For the Rest of Forever by Becca Neil

No matter what mountains we face, we’ll climb them together. Greg Westin’s thriving career as a landscape photographer is a passion he’s built and cultivated for decades. Although he’s now well into his mid-fifties, Greg is always looking forward, eager for the next mountain to climb, the next trail to hike, the next photo to capture. His love of nature and photography is second only to his love for his husband, Allen—a man with a heart of gold and more kindness and compassionate that anyone he’s ever known. Allen Westin has worked hard to build a life he loves—a life that is not defined by the trauma he suffered in his childhood, but by the community and people he’s surrounded himself with. His career at the public library in the small town of North Bend, Washington has given him a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and his marriage to his best friend and husband, Greg, has filled his life with joy, love, and adventure. But when an incident at the library sets off Allen’s deeply rooted anxiety and depression, he and Greg have to face a new challenge—one where the next mountain to be conquered isn’t out on the trail at all. They must trust in the depth of their love to help them find their footing as they forge ahead into the next phase of their journey toward their forever, together. For the Rest of Forever is an emotional, angsty MM contemporary romance that tells the unhurried story of two older men in a long-term, committed relationship and how their deep love helps them overcome some of life’s darkest moments. It features heavy mental health issues, hurt/comfort, past trauma, an established relationship (thirty-plus years), a silly but stubbornly protective terrier named Beans, and a sweet happily ever after. Trigger warnings: references to past trauma, including parental neglect and physical/emotional abuse; instances of panic attacks and moderate to severe anxiety; brief instances of suicidal thoughts/ideation; brief mentions of homophobia; food aversion/eating disorder.

Tell Me Again by Becca Neil

very minute away from you is a minute too long. Coop It’s been ten years since he kissed me, and I can still feel it—his warm lips, his soft touch. He was my best friend, but then he abandoned me just before my entire life fell apart. When he shows up at the diner where I work, with his fancy job, new car, and beautiful fiancée, my heart feels like it’s being ripped in two. Should I bury my feelings, forget the past, and give him a second chance at rebuilding our friendship, even though I know it can never be anything more than that? Josh Ten years ago, I made the worst decision of my life in the aftermath of the only kiss that ever meant something to me. I never stopped loving him, even if I didn’t get to tell him that. When I run into Coop at a small diner in rural Nebraska, all those feelings I suppressed for years are back, threatening to upend the perfect life I’d built. I’ve got two weeks to convince him I’m sorry. But can I keep my other feelings locked away, or will that sexy baseball cap of his be my undoing? Tell Me Again is a high-emotion, slow-burn(ish), second-chance(ish) MM contemporary romance set in a small town in rural Nebraska. It’s a story of best friends to strangers to lovers, featuring past emotional trauma, found family, virgin MCs, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Trigger warnings: references to alcoholism and an abusive parent with an alcohol use disorder, references to and brief instances of parental homophobia, mention of a parent who passed away from cancer, mention of past homelessness.

More Than Words by Becca Neil

I love you, Sam. Just four simple words. Easy, right? Oliver Ellison’s heart knows the words are true. Sam Reynolds is the love of his life, and Ollie wants nothing more than to tell his boyfriend how he feels. But trauma and pain from a brutal assault nearly two years ago have kept Ollie from being free to say the words out loud—or to express his love through physical intimacy. Sam understands. He was there at the beginning, after all. He was the one who took care of Ollie during the aftermath, and he’s been there ever since, with his sunshine-filled smile and endless support. Healing is a long road, and Sam is committed. However long it takes. But when a family emergency on the opposite side of the country forces them apart, Sam and Ollie might need all the strength of their love, and much more than just words, to help them get through. More Than Words is an emotional, angsty MM contemporary hurt/comfort romance that tells a story of deep love, living with PTSD from past trauma, and building a forever through life's ups and downs. It features PTSD/trauma and healing, an established relationship, found family, virgin MCs, and a guaranteed (and very sweet!) happily ever after. Trigger warnings: references to off-page assault, PTSD with flashbacks, implied homophobia, food aversion/eating disorder; see inside preview for additional content warnings.

The Saint of Heartbreak by Morgan Dante

Two of the Bible's greatest villains... After his betrayal with a kiss, Judas Iscariot dies in despair and goes to Hell. When Christ saves other souls during the Harrowing of Hell, he leaves Judas behind—but not alone in the ninth circle, where the most detestable traitors go. Callous, resigned, and abandoned by God long ago, the Devil sees Judas as a pathetic wretch, but he soon finds a kindred spirit. As the centuries pass, they struggle to find even a sliver of happiness in Hell. Doomed by the narrative, will they find happiness, or will their story continue to be a tragedy?

The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell

Theodora Corvus can hear the whispers of her crumbling family home. She can hear the whispers of Kingsward Manor, her place of employment. She sees the watchers by the lake, black-eyed and waiting. But Broken Oak is silent. Broken Oak is empty. When Theodora takes the job as governess to young Ottoline Thorne, she leaves behind her beloved grandmother and the decaying ruins of her childhood home to travel far north to Broken Oak Manor. There, she finds a house filled with secrets. Under the stern eye of the foreboding housekeeper, Theodora quickly navigates the dark and winding corridors of Broken Oak, only to find herself irrevocably drawn to the mysterious lord of the manor. But someone walks the hallways late after nightfall, their footsteps leading to the attic. The only place in the sprawling house that does not remain silent. As her scandalous feelings for Cassias Thorne grow, Theodora fights to unearth the secrets of Broken Oak. Who wanders the house at night? Where is the Lady of the manor? What lies behind the attic door high up under the eaves of the house? “Where is Lady Thorne, Cassias? Where is your wife?”

The Mourning of Leone Manor by A.M. Davis

When death cuts Remi’s marriage to Edgar Leone short, she is forced to confront his only living son…and their romantic past. Forced to return to Leone Manor after years of exile, Ben quickly lets her know he is uninterested in making amends. Forced to deal with his temper, her overbearing family, and the discovery of unsettling love letters written for her with no signature, Remi is lost. Haunted by his sister’s death years prior, Ben is far from thrilled to return to his childhood home. With a wound far deeper than a mere chip on his shoulder, Ben approaches his father’s death like a building storm. He senses something is amiss at the manor and has a growing suspicion that his father was murdered. As an inevitable passion grows between them, Ben and Remi fight to uncover the manor’s secrets as the darkness creeping through the cracks in the walls threatens to bring them down. Phantoms roam the halls of Leone Manor, and where there are ghosts, there is also foul play.

The Dark Queen's Apothecary by Cassandra L. Thompson

Andrei cannot believe his good fortune when he is summoned by the beautiful yet formidable Queen Viorica to serve as her personal apothecary. But he soon learns that things at her dark castle are not what they seem. Haunted by his growing obsession for her, Andrei falls helplessly into her thrall and soon discovers her dark secret. Unafraid, he destroys the competition around him and takes his rightful place by her side. Lost to passion and bloodlust, the two are caught unaware when the queen’s adversaries make their move. But what no one realized was that Queen Viorica created a monstrous king out of the once timid Andrei, bearing a love strong enough to make kingdoms burn.

The Ancient Ones by Cassandra L. Thompson

When David stumbles upon a tragic young woman in a sordid Limehouse pub, he has no idea she’d recognize him as the last vampyre alive, nor that she’d be the one to pull out his story. Yet as he recalls his life from the sweltering vineyards of Ancient Rome to the cold horrors of Medieval Romania - as well as his tumultuous past with the mad and mysterious Lucius - he realizes she is much more than what she seems. Gothic horror and mythological fantasy blend seamlessly together in this thrilling adventure, breathing new life into vampire lore as it reveals its true origins. The Ancient Ones is a tale of myth, mayhem, and magic … with a dash of romance that bites.

Revelations by Cassandra L. Thompson

Back for the final installment, a freshly revived David and the rest of the immortal vampyres return to the place it all Africa. As they continue to fend off Discordia’s attacks, the close proximity of the reincarnated gods forces them to discover more about their shared pasts than ever before. Joined by new gods and some long forgotten, the Ancient Ones must find a way to heal old wounds and reconcile their pasts or risk the ruin of all. Another volume of adventure, tragedy, and love, the third book in The Ancient Ones Trilogy brings to a close the tale as old as time itself...with one final bite.

Ravens & Roses: A Women's Gothic Anthology by Kristin Cleaveland, Judith Crow, Carla Eliot, A.L. Garcia, Tara Jazdzewski, Rebecca Jones-Howe, Liz M. Kamp, Catherine McCarthy, Olivia Claire Louise Newman, Alexa Rose, and Helen Whistberry

A woman haunted by guilt. A man obsessed with the obscene. A vampire consumed by love. Ravens & Roses is a unique collection of Gothic stories penned by a diverse group of women authors. Pulling inspiration from some of the greatest Gothic works of our time, these writers have created eleven poignantly beautiful tales of love, tragedy, and the female experience.

Liminality by Cassandra L. Thompson

Picking up right where The Ancient Ones left off, David has just discovered the diabolical brother he left for dead in 15th century Romania has returned. Making matters even stranger, the news is delivered by his old friend, Danulf, the half-vampyre/half-lycanthrope he had also presumed dead. As Dan divulges his story to David and his newly reanimated lover, Morrigan, it becomes clear that the ancient pagan gods history hoped to forget are back. Another adventure throughout history, from the Carpathian Mountains to Pre-Revolutionary France, the story unfolds to reveal there is a much bigger problem than just the vainglorious Lucius. Even with the addition of a liminal witch named Cahira, the gods find themselves facing a threat that can erase their existence for good. Wrought with adventure, romance, tragedy, and heartache, the second book in The Ancient Ones Trilogy dives deeper into a tale as old as time itself... that bites.

Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar

The Wicked Fairy. The Mistress of All Evil. The villain of Sleeping Beauty goes by many names, but where did she come from? Myravelle Spinner grew up in a tower with only spiders, spindles, and stone walls for friends while her mother spun gold for the king. She wondered why her mother refused to teach her fairy magic until one fateful mistake led Myravelle to become the healer in the king’s Sleepy Wood Company… Drained from years of waking soldiers from a cursed sleep, Myravelle must now choose a new canvas–a man whose life she drains with a dagger to fuel her healing powers. A ritual binds her to Byzarien Dumont, who loathes fairies for the fires that left his family impoverished and his body riddled with scars. His burning hatred causes Myravelle’s enchantments to wither, leading the king to threaten her mother’s life. Byzarien can only see Myravelle as a beautiful spider who strings men along her web, while Myravelle considers love a weakness for the king to exploit. With their families in danger and soldiers rotting in a death-like sleep, the pair must learn to trust one another before the dark magic spinning in Myravelle’s soul unravels once and for all. The Wicked Fairy never asked to become a monster…

Eros & Thanatos: An Anthology of Death & Desire by Alexandria Baker, Megan Bontrager, Dan Dolan, A.L. Garcia, Rebecca Jones-Howe, Jeremy Megargee, Newton, Kayla Whittle, Ashley Van Elswyk and Perry Wolfecastle

Death, my dear, is only the beginning... Freud once theorized that human beings are subject to two drives: love (Eros) and death (Thanatos). While his psychoanalytic theory has long been expanded upon, no one can argue how fundamental love and death is to our existence. Within this collection are twelve stories that explore the fine line between these concepts. It also features a diverse group of authors whose often unheard voices tell stories of resilience, strength, and triumph through tragedy. Haunting as any Quill & Crow anthology, these stories seek to intrigue, inspire, and give a whole new meaning to "until death do us part."

Blood Coven by Sabrina Voerman

“There was no breeze that evening, but the trees whispered in the voices of girls…” Red only dreams of escaping her abusive home in her Silvanian village until a mysterious young woman invites her to join her coven. Just as she begins to seize her autonomy back by way of witchcraft, her devious father decides to sacrifice her to the Wolf–a legendary creature that has haunted their town for over four hundred years. Refusing to be a pawn in her father’s plan, Red uses her newfound strength and takes control of her destiny. Instead of succumbing to her fate, she wields it, and in the process, she unearths the true history of the Wolf, and the man he once was.

Ashen Heart by Sabrina Voerman

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” Torenia Luca’s unparalleled beauty is the cause of her family’s hatred for her. She’s ignored by her father, cast aside by her mother, and despised by her sister, Aster. The increasing rivalry between herself and Aster pushes Torenia into the Craft before she is driven out of Silvania for witchcraft. Ten years later she finds herself on the other side of the Mørke Forest in Osleka, a region known for its brutal cold and a mysterious blood cult called The Brotherhood run by Roman and Ivan Sokolov. Thrown into a world of blood lust, political affairs, and nightwalkers, Torenia finds herself swept up in the Brotherhood, shedding parts of herself that do not serve her and unlocking desires that she had long since hidden. She claws her way up the hierarchy, uncaring of whom she usurps along the way. “Torenia Luca is the fairest of them all.”

A Thing Divine by Rian Adara

Ehvy has dreamt of the same man her entire life. Vicious, bloody, decadent visions haunt her nights, but she’s never paid them any mind. Until a chance encounter has her face to face with Will, the literal man of her dreams, and she begins to wonder whether they were dreams at all but memories. As Will drags Ehvy deeper into her darkest desires, he wakes up the monster in her that has been lurking just under the surface. As Ehvy wrestles to separate nightmare from reality, she rejects the notion that she is some lovesick girl taken in by a handsome man. Instead, she’s a woman ready to rip the corrupt heart out of the world and will sink into the pits of Hell with Will to do it.

When Her World Went Away by Alexis L. Carroll

Stranded in the desert, supplies dwindling, and armed with only a kitchen knife… Sairha is determined to be reunited with her family after a catastrophic earthquake decimates the world, bringing down all technology and leaving deep cracks in the earth. Miles apart and no way to contact them, she sets off on foot across the unforgiving terrain, with her friend and a charming stranger who claims to know the way. Finding empty towns, their epic trek soon turns into a desperate battle for survival. Ravenous creatures emerge from underground, stalking them in the dark. Food and water are scarce. Seeking safety in numbers, they team up with other survivors. But with their lives constantly in peril, tensions rise and Sairha’s loyalty is put to the test when distrust divides the group. Between the dangers of a ravaged land and a brutal betrayal by someone close, Sairha is barely holding onto the little hope she has left. She will have to dig through the lies, trust her instincts, and build strength to continue her daunting journey home or succumb to the monsters of the night.

The Spirit Well by R.K. Ashwick

When a bard saved the day, he never expected an encore. After saving their home from a magical disaster, Emry, Cal, and forest spirit Aspen ascend to high society: Emry and Aspen to the illustrious musicians’ guild, and Cal to the cutting edge of spirit research. But their new roles send them far beyond the concerts and balls they expected…and deep into a city of dying spirits. In the neighboring city of Matlock, a strange blight has withered their gardens—and the spirits living within. The trio rushes to investigate, whirling into Matlock’s social season in search of allies and gossip. Here, Emry frantically navigates the dazzle and decorum to seek information, start his debut…and propose to Cal. But when the glittering chandeliers illuminate more enemies than friends, Emry, Cal, and Aspen must race to stop the blight before it spreads—and the spirits shrivel away for good.

A Captured Cauldron by R.K. Ashwick

Why steal a potion when you can steal a potioneer? Grumpy potioneer Ambrose Beake has only one social event marked on his calendar: the country’s three-day Potion Convention. Alchemists from all over the world pour in to discuss their life’s work, and Ambrose eagerly dives into the excitement. Greeting old friends, speaking on panels, hopping into heated debates… And getting kidnapped by an underground crime syndicate. The criminals demand that Ambrose brew an impossible illusion potion—but the Guild’s protocol for such kidnappings is clear. He must agree to do the work, then delay the project as much as possible, while above ground, his boyfriend Eli and best friend Dawn plot to save him. They’re not alone in this venture, either—a beautiful journalist arrives to cover the rescue, just as eager as they are to investigate, infiltrate…and ignite a few sparks in Dawn’s heart along the way. But while Dawn struggles to ignore those sparks and Eli struggles to save his beloved, Ambrose delves into the syndicate’s secrets—and finds something far more impossible hidden within its depths.

Star-crossed Betas by Emory Winters

Star-crossed Betas is an MM, paranormal, wolf-shifter romance set in the North of England. A hard-earned HEA is guaranteed. Book 1 in The Northern Shifters series follows Connor and Phoenix as they navigate first love, first heartbreak and a second chance to build a life. But is history doomed to repeat itself when a larger mystery begins to unfold? Connor Ending up in an arranged marriage with the man who ripped my heart out of my chest and put it through a blender—was not on my bingo card this year. Yet what did I expect when I made the most clichéd mistake of falling in love with the son of the enemy pack? If we don’t find a way to coexist and build a pack together, we’re in breach of the peace agreement. But how do you forgive the unforgivable? Phoenix Regret should be the title of my memoir. One secret spilt to the wrong person toppled my life like a house of cards. I’m desperate for Connor to forgive me, but too much is at stake if I tell him the truth about why I betrayed him. How are we supposed to build a life together on a land filled with bitter-sweet memories? The last pack on this land died in a series of fires fifty years ago. I only hope that Connor’s fiery temper doesn’t lead us to the same fate.

Under the Lupine Moon by A. Knightley

Under the Lupine Moon is a cozy MM paranormal shifter romance with high heat and murder mystery, set in a small Alaskan town brimming with paranormals. It is the first in a series where each book focuses on one couple's HEA. Finn Winters has exactly two friends, loves to cook, and can turn into a wolf the size of a Clydesdale whenever the mood strikes. But when loss leads him to someone who feels so right, even through a phone screen, Finn wonders if taking a chance and letting him in might be worth it, if it means calling him his own. That is, until he's stood up. After Jaime Lamont inadvertently witnesses the murder of one of Monroe’s most prominent citizens, all he wants is to hide away in his quiet, safe cabin and forget about the chances that were ripped away in one horrible night. But when he’s thrust into a world of danger and mystery, he finds himself in the arms of the man he thought he'd lost all hope of ever knowing. With Finn and Jaime back in each other's lives in a way they never expected, the electric chemistry between them is undeniable. But will hidden truths and unknown dangers tear them apart before they can even begin? Or, can they find their way back to one another?

Little Favors by Adik Graves

He would have no embarrassing secrets. He would be perfect. Liu Xiaokai does everything he is told. He listens to his parents. He's a clever businessman. He's the city's most eligible bachelor. All he has left to do is prove that he's the perfect son--that he's worth becoming his father's heir. That he's nothing like his older brother, who abandoned the family. And then that older brother comes home. He will make his father pay for what he did to him. Liu Xingyu knows two things: firstly, that he loves his little brother. Secondly, that he hates his father. That's all that matters. When he first left all those years ago, he was determined to never come back, but after he met a man named Zhang Weiran, he knew there was only one thing he could do: go back home, and tear down everything his father loved. He won't let them get away with it. Zhang Weiran has had only one thing on his mind since he was a child: fulfill his parents' dying wish and get revenge on the organization that killed them. And it just so happens that his friend and unrequited love Liu Xingyu is not only deeply connected to this shadow organization--he also wants them gone just as badly as Weiran does. Now the only thing they disagree on is Liu Xingyu's suspicious little brother.

Ménage à Claws by Amelia Lascaux

Sloane Connelly was desperate for an escape from her horrible boss and manipulative father. So for her 32nd birthday, Sloane takes a long overdue beach vacation to the Outer Banks. Her trip is derailed when she runs into her ex, Tāne, the plant elemental who broke her teenage heart. Determined not to waste this second chance, she takes his offer for a fresh start: to work at his new openly magic bar and gives their relationship another shot. Maybe she could finally break free from her father's influence and find joy in her life again. When she meets Nivya, her new metamour and a snow leopard shifter, she's determined to fit in to this new polyamorous world. But the more she and Nivya work together at the bar, the more Sloane wants to be with her. After years of being told by her father how disappointing and unworthy Sloane is, does she deserve the opportunity for two loves? And when her father demands more from her than ever before, can Sloane finally take back control of her life? This book is for adult readers as it contains dark themes of trauma, abuse, violence, and detailed explicit spice.

Ocean's Blood by Thelma Mantey

“With my blood, I bind you. I bind your body and your soul. My blood will fulfill your destiny. You will be my shield and my sword. You will be my voice. You will depend on me as I will depend on you. You will defend my life with yours, and I will do the same for you. This Bond is sacred. It shall only be broken by death.” Vindt’s tranquil life as a lord’s son comes to an abrupt end when his homeland is overthrown. Friends, family, his freedom—he loses it all to Singers and their dark song magic. Human in appearance, Singers are a different species. Their powers only fail against the demons hunting them. But even this flaw has a patch: humans with a rare and valuable “trait”. It allows Singers to take over their voice and use it like a weapon. Vindt turned out to possess this trait, and was bound to a Singer by blood. Ever since, he has struggled to break free. Unexpectedly, a chain of events binds him to a new Singer: the sly and enigmatic Asche. From day one, their egos clash. Only, their encounter was no coincidence; Asche needs him—but for what? To free the Singers from the curse that plagues them? Or because Asche is on a quest for power, as the Singer’s brethren believe, who are determined to bring him down? Caught in the middle of their fight, Vindt gets yet another unexpected opponent: his wayward feelings for someone he’s supposed to hate. When Asche’s enemies offer Vindt freedom in exchange for delivering Asche into their hands, Vindt has to make a choice.

We Burn Beautiful by Lance Lansdale

Kent Fox is not okay. Thanks to a botched selfie swap, thousands of his colleagues have borne witness to a photo of his sock-covered crotch. Branded a professional pariah, he's had to move home with his mother, and the only job the 38-year-old, over-the-top, former executive can land is stocking shelves at a grocery store. To make matters worse, his new boss is none other than his ex-gay ex-boyfriend. Fabulous. Just freaking fabulous. To everyone else, Gray Collins is the perfect Christian. He manages the local Pick-n-Save, attends West Clark Apostolic Church four times a week, and he's just bought a ring for the woman helping him overcome his homosexuality. To Kent, however, Gray is the same coward he was twenty years ago. The boy with a list of seventeen reasons why he deserved Kent’s heart. The man who did nothing as his brother ripped Kent from his arms and out of his life for two decades. Forced together, Kent and Gray will have to confront the trauma that tore them apart, and all the old feelings that never truly died. Kent may not have a list of seventeen reasons for Gray, but he has three words that are just as true as they've ever been.

End Scene by A.V. Shener

In the early 1990s, Jonah Carter almost made it big. With a breakout role in a well-regarded film, he had never been closer to achieving his dreams. But behind the scenes, dark forces devised a plan of their own, costing the briefly shining star both his dreams and freedom. Years later, Jonah is still bound to the City of Angels, living in solitude with the echoes of a long-forgotten dream. His peaceful life comes crashing down with the reappearance of his detective ex-boyfriend. Hayden is investigating the disappearance of a young actor, and the bloody signs all lead back to Jonah’s mysterious past. As his buried secrets come roaring back, Jonah must join forces with the man he thought he’d lost forever. But how can they defeat the ones who live in the shadows?

Trust in Tomorrow by Dana Sweeney

Sleepwalking let them survive a nightmare. Desire woke them up. Demetri When the world ended, I came to the Stronghold and joined their military. Even made it to the helmet corps with the best and brightest. Life in the barracks is a nonstop party, everyone living like there's no tomorrow. Let's face it, there probably isn't. When my friends joined a resistance movement against the rich jerks who run this place, we needed a place to meet. The library would be perfect if it wasn't for the librarian being a total snoop. I offered to chat her up for the greater good... and because I can't stop thinking about her. Save the world, get the girl. Win-win. Stella I arrived in the city weeks before the world ended. I thought I was living a fairy tale, engaged to a prince… but the fantasy was dead even before the dead started to rise. Officially in mourning for my fiancé, I run the library and try to avoid attention. Yet somehow, I’ve caught the eye of a handsome soldier. He makes me long for freedom, control over my fate. But this elite society considers me an asset; they will never let me go without a fight. How do I know so much about the Stronghold? I helped build it.

Lust for Tomorrow by Dana Sweeney

Submission is freeing… Love is a trap. I’ve never seen his face. But I ache to feel his body. My fellow soldiers call him Alpha. It’s an insult, mocking his macho bravado, his aggressive arrogance. I’ve heard the snark, seen the rolled eyes. Alpha. It’s a joke. But when I hear him speak… His rich, deep voice. His lush British accent… I guess the joke’s on me. Since the zombies came, civilization fell, and new social structures arose, I’ve known that my independence relies on my disinterest in any particular man. The powers that be haven’t resorted to forced procreation… at least not yet; they still expect we’ll fall in love and walk into the trap willingly. My resistance requires that I avoid emotional connections. My existence requires that I avoid distractions, that I stand and fight. But every time this man speaks, I want to fall to my knees, offer myself to him. However he’ll have me. Lust is a distraction I can’t afford, but it’s not love. As long as I don’t fall in love, I’m safe. And who could possibly fall for Alpha?

Fear of Flying by KC Elle

Love is in the air. Probably. Most likely. But will a bit of turbulence get in the way of their love taking flight? Drew Parker knows he’s never going to get married. Fall in love. Have a family. But that’s okay, really. It’s safer that way—living life out to his family but otherwise in the closet—just as his parents have always told him. Besides, though he’s attracted to men, he’s never felt the urge to actually be intimate with anyone. So, really, it doesn’t matter. Until Drew meets Zach. Zach Harrison’s anxiety doesn’t rule his entire life, just mostly his social life. And undeniably his love life. According to his best friend, Jen, it’s the sole reason why he’s never had a date or even been kissed. He’s hoping someday he’ll just run into his Prince Charming and they’ll live happily ever after. But real life’s not that simple. When Tired-of-Lawyering-All-Weekend Drew meets Absolutely-Terrified-of-Flying Zach, Drew comes to Zach’s rescue, and sparks seem to fly. And when a snowstorm grounds their connecting flight—and every flight in the city—their instant love connection starts to soar. After spending almost two blissfully perfect days in the same hotel room being in love, it’s clear they’re made for each other. But is “meant to be” enough to help Drew finally get over his fear of flying? Fear of Flying is a steamy, strangers-to-lovers, instalove, snowbound, one-night-stand (okay, it was two nights) gay romance novel, featuring virgin MCs and only one bed—a story about finding love and self-acceptance in the most unexpected places. Content warning for homophobia, toxic parenting, and depictions of moderate-to-severe anxiety, including aerophobia.

An Appreciation of Cats by Des DeVivo

How do we know if it’s too late? Dr. Ian Devonshire, the beloved veterinarian of Holly Grove, is sixty-eight with no plans to retire—until a skin exam ends with an unexpected biopsy. Ian tells no one, privately worrying about what a worst-case scenario would mean for his practice and, more importantly, his assistant, Dr. Alec Tarley. Ian isn’t sure if Alec’s friendliness means what he hopes it does, though it wouldn’t matter if it did; Ian is old enough to be Alec’s father, and as his boss, Ian doesn’t want the small-town scandal of becoming involved. So even as Ian wonders what it might be like to have their afternoon tea somewhere other than behind closed doors, he convinces himself the risks far outweigh the gains. Especially now, as the pending results strand him like Schrödinger's Cat. In an attempt to protect them both from the heartache of a malignant prognosis, Ian makes the abrupt decision to retire. But when Alec refuses to take over the clinic without an explanation for the sudden change of heart, Ian must decide between what’ll hurt more: revealing his secrets or walking away.

Cosmic Soul by Mars Quinn

So I may be dead, but my afterlife isn’t. Caleb After years of wandering the stars, I’ve finally met someone who can see me—the handsome and serious Prince Zoltilvoxfyn. I know I should pass on, but I feel something, like physically feel something, when I’m with him. That hasn’t happened since I was alive, and I can’t help but wonder, why now? Zoltilvoxfyn I’m trying to help the human soul, who shouldn’t even be here, leave the mortal plane, but he is resolved to remain. The longer Caleb lingers, the more danger he is in, yet the more I want him to stay by my side. It’s like he belongs here, but that isn’t possible. This is a spicy stand-alone MM romance in the Cosmic Romance series. It is a sci-fi paranormal romance with a sunshine ghost, a serious alien, overprotective brothers, and a happily ever after. This book is for adult audiences only and has explicit content. Content warning inside.

Our Own Light by Logan Sage Adams

Floyd Bennett, a sweet and mild-mannered coal miner, entered a platonic marriage with his best friend Effie when she needed his help to start her life over somewhere new. For years, Floyd has sworn off love, too heartbroken from a tragic event in his past to let himself fall, but when Oliver comes to town, their friendship rekindles the smoldering embers of Floyd’s yearning for closeness. Oliver Astor, an upper-class, eccentric man with an often-inappropriate sense of humor, has fled his carefully crafted future and emotionally neglectful family to become a miner in a small, unincorporated mining town. Having never truly experienced love or friendship, he is content with spending the rest of his life alone. But soon Oliver meets his mining partner Floyd, who ignites a new longing for love and intimacy. As their relationship heats, Floyd starts to push Oliver away, their emotional closeness unearthing Floyd’s long-buried pain and threatening to obliterate their future together. For their love to last, Oliver must conquer the urge to run from perceived rejection while Floyd learns to open up about everything that was lost to him all those years ago. Set in 1921, Our Own Light is an MM historical romance with a lot of sweetness, a smattering of humor and heartache, and a well-deserved happily ever after.

dyrwolf by Kat Kinney

Lea Wylder has spent so long hunting werewolves that now one is stalking her in her sleep. In the unforgiving forests of the north, shape-shifting wolves have enslaved the sole human city for hundreds of miles, driving survivors up into the mountains. When Lea tracks a shifter and finds him caught in a trap, she’s convinced he’s the white wolf from her dreams. Not that it matters. He’s one of them. And they’re at war. But as Lea pulls back the bowstring, Henrik shifts to human and begs her not to shoot. By name. But how could he possibly know her? In twenty years, the wolves have never crossed the river over to their side. Injured and unable to walk, Henrik needs Lea’s help to get back home. If he could be turned against the pack, it could change the course of the war. But first there’s the small problem of returning him to the wolves—without getting caught.

The Deepest Cut by Bowen Greenwood

Betrayed. Hunted. Accused of murder. It's 1982. Cold War rages between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Clara Verona sneaks into Central America to infiltrate a violent group of Marxist revolutionaries. But when her contact is murdered and Clara's pistol is used to kill him, she finds herself running for her life, hunted for a crime she didn't commit. When she calls for help, the only result is more cops on her tail. Someone on the inside sold her out. Victor Isaac used to be an elite Panamanian special forces officer, but an operation went terribly wrong on his watch. Now he's stuck hassling drunks on the night shift. Called to the scene of a murder, the crime sets off every one of his alarm bells. But the closer he comes to catching the killer, the more obvious it becomes that everything is not as it seems. In a conflict fought in the shadows, spies and special forces clash over a terrorist plot that could be the start of World War III. If they want to warn the world, or even survive, Clara and Victor will need all of their training. They'll need all their skill. And they'll need to learn to trust each other. In the covert world of espionage, that may be the hardest challenge of all.

Not Quite Meant To Be by Genevieve Croeser

Love is like a four-leaf clover. You find it only when you're not looking. Elana Anderson is definitely not looking for love. When her parents' marriage falls apart, she is left with a ranch full of horses and a rebellious teenage sister. A relationship is the last thing on her mind. A relationship with Colton Johnson, who collects buckle bunnies like most people collect coins, is about as likely as her chances of winning the lottery. The fact that his dimpled smile makes her heart skip a beat means absolutely nothing at all. After having his heart shattered by his high school sweetheart, Colton Johnson decides that true love and happily ever afters exist only in fairy tales. He is perfectly happy with his commitment-free lifestyle, until he really gets to know the dark-haired cowgirl who has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. Can he risk his heart again for the chance at a fairy tale ending to their love story? Is Elana willing to give up everything she thought she knew about Colton Johnson in favour of getting to know the man behind the mask that he presents to the world? Could there possibly be room for him in her world, after all? Horses, ranch lore, love and laughter and of course, a beautiful love story make up this debut novel by Genevieve Croeser.

Witching with Dolphins by Janna Ruth

Harper's best friend Valerie is everything she is not: beautiful, confident, and the most powerful witch on Banks Peninsula. Together, they run the coffee shop »La Petite Sorcière« and keep the balance between magic, people, and the environment. It's an honour for Harper to be Valerie's sidekick, if only they weren't in love with the same man: dolphin whisperer Ethan. Friends before magic (or boys) has always been their prerogative, but their determination to hold onto it is tested when a local scientist finds out about their secret and makes Valerie a tempting offer. Harper's envy and feelings of inferiority lead to a massive fall-out between the two friends that might put both their lives at risk. Yet, when push comes to shove, Harper is willing to give up everything for her friend: Ethan, her life, or even the little magic she has. Set in Akaroa Harbour, this witchy novella takes you on a magical trip of swimming with the dolphins. It is a story about love, the ocean, and most importantly, friendship.

Time to Remember by Janna Ruth

When the Canterbury Earthquakes destroyed their city, Natalie and her friends were only ten years old. Too old to forget, but too young to be heard, they have never told their stories. Until now. Ten years after the earthquakes, Natalie returns to her home town with a plan. To show how the earthquakes shaped her generation, she wants to curate her fellow students' stories into a special edition of the student magazine. Her project is well-received by all, but one: her self-proclaimed nemesis Josh. From the start, Josh goes out of his way to get the project cancelled. Natalie is determined to see her vision through, yet when she finally uncovers the reason behind Josh's actions, she finds herself questioning everything she's been working towards.

Melody of a Curse by Janna Ruth

He's haunted by nightmares. She's hiding behind her smile. A cursed melody dooms them both. Ever since returning from the war, Jonas has been plagued by nightmares. When he meets the vivacious dancer Sophie, he’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Her laughter alone banishes the terrors of his dreams. But behind that smile lies a secret. Every night, Sophie follows an irresistible melody into the night, only to return in the morning exhausted, feverish, and with her shoes broken a little more. Worried, Jonas sets out to solve the mystery of her midnight dances. But the intoxicating nightmare he slips into may just be darker than the ones that haunt him. The award-winning dark fairy-tale retelling of Grimm’s “The Twelve Dancing Princesses”. Now in English.

Hell hath no Passion (Ashuan Lust 3) by Janna Ruth

Hell hath no passion like an archdemon in heat Samantha vowed herself to stay far away from demons. That was before she fell for one. Her relationship with Matt has been rocky, but they're finally in a good place. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before Samantha attracted the attention of his mother, Melaney, the Archdemon of Lust. Melaney has driven her sons into a deadly competition for her favour. Only Matt refuses her call. To force his hand, she kidnaps Samantha, the human witch who has him under her spell. To escape Hell with her life intact, Samantha must play a dangerous game. One that could cost her her sanity—and the love of her life.

Hell hath no Ambition (Ashuan Lust 2) by Janna Ruth

Hell hath no ambition like a demon in politics Jan had one hell of a year. First he lost his job, then he almost died, and now his parents are kicking him out. The last thing he needs on top of all that are Matt’s demon brothers wreaking havoc in Greenvalley. It’s already nearly impossible to find a place to rent when you have no money; it’s absolutely hopeless when a magical storm blows through your town, you have to deal with snow-witch squatters, and possession by an ancient evil spirit. But Jan’s done being the butt of every demon’s joke. He’s determined to make a life for himself, monsters be damned. If there’s one thing he’s learnt from demons, it’s that if you want to get ahead, you need to fight for your dues. Or die trying.

Hell Hath no Fury (Ashuan Lust 1) by Janna Ruth

Hell hath no fury like a brother scorned Last year was hell. And Matt grew up there. Just as he's begun to learn what it means to be human, his demon mother tempts him with a life-changing offer. Problem is, he’s not the only one she’s offered it to. As Matt returns to Greenvalley for another year of school, love, and monster hunts, his half-brothers are out for blood. One has a thousand years more experience than him, while the other hunts humans for sport. With his friends caught in the crossfire, lying low is not an option. But to accept the challenge, he’ll have to give up his hard-fought humanity, and with that, his life in Greenvalley, his friends, and the human girl he's somehow fallen in love with.

A River of Magic (Ashuan Greed 3) by Janna Ruth

When reality turns into a nightmare, a dreamer might be their only chance. After saving her friends in the dreamworld, Rachel sets out to live in the real world. But with the Archdemon of Greed eager to steal Greenvalley’s magic, an ancient prophecy promising the end of the world, and half of her friends still hating each other, reality isn’t exactly a pleasant place. When her town starts descending into hell, and her friends lose all hope, Rachel has to find a way to make her dreams for a better future come true. Can she find her powers in time to stop greed take it all, or will her life become an endless nightmare? A Spring of Magic is the gripping finale of the action-packed Ashuan Greed trilogy. If you liked Buffy’s wit and snarky one-liners, the magic of Charmed, or the supernatural drama of the Vampire Diaries, you’ll love this new urban fantasy series.

A River of Magic (Ashuan Greed 2) by Janna Ruth

When the truth involves demons, murder, and magic, everybody gets hurt. Fabian knows with magic comes pain. He already lost one friend to a demon attack. Now his best friend is falling apart in the bloody aftermath of what should have been a joyful celebration. With demons haunting the streets of Greenvalley, and dark secrets threatening to tear their group apart, Fabian wishes he’d never unlocked the water magic inside of him. But he is no coward. Fabian might whine and moan, but when his friends are in danger, he knows he’s got to step up. With an ancient prophecy set in motion, Fabian’s ready to face his magic. Only to find it’s gone. A River of Magic is the second instalment of the action-packed Ashuan Greed trilogy. If you like Buffy’s wit and snarky one-liners, the magic of Charmed, and the supernatural drama of the Vampire Diaries, you’ll love this new urban fantasy series.

A Drop of Magic (Ashuan Greed 1) by Janna Ruth

Magic, Demons & High School Drama All Lucille ever wanted was a perfectly normal high school experience, but her town doesn’t do normal. Not when a few Latin words set her hand on fire, the entire town gets possessed by evil spirits, and the cute guy she’s got her eyes on brings a freaking sword to the battle. Now Lucille has to make a decision: return to her cushy, and safe, life-style at the boarding school, or join her friends and face the monsters that hunt her and the magic that resides inside of her. A Drop of Magic is the first book of this action-packed, ensemble-led YA fantasy series with the wit of Buffy, the magic of Charmed, and all the drama of the Vampire Diaries. Join Lucille and her friends on their monster hunt!

Ghosts of the Provence by Janna Ruth

They don’t call it a wedding in Provence unless ghosts crash your party. Weddings are a recipe for disaster, and my sister’s upcoming nuptials in Provence to the man who betrayed me are no exception. But I’m here to play nice. After all, my own love life is a mess, torn as I am between Gaspar, my charming ghost boyfriend, and Sébastien, the reclusive ghost whisperer I can't seem to resist. Adding to the chaos, the ruthless leader of the ghost police will be there too. If he discovers what I did to his whisper ghost, this wedding might be my funeral. Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, you'll enjoy Ghosts of the Provence, the fifth book of the Parisian Ghosts series. Travel to Provence, for some spooky action by the sea.

Ghosts of the Opera by Janna Ruth

Love, murder, and deceit at the opera—in Paris, even the ghosts have to play their parts. Betrayed by my family, abandoned by my boyfriend, and on the ghost police’s black list—I’ve hit rock bottom. To escape GoPol, I have to pretend I’ve lost my ability to see ghosts, and worse, fake a romance with Sébastien, the last person I want to get cosy with. Easier said than done. We can’t even enjoy a night at the opera without being thrust into spectral drama when the prima donna drops dead on stage. Was it an accident, a rival’s murderous vendetta, or has the phantom of the opera claimed another victim? With ghosts involved, Sébastien and I become reluctant detectives, racing against the clock to expose the killer before GoPol picks up my trail. In this dance of deception, every step risks exposure. If GoPol discovers I still hang out with ghosts, my fate is sealed. Can Sébastien and I solve the murder and keep my secret buried, or will this masquerade be my final act? Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, you'll enjoy Ghosts of the Opera, the fourth book of the Parisian Ghosts series. Travel to Paris today for a haunting night at the opera.

Ghosts of the Resistance by Janna Ruth

I’ve given the ghosts everything. Now they’re coming for my powers. All my life, I’ve talked to ghosts, helped them fulfil their last wishes, and made friends with them. I thought I had a good grip on the afterlife. Boy, was I wrong. There are things afoot in the beyond that make my nightmares have nightmares. After wiping a powerful ghost from existence, his followers are out for blood. My blood. As if that weren’t bad enough, my allies cannot be trusted. Down in the catacombs, the Knight of Bones is seizing control of powerful ghost dwellings for reasons that make my stomach turn. Meanwhile my acquaintances at GoPol have branded me an unnecessary risk to be exterminated. My only chance of escaping with my life and my powers intact is to join the Resistance. If I can’t convince the rogue ghosts and whisperers hiding in the old bunkers of Paris to help me, I’ll lose everything. My ghost friends, my ability, but most importantly, the love of my life. Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, you'll enjoy Ghosts of the Resistance, the third book of the Parisian Ghosts series. Travel to Paris today to embark on your catacomb adventure.

Ghosts of the Crusade by Janna Ruth

Lies, deception, and betrayal — if you thought the living were bad, wait until you meet the dead. After narrowly escaping the catacombs of Paris, I plan to stay away from ghosts. I will, right after I’ve settled a newly departed in the afterlife, got rid of the ghost police unit who have taken an interest in my talents, and completed on last favour. Of course, with my luck, that last favour is a bitch. Somehow I promised the last Grandmaster of the Templars, who was burned at the stake for devil worship, an introduction to my famous dead friends at the Panthéon. Before I know it, I’m chasing lost treasures, righting seven-century-old wrongs, and getting sucked into a spectral power struggle that could forever blur the lines between life and death. Everybody wants my help, but not all of them need me alive. Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, you'll enjoy Ghosts of the Crusade, the second book of the Parisian Ghosts series. Travel to Paris today to embark on your catacomb adventure.

When Wildflowers Bloom by Ashley Manley

How would you live your life if you believed any day could be your last? Having the same genetic mutation that took both her mother and grandmother, Birdie Rose Hawkins meets her thirty-seventh birthday with the grim belief that this year will also be her last. While she normally spends her days living by lists, rules, and routines—alone—she starts her final year doing something she never does: having a one-night stand. When the stranger fatefully reappears in her life, this time carrying baggage of his own, it’s with an offer of friendship. Rather than doing what she thinks will keep her safe, he, along with the few people she has in her life, teach her how to lean into the things that scare her. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for them to ignore the connection they’ve had since that very first night. When a secret is exposed and threatens to destroy everything they’ve built, Birdie has to decide if she wants to survive like she always has or trust in the unknown that comes with truly living.

Kiss Me Thrice by Ellie Mack

Three unexpected kisses. Two ambitious dancers. One chance at happily ever after. Lindsay Ferg lives by a simple no dating, no distractions, just dance. It works—right up until an injury sidelines her partner and jeopardizes her career at New York Ballet Theater. Now she’s stuck dancing Romeo & Juliet opposite David Powers. He’s the company’s biggest male star, Lindsay’s second-biggest regret, and the definition of distraction. David doesn’t want to dance this season—not because of his history with Lindsay, but because his life is falling apart. But when NYBT’s director confides that the financial future of the company is dependent on the success of Romeo & Juliet, David has no choice but to grab his tights and get to work. In the studio, sparks fly, lines blur, and an explosive stage kiss leads to an unusual arrangement. During the day, they practice choreography, and at night they focus on harnessing the chemistry that’s threatening to derail the performance. The distraction starts to feel suspiciously like dating, and for the first time in Lindsay’s life, dancing isn’t enough—but one wrong step could close the curtain on NYBT forever. As opening night approaches, Lindsay can’t help wondering if she and David are as doomed as the lovers they’re portraying, or if there’s a happily ever after waiting for them in the wings.