Code Red (Side Hustle) by Lilah Hart

She lost a cat. He found his forever. I've been a good girl my whole life. Followed the rules. Obeyed my father. Kept my head down and my heart locked up tight. One day in Wildwood Valley changed everything. It started with a cat. A diabetic escape artist named Snowball who bolted from my clinic on my very first day flying solo. Desperate and panicking, I ran to the fire station next door for help. I didn't expect to find a man in nothing but black boxer briefs, singing into a spatula like he owned the world. Devon Carlisle was grumpy, gorgeous, and completely off-limits. A rugged construction foreman with callused hands and a volunteer firefighter's heart. He had no business looking at me the way he did—like I was trouble he wanted to get into. I had no business letting him. But somewhere between chasing that cat through the woods and sharing drinks at the new honky-tonk in town, I stopped being the pastor's dutiful daughter. I stopped playing it safe. I started playing with fire. Code Red is a short and steamy instalove romance set in the small mountain town of Wildwood Valley, North Carolina. This 1-hour read is part of the Side Hustle series. If you like short, steamy instalove novellas, you’ll love the entire Side Hustle series! About the Series: From broke beginnings to business dreams, the real hustle begins after hours. Whether it’s garage startups or late-night gigs, these blue-collar heroes and heroines are chasing goals bigger than the next bill. When love throws them a curveball, they learn that building a future means risking their hearts. Side Hustle is a multi-author series of short, steamy instalove stories with guaranteed happily-ever-afters. Each one delivers open-door heat, real-world grit, and chemistry that burns hotter after midnight.

Mountain Man's Winter Darling: A Steamy Instalove Romance (Wildwood Valley Firehouse #02) by Lilah Hart

Snowed in. Guarded heart. One firefighter who stays. I’d spent years building walls. As the manager of Wildwood Ridge Roadhouse, I was the woman with the clipboard and the answers—the one who handled every crisis, solved every problem, and never let anyone see me crack. I’d watched charming men try to get past my defenses before, and I’d shut every single one of them down. Then the blizzard hit. Conner was everything I’d trained myself to avoid—a firefighter with a sharp tongue, an easy smile, and a reputation for never taking anything seriously. The jokester. The flirt. The last man I should have trusted with my secrets. But the storm stranded us together. And somewhere between the snow piling against the windows and the hours slipping quietly by, he stopped joking. He looked at me like he saw past the role I played for everyone else. He didn’t see the manager. He didn’t see the woman in control. He saw me. I’d never let anyone that close before. Never wanted to. But Conner made me want things I’d convinced myself weren’t real—the kind of connection that happened in one impossible night and changed everything. He said he wasn’t going anywhere. I wanted to believe him. But I’d been the responsible one my whole life—and responsible women didn’t fall for strangers during snowstorms. They didn’t risk everything on a single night. …Did they? Tropes: ❄️ Snowed-In Romance 🔥 Firefighter Hero 🏔️ Small-Town Mountain Setting 🧊 Forced Proximity 😏 Jokester Hero Who Falls Hard 🛡️ Guarded Heroine ❤️ One-Night-to-Forever Love 💋 Steamy Instalove Chemistry 🥰 He Falls First 🏡 Standalone Romance with HEA Mountain Man's Winter Darling is an OTT age-gap romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It's a forced proximity ex-military, lumberjack romance with lots of steam that's designed to be read in only 1 hour. If you like short, steamy instalove novellas, you’ll love the entire Wildwood Valley Firehouse series!

Mountain Man's Winter Beauty: A Steamy Instalove Romance (Wildwood Valley Firehouse #1) by Lilah Hart

Trapped by winter. Claimed by a mountain firefighter. I noticed Mason the moment he walked into the roadhouse. Hard not to. He was built like the mountains surrounding Wildwood Valley—broad shoulders, powerful arms, hands that looked like they could either break you in half or hold you like you mattered. One of the new firefighters in town. The kind of man every woman noticed. Except he didn’t notice me. Or so I thought. For weeks, Mason came in with his crew. He talked to everyone—the bartender, the cook, the manager. Everyone except me. When I refilled his sweet tea, he couldn’t meet my eyes. When I asked for his order, he answered in single words, like speaking to me was harder than running into a burning building. I told myself it didn’t matter. I was just the server. The small-town girl nobody really saw. Then the snowstorm hit. The roads closed. My car couldn’t make it up the mountain. And suddenly I was stranded in a ditch—in the cab of Mason’s truck—with nowhere to go and no way out. That’s when everything changed. That’s when the quiet firefighter finally told me the truth. He hadn’t been avoiding me because he wasn’t interested. He’d been avoiding me because he was terrified of how much he wanted me. We had one hour before his crew reached us. One hour to decide if this was real—or just the storm talking. One hour that could change everything. Sometimes the best things happen when you’re trapped in the cold… with the one man who can keep you warm. Tropes: 🔥 Firefighter Romance 🏔️ Mountain Man Alpha Hero ❄️ Snowstorm Forced Proximity 🛻 Stranded Together 💪 Protective Age-Gap Hero 😳 Shy Alpha, Hidden Desire 🌸 Virgin Heroine / First Time ⚡ Fast-Burn Instalove ❤️ Small-Town Romance 🌡️ High-Heat OTT Novella Mountain Man's Winter Beauty is an OTT age-gap romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It's a forced proximity firefighter romance with lots of steam that's designed to be read in only 1 hour. If you like short, steamy instalove novellas, you’ll love the entire Wildwood Valley Firehouse series!

Love Mediation by D.C. Emerson

Love. Four seemingly innocuous letters that have caused James a lot of grief. Growing up, he thought he had his mom and dad’s love, and his first boyfriend had said lots of pretty words—“love" included. But when push came to shove, the only one whose love stuck around was his mom. And yes, he knows how pathetic that sounds, especially given that his mom is now busier than ever, happily planning Valentine’s Day for her two partners. Things are changing, though. James also has a beloved partner. A man he’s ready to introduce to his mom, and maybe even say those terrifying three words to… He just has to make it perfect. Leon, on the other hand, is far from perfect, and has no plans to try and be anything other than what he is: the office bad boy who is finally facing his ADHD head on…while also reckoning with the fact that he's head over heels for his ridiculous, adorable boyfriend. With the help of new friends and his loveable cat Yarmen, he’s sure everything will work out just fine. Love Mediation is the third novella in the Conflict Mediation series. The series is MM romance novella with trans rep and follows James and Leon as they explore their relationship, form new, long-lasting friendships, and dote on everyone’s favorite cat, Yarmen.

Conflict Resolution by D.C. Emerson

James: James really thought he and Leon left all their struggles behind at the haunted house. His mom is healthy and happy, dating not one but two wonderful people, and James’ own relationship is off to a great start. Unfortunately, as the year draws to a close, James comes face-to-face with a new obstacle: intimacy. While James is by no means a stranger to physical intimacy, it’s been a long time since he had to introduce someone to his parts and preferences. Taking this next step in their relationship comes with lots of conversations…and James wouldn’t call himself an expert conversationalist. Leon: Well, it’s been quite a year. Going from enemies to friends to soon-to-be lovers with James has been a journey, but Leon wouldn’t trade a second of it. What he could do without is the dual diagnosis of anxiety, which he discovered in the middle of a haunted house, and ADHD, which James’ office subordinates noticed before any of Leon’s therapists did. He really thought he’d gotten all his self-discovery out of the way as a teen, but it seems there’s always room to grow. At least this time he won’t be doing it alone. Conflict Resolution is a steamy MM romance novella with trans rep about self-discovery, growth, New Year’s resolutions, and, of course, lots of snuggles with a very needy cat. This is the second novella in a series of novellas following the same couple through various stages of their journey toward a happy-ever-after. This book focuses primarily on the exploring intimacy stage, so if that’s not your vibe, skip to the next novella, Love Mediation, for more James and Leon. The Conflict Mediation novella series should be read in order and is a spinoff from the Not So Normative series, but can be read separately from the other Not So Normative books. The reading order is: Conflict Mediation, Haunted Mediation, Conflict Resolutions, Love Mediation, and a finale.

Haunted Mediation by D.C. Emerson

It’s been six months since workplace rivals James and Leon were sent to conflict mediation, only to end up in couple's counseling. Since then, they’ve become friends, and James would even go so far as to call them best friends. Which is great. Truly. James is so grateful for their lunch dates and weekend hangouts...even if his feelings for Leon moved way past platonic months ago. What matters is his mom is doing better now. She’s been in remission for almost a full year and is becoming increasingly independent—right in time for her all-time favorite holiday: Halloween. All James has wanted for years is for her to be healthy enough to enjoy the small things in life, like having her new “friends” over for scary movies and pumpkin flavored treats. So why does he feel so lost and aimless now? He knows he should talk to Leon about it. Halloween night doesn’t seem like the right time, though, especially not when they get tricked into visiting a house of horrors. If James can get through it, maybe then they can talk, even if doing so feels scarier than anything they’ll face in the haunted house. Haunted Mediation is an MM novella with trans rep, featuring a troublesome neighbor, a needy cat, and a Haunted House. The Conflict Mediation novella series should be read in order and is a spinoff from the Not So Normative series, but can be read separately from the other Not So Normative books. The reading order is: Conflict Mediation, Haunted Mediation, Conflict Resolutions, Love Mediation, and a finale.

Conflict Mediation by D.C. Emerson

James was doing just fine at work, minding his own business and avoiding his long-time nemesis, Leon, at all costs. Unfortunately, upper management has other plans for them, and that’s how James finds himself spending a miserable evening at conflict mediation with Leon. Leon has worked hard to get where he is today, and he doesn’t need his annoying coworker James ruining that for him. He’s ready to grit his teeth through conflict mediation if that means he gets to keep his job and go about his life. Unfortunately, there must have been a mix-up in the office because James and Leon find themselves in a couples counseling session instead. Will they be able to get through the session with their jobs, and their grudges for each other, intact? Community Reviews

Signals + Sentiments: A Heartstrings & Coffee Beans Novel by Noah Bodie

When Max Alexander’s best friend moves overseas, the last thing he expects is to open his apartment door to Lucas Campbell—the boy who made his teenage years a living hell. Now, adults and unexpected roommates, Max and Lucas, are trapped in close quarters by a signed lease and a history neither of them has healed from. Max is an art student who survives on rigid routines, sensory control, and silence. Lucas is a writer carrying family obligations, guilt, and a past he’s never been able to explain. As the days pass, old wounds resurface alongside unexpected tenderness, and both are forced to face who they were and who they've become. Healing isn’t loud, forgiveness isn’t clean, and love ... doesn’t always arrive the way you expect it to.

Warmed Up by the Firefighter: A Second Chance Instalove OTT Steamy Short Romance by Julia Stone

One bad breakup. One unexpected firefighter. One second chance she never planned to take. Reese: They say I’m crazy. That’s the story my ex told after our breakup—loud enough that the whole town believed him. So maybe breaking into his house to get my things back doesn’t help my case, but I refuse to let him keep pieces of my life hostage. I don’t expect to be caught. I definitely don’t expect his new roommate—naked, broad-shouldered, and devastatingly calm about finding me trespassing in the middle of the day. Jaxon isn’t what I’m ready for. He’s heat and safety and everything I swore I was done believing in. One look at him makes me want to risk my heart all over again. But I’ve already loved once and paid for it. No matter how much my body betrays me, I can’t cave. Not again. Jaxon: I step out of the shower and find a woman breaking into my house—and just like every fire I’ve ever run into, I know I won’t walk away unchanged. Reese is sharp-tongued and wound tight, carrying scars no one ever taught her how to heal. The second our eyes meet, something in me locks into place. I don’t question it. I never do. I’m a firefighter. I run toward danger for a living. And Reese is danger in the most tempting form. She doesn’t fall into my arms the way women usually do. She fights it. Pushes back. Keeps her distance. That only makes me want her more. She’s running from something, and I’m not the kind of man who lets someone burn alone. She thinks love is a mistake she can’t afford to make again. I think she just hasn’t met a man willing to fight for her. Mature Novella Romance Short Story Short Romance Second Chance Steamy Quick Read Small Town Instalove Note from the Author: This short read will take 1-2 hours to read.

A Portrait For Tomorrow by Raynarde

After a failed stint in college, Gerald Waller is a reclusive lion unhappy with his static life. Buried are his desires of being an artist like his late mother, along with the prospect of finding love. When chance connects him with Michael, an optimistic fox with a penchant for the guitar, Gerald begins to see life with a fresh perspective and optimism. With renewed inspiration, Gerald resurrects an ambitious painting project and falls in love with Michael. However, life's fast and unexpected curveballs overturn Gerald's life and shakes his faith. Balancing between caring for his lover's health, his strained relationship with his alcoholic father, and progress on his painting, Gerald wonders how he can march forward with all he's learned and remain hopeful. Intimate and philosophical, A Portrait For Tomorrow is a hopeful story celebrating the wonders of life and the precious people we encounter.

The Tengu And The Angel by Alina Capella

Kunio is eighteen years old and running away from home, if you can call it that. The apartment he in lives with his mother hasn't felt like home since his grandpa died, and for the past ten years of his life, he's faced constant abuse from his alcoholic mother, who openly resents him and regrets having him. Unable to cope with her abuse anymore, he journeys up north in search of a fresh start. Nathaniel has just gotten out of a toxic relationship with his ex, Theo, but Theo continues to rule Nathaniel's life with an iron fist, using his mental illness and trauma as excuses to manipulate him and keep him isolated from his friends. When Nathaniel takes Kunio in, the two of them bond over their shared trauma and become close friends--But it's not long before they develop feelings for each other. Can the two of them learn to put their pasts aside, and make their relationship work?

Hi-Voltage by Raz Fox

“Voltage is a multicultural British band from France, Japan, South Korea, and Uruguay, who got their start in the London underground metal scene in 2002. Driven by the creative vision of their vocalist, Zana, and their composer and guitarist, Reno, Voltage has shot into fame over the last decade. With a unique blend of influences and sounds, Voltage has consistently claimed the top of the worldwide Metal charts, and has also been gaining attention outside of the metal scene over the last few years—” Voltage has always been Luka Fischer’s favorite band, even before Reno and he had a chance encounter a decade ago— However, that doesn’t mean he should uproot his life just because Reno posted online looking for him, by name, with his photo, right? But, Reno doesn’t believe in coincidences and he’s positive that if Luka has haunted his memory for a decade, then they shouldn’t ignore the chance to find him again. Spanning across America to England, Luka and Reno take a chance to follow a dream. Despite insecurities, anxieties, a too-busy schedule, pressure from the industry, and some pretty crazy fans, it still might just be worth it.

Flawed by Margaux Paris

Some people say they’re drawn to the light. Not me. I’ve always found beauty in the broken pieces, the cracks that people hide behind polite smiles and hollow words. She wasn’t looking for anyone. And I wasn’t supposed to want someone like her. But the second I saw her, everything else faded. Her silence was louder than any scream. Her eyes? Full of storms. And me? I’ve always had a thing for beautiful disasters.

A Perfect Fantasy by Mark Aeschlimann

The second their eyes locked in passing, Will felt something he hadn’t felt in so long, he’d almost forgotten what it was. He wasn’t sure he’d ever feel it again—especially not after her. But the truth of it buzzed through him from head to toe…Attraction. Will is a code monkey by day, and he likes his job well enough—it pays the bills. But with forty creeping closer and the fallout of his divorce still in his rearview, writing is his only escape. His fantasy worlds are the one place where he can lose himself completely, a refuge from the depression and anxiety he’s wrestled with for years. This isn’t the life he thought he’d be living, and most days, it feels like a pale shadow of the one he wanted. Davey—his friend and colleague—has a way of pulling Will out of his head, coaxing him out for drinks or just to unwind after work. But Will would rather stay safe in his shell. Being social still feels like too much, too loud, too risky. Jess has stopped believing in love altogether. Heartbreak and betrayal have been her only constants, so she’s done setting herself up to be let down again. She’s happy enough in the pages of her favourite books—fantastical worlds where the stakes feel real but the heartbreak is only fiction. Her family doesn’t understand, but she’s tired of explaining that she doesn’t need a man to feel whole. A Perfect Fantasy is a no-spice, contemporary slow-burn romance that explores the weight of old wounds and the quiet courage it takes to step outside of comfort zones. When an unexpected encounter sparks a chance at something real, Will and Jess have to decide if risking their hearts is worth the fall.

A Home in You by Courtney W. Dixon

I love you. You're my home. Forever. Dillon At first, when Cade and his dad came to the farm to live, I didn’t want a brother or a new father. Mom and I were doing just fine on our own, but when Cade walked into my house for the first time, I was instantly drawn to him. How was that possible? I never had a crush on anyone before, let alone a boy. Cade I have a secret. Two really. I’m gay and I have a huge crush on Dillon. It’s all wrong but I want him more than breathing. Dillon is quiet and stoic, but sweet and caring. We do everything together and are as close as two brothers could be. How long can I fight my need for him? How did we feel so right, yet also so wrong? We kept our love a secret for three years until we were finally discovered and torn apart. It took over a year to find each other again in college. But reuniting wasn’t so simple.

Irreconcilable Attractions by Kennedy Kidman

Colton I thought owning my own place would mean I could dictate who could stay in my guest bedroom–especially who could be living in it. But it seems my father has other plans, and now, at twenty-seven, I have a roommate for the first time, and it’s not by choice. Thankfully, Derek is a really cool guy, but the longer we spend together, the harder it is for me to keep a strict friendship between us. He says he’s straight, but the way he looks at me feels anything but platonic. It’s taking everything in me not to jump his bones. But what would that do to our living situation and the friendship we’ve built? Things aren’t supposed to be this complicated, but I’m starting to wish the summer would never end. Derek Life in a small town like Westwend, Texas is exactly what I need right now—uncomplicated, mellow, and easy. As a family law attorney, stress is something I’m more than accustomed to, but when I’m on the edge of burnout and contemplating quitting law altogether, my old boss swoops in to save the day. Now I’m moving to a blip of a town with the hopes it will help offer me a slower pace. Except when I fail to find somewhere to live due to the tourist season being in full swing, I find myself shacked up with my boss’s son. You’d think it would be weird or awkward, but Colton and I quickly became friends. It’s easy being around him, and I find myself feeling more comfortable with him than most people in my life. That is, until one basketball game between us changes everything for me. I’d always thought I was straight, but now? Now I’m realizing that Colton might be more to me than just my reluctant roommate. Irreconcilable Attractions is a small-town romance set in the Texas Hill Country and features two men who are just trying to figure out how to make the most of their situation. You can expect forced proximity, nosy neighbors, a bisexual awakening, and good ole Southern charm with a HEA while these two figure out that love can show up in the most unexpected ways. This is the first book in the Westwend Boys series.

Broken by Margaux Paris

When he found me I was broken, a shell of my former self. Going through the motions of life without really living it. Trauma lingered in my life like a shadow, creeping into my memories and invading my dreams, until he came along. Jax Beckett barged into my world with his irresistible charm, endless patience, and those dangerously good looks that could make any woman weak in the knees. He has me feeling emotions I thought were long gone. He shines a light into my otherwise dark existence, slowly helping me to rebuild myself with every intimate touch. Could this be my chance at love? It all seems a little too good to be true.

Sir... by LJ Langdale

Lydia Johnstone has spent her entire adult life orchestrating every interaction, manipulating every relationship, maintaining absolute dominance in every room she enters. The brilliant masters student in behavioral science knows exactly how to exploit weaknesses, and ensure she's always three steps ahead. It's how she's survived. It's how she's thrived. Then she meets Professor James Matthews. British. Brilliant. Utterly unbreakable. From their first confrontation in his behavioral science seminar, Lydia recognizes something she's never encountered before: a mind that matches hers, a will that cannot be bent, and eyes that see straight through every calculated defense she's constructed. Their collaboration on groundbreaking trauma research should be purely academic. Professional. Bounded by the rigid parameters that define every aspect of Matthews' controlled existence. But as late nights in his office blur into intellectual intimacy, as his methodical approach to understanding human behavior begins to transform how Lydia understands herself, the boundaries between professor and student, researcher and subject, begin to fracture. But this isn't a simple story of a student falling for her professor, nor a professor taking advantage of his student. SIR... is a dark academia romance that explores the psychology of power, the neuroscience of desire, and the profound intimacy that can exist when two people risk everything to be truly seen. It's about trauma and healing, control and surrender, the spaces between strength and vulnerability where genuine connection becomes possible. For readers who crave: Intelligent, psychologically complex characters Authentic D/s dynamics with emotional depth Dark academia settings with genuine intellectual discourse Slow-burn intensity that builds to devastating emotional intimacy Romance that challenges conventional power dynamics Stories where vulnerability is the ultimate act of courage

The Ex Factor by Varsha Chitnis

Aarti Bhatia They say distance brings perspective… When my ex announces his marriage, I get out of Dallas under the ruse of examining our newly acquired properties in New York City. Work is a good distraction, but the kind, brilliant billionaire I meet on my first night there could be an even better one. He’s tall, dark, gorgeous, and . . . used to date the woman who’s marrying my ex-fiancé. How can I have such incredible chemistry with someone linked to the biggest humiliation of my life? I don’t know, but that doesn’t stop everyone around me from cautioning me. I’m not sure how to build a future with Sujit when our families won’t let us forget our pasts. Sujit Rao Even heartbreak can’t distract me from Aarti Bhatia… She is fire and I run to her like moth to a flame. Beautiful, brilliant, and powerful, she’s the kind of woman I could see a future with. If only she wasn’t linked to my past. Aarti loved the man who’s marrying my ex-girlfriend. When our pictures are splashed in a tabloid and the walls begin to close around us, I’m ready to unleash my aggressive side the world hasn’t seen before. I am ready to stake it all. The question is, will she? The Ex Factor is a stand-alone billionaire romance that takes a critical view of unrestricted wealth accumulation and class elitism.

A Lab Rat's Guide to Fated Love by Aridam S. Dojie

A LAB RAT'S GUIDE TO FATED LOVE is a swoony, slow burn, speculative romance with MCs in STEM, light paranormal elements, and dual POV 🫀🐁 Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and low fantasy K-Dramas! — In another life, he promised to love her first, and she promised to keep him safe. Now, she wants nothing to do with love, and he doesn’t want to be saved. Fate, however, has other plans. Vir Varma wants to die in peace. Rot away alone, on a warm, sunny beach. No more medical procedures and no more feeling his family’s anguish play-by-play while they grieve his impending demise—all thanks to his awful heightened sensitivity to others’ emotions. But when his stubborn brother’s meddling lands him into an experimental program, bringing him face-to-face with Dr. Nori Arya, a nano-biotechnology scientist, her uncanny resemblance to the woman haunting his dreams has Vir questioning his sanity. He’s drawn to her with an irrefutable need to be in her periphery, without reason or logic, and despite the obvious repulsion he senses underneath her stoney façade. A façade that also hides a certain darkness, tucked away in a corner Vir can’t reach. But one he must reach. Now that Nori finally has her first human subject, her rivals refuse to sit back and watch. Their attempts at sabotage threaten both Vir’s life and Nori’s career, compelling her to sneak him away to her grandma’s old cottage in the hills. Only, she isn’t prepared for the complication that is Vir’s ability to see right through her. Or her own embarrassing reactions to his proximity, and the way his presence calms her nerves and stirs things in her she never thought she could feel again. Things she must not feel again. Because when love becomes a minefield of consequences and the cost of holding on gets too high, they must choose what they’re willing to give up first—his sanity or her life.

Have it All by Beverly Anne Michel

Liora King dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer. She leaves her small hometown to pursue her dream, but she meets trouble along the way. That trouble's name is Penelope Reyes. Penelope is already one of the best in Chicago and the lead of the troupe Liora wishes to join. They butt heads every chance they get as they rival for the starring role in their troupe's performance of The Nutcracker. They continue to fight until slowly but surely they develop feelings for each other. Neither of them wants to admit their feelings. Liora and Penelope must learn to get over their anger and let themselves be happy

A Thousand Reasons by Titania Tempest

Shadowed by masks and etched with scars, can love bloom beneath the glare of the spotlight? Rowan Hart wants to believe it. Vivienne Vale stopped hoping long ago. Rowan arrives for the final season of The Crystal Throne determined to prove herself opposite the legendary Vivienne Vale. After weathering her last media storm, she’s ready to reclaim her confidence, find her courage, and finally cement her place as an A-list actress. Viv steps onto set carrying decades of discipline, the scars of an old scandal, and a reputation polished to brilliance. She has rebuilt her life once already, and she won’t risk it again – not even for the magnetic co-star who disarms her with unsettling ease. Rowan’s quick wit and earnest warmth crack Viv’s composure. Viv’s fierce grace and quiet vulnerability catch Rowan completely off guard. What starts as professional admiration drifts into amiable rivalry – and then into a soft, dangerous friendship. Long days, dazzling sets, and unspoken truths draw them closer until one stolen night shifts everything. Their connection is undeniable… and utterly impossible. Careers, reputations, and old wounds stand between them, along with a thousand reasons to walk away. With the world watching and wrap day looming, Rowan and Viv must choose between protecting the glittering masks they’ve built – or risking everything for one fragile, fiercely earned chance at something real.

Go Easy on Me by Bradley James

How do you rebuild a life shaped by loss? Eight years after a devastating accident left his father permanently disabled, Theo Branson is still carrying the weight of a decision no teenager should have been asked to make. Now in graduate school for mental health counseling, he hopes to find a way forward and focus solely on his education and building his career. After years of dedication to his caregiving responsibilities, he’s ready to live a life that’s his own. But when it comes to romance—something Theo has sworn off entirely—he is urged by his best friend to open his heart to the idea of finding love in his new era of independence. With this push, Theo meets Javier, a gentle music tutor with a quiet sadness, and Randall, an enigmatic Army veteran whose sudden arrival stirs something Theo can’t explain. As he navigates the growing pull between the two men, Theo’s home life begins to unravel—fractured by secrets, addiction, and another tragedy that threatens to undo everything. Just when Theo thinks he’s lost his chance at love and healing, a revelation shifts the world beneath his feet—one that defies logic and opens the door to something both heartbreaking and miraculous.

The Key by Jo Morgan Sloan

Two high school sweethearts—one cisgender, one transgender, both men— find each other again in adulthood and have a second chance at love, but one of them doesn’t know they’ve been in love before. Tabby, a closeted trans boy in high school, resolves to come out after moving away for his senior year. He worries his boyfriend, Jax, will reject him over the truth and doesn’t share his trans status. On their final date before Tabby moves, still passing as female, he and Jax agree to break up over the distance and promise to give their love a chance if they find one another again. As an adult, Jax moves to San Francisco in search of a clean slate. Tabby, living in the same city, fills his life with friends and hosts an LGBT D&D group; however, his boyfriend Rob is a poor match for him. When Jax joins Tabby’s D&D group by chance, the two are thrust together again and become fast friends, yet Jax doesn’t recognize Tabby because of his advanced transition. Jax becomes Tabby’s unofficial confidant and helps Rob be a better boyfriend behind the scenes to satisfy his growing attraction. With every day that Tabby hides the truth—that he is Jax’s missing first love—he risks losing both Rob and Jax to his lies.

Dire Straights by L.A. Lambert

Maddox - As a freshman at BBU, I have my pick of parties and girls, but I still feel pretty stressed and unfulfilled. I can't stand my moronic teammates on the swim team, and devoting so much of my time to swimming is starting to take a toll on me. I'm over everything, until I get paired with this socially awkward dweeb named Ren Suzuki in one of my classes. He follows me around like a puppy and wants to show me off to his weird friends. I feel protective over him, like I'd fight anyone who looks at him wrong, but I don't like guys that way. But then why do I feel jealous when he talks to other people? And why do I want to spend all my time with him? Ren - It's hard for me to believe that someone like Maddox Holmes likes hanging out with me. He's cool and athletic and looks like one of those male models on a magazine cover. Jocks have never been nice to me, but I know right away that he's different. I've never liked a guy before, but I can't help but develop a crush on someone like him. And even though my evil ex-girlfriend drilled it into my head that I'm too weird and annoying for anyone to like, I'm pretty sure he's starting to feel the same way. Does he like me enough to make this a real thing, even if coming out as bi will make everything harder for him? Dire Straights is a guaranteed HEA dual 1st POV college romance featuring double bi-awakening, jock/nerd, grumpy/sunshine, lots of fluff and spice, and an oddball group of friends.

Out of the Storm by Logan Sage Adams

Jeff Russo, a somewhat surly full-time mall custodian and hobbyist storm chaser, feels fated to a life without intimacy, the wall cloud of past trauma poised to wreck every romantic relationship he tries to pursue. But when Jeff meets the constantly corny, very nerdy, and hopelessly endearing Gary Graham of radio station WKBR, he is helpless to fight his burgeoning feelings. Gary Graham, part-time calculus professor, part-time radio personality, and full-time self-proclaimed weirdo, has packed his schedule to the brim so that he might stave off loneliness. Afraid of losing people, Gary tends to latch on too tightly in his romantic relationships, which has only ever resulted in heartbreak. Jeff and Gary’s fast friendship threatens to turn into too much too soon, and their romantic intimacy seems to only forecast catastrophe. Forced out of his storm shelter, Jeff will have to face his trauma and learn how to be vulnerable, or chance losing the only man with whom he has ever felt truly safe. And Gary will have to let Jeff take the lead, or risk hurting the broody-yet-sweet man he is starting to love. Navigating intimacy in the middle of a metaphorical tornado isn’t easy, but Gary and Jeff are willing to try. Because true love is worth weathering the storm for. Set in 1985 in Niles, Ohio, Out of the Storm is a heartfelt MM romance with a torrent of humor, a flurry of heartache, and a sprinkling of spice.

Pieces of Home by Becca Neil

All he’d ever wanted was to go home. Ryan Davis has lived in hell for the last fifteen years. Kidnapped at age eight, then beaten, broken, and forced into silence, Rye managed to exist, to survive. When a chance phone call gives him an opportunity to escape, he takes it. But escape doesn’t mean safety, and freedom doesn’t mean happiness. And even if he can manage to find home, the pieces of what used to be may never fit back together. Jacob Wright has adapted. In fact, Jake would probably say he loves his life—living in a beautiful home on a secluded beach on the Northern California coast. It wasn’t the life he’d planned. But accidents happen. And an accident was what stole his livelihood and limited his mobility six years ago. He’s happy now, if not still living carefully, avoiding things that used to make him happier. When Rye shows up on Jake’s beach, lost, fearful, and on the verge of death, Jake has to become a caretaker for a man who can’t seem to speak, and Rye has to put his trust in a stranger to survive. An unexpected and tenuous friendship grows, forming a deep bond full of possibilities that neither of them had imagined. But even as they start to recognize what’s in their hearts, the past seems intent on reminding them both how truly broken they are . . . Pieces of Home is a slow burn, hurt/comfort MM romance that focuses on the growth of a deep friendship and how two broken men find each other, help each other, and heal each other. It’s a story of strangers to friends to lovers, featuring a small town setting, forced proximity, PTSD/cPTSD trauma and healing, demi rep, and a hard-fought happily-ever-after.

Return To Sender by Nicole Bazley

It’s hard to move on from a past you thought you would never survive. To live a life you don’t believe you deserve. I tried to start fresh. I really did. I agreed to move, thinking that I would be able to leave behind the tragic events that turned my life upside down. The day I lost the boy I loved. I didn’t expect to actually move on. I also didn’t expect to find love in the most unconventional of circumstances. With an unlikely person. Blake. His kind heart is washing away my internal fire of guilt, and his playful humour is piecing together my broken, shattered heart. But how do I truly move on when the very past I’ve been running from for years returns? It threatens everything Blake and I have created, forcing me to choose between the past that broke me and the man who pieced me back together. But does fate ever really give you a choice?

Glitches and Kisses by Grafton Carter

In small-town Havenwood, Noah Patel is used to keeping his walls high and his life predictable. As a video game designer who prefers the company of pixels over people, Noah doesn’t do spontaneous, flirty, or emotionally messy—especially when it comes in the form of Evan Mitchell, the charming, free-spirited waiter at The Rivermere Bistro. But when a chance encounter turns into something neither of them saw coming, Noah finds himself pulled into Evan’s orbit, one teasing smile and lingering touch at a time. What starts as a slow burn of attraction soon crashes through Noah’s carefully constructed defenses, leaving him vulnerable in ways he’s never allowed himself to be. As late-night confessions, riverside adventures, and quiet moments turn into something deeper, Noah and Evan must decide if they’re willing to risk the comfort of what’s familiar for the unpredictable, beautiful chaos of falling in love. Glitches and Kisses is Grafton Carter’s heartfelt second novel in The Havenwood Series—a tender, funny, and spicy exploration of love, trust, and learning to let someone in, even when you’re sure you’ll mess it up. Get ready for slow-burn chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and steamy scenes that turn up the heat in all the right ways.

The Dandelion & The Thistle by Pip Dolyn

Welcome to the Makers Market, your stop for high-quality, local, handcrafted art. Meet the artists as you browse. You never know what you'll find. Addison Baird has been a staple figure at the Makers Market. Known as the (un)official mayor of the market, he's who everyone goes to when they have a problem, but when he experiences a disaster of his own, who does he turn to? Colin Jameson is new to the Makers Market this year and has aspirations to take his ceramic art to a new level, but he's dealing with a creative block. When a frazzled vendor comes up to his booth with a problem he is uniquely qualified to solve, Colin wonders if he's finally found his muse. Throughout the summer, Colin and Addison grow closer as they navigate the art world and face the pasts that haunt them. Will their budding relationship be uprooted or will they find healing and truly begin to blossom?

The Next Round by Eva Frances

Shaken and stirred. Five years is a long time between drinks for old friends. Shaken by a series of heartbreaks, Andie Herrera’s fear of jumping into new relationships leads her to run away and keep her distance from the possibilities of love, even with restaurant and bar entrepreneur, Chris Vaughn. After five years apart, Andie and Chris are unexpectedly thrown together in a mix of professional and personal circumstances, as they work on the launch of a new bar establishment. Is this their chance to re-ignite their friendship and heal the rupture from the last time they saw each other? The heady cocktail of familiar warmth, heated conversation, and undeniable chemistry in their shared moments has Andie questioning what she really wants: friendship—or maybe even more, this time around. Can Andie face her demons and move beyond her deep-seated fears to finally take the leap of faith and meet Chris halfway? Is it possible that the person who knows her best might be the love she’s been missing?

Dying Wish by Hope Everly

Four broken souls. One dying wish. A promise that changes everything. When Joshua dies, his last request isn’t for himself. It’s for the friends he loved. Lexi, Lucas, Maddie, and Nelly swore they’d keep meeting, no matter how much life tried to pull them apart. What started as a fragile vow made in grief becomes the thread holding them together long after he’s gone. Each of them carries scars they’d rather hide: regrets that haunt, dreams that feel out of reach, families that broke them, choices that nearly destroyed them. But when silence and distance would be easier, it’s Joshua’s dying wish that forces them to show up for each other, again and again. Raw, emotional, and deeply human, Dying Wish is a story of love, grief, and survival. It’s about broken people finding strength in one another and discovering that sometimes, the promises forged in loss are the ones that teach us how to live.

Quickies at New Year's Eve by Penny Heart

Will New Year's Eve speed-dating bring him a new love or show him what he's missing? Bryan's sister, Cassie, has a side hustle running speed-dating events featuring strong drinks and delicious baked goods. After a bit of a rocky start, she's found her stride. Unfortunately, she's scrambling due to a couple of last-minute cancellations right before her big New Year's Eve event. Bryan is single and tired of swiping right, so he sees her problem as a win-win for them both. When he volunteers to help her out, he's stunned that she doesn't think he's a good fit for her female clients. This go 'round, her clientele are mostly late 30s and early 40s divorcees, single parents, those who've lost partners, and others who've been left behind in the dating scene. As a perpetual bachelor, Bryan's reputation doesn't exactly lend itself to finding a lasting connection, which is Cassie's goal. However, he's eager to prove he's finally ready to move into the next phase of his life as middle age stares him down. Tropes include he falls first, commitment-phobic bachelor, opposites attract, and second chance at love. Each book in the "Quickies: Spicy Shorts" series features an individual novella in the same world of ridiculous speed dating events, but each book can be read as a stand-alone. Contains explicit sexual language and adult situation.

Wicked Games by Hope Everly

She’s always done what she had to. Now, she’s doing what she never dared—choosing herself. Willow is a survivor. Raised in the foster system and shaped by a lifetime of bad breaks, she’s made more wrong choices than she can count, but every one of them kept her alive. When her bad decisions finally land her in the worst trouble yet, she is facing the unthinkable—jail time—Willow does something she’s never done before: she puts herself first. Determined to rewrite her story, she accepts a second chance to start over. But starting over isn’t so simple, especially when two very different men step into her path. Blake is calm, magnetic, and composed, everything Willow never believed she deserved. He offers safety, direction, and a future she never thought possible. Then there’s Braxton, rough around the edges, honest in a way that cuts deep, and a painful reminder of the past she’s desperate to leave behind. As emotions tangle and old wounds resurface, Willow finds herself caught between what feels safe and what feels real. But when survival is all you’ve ever known, can you really learn how to trust? Wicked Games is a raw, emotional journey of betrayal, self-worth, and the heartache of choosing between who you were and who you want to become.

Scrooged by the Mountain Man (Log Cabin Christmas) by Lilah Hart

She brought Christmas to his mountain cabin. He was determined to stay a Grinch forever. I show up at my Christmas cabin rental with a decorated tree, twelve boxes of vintage cards, and dreams of my big break at Wildwood Valley's festival. There's just one problem. The cabin isn't a rental. It's home to the grumpiest, most gorgeous mountain man I've ever seen, and he wants me gone. Chase Matthews doesn't do Christmas. Doesn't do joy. Doesn't do anything that remotely resembles holiday cheer. He lives alone in these mountains for a reason, and that reason is to avoid people like me—the kind who hum carols and believe in happy endings. But when the sheriff convinces him to let me stay, everything changes. Three days, he says. That's all I get. Three days in his cabin. Three days of stolen glances and simmering tension. Three days of discovering that beneath all that gruff exterior is a man who's been hurt, who's lost everything, who's convinced he doesn't deserve a second chance at happiness. I should keep my distance. Should focus on my business, my meetings with store buyers, my carefully planned future. Instead, I fall for him. Hard. Fast. Completely. But loving Chase means understanding his scars. It means accepting that Christmas—my favorite time of year—is the season that broke him. And when I push too hard, when I try to bring light into his darkness too soon, I might lose him forever. Unless he's brave enough to believe that some things are worth fighting for. That some people are worth the risk. That maybe, just maybe, this Christmas can be different. Because I'm not giving up on him. Not on us. Not on the possibility that a girl who loves everything about the holidays and a man who can't stand them might just be exactly what each other needs. Scrooged by the Mountain Man is an OTT age-gap holiday romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It's a forced proximity holiday romance with lots of steam that's designed to be read in only 1 hour. It's part of the Log Cabin Christmas Multi-Author Series.

Stirring Spurs by MA Wardell

What if he didn't have to quit you? In the heart of Oklahoma’s sprawling Rainbow Ranch, Boone Adams thrives as the vibrant soul behind the kitchen, tirelessly whipping up meals that warm both body and spirit. As the younger twin to the brooding Beau, Boone embraces his role as the ultimate caretaker, pouring his heart into nourishing his family and friends. His sunny disposition and unwavering concern for his siblings mask a deeper longing for recognition and self-care. Everything changes when Wylie Anderson arrives—a rugged cowboy battling his own demons and desperate for a fresh start. Drawn to the ranch to earn some quick cash, Wylie has no intentions of sticking around after the monthly rodeo. As their paths intertwine, Boone’s nurturing spirit clashes with Wylie’s hardened exterior, igniting a tension neither expected. Will Boone’s unwavering kindness break through Wylie’s tough façade, revealing the warmth beneath? And can Wylie help Boone discover the importance of prioritizing his own happiness? In this tale of love, self-discovery, and the power of connection, two opposites just might find a way to complement each other and heal their own hearts.

Cut to the Feeling by AJ Truman and MA Wardell

For Bryce Derrickson, rejection is nothing new. He’s used to Broadway casting directors seeing his size and assuming he can’t be a graceful dancer. But getting dumped with no notice is a special kind of burn. At least his sweet dog Bobo still loves him. As if being left without warning isn’t bad enough, Bryce’s ex sublets their apartment without telling him, leaving him without a place to live. When his new ‘roommate’ turns out to be a stuffy, elbow-patches-on-blazer, permanent-frown-on-face professor, Bryce is furious. No way will he give up his bohemian pad without a fight. Years ago, Emerson Grant was on the fast track to being a preeminent scholar in his field, but his lack of people skills has kept him stuck at a commuter school in a cornfield. Landing a guest lecturing spot at a prestigious New York institution could be the jet fuel his career needs to finally take off. That is, if the man and dog blatantly squatting in his sublet don’t drive him bananas first. Sharing a one-bedroom apartment with a stranger is a New York rite of passage. Sharing it with a stranger you might be falling for is something else entirely.

Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes

A body positive summer romance with low angst, high heat, and all the cozy vibes. Luca Torres, struggling journalism graduate, never meant to take a vow of celibacy. It was just a dumb idea from a job interview gone wrong. He never thought they’d approve the article. Or make his future career conditional on delivering it. Now, with no choice but to steer clear of temptation for the summer, he takes the most isolated job he can find: a fire lookout in the rural and picturesque mountains of Washington State. However, his goal becomes much harder with the arrival of the husky and flirtatious Artair Osmond, a musician and wilderness enthusiast who takes up camp nearby. Now he must decide what he really desires: the career at the prestigious newspaper, or the big, bearded bear he can’t get out of his head. Cubs & Campfires is a sweet and spicy romance about chunky men, cozy woods, and cuddles under starlight--where big boys get the happy endings they deserve.

When the Smoke Clears by Amanda Marquardt

They say to live like you’re dying, but what happens when you come out on the other side? I faced my attacker. I lived. Now I have a new fight. Even as I heal, I’m fighting for my freedom, my mental health, my future. As family secrets continue to be exposed, it’s clear I’m not the only one whose safety or future is in jeopardy. How do I reconcile this new version of me with who I used to be? And what will I lose along the way? I finally figured out what I want, but is it too late for my happily ever after?

When Sparks Fly by Amanda Marquardt

Death has a way of bringing family secrets and drama to the surface. When my grandmother passes unexpectedly, neither are in short supply. That’s why I need to get to Bull Creek for Nana’s funeral and get out. Instead, my mother continues to bring up the past and now she’s sharing secrets I didn’t even know she had. To make matters worse, a one night stand to let off steam goes sideways, and a local cattle rancher seems set on wooing me. Every day spent in the small town threatens my resolve. And more. But when things finally seem to be coming to a close, I’m not sure what I even want anymore. What’s the cost of making it out of town for good?

A Penny For Your Thoughts by Amanda Marquardt

Leah Between a series of subpar one-night-stands, my family’s toxic behavior, and a new business venture, my stress is at an all time high. One night with local game warden Nick Foster could be just what I need to relieve the tension. Unfortunately, we’re part of a new blended friend group. And I don’t do strings. Even worse, ever since Nick helped when I had too much to drink, he watches over me like I’m one sip away from a blackout. It’s not that serious; I just like to take the edge off. How am I supposed to find release when he keeps scaring off all of my would-be one-night-stands? Nick It’s funny how one night can change your life forever. Like the night my best friend met his fiance. The same night I met Leah Van Hoff, who was too wasted to walk thanks to her companion for the night. Her friends are concerned with her increased drinking, so I do what any good friend would do and keep an eye on her when I have the chance. Unfortunately, now she thinks I’m intentionally scaring off potential suitors. I’m not. We’re just friends. Even if my growing attraction to her threatens to derail that. She just needs to see she’s worth more than a quick lay.

Third and Long by Rebecca Minelga

A sweet, sports romance where love is a four-legged word. Trauma survivor, Abby Barclay, finds purpose in her life with her therapy dog, Gen, helping terminally ill children and their families deal with pain and loss. When a playground accident brings nine-year-old Dylan into her life, even Abby is surprised at the depth of the bond between the boy and her dog. Her relationship with him––as well as with his divorced father, Scott––soon grows into something beyond professional. Threatened by Abby and Gen's close relationship with Dylan, Scott's ex-wife reopens their custody arrangement, forcing Scott to decide between his son and the woman he loves. To make matters worse, Gen receives a devastating prognosis. As Abby weighs losing Scott, Dylan, and her beloved dog, she must decide whether loving anyone is worth the risk and whether she can find the courage to go on even if she loses everything.

You’re Ours by D.C. Emerson

After yet another boring work conference, Tyler isn't expecting anything when he accepts a dinner invitation from his "work husband,” Jackson, and Jackson's actual husband, Sky. Sure, he's noticed how well Jackson's shoulders fill out his dress shirts, and Sky is quite possibly the most gorgeous person he's ever met, but they're married, and Tyler is as single as it gets. He also has a rough track record with relationships, spending most of his life being accused of being a player, even though all he's ever wanted is close friendship and good sex. ​​ When both Sky and Jackson proposition him, he accepts eagerly, and falls into a whirlwind fling that turns into two incredible friendships—and the sex is amazing! ​ Unfortunately, he doesn't know what that means for him and his continued uncertainty about romantic relationships. When everything comes to a head, will Tyler work out what he wants—and needs—in a relationship? You're Ours is a ​ Check out this LGBTQIA+ romance novella with polyamorous, queer, trans, and aromantic rep .

Brad & Finn by D.C. Emerson

Finn I wasn’t even supposed to be going to the reunion. Chloe needed help packing up her mom’s house and I offered to go back to Gomillion with her, as any best friend would. That doesn’t mean I want to reunite with people I haven’t seen in over twenty years. I’m even less interested in socializing at the town bar, especially with the former captain of the football team who I shared a kiss with at the end of senior year. There’s no way he’ll recognize me, and even if he does, I don’t know what he’d think of how much I’ve changed. I’m finally the man I’ve always known I was, but that’s not how Brad Willson used to know me. Brad Everything is finally coming together. I got the promotion I’ve been working towards for years, and I’m back in town to celebrate with all my high school buddies… except it’s been tough to keep up with everyone. My job runs me ragged, from one end of the country to the other, recruiting for college football so I can one day hope to become the a coach. Part of me has started to wonder if all these lonely nights are worth it, and the gorgeous guy I run into at the bar isn’t helping the matter. When it turns out he’s more than just a random guy, what does that mean for my new job and for me?

Second Chance by S.B. Barnes

Almost a year after the murder that shook Lobell College to its core, the start of a new academic year brings familiar faces back to the scene of the crime. Daniel Rosenbaum starts his first year as dean of the English department and takes a hands-on role in advising students. Lily Peterson and Gianna d’Angelo return to continue their undergrad studies after the death of the professor they were both in love with. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Hudson, Tony d’Angelo is working hard. With his sister back in college, it’s all hands on deck to keep his dad’s auto shop running and take care of his infant niece. He still finds time to spend most nights with his boyfriend, Daniel, although he can’t seem to find the words to talk to his family about his relationship. Tony’s life is exactly what he’s always wanted it to be—so why does he feel like he’s struggling to be himself? When a Lobell professor is once again found murdered, the idyll of the last months is turned on its head. Can Tony and Daniel stay out of harm’s way this time? Or will the fragile new peace they’ve found together be shattered?

Heart First by S.B. Barnes

Daniel Rosenbaum leads a predictable life. He’s a professor at Lobell, a small liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley, where he spends his days teaching classes and doing research alongside his friends and fellow professors, Colette and Mario. The biggest change Daniel’s routine has seen in years is when car trouble leads him across the Hudson and into an unexpected romantic encounter with local mechanic Tony. When tragedy strikes in the form of Mario’s murder, Daniel’s orderly life is thrown into chaos. Not only is his friend dead, it seems Mario was keeping secrets that could cause rifts in Lobell’s close-knit community. At first, Daniel’s intensifying relationship with Tony is the only way he can find solace from his grief and confusion. But all too soon, the trail of Mario’s secrets leads Daniel to the same place he’s been seeking comfort: Angel Automotive, the auto repair shop run by Tony’s family. Before long, Daniel is forced to question everything: his friends, his job, the way he lives his life, and the relationship he’s not even sure he’s in yet. Only one thing is for sure: Daniel is falling heart-first—in love or into mortal danger.

Two for Holding by S.B. Barnes

Tom Crowler has been captain of the San Francisco Sea Lions for a decade of failures. With no cups or trophies to show for his time in the NHL, Tom retreated into himself a long time ago, and that’s exactly where he intends to stay until he retires. But when he catches the new team superstar, Jaxon Grant, in a compromising position, Tom finds it impossible to continue hiding his deepest secret behind a bland, pleasant mask. Jax is everything Tom isn’t: loud, flashy, the winner of multiple NHL Awards, and—oh, yeah—gay enough to get traded to San Francisco because of a potential PR scandal with his old team. At first, he thinks Tom catching him means the next trade, the next rejection for being just a little too much for other people to take. When it turns out the two of them have more in common than talent on the ice, though, Jax finds himself drawn in by pulling Tom out. As animosity gives way to a partnership neither of them saw coming, Tom and Jax are left facing new challenges. Will Jax’s impulsive nature put Tom’s deeply valued privacy at risk? Or will Tom’s reticence force Jax into pretending to be someone he isn’t? And if they can’t even figure each other out, how can they save a struggling NHL team from bad coaching and internal division?

Gilded by Vicious

Retelling of the classic Cinderella story, with a gender reverse and old money aesthetic. When a prestigious scholarship competition is announced by the renowned Lagen Institute for Music, Casimir sees an opportunity to be free from life within the Cruz Manor. He finds an unexpected ally in Erik, who appears to be disengaged with everyone and only broods in the school music room. As their bond deepens over their fervent passion for piano, dark secrets and unspoken burdens threaten to tear more than just Cas’ dream.

The Milkyway Hotel by Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud ; Marguerite Grimaud

The day she loses her job and her apartment, a third surprise awaits Celeste Dorin: her great-aunt left her a hotel in a tiny town in the mountains. Is the universe nudging her—not very subtly—in a new direction? For the first time in years, Celeste ignores her anxiety and rushes to the French Alps. To Montlouis, where she has refused to go back since she was a child. Rose Beauvoir has two passions: chocolate and the stars. Or three, if you count Montlouis. The arrival of the clumsy Parisian disrupts her well-oiled routines, and she’d lie if she said she doesn’t enjoy the blast of fresh air. As Celeste learns about life at high altitude and Rose shares her love for her home town and its surroundings, the two women can’t deny the attraction blooming between them. The shift from Celeste’s boring yet comfortable life as a paralegal in the city to that of a hotelier in the mountains isn’t for the faint of heart, however. Will the beautiful scenery, the welcoming townies, and the deceptively reserved chocolatier convince her to stay? A sapphic tale of Christmas, swoon-worthy chocolate, and blessings in disguise.

Her Feral Biker by Sofia Aves

I’ve never been one to stake my claim on a woman—until I meet the one who knocks me on my a** with a pretty smile and a mouthful of sass behind everyone’s back. Especially when this sweet thing isn’t afraid of me. Annalise Hampton is all the things a wholesome, small town girl is supposed to be: she’s pretty, she smiles a lot, she loves families, and she even has her own local business, a kid’s clothing shop. She’s nothing I should ever want, or ever touch. She was never made for me. Maybe that’s why I can’t keep my hands to myself around her. Maybe all the wholesome goodness is why I want to stain her with my brand of sin and make her mine. And the way she feels in my arms? Too f*cking good to deny. And everything is peachy, right up until I realize there’s someone else sniffing around her shop in the darkest hours. And she lets them in. I know that ink, and I know those marks. No way in hell am I letting someone else take what’s I’ve claimed. But then, that’s why I have brothers who will back me when I rain hell because someone dared touch the girl who belongs to me and mine. The Savage Kings MC isn’t just a club—it’s a brotherhood forged in blood, loyalty, and an unbreakable code. These men live by their own rules, protecting their territory and loved ones at all costs. Fierce. Possessive. Unyielding. In this scorching collection of standalone but interconnected romances, each Savage King faces his ultimate test—a love that threatens to unravel everything he thought he knew. From enemies-to-lovers showdowns to forbidden desires, and from runaway heroines to second-chance romances, these bikers don’t just take—they protect, defend, and fight for what’s theirs.