, heâs solving a millennia old mystery with his newfound friends. Heâs particularly fond of the man heâs only known as an author, learning that there's much more to the human than meets the eye. For the first time in over a century, Elochian feels tempted by the prospect of finding his own happy ending. Heâs also terrified that any future endeavors will end in death, like they did not so long ago. Quentin Matsdotter has one goal in life, and thatâs to blend in. Unfortunately for him, thatâs impossible when youâre a certifiable genius, an author, and are friends with some of the most unique people in the town. Heâs got everything a man could want, except for someone to call his own. Quentin hasnât been able to trust his heart to anyone again after experiencing an abusive relationship years ago, but thereâs no mistaking how he feels for the enigmatic archdemon. As the snow builds, so does their friendship, and itâs only a matter of time before they open their hearts to each other. If only the past didnât come back to haunt them. Be prepared to stand up for what you believe in, reveal the truth, and protect those you love, no matter the cost. |
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Fools Rush In by Sarah Clowder Leslie Glynore only wants one thing- to be able to retire from the paladin life. The problem? She's done something Very Bad but can't remember what. To get her fully funded retirement, she has to do something Very Good for the Church. All while stuck with Alik Visk- her always-glaring, eyepatch-wearing Knight of a partner, who hates her and makes her want to do anything but good. Fortunately for Leslie, their Commander has a mission that no one else is available to take: Please return the goddess home. It sounds like the perfect way to end her career, but nothing is ever that easy. Will she be able to face her own demons while stopping actual ones from breaking loose? Or will she run away like she's always done in the past? |
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The Voice of Wild Places by Noah Hawthorne Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them. Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself. Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for. Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily. But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they'll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind. After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward. |
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Swallows of Mostar by Neira Fazlovic Two years after she moved to Mostar, a historic small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, eighteen-year-old Franka Garcia still struggles with loneliness, language barriers, and terrible grades. After she accidentally falls off the famous Old Bridge, Franka is rescued by Mirna, a wickedly intelligent, but exasperated teenager obsessed with cliff diving. Despite training all her life and frequently besting her peers, being a girl means Mirna can never participate in the centuries-old tradition of diving off the Old Bridge. But stubborn and determined Mirna wonât give up so easily. After Frankaâs near-perfect accidental dive, Mirna reluctantly takes on the challenge of teaching her all she knows about cliff diving. If Franka and Mirna want to compete, they must enact their unorthodox plan to take down the patriarchal system forbidding them from diving. Falling in love was never part of the plan. |
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Dudes Rock: A Celebration of Queer Masculinity in Speculative Fiction by Chase Anderson, Johannes T. Evans, Oliver Fosten, Jonathan Freeman, Rick Hollon, Sam Inverts, S. C. Mills, Franklyn S. Newton, Jay Kang Romanus, Aubrey Shaw, Simo Srinivas, Candy Tan, and Scott Vaughn. What does masculinity mean to you? Whether the answer is "toxic" or something more aspirational, speculative fiction can help you find the language to talk about it. The stories in this anthology visualize all the different ways masculinity might look in a world different than our own, for better or worse. Imagine living in a universe where you'd feel safe telling your best friend you've always loved him, or where smoking hot demons exist to indulge all your worst impulses. From buff aliens to gender-affirming werewolf bites, Dudes Rock is about celebrating everything that queer masculinity can become beyond the confines of a single world, and we want you to rock with us. |
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A Clean Pig by Johannes T. Evans Detective Inspector Phil Hutchinson, following up a last-ditch lead on an anonymous and impossible-to-locate narcotics distributor, attempts to get close enough to surveil her son, a young man called Adrian Gillespie, who uses a wheelchair. He gets closer than he intended, and is rewarded â and punished â as per. 13.6k, rated E, cis M/trans M. Written for an anonymous commission. Both parties are adults (49 & 27) and fully consenting throughout. Contains degradation and humiliation, age gap, dom/sub dynamics with the younger trans man dominating, mild cock & ball torture, sadomasochism, dirty talk, obedience & discipline, self-bukkake, mild drunkenness. Set in London in the 2020s. Set in my Magic Beholden universe, readable completely standalone. Phil Hutchinson is non-magical, but it is implied in several places that Adrian and his family are magical themselves. Work commissioned by an anonymous party. |
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Historic Brotherhood by Johannes T. Evans Novella. London, 1979: a young gay man seeks mentorship from a classmateâs flamboyant uncle. 23k, rated M, Gen. Mortimer Jones, a young gay man, comes from Tewkesbury to London where he meets Percival Campbell and, in short order, Percivalâs beloved uncle â the flamboyant and loquacious Queen B. Uncle B soon takes Mortimer, shy and as-yet uncertain of his place in the world and in the gay community, under his wing, and serves as mentor. Focus on queer community in the 1970s, discussions of monastic history, science fiction, comedy, art and architecture, pop culture, connection, and cross-age friendship. Lots of body positivity for Mort and B, both fat men, in the aftermath of fatphobic bullying and homophobic isolation; lots of flirtation as a confidence and identity-building exercise even whilst B sets clear boundaries between them in terms of actual sexual activity; references to and discussion of historic and period homophobia throughout, but the tone is generally warm and companionable. |
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Strange Liberty by Johannes T. Evans Salvo Caine, a young man cursed with a magically sapping touch, is convicted of manslaughter and dispatched to an island prison. Once there, heâs offered limited freedom â and affection â by the cold and manipulative prison warden, Guillaume Villiers. Rated M, 27.5k, dark fantasy with some M/M dark romance on the side. Good bit of age gap sexiness, and some medical and care-giving kink as well. |
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Powder and Feathers by Johannes T. Evans AimĂ© Deverell, a depressed and lonely artist finishing up his degree in Dublin, watches the world go by, and paints it as it goes. Life is short, he thinks - and thank God! Heâs tired of living it. That philosophy shatters like glass when his life is threatened by the beautiful Jean-Pierre, a Fallen angel. |
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An Uncommon Betrothal by Johannes T. Evans Alexos Fox, an introverted academic and polio survivor, is naturally quite sad when the long-time butler of his household, the man who all but raised him, retires. He is not at all prepared for the old manâs his exceedingly attractive and painfully tempting nephew. Unbeknownst to Alexos, his old butler chose Henry Sutton hoping the two of them might marry their interests together, and the gentleman is as suspicious as he is entranced when the new butler comes to him with talks of a secret marriage between them. M/M erotic romance, rated E, 100k. Set 1927, primarily in West Sussex, England. |
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Mere Flesh by Catherine Labadie Wynnifred Treloar has everything she needs to succeed as a budding occultist on the cusp of vowing her allegiance to king and country...and marrying the most tame yet influential man in society she can find. Yet everything is not enough for her when she knows more influence than she can dream of will be withheld from her because of who she is.Breaking one rule after another, she sacrifices portions of her body to summon a demonic entity to take over the world. There should be no harm in it: demons are only dark energy, after all, and Wynnifred is a prodigy. When the demon she summons into a circle vows she'll die screaming in his claws, and omens plague her friends and estate, Wynnifred begins to realize there are worse mistakes to make than marrying the wrong society darling. Like beginning to fall for the demon's allure. |
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The Old Goat and the Alien by Veo Corva Avari keeps to themself. Theyâre a goat-shape cosmoran, a member of the Cleanersâ Union, and a bit of a grump. That suits them just fine. They donât have any friends, and thatâs fine, because they have siblings. And if their siblings have all grown away from them to start their own lives, then thatâs fine, too. Really. But then Avari meets a lost alien in the Elder Grove, and that is not fine. Everyone is telling Avari that this alien is their responsibility just because sheâs lost on an unfamiliar planet. Avari can barely tolerate cosmorans; how are they supposed to cope with a human housemate? To get Jenna the human out of their home, Avari is going to have to do several unthinkable things. Theyâll have to leave the house, talk to strangers, and even travel to the terrifying ocean planet that is the binary twin of their own. Theyâll have to learn about Earth and go to board game parties and meet some of the strangest people in the city. They might even have to make friends. But the trouble is, Avari isnât sure they deserve them. The Old Goat and the Alien is a cosy, slice-of-life space fantasy with an all-queer cast set on the binary planets of Geminus in a far-away star system. Geminus is populated by cosmorans, sentient creatures whose shape is determined by the stars at their hatching and who bear a striking resemblance to the animals and mythical creatures of Earth. |
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The Shadowbearer's Promise by Jasmyn Morning Whispers of unrest echo through the Shadowrealm. As tensions rise and long-buried fears resurface, a mysterious cult emerges from the darkness, vowing to challenge the rule of the Shadowbearer. As the shadows close in, Edan finds his guarded heart unraveling and his growing affection for Ryuji and Micah pulling him deeper into a bond that defies fate. But with betrayal lurking in every corner, love may be the most dangerous promise of all. In this soul-shattering final instalment of the trilogy, the Shadowbearer must decide how much heâs willing to sacrifice, and whether their love is strong enough to survive the chaos. |
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The Shadowbearer's Burden by Jasmyn Morning The High King of Aetheria stands at the crossroads of duty and desire. Bound by his love for the Shadowbearer, he navigates a fragile bond with the man cursed to wield the darkness. But as a Shadow warrior claims his place in their star-crossed union, their hearts wrestle with jealousy and doubt. With his kingdom demanding unwavering strength and the Shadowbearer's burdens growing heavier, the High King must face impossible choices. Can he bridge the growing chasm between love and duty, or will the shadows tear apart everything he's fought to protect? In this gripping sequel, betrayal and passion entwine as the trio discover that the path to peace is paved with sacrifice. |
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Not The Fighting Kind by Will Soulsby-McCreath Nat should be doing what dandies do creating fashion, trading information, working on the edges of high society to further their own aims, and flirting with scandal. Instead, they're in the bowels of a ship, captured by pirates intent on ransoming them back to their family as soon as they find out to which family they should send the letter. Unfortunately for all involved, Nat knows one thing the pirates can never be allowed to find They are unransomable. Their family has plenty enough money to pay any ransom, but Nat's father sent them to sea in the first place, put them in the path of these pirates, because he wanted Nat out of the way. Ransoms create scandal. Nat can't afford another. |
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The Last Will and Testament of Wilhelmina Bruttenholm by Vivian Moira Valentine From the author of the acclaimed Amelia Temple books comes the first in the highly anticipated novella series, Shadows Over Ravenkirk: The Last Will and Testament of Wilhelmina Bruttenholm. Victoria Williams, a struggling photographer from Boston, receives a letter informing her of a surprise inheritance. Wilhelmina Bruttenholm of Ravenkirk, Maine, has recently passed away and left her a bequest. Victoria doesnât know who Wilhelmina isâto her knowledge, she doesnât know anyone in Ravenkirkâbut she travels to Maine anyway to attend the will reading. But who is this family and what do they really want of her? Struggling to understand the events happening in this unique little town, Victoria is confronted with secrets, magic, and Samantha, one very sweet tarantula. And while she must face the truth about her own mysterious family history, she will have to do so carefully. Because murder abounds in Ravenkirk and nobody is who they appear to be. |
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Fey & Wolf: A Lusefell Novella by Noah Bodie Osmond Banes is at his wits' end. Plagued by nightmares from 12 years ago, constant worry about his family, and an unsettling fear of immortality. The one thing keeping him afloat is his longtime partner, Christian Baker, who just returned from a trip across the sea. Upon their reunion, they learn of a growing threat from a monstrous force. This duo of monster hunters sets out to investigate the creatures rumored to have murdered Ozâs father figure and to finally exchange the vows they have been postponing for years. |
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Some Assembly Required: A Heartstrings & Coffee Beans Novel by Noah Bodie Liam Parker is a single dad navigating the chaos of life with his twelve-year-old son, Jack, in a world that seems determined to make things harder for them. Between juggling work, parenting, and the lingering scars of his past, Liam has little time for himselfâuntil a chance encounter at Mocha & Magic, a quirky local cafe, introduces him to Quinn Maher, the enigmatic owner with a penchant for kindness and a complicated history of his own. |
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Bulwark: Book 2 of the Desert Rose Saga by Noah Bodie The next installment of the Desert Rose Saga follows Simon and Andreas as old wounds are reopened, and theyâre forced to confront their growing feelings for one another. What awaits them as they leave the city of Sebree eight months after being sent into isolation? Will Simon be able to confront his inner demons? Will Andreas uncover answers to a surprising revelation about his family? What challenges lie ahead as new foes emerge and a hidden piece of the worldâs history claws to light? |
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Diminished by Erica Rose Eberhart A queen haunted by ghosts. A dragon cursed in human skin. A kingdom on the brink of war. In the aftermath of her father's death, Queen Greer stands at the edge of grief and revelation. Magicâonce forbiddenâhas returned to Wimleigh, but so have enemies. When a prophetic funeral warns of rising death, it sets into motion a chain of events that will test the mettle of queens, heirs, and warriors alike. As Greer grapples with panic attacks and the vengeful ghost of her father, her sister, Caitriona, struggles under the weight of monstrous expectations. Bearing horns, scales, and the voice of a dragon in her mind, Caitriona must lead a secret mission with Ailith MacCreeânow a royal guardânorth to find a lost prince who could stop a warâif heâs willing to fight. But treachery weaves through the forests, poisons creep in, and fae assassins lurk in the shadows. With kingdoms falling to darkness, an ancient tree bleeding out its final life, and bonds shattered by betrayal, Wimleighâs hope rests on a dragon no longer afraid to rise. When magic is reborn and monsters wear crowns, who dares to lead the charge? |
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Tarnished by Erica Rose Eberhart An outlawed magic, a hidden curse, and a love tested by fire. In the struggling city of Braewick, a determined 20-year-old gate guard named Ailith MacCree longs for a chance at financial stability and adventure. Little does she know, her wish is about to come true. She accepts a mission from Princess Greer that promises both: escort Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains to meet the enigmatic hermit for a great financial reward. Ailith jumps at the opportunity and bids goodbye to all sheâs ever known. But as they journey together, Ailith discovers that Caitriona holds a dangerous secretâshe possesses powerful magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed. Ailith and Caitriona face mysterious attacks and supernatural challenges. But as they delve deeper into the treacherous landscape, Ailith learns of Caitriona's tragic past and the dark curse that threatens her very existence. With rebellion brewing in Braewick, and the oppressive king hot on their trail, Ailith must not only navigate her growing feelings for Caitriona, but also fight against relentless foes. As they race against time to stop the curse, Ailith and Caitriona uncover shocking truths about their kingdom, their families, and themselves. Will their burgeoning romance survive the trials ahead? Can they break the curse and save their homeland from tyranny? Join Ailith and Caitriona on a thrilling quest filled with magic, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Fans of high-stakes fantasy will not want to miss this epic tale. |
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All I Know So Far by Nicole Zelniker Of course Avery Marshâs parents decide to divorce their senior year of high school, but whatâs way worse, theyâre shipping her across the country to spend the year with her extremely closeted, absentee half-brother Lucas and his secret boyfriend. And itâs great that Lucas is living his truth or whatever, but he couldnât have told his bisexual, nonbinary sibling earlier? Told in journal entries, ALL I KNOW SO FAR is a queer coming of age story about love, hope, and resilience. |
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We Are Made of Scars and Starlight by Nicole Zelniker When twenty-five-year-old Kai Larssen agrees to pose as his best friend Mariahâs date at a family gathering, he doesnât expect to fallâhardâfor her twin brother, Ray. Anxious, magnetic, and achingly off-limits, Ray is everything Kai has ever wanted. But coming out to Ray means risking Mariahâs privacyâand their friendship. Back in New York, Kai and Ray grow closer, and Kai finds himself trapped in a tangle of half-truths and unspoken feelings. As the lies pile up, Kai must decide: is love worth the cost of betrayal? Told in luminous prose, We Are Made of Scars and Starlight is a tender, heartbreaking novella about mental health, disability, and queer desire in the heart of the modern city. Poignant and full of hope, itâs a story of self-discovery, chosen family, and the courage it takes to be seen. |
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Dial One For Revenge by Emma Brand Cassie and her mother were both murdered, not knowing who their killer was. Cassie, a fifteen-year-old rage fueled girl who loves to bake now works in the corporate afterlife, exacting revenges for clients to work up the ranks and finally be given the name of her killer and deliver her own vengeance. Working alongside her PA Eli and Doorkeeper Divya, an ex-love interest in Elodie and a surprise arrival from a very hot, but very much alive psychic Perrie, Cassie continues trying to find out who took her life. At the same time, making sure to not get in her boss Nemâs bad books, keeping the Miseria and the Board happy, Cassie remains cold, hard, and focused. Perrie offers Cassie an un-bucket list of things Cassie wished she could do before she died, in exchange for helping her find information. Along the way, struggling with her feelings for Perrie and re-connecting with her old, happier self, Cassie learns about who she truly is and if revenge is truly what she seeks after all. |
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Aurethia Rising by Atlas Laika Two centuries ago, House Henly of Aurethia and House Volkov of Griea penned an engagement, promising a union between rival houses and their respective homeworlds. Elio Henly has been preparing for marriage his entire life. As the Henly heir and future steward of Aurethia, he will inherit great power, including control of a lucrative trade route, and ownership of the most precious substance in the Greater Universe â Avara. The mysterious blue crystal native to Aurethia is the sole treatment for parsec sickness, an epidemic ravaging space travelers within the Greater Universe. But when he meets Cael Volkov, the charming heir of the outfitted military planet, Griea, everything he thought he knew about his homeworld, his family, and his heart is turned upside down. Cael Volkov has been raised to conquer. Champion in the Tupinaire, commander of the Royal Reserve, and son to the mighty Legatus, Cael knows his mission is simple: gain the Aurethian heirâs trust, learn everything he can about the forest moon, and prepare to take it by force. But the longer he spends with Elio Henly, the quiet, brilliant Aurethian prince, the more he questions everything he was taught, and begins to push back against the rhetoric seeded in him by a lust for vengeance. |
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Inside a Dark Space by M.J. James Finch was sent to the moon as a canary. They were one of the expendableâa soul desperate enough to risk their life for the safety of the ârealâ astronauts. A decade later, they are the last canary left alive. Alone at the first lunar water mining station, Finch finds peace in solitude and the safety of routine. Ray grew up hearing her father rant about corporations âmaking the moon gay.â For her, that sounded like hope. She shaped her life around reaching a place where she could finally come out. Except when she arrived on the moon to start a research project, Ray was left at a station with only one occupantâFinch. Finch may have sparked Rayâs journey, but life together in a dark crater proves far more complicated. Finch struggles to connect. Ray craves belonging. Both are haunted by what they left behindâand what the moon has in store for them. Inside a Dark Space is the first book in the Lunar Abyss seriesâa queer, autistic science fiction story about survival and the quiet rebellion of staying alive on your own terms. |
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Ruined History by Claudie Arseneault Fate and friendship brought Horace, Rumi, Keza, and Aliyah together in Rumiâs sentient self-propelling wagon. They seek the forest haunting Aliyahâs dream, hoping for answers about the elfâs past and unique abilitiesâbut first, they need to traverse a world haunted by Fragments, dangerous shards that can possess travellers and react to Aliyahâs presence. When the Archivistsâa mysterious organization that has trailed the crew from the very startâcapture everyone but Aliyah, however, their journey grinds to a halt. Still reeling from revelations about themselves, Aliyah must infiltrate the Archivistsâ base to rescue their group. The place is half ruined city, half magical wonderâa labyrinth to navigate which will require the help of two unlikely allies: Fragment motes from past citizens willing to guide Aliyah. To confront the Archivists is to uncover more of the inextricable truths between Aliyah and the Fragments. With every new revelation, the fractures in the Wagon crewâs cohesion and Aliyahâs determination widen. Before they can travel onward, they will need to find the strength to bear the weight of their ruined history. |
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Motes of Inspiration by Claudie Arseneault Fate and friendship brought Horace, Rumi, Keza, and Aliyah together in Rumiâs sentient self-propelling wagon. They seek the forest haunting Aliyahâs dream, hoping for answers about the elfâs past and unique abilitiesâbut first, they need to traverse a world haunted by Fragments, dangerous shards that can possess travellers and react to Aliyahâs presence. Theyâve reached Virze, a marvel of art and engineering and a city in which all acts of creation are beloved. A perfect occasion to explore and rest before the next leg of their journey⊠except that Rumi desperately wants to avoid his hometown and the demons of his past. When the Wagon crew realises half of those might be fears of his own making, however, they refuse to leave. But between the curse that ran him out of town and the source of his engineering skills, Rumi has been keeping even more secrets than theyâd expected. Heâll need all their support to face the loved ones left behind and prove to all, himself first and foremost, what he is truly capable of. |
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Stories from the Deep by Claudie Arseneault Fate and friendship brought Horace, Rumi, Keza, and Aliyah together in Rumiâs sentient self-propelling wagon. They seek the forest haunting Aliyahâs dream, hoping for answers about the elfâs past and unique abilitiesâbut first, they need to traverse a world haunted by Fragments, dangerous shards that can possess travellers and react to Aliyahâs presence. They finally leave the coast to undertake a long ocean crossing filled with the sailorsâ brand-new games and fearsome myths, but no one expects the latter to come to life. At sea, the Fragments that roam the world have coalesced into a gigantic beastâthe kraken of legendsâand unfortunately, it shares its landbound cousinsâ obsession with Aliyah. The crew may have bested countless storms, but no amount of sea-worthiness can save the ship from the wrath of its colossal tentacles. If they want to escape the kraken and continue their journey, the wagonâs team will need to unravel more of the Fragmentsâ mysteries, and learn to listen beyond the murmur of the sea. -- Stories from the Deep is the fourth novella in The Chronicles of Nerezia, a queer fantasy series of found family road trips with aroace nonbinary leads. |
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Painted Flock by Claudie Arseneault ClĂ©mence Voyerâs one and only priority is Alain, ols five-year-old brother. Ol had been ready to kill countless witches to keep him safe. With Montrant Industriesâ crimes exposed, ClĂ©mence is freed from their clutches and under witness protection, granting ol a rare opportunity to give the boy a sense of normalcy and indulge his bird obsession. The city of Val-de-mer is left with one obvious problem, however: over a thousand witches trapped in exocores need to be transferred safely into new bodies, and ols involvement in the creation of exocores is not so easily forgottenânot by the lovely Emmanuelle Duclos, the scientist in charge of devising the exocore transfer, not by the witch community ol betrayed, and not by Montrant Industries, who needs ol dead to protect itself. Mired in the middle of the exocore restoration project, ClĂ©mence is forced to face the people ol harmed. Ol will need to learn to trust again determine what it means to be accountable if ol wants to move forward and finally give Alain the idyllic life he deserves. |
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Songs of Broken Bells by Lilly Lockwood The hungry flame inside LĂadan has been silent, kept hidden, for the last fifteen years. But something has called out to it, awakening it from its slumber. And it is oh so ready to burn. Vasil, her best friend and the one sworn to end her life should her magic reappear, defies his pact and spares her. He vows to keep LĂadan safe, no matter the cost. Minno, a follower of the saint of truth, was never meant to find themselves caught up in the wildfire of LĂadan's life. But the fates must have had another path in mind for them. Aila, the god of entropy's daughter, promises herself as LĂadan's only chance at surviving the torment of the hungry flame. Though, perhaps even the child of a god lacks faith sometimes. Their fates are intertwined in the never-ending motion of the Maelstrom, and it is their choice alone to decide if they walk the road The Fates set before them, or choose another path. |
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My Lips, Her Voice by L.L. Madrid Copper Cityâs bloody history is steeped in ghost stories and whispers of serial killers, but three girls have caught the attention of something far more sinister. A grandmother tormented by visions tried to warn the town, but no one listened. Now, a haunted inheritance has passed to her granddaughters, Audrey and Mara. When Maraâs body is discovered in the old mine, Audrey fears her grandmotherâs premonition is manifesting. The nightmare begins as Maraâs spirit returnsâlurking under Audreyâs skin, hellbent on vengeance and desperate to rekindle things with her former girlfriend, Zadie. Willing to hijack Audreyâs body to get what she wants, Mara drags them both into a deadly pursuit. When another girl in town goes missing, Audrey, Mara, and Zadie know the killer has struck again. In a fight to solve Maraâs death and uncover the mystery of disappearances in Copper City, the girls soon find themselves at war with each other. How do you survive long enough to hunt a murderer on the loose if the person inside you might kill you first? |
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A Forgotten Legend by T.M. Baylor If one thing is true, it is that peace is a fragile thing in Eterin. The Lupegi province, Davegu kingdom, and the wilds of Andyse are anything but united, a tense alliance being the only thing stopping the world from plunging into chaos and death. When a Lupegi mission goes missing under mysterious circumstances and the Southern Coalition of Andyse is attacked during a time of peace, people from all across Eterin end up thrown into the fray. Ancient stories and long forgotten legends are their new truths as they must figure out how to navigate the now treacherous lands of Eterin and keep themselves alive against all odds. ââ--- A Forgotten Legend is an epic dark fantasy that follows six POV characters from across the world of Eterin. It centers themes of truth, the nature of resistance, propaganda, and the importance of knowing history to understand the present. Features LGBTQIA+ and women characters. Intended for mature audiences, please check the content warnings. First book of The Secrets of Eterin series. |
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Lamb, Stag & Wolf by Airic Fenn Sanctimonious, hypocritical, manipulativeâShelby Blackwood is a priest of the worst sort. To keep his secluded little village peaceful, heâs learned to carefully balance preaching of faith and fear. Ives Thatcher, the reclusive woodsman at the edge of the forest, has neither; the villagers are not pleased. But converting Thatcher proves to be easier said than done when Shelby discovers there is something far more unnatural about him than his pagan ways, and Shelby canât help himself from being tempted by the large manâs power and allure. Worse still, thereâs a newcomer in town, and her curiosity and defiant personality may not just jeopardize Shelbyâs secret, but the sanctity of the very system heâs worked to maintain. |
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The Night Farm: The Alluring Ache of Autumn by A.L. Davidson Changes Blow into Wylder Wood with the arrival of Autumn With the revelation of Rhysâ lineage coming to light following the terrifying first meeting with his long-thought-dead father, the residents of Wylder Wood are forced to accept hidden truths about the founding family that have been buried in the graveyard for generations. The new understanding of what it means to be a Wylder extends to every member of the clan, setting off a chain of events that force each of them to question the long standing traditions that became the very foundation of not only their identities, but the town as a whole. Changes are on the way alongside the falling leaves and cooler winds, and Rhys is excited for a calm autumn that will soon arrive in the Wood. With a fresh outlook and hope in his heart for a better tomorrow, the young farmer looks forward to the blessings of harvest season and shifts his focus to better appreciate the important things in his life. Diving headfirst into farmerâs market planning and nurturing his sweet as pumpkin pie romance with Lex, life on the Night Farm is busier than ever. But with deeply buried secrets and ghosts coming to the surface, family drama on the rise, and a mysterious contract on the farmerâs very soul threatening to upend their happiness, Rhys and the gang must learn to endure the aches alongside the joys if they want to make the most out of the final months of the year. Halloween is on the horizon, and life on The Night Farm will never be the same. |
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His Horns Are Mine To Hold by A.L. Davidson The legends are real... and they walk among us! When the Myth Movement brought fiction into the real world, humans and myths started to coexist, reshaping society in an unexpected way. Dragons have taken to the skies, orcs now work in offices, the fae have invaded the beauty industry, and every day is full of magic and opportunity. Diego Delgado is a performer with a dream and a mighty family legacy looking to make a name for himself. After coming across a lost minotaur named Atticus, Diego offers the quiet giant a job opportunity that neither of them can turn down. The unlikely pair join a troupe called the Cirque des Ătoiles that highlights the wonders of legends and storytelling, and quickly become the stars of the show. With their âbeast slayingâ performance wowing the crowd every night, Diego and Atticus turn an age old tale into a mesmerizing choreography that blends tradition and mystique. But as the touring season comes to an end and the troupe is set to go their separate ways, Diego and Atticus are faced with a choice: say goodbye until the next season or finally admit their feelings and see where the road takes them... |
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The Night Farm: The Wylder Years by A.L. Davidson Before they were the last reaper in Wylder Wood... Casper Wylderâs focus is on one thing and one thing alone: learning how to be a mortician. After moving to New Orleans to finish their studies at the prestigious Bloodworth Family funeral home, the fledgling reaper finds the courage to embrace the truth and become the person theyâd always knew they could be - if only for a moment. Despite their newfound freedom, nothing matters more than their studies, and Casâ quiet life is uneventful to say the least. Things change when a handsome blue-eyed coffin maker named Canaan Michaels walks into the funeral home and sweeps the shy mortician off of their feet. A whirlwind romance, set against the magic-filled backdrop of New Orleans in the springtime, begins to blossom between them. Each new day is sweet, but Knowing theyâll have to return home to Wylder Wood come autumn - and say goodbye to their southern gentleman forever - makes Cas wonder if falling in love is worth the risk. Desperately in love with the moon-eyed mortician and eager to please, Cane is determined to break down Casâ walls. but when he discovers the haunting truth behind his partnerâs penchant for the paranormal, he realizes that life as he knew it will never be the same. The coffin maker must decide if giving up his first true home after years of hardship is worth it for an eternity with the mysterious grim reaper who stole his heart, and his choice sets off a chain of events that will change the Wylders, and their beloved town, forever... |