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Last Dragon on Mars (Dragons on Mars Book 1) by Honey Phillips She was looking for answers. She found a legend. Dr. Alina Falkner is a scientist. She believes in data, in logic, in the cold hard rock of the Martian landscape. So when impossible energy readings lead her deep into a newly-opened cavern, she expects a geological anomaly, not the last echo of an ancient world, awakened by advanced human technology. He is dangerous. He is impossible. And he is her secret to keep. He was born in darkness. She was his first light. Born from a fusion of cyborg blood and the planet's dormant DNA, Rhyx is a newborn in a warrior's body, and the brilliant, gentle human who found him is the first thing he has ever known. Trapped together by a raging dust storm, she becomes his fierce, consuming passion. He will do anything to keep her, even though the world outside their sanctuary threatens to tear them apart. A ruthless scientist, obsessed with both Alina and her secrets, is pursuing them both. As the hunt intensifies, Alina must choose between the career she's dedicated her life to and the impossible male she's fallen for. But when youāre hiding the last dragon on Mars, the price of discovery isn't just lossāit's extinction. |
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Merchants of Knowledge and Magic by Erika McCorkle On one of the many planes of the Pentagonal Dominion, priestess Calinthe trades in information, collecting valuable secrets for her demonic employer. Calinthe has a secret of her own: she's intersex, making her a target for the matriarchal slavers of the Ophidian Plane whose territory she must cross in her search for hidden knowledge. But thanks to her friend Zakuro's illusions, Calinthe presents as a womanāa comfortable, if furtive, existence in a world determined to bring her to heel. But when, instead of a mere secret, the priestess uncovers an incalculably powerful artifact, Calinthe finds herself in a high-stakes negotiation with the same matriarchs who sought to enslave her. On the table: Calinthe's discovery, a charm powerful enough to transform a mortal into a god⦠against a secret so deadly it could quell all life on every plane of the dominion. If Calinthe plays her cards perfectly, she and Zakuro could escape Ophidia wealthier than either of them ever dreamed possible. But if she plays them wrong⦠ā¦she'll learn slavery in her pursuers' hands is a fate far worse than death. |
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Chosen by the Hunter: A Post-Apocalyptic Alien Romance (Xarc'n Warriors #14) by Lynnea Lee I blame the moonshine. AKA, I kissed a Xarcān warrior and I liked it. One moment, Iām strolling home, midnight snack in hand, and the next Iām smooshed against a broad, purple chest, tongue tangled with a Xarcān warrior. āDrunkenly Taste-test an Alienā achievement unlocked! What follows is a flirty game of cat and mouse that makes me feel young and ready to make questionable life choices again. Rorāk wakes up a part of me I thought I buried right next to my divorce papers. Wanting the horned and fanged silver fox is easy. Trusting again? Not so much. But New Franklin has bigger problems than my accidental alien make-out session. Supplies are disappearing, people are getting jumpy, and someone in our cozy little settlement is up to no good. We need to get to the bottom of this before the summer swarms or New Franklinās in serious trouble. |
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Daughter of Shades (The Venatrix Chronicles #1) by Sylvia Mercedes A huntress with no past. A rival with a secret. A kingdomās fate hangs in the balance . . . Ayleth and her shade move as one, ever hungry for the hunt. Under her mentorās tight control, she fears her memories are being stolen. Now nineteen, apprenticed for as long as she can remember to the mysterious Holy Order, she longs to rise in the ranks and banish untamed spirits for the prophesied Golden Prince. When shadowy threats descend on the crown, Ayleth seizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove her worth in open competition. Seeking to win the princeās favor and escape her scheming mentor, she resolves to hold her own against Terryn, a handsome, arrogant opponent who may be more than a match for her untested powers. But as the two rivals follow a trail beyond the Great Barrier and confront legendary evil, the stolen secrets of Aylethās past may return to haunt her . . . Can Ayleth win the trial and reclaim her true self? Can she even survive her first day? |
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The Choice of Weapons by Alex Valdiers Ren is an officer on the rise, going from planetary conquest to conquest, until he crosses path with a senior female officer from his native Japan. His meeting with Izuna ends in a bloody duel ā the first of many. As the war against other species progresses, Renās obsession for Izuna grows and his discontentment for army life along with it. When Izuna gets isolated on an icy hell, Ren volunteers to rescue her for what may be his ultimate mission. The Raoke Gang series is prime entertainment with heart and brains, humor and sex (occasionally, when the story commands it), and, most of all, incredible characters running wild in the most exciting of settings: the Far West in space! |
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SPFBO7 SPFBO Finalist SFFOasis Fennās first and only memory is finding himself in the middle of a forest, face to face with a dragon spirit mocking him, all knowledge gone apart from his own name. Lost and confused, his only hope for answers is Calidraāa woman living on the edge of the world with her partner. Forced to return home when her father dies, Calidra has put off facing her estranged mother for seven years, and she begrudgingly helps Fenn, forging papers for him so he can avoid the Queenās Inquisitors. But her mother is the least of her worries when they discover an ancient enemy is rising again. It should be impossible with the Iron Crown in powerāand Fenn is terrified he might unwittingly be playing a part in the warās resurgence. Surrounded by vengeful spirits and powerful magic, Fennās desperate attempt to find his way home might well alter the fate of Tassar, and every power in it. A new high fantasy series bursts into life with the DRAGON SPIRITS who reign supreme in the magic-drenched world of Tassar. THE IRON CROWN is the first novel in this brand new trilogy and will be available in May 2021. |
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The Faceless Mage (Legends of Abreia Book 1) by Kenley Davidson Heāll protect her with his last breath⦠Until she becomes his next target. Leisaās ambitions used to be simple. Guard the princess. Hide her magic. Wait for her family to return. But all of that changes when her king demands that she use her unique abilities to spy on the rival kingdom of Garimore. Alone, far from home, and living a lie that grows more perilous by the day, Leisaās task is complicated by her most dangerous enemy yetāthe masked assassin known only as the Raven. Everyone in the Five Thrones knows to fear him, but the Raven is not what Leisa expected. As silent as he is lethal, he provokes her curiosity as much as her fear, and hides secrets sheās determined to learn. When her already precarious mission takes a deadly turn, Leisa must evade the Raven himself if she is to succeed. Itās never been done before, but Leisa is nothing if not stubborn. And if she doesnāt become the first to escape his blade, her entire kingdom will pay the priceāin blood. |
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Christmas Night of the Scurry Furry by E. Reyes Amber, a young woman working in a small retail store on Christmas Eve, finds herself amid chaos when the hot holiday toy, Scurry Furry, comes to life and begins wreaking havoc. The once-adorable creatures become a horde of vicious monsters, leaving a trail of destruction and gore in their wake. With no outside help, Amber and her employees must take matters into their own hands and fight against the Scurry Furry army. The situation is darkly humorous, as Amber and her team wield anything they can find as a weapon, from baseball bats to candy canes. The battle is gory and intense, but Amber refuses to back down. Will she be able to save the store and survive the night? |
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Warrin (Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides #10) by Sue Mercury The fierce alien warrior is finally taking a mate. After getting jilted at the altar, heartbroken Elora flees town, determined to make a fresh start somewhere far away where no one knows her name. But traveling through the war-torn countryside is harder than she imagined, and during a sudden air raid, she loses everything. Destitute and scared, she reluctantly signs up for the Vaxxlian Alien Mail Order Brides program, believing it's her only shot at survival. When a handsome, green-eyed warrior named Warrin arrives to claim her, she finds his directness both refreshing and disarming. His kisses leave her breathless, and in his arms, she finally feels safe. But is she falling too fast for a male she barely knows? Warrin has longed for a mate and a family of his own, and he's overjoyed when the VAMOB program finally matches him with a human female. Elora. The first time the fierce warrior lays eyes on the young woman, he's captivated by her beauty and the quiet strength of her spirit. Every time he holds her close, the darkness that's plagued him for ages retreats, and he starts to believe she's a gift from the Star God. When an unexpected air blockade prevents their departure from Earth, they're forced to seek refuge and wait out the conflictāalone, with growing desire. But just as he prepares to claim her, they receive shocking news that could tear them apart before their mating union has even begun. |
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Hard Hearted Cowboy (Not Looking for Love) by Annee Jones šš¤ š A hard-partying cowboy, a woman with secrets, and one Valentine's wedding neither of them will forget... I'm two years sober, working two jobs, and keeping my head down in Bitter Root after the life I left behind in Houston. When a drunk, gorgeous cowboy offers me five grand to be his fake date to his twin brother's over-the-top Valentine's wedding, I should say no. Hunter Massey is trouble in a Stetsonācocky, reckless, and everything I swore off when I got clean. The plan is smile pretty for a weekend, collect my cash, and never see him again. But Hunter keeps surprising me with glimpses of the man beneath the bad-boy reputation. And he's starting to ask questions I can't answerāsensing the secret I'm desperate to keep hidden. Falling for Hunter would be the biggest risk I've ever taken. Especially when he finds out the truth. I'm the family screw-up. The party boy. The twin who can't measure up to my perfect brother Hudson. So when my family pressures me to bring a date to Hudson's Valentine's wedding extravaganza, I do what any drunk, rebellious cowboy would doāI offer my Uber driver five thousand dollars to fake it for a weekend. Dixie is gorgeous and clearly thinks I'm an idiot. Perfect. No feelings, no expectations, just a business arrangement. Except Dixie's hiding something. I can see it in the way she deflects, the shadows in her eyes, the careful way she guards every word. And instead of running like I always do, I want to know her secrets. I want to prove I'm more than the mess everyone thinks I am. For her. Even if it means becoming the man I've been too scared to be. š CONTENT INFORMATION š Spicy fake dating with a guaranteed HEA! š¤ Perfect for readers who love redemption arcs, swoony cowboys with hidden depths, and bad boys who find their purpose š Contains creative uses for wedding cake, creative ways to avoid your judgmental family, and creative interpretations of 'fake' relationships š Secrets and second chances, Valentine's wedding chaos, meddling small-town bakery owners, and a cowboy learning that being a good man is sexier than being a wild one š The only thing sweeter than wedding cake is falling in love when you've sworn it off forever. |
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Where Blood Runs Gold by A.C. Cross Sheriff Errol Thorpeās life is chaotic, brutal, and above all, solitary. After an unimaginable loss years ago, all he feels is the compulsion to seek vengeance. But when a vulnerable family arrives in town, facing an ugly future, he is pulled headfirst into a web of violence, secrets, and things he never imagined. In search of truth and answers, Thorpe finds himself battling deadly flesh-eating Dust, acidic golden blood, and the political designs of powerful people ā all the while learning how to be a person again. When Dust rises in San Dios, people hide indoors. When Sheriff Thorpe arrives, people run. |
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Planted by the Mountain Man (Spring in the Mountains Series) by Annee Jones FLORA: š I had a plan. A good plan. Insemination, positive test, baby on the way ā all on my terms. Nowhere in that plan did it say ādrive to Montana to stalk your sperm donor.ā But his profile kept rattling around in my head. I just wanted to see him. Quietly. Like a normal, well-adjusted person. Instead I tripped over a hive box and landed at the feet of the grumpiest, hottest beekeeper in the mountain west. Then I panicked and told him I was a landscape designer. At least that part is true. Now Iām planting pollinator gardens I invented on the spot while he drizzles wild honey over everything he cooks and looks at me like Iām trouble he wants to taste. šÆ The longer I stay ā swallowing his honey, feeling his hands, watching spring crack this mountain wide open ā the harder it gets to remember I came here to observe. Not to stay. And definitely not to fall. Heās starting to suspect Iām not here for the flowers. Iām starting to realize he might be right. šø š„ Grumpy-sunshine ⢠Breeding kink ⢠Forced proximity ⢠Who-falls-first ⢠Guaranteed HEA Quick, hot, and bingeable in one sitting. š |
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Mission of the Ro'arck by Ericka Evren Archaria has stood for millennia. But nothing lasts forever. The Archarian Alliance is under attack. A merciless enemy has emerged with technology and weapons that rival their own. Their vendetta is destroy the Alliance. The Archarian council selects Kaytrix to command their best starship, the Roāarck , to defend the Alliance, but thereās another reason they chose him. During the rising chaos, Kaytrix uncovers a deadly secret, one that could destroy Archaria and the Alliance before the enemy has a chance to. Kaytrix is eager to prove his worth, but can he sacrifice his morality for his dream? This novel contains scenes of violence and language not suitable for young audiences. Readers be advised. |
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The Reanimator's Heart by Kara Jorgensen A reluctant necromancer, a man killed before his time, and the crime that brings them together. Felipe Galvanās life as an investigator for the Paranormal Society has been spent running into danger. Returning home from his latest case, Felipe struggles with the sudden quiet of his life until a mysterious death puts him in the path of the enigmatic Oliver Barlow. Oliver has two secrets. One, he has been in love with the charming Felipe Galvan for years. Two, he is a necromancer, but to keep the sensible life heās built as a medical examiner, he must hide his powers. That is until Oliver finds Felipe murdered and accidentally brings him back from the dead. But Felipe refuses to die again until he and Oliver catch his killer. Together, Felipe and Oliver embark on an investigation to uncover a plot centuries in the making. As they close in on his killer, one thing is certain: if they donāt stop them, Felipe wonāt be the last to die. |
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How to Flaunt Your Chains and Surrender a Vein by D. N. Bryn āWhat else is this shed for, if not torturing unsuspecting vampires?ā Rahil Zaman has good reason to keep his distance from the worldāand his fangs are only part of that. He hides in his crumbling home, acquiring blood through the risky one-night stands he finds on hunter-infested hookup apps. After one such fling turns sour, Rahil ends up trapped in the work shed of the one match he wishes would respond to his flirtations. Finding the hot twink heād been ghosting inside his work shed was not on Mercer Bloncourtās agenda. Between his work as a craftsman and his tumultuous relationship with his chronically-ill daughter, he doesnāt have the time or heart for a relationship. But Rahil is not the only intruding presence in Mercerās life. A hostile hunter and a manipulative research scientist both insistāon threat of his daughterās lifeāthat he recreate versions of his āholy silverā: a vampire-killing metal forged in the wake of his wifeās murder, bound up in all the grief and destruction heās striven for years to overcome. To complicate matters, Rahil is the rare vampire whoās immune to the deadly silver, providing Mercer the perfect lab rat to test a kinder vampire-affecting metal. As Rahil and Mercer rush to the forge, they must face their past wrongs once more, and in time, discover that no mistake is worth the sentence of eternal loneliness. |
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Death and Sweet Temptations by Kristen Coar Kristen Coar launches her brand-new ALEX BAIN series with Death and Sweet Temptations, a tale of half-vampire, half-human Alex Bain, where the veil between the mundane and the monstrous thins to a nearly imperceptible shroud, and within its folds lurks a desire as perilous as any fiend. Set in a contemporary fantasy world brimming with magic, danger, and searing romance, this story is perfect for fans of series like Anita Blake, The Hollows, Crescent City, or the Night Huntress. Alex's tenure at Sweet Temptations is marked with success, her ascent up the corporate ladder as smooth as molten cocoa. But as Chicago's shadowed alleys echo with the cries of supernaturally murdered women, her dark heritage calls her to a far greater task. Joining forces with her wisecracking roommate Argo, a gourmet-loving corgi from Hell, and Sergeant Isabella "Izzie" Bliss of the CPD, they race against time to thwart this diabolical terror. However, before they can find those responsible, her two carefully curated identities collide in an office romance that quickly threatens to pull her under. As she falls deeper, the lines between sanity and chaos blur, and Lucas, the steamy consultant, becomes more than just a delicious distraction. As more women die and ancient powers awaken whispering of a long-forgotten prophecy, can her burgeoning love for a man with shady secrets and a wicked past craft a new destiny? One thing becomes clear: the price of temptation could be her very soul. Death and Sweet Temptations is a story of deep bonds, what makes a monster, and a love that transcends the darkness within each of us. Don't miss this gripping adventure, your next sexy supernatural obsession awaits! |
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Once Upon a Dark October by Jessie Thomas All curses made in blood must be broken with blood. Dreadmist Harbor sleeps under a near-perpetual veil of coastal fog, home to mortals, vampires, and those somewhere in between. Already down-on-her-luck, mortal charwoman Elspeth finds herself the target of a rogue vampire, shattering the peaceful coexistence. Forced to seek help from a reclusive vampire coven, she barely makes it to their dreary seaside perch before she succumbs to the bite. Morrigan and her coven are haunted by a bitter rivalry that has left them devastated and fractured. As their old feud is once again rekindled, she is inexorably tied to Elspeth, who now carries an ancient vampiric power within her. The two are quickly swept up into a tangle of bloodlust and sorcery after the fraught transformationārealizing that matters of the heart are complicated, especially in undeath. While something sinister gathers in the shadows of their quiet town, they are pulled deeper into a world of curses and magic, dark dealings and betrayal. But Elspeth and Morrigan soon learn that all power must come with a price, for curses are not so easily broken. |
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Alien Song: An Alien Shifter Romance (Alien Wolf Tales #5) by Honey Phillips A grumpy alien single dad, a fearless diver, and a bond stronger than the tide. Ariella was born to dive. Modified to withstand Crescaās alien oceans, sheās always been at home in the deepāuntil the day she saves a drowning child and meets the girlās father, a huge, brooding Vultor warrior with eyes like molten gold. Suddenly she wants more than just her isolated waters. Valrek has spent years alone on the sea cliffs, shunned by both humans and Vultor. Heās devoted himself to raising his daughter in solitudeāuntil a human female crashes into their world like a storm tide, fearless, bright, and far too tempting. She challenges him. She tempts him. And she makes his beast want something he swore heād never have. A mate. But Ariellaās past is surfacingāand if she doesnāt choose between her future and her heart, she could lose both. Because when a Vultor warrior loves, he doesnāt let go. Each book in the Alien Wolf Tales series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and spicy fairy tale retelling is intended for mature readers. |
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The Motorcycle Mechanic: A Beauty and the Beast Small Town Romance (Maplewharf Falls Book 6) by Lane Winters Prim and proper librarian Penelope Hartwell's life is perfectly organizedāuntil her car breaks down and she's rescued by the town's most intimidating resident. Tattooed motorcycle mechanic Dax Ryder is everything she's supposed to avoid: rough, dangerous-looking, and completely irresistible. When her car needs a week of repairs, Dax offers to give her rides on his motorcycle. Penny's terrified, but she accepts. And somewhere between holding onto him for dear life and discovering he's a secret reader with a heart of gold, she falls completely. But small towns talk. And when the library board threatens her job over their relationship, Penny has to choose: the safe life she's always known, or the man who makes her feel truly alive for the first time. Dax never expected the sweet librarian to fight for him. But when she walks into that board meeting holding his hand, he realizes she's the bravest person he's ever met. A beauty-and-the-beast romance about breaking stereotypes, defying expectations, and proving that the best love stories are the ones everyone says won't work. |
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Alien Tower: An Alien Shifter Romance (Alien Wolf Tales #8) by Honey Phillips The tower was never meant to keep her safe. It was meant to keep her hidden. Locked in a lonely tower where the jungle meets the sea, Liora has spent her entire life under the protection of a watchful AI guardian. She has never left the tower. Never met another person. Until a massive Vultor warrior appears at her door. Baylin came south to investigate an almost forgotten structure mentioned in an old colony record. He never expected to find a beautiful female living inside. Curious, brave, and far too trusting, Liora is fascinated by the dangerous warrior who has suddenly entered her carefully controlled world. But when Baylin discovers she carries a powerful secret, he must decide if he can break the towerās hold before the world discovers she exists. Because the moment Liora steps outside the walls⦠everything will change. A spicy standalone sci-fi fairytale retelling featuring an isolated heroine, a protective alien wolf shifter, and a tower that was never meant to be opened. |
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Queen of Poison (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 6) by Sylvia Mercedes Betrayal surrounds her. Doom beckons her. Yet she will hunt one last time. Captured, heartbroken, shackled in torturous iron mittens that keep her shade deeply suppressed, Ayleth knows Fendrel keeps her alive for one purpose: She is his only remaining weapon against the resurrected Dread Odile. Once her task is complete, she will be executed. Itās as simple as that. But Ayleth isnāt about to give in that easily. Meanwhile, Gerard is held prisoner in his own castle by his uncle's orders--Fendrel must keep his nephew alive in order to force the ancient prophecy into completion. However, Gerard sees a different path before him, and he is resolved to follow it to the end. As the forces of the Witch Queen wreak havoc across the land, can Ayleth and Gerard come to terms with the truth of their pasts . . . and face their destinies with courage? Donāt miss the penultimate adventure in the breathtaking Venatrix Chronicles! |
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Crown of Nightmares (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 7) by Sylvia Mercedes Who will live? Who will die? Who will be changed . . . forever? Separated from the Evanderians, Ayleth finds herself alone in the malevolent Witchwood. Or perhaps not entirely alone . . . Confronted with the reality of her living grandmother, Ayleth soon learns that the horrors once ascribed to Dread Odileās name and legend may not be entirely true. But what is the truth? Could the infamous Witch Queen be a freedom fighter providing hope for those oppressed under Saint Evanderās law? Is she the loving family Ayleth thought sheād lost forever? Or is she the greatest threat the world has ever known? While battling to save their loved ones, Ayleth, Terryn, and Gerard must each face the lies that have influenced their lives since childhood. The final battle is upon them, and the decisions they make will shape the course of destiny. Donāt miss the explosive finale of the acclaimed Venatrix Chronicles! |
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Operation: Temptation (Cupid City Security Romance) by Annee Jones ššøš She hunts scandals for a living. He's the one secret she can't expose. I'm Cupid City's most notorious paparazzo, and I've just pissed off the wrong person. My apartment's trashed, someone tried to run me off Lock & Key Bridge, and there's a bullet hole in my window. Problem is, I have no idea which story triggered itāthe corrupt politician, the CEO's mistress, or the mob-connected developer I exposed last month. My editor's solution? Hire me a babysitter. Dominic Knight is six-foot-three of former Marine who thinks I'm reckless, irresponsible, and in desperate need of a keeper. He's not wrong. But Valentine's week is my busiest season, and I'm not hiding while someone else gets the shots. If he wants to protect me, he'll have to keep up. The only problem? I can't stop thinking about what his handcuffs would feel like when they're not for suspects. Charlotte Collins is a nightmare assignment. She climbs balconies, hides in linen closets, and has more fake IDs than a CIA operative. She's fearless, brilliant, and completely out of control. My job is keep her alive for seven days without letting her get us both killed. But she won't listen. Won't stay put. Won't stop putting herself in danger. And every time I catch herāpressed against me in the dark, breathless and defiant, looking at me like she's daring me to do something about itāI want to pin her against the nearest wall and make her understand exactly who's in charge. She thinks this is a game. She has no idea how badly I want to show her what happens when she pushes me too far. š CONTENT INFORMATION š„ SCORCHING forbidden bodyguard romance with guaranteed HEA! š High heat with explicit D/s dynamics, handcuffs, blindfolds, and a hero who knows exactly how to make her surrender š Perfect for readers who love paparazzi heroines who take no prisoners, dominant ex-military heroes, forced proximity that ignites, and Valentine's week danger šø Features adrenaline-fueled desire, closet quickies, kink negotiation, power exchange, and a commitment-phobe about to discover some risks are worth taking ā ļø Contains creative uses for tactical gear, public temptation, and a Marine who proves protection can be very, very personal š The only thing more dangerous than her job is falling for the man hired to save her. **************************************************************************** In Cupid City, Valentineās means glittering galas and dangerous secrets. Heartline Security keeps the city breathing between fireworks and threats. That is, until each protector meets the one person worth breaking protocol for. Fall in love this February where these standalones serve high heat, high stakes, and heart-melting HEAs. Guards up. Hearts open. Valentine gives love the last word. |
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Darkwind (The Starchaser Saga) by Renee Dugan The Middle Kingdom of Talheim has enjoyed peace for decades. But with the threat of war rising from the ruthless South, the dream of a quiet life is fading. And for the noble but naive Princess Cistine, that means embarking on a dangerous quest to the Northern Kingdom, where she hopes to forge an alliance against their southern foes and save her people. But when Cistine is captured by an outlaw and his band of cutthroat warriors, she finds a more deadly adventure than she bargained for - and a greater power within herself than she ever knew. Swept up in the unpredictable tide of a tenuous and shadowy political climate, a ruthless land governed by the stars, and the unexpected revelations that come from her mysterious new companions, Cistine must learn how to fight, how to lead...and above all, how to trust herself. If the young princess can't be forged into a fighter, then her kingdom will fall. |
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Dance of Souls (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 4) by Sylvia Mercedes Venatrix Ayleth made a vow of loyalty to her Holy Order. But is the Order loyal to Ayleth? Still recovering from her deadly encounter with the Phantomwitch, Ayleth finds herself the unwilling guest of the Golden Prince, forced to enjoy his hospitality . . . and the not-so-gentle ministrations of Venator Fendrel du Glaive. Thereās something strange about Fendrel. The way he stares at her is unsettlingāas though sheās a monster, as though sheās guilty of some great sin. But didnāt she just defeat one of the worst enemies the kingdom has ever known? Hasnāt she proven her worth? And then thereās Terryn, who may be lying to her, who may not be the loyal venator everyone believes him to be. He also looks at her strangely . . . but his gaze makes her heart stop and her pulse race in ways sheās never felt before. As the night of Prince Gerardās wedding approaches and the kingdom gathers to celebrate new beginnings, dark forces close in on all sides. Certain secrets, long buried deep, are bound to emerge at last. When they do, will Ayleth have the strength to stand and fight? |
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A Feeling Like Home by Haleigh Wenger Sword and Silk Books WriteHive Book Club Indie Recs Indie Sixteen-year-old Paige Williams canāt stop self-sabotaging. Not when her dad gets sick, not when her relationship implodes, not even when her parents send her to another-freaking-state for the summer to live with her sister. Paige just wants to have fun, spray paint a few walls, and block out everything stressful, including her growing concern that she might be sick as well. To make things worse, her parents threaten her with boarding school in the fall if she canāt prove sheās changed her bad habits. Paigeās parents sign her up for a rebuilding project in Texas where her sister lives. Meanwhile, Paige reluctantly befriends her sisterās straight-laced teenage neighbor, Joey, who is a frequent guest. Heās so different from her, but Paige realizes that may not be a bad thing, especially since being around Joey curbs her urge to vandalize and ignore the rules. He even makes her forget about the debilitating stomach cramps she struggles to hide. Just as Paige begins to feel settled in Texas, her dadās worsening Crohnās disease brings her home to Seattle. When her own health fails her, she has the choice of staying at home and receiving care. Or, she could go back to Texas and prove for once and for all that sheās more than her mistakes and more than a disease. Torn between two worlds and two versions of herself, Paige must decide where, and with whom, she truly feels at home. |
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Tamberlane Arc 1: In the Wilderness Alone by Caytlin Vilbrandt One stormy night, the citizens of Treehollow, a cozy town of woodland critters, discover a small, strange creature left alone in the middle of the forest. Tiny and abandoned, the little human girl only says one word: her name, Tamberlane. Belfry, the accident-prone and anxious bat with a heart of gold, is determined to prove to her family (and herself) that she's a capable adult by taking in this strange, lone kit. While the community struggles to accept this new child into their lives, Tamberlane clings tight to her new mother, unaware of the struggles and adventures that lie ahead of her. Though Belfry faces the unique challenge of motherhood to someone so alien, she has the support of her friends, as well as the grumpy town librarian, Oakewood, to see her through. As the story goes on, however, it becomes clear to little Tamberlane that all is not what it seems in this cozy town and what lies beyond its borders. What is Abroad? Why do the grown-ups speak of it in hushed whispers? As the child grows, so too does the world around herā¦and the dangers that are on the horizon. All the while, Tamberlaneās mysteries continue to unfold. Who (or what) is she? Where did she come from? Are there more creatures like her? And are they going to come back for her? Tamberlane is a PG-13 graphic novel for lovers of creature fantasy like Redwall, Warriors, Watership Down, and The Secret of Nimh. |
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A Dagger in the Dark by Tom Dumbrell Twenty years before the events of The Look of a King, in a world on the cusp of change, a young man dreams of a life far from the one he has known. Is he a captain in the making, or out of his depth? The stakes are high, and only time will tell if the spoils are worth the gamble. . . |
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The Reach Between Worlds by Cameron Hayden Posing as a sorcerer was never a smart idea. Now, it may cost Taro his life. Sixteen-year-old Taro lost his right leg years ago, but with a family to support, he doesn't let it slow him down. For years he's worked for a notorious crime lord named Victor Mathan; Mathan deals in stolen magical artifacts, and trusts Taro to finish his work with as few questions as possible. When an absurdly well-paying job comes up, Taro is quick to volunteer. Mathan wants him to break a powerful sorceress out of her magical prison, but her cell is under the control of an ancient military order called the Magisterium. To get to her, Taro must pose as a Magisterium recruit. The courses are grueling, the tests drive students mad, and the magic they teach can be as deadly to the caster as it is to the target. |
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Rescued by the Cursed Phoenix (Rescued From Ruin) by Vala Stone Have I just stumbled from one monster, straight into the clutches of another? Ava I have a habit of doing what people tell me I shouldnāt. Like eating that extra cookie, or you know, dating the bad boy. When I try to get out of this latest pickle, running is my only option. A dark gloomy mansion in the middle of the woods, surrounded by an ominous fence. Yeah, thatās not where you expect to find salvation. But the man that swoops down on me, pulling me from the snapping jaws of danger⦠He sets my blood on fire and makes my heart melt with his care and his cute pet cat. Lucius I just want to be left alone. The world is a dangerous place and I want nothing to do with it. But when pretty Ava stumbles onto my doorstep, I canāt help myself. Parts of me ignite that I thought had long ago turned to ashes. To keep her safe, to keep us both safe, I must let her go. I should send her away. To break my curse, to rescue her from ruin, I might have to break all my rules. I might have to ignite all the flames and make the ultimate sacrifice. Rescued by the Cursed Phoenix is a short, steamy novella that is part of the Rescued From Ruin shared author series. It features one sexy, cursed Phoenix, a plucky damsel in distress, and a very wise matchmaking cat. |
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Fate of the Drowned by Carrie Summers The Empire is shattered. From the northern ice fields to the storm-battered coast, chasms gash the landscape. Hordes of twisted beasts ravage towns and cities, and still, the people riot. But the prophecies offer hope. Bolstered by the newfound, if fragile, peace with Stormshard, Emperor Kostan begins to fortify his rule. Savra, torn between her desire to learn her familyās fate and the duty she feels to her Emperor, delves deeper into her magic in hopes she can answer both calls. At the heart of the Empire, an ancient seal will soon fail. But Savra and Kostan will fight to the end. Together they represent the Empireās last hope for salvation. |
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The Follower of Flowers: A Flowers of Prophecy Novel by Natalia Hernandez As a child, the Name-Bearer had one duty; to receive and deliver the names of the future monarchy from the Flowers of Prophecy. But on the day of the Naming Ceremony, the Flowers refused. They claim another child was born more worthy of the Naming, and the Name-Bearer must find him and deliver him to them in order to restore peace to her land. Now, ten years later, the Name-Barer and her companions are on a quest to find the Unnamed Prince and fulfill the prophecy. But with a bounty on their heads, an increase in monstro activity, and a long dangerous journey through enemy territory, they may be in for more than they bargained for. In order to survive, they will have to rely on strangers, unlikely new allies, and those they once loved ā and hope that their trust in them has not been misplaced. With so much opposition, will their courage ā and their friendships, survive? |
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Warmed Up by her Brother's Best Friend: A Small Town Age Gap Curvy Girl Short Romance by Julia Stone Training her body was easy. Resisting her was impossible. Iāve been in love with my brotherās best friend for two years. Which is exactly why my New Yearās resolution is to finally get over him. Lose a little weight. Gain a little confidence. Stop staring every time Cash he crashes at our place. Simple. Achievable. Easy. Thanks to my overprotective brother, Cash decides heās the perfect person to help me āwork on myself.ā Morning workouts. Close proximity. Lotās of hands-on activities. Getting over Cash was supposed to be the goal. Falling harder was never part of the plan. Iāve noticed Adelia since the day she became off-limits. Sheās sweet. Curvy. Innocent in a way that makes me want to protect her from men like me. Especially from me. Sheās Tobyās little sister. I donāt cross that line. Canāt. But when she asks for help learning how to catch a manās attention, I canāt say no. Not when I know no one will ever be good enough for her. If sheās going to belong to someone, it should be a man who knows her worth. A man who wants her completely. A man like me. |
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Alien's Bargain: An Alien Shifter Romance (Alien Wolf Tales #6) by Honey Phillips One lie. One bargain. One debt she canāt escape. Jessa is the most talented weaver in her village, but when her ruthless uncle claims she can spin legendary goldthread, he traps her in a lie that could cost her everything⦠including her little sister. Desperate to save her sister, Jessa flees into forbidden Vultor territory in search of the rarest plant of all. Instead she finds Tarek, a gruff, solitary alien feared by humans and shunned by his own kind. Tarek has been alone for too long, so when a pretty little human strays into his territory, he canāt resist offering her a bargaināhis help in exchange for a promise to be fulfilled later. What begins as a reluctant deal turns into something far more dangerous, because Tarek is more than he seems. And the price he asks might be her heart. Sometimes love is the most dangerous bargain of all. Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, reluctant protector, hidden identity, found family A sweet and spicy sci-fi fairy-tale retelling! |
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Grumpy Hearted Cowboy (Not Looking For Love Series) by Julia Stone A brooding cowboy, an innocent heart, and heat that builds fast and fierce. Cyrus: I agreed to let her stay for the summer, offering a spare room for a few weeks, helping around the ranch while she figures out her future. What I didnāt agree to was Millie walking back into my life as a grown womanāsoft smiles, curious eyes, and a body I have no business noticing. Sheās my friendās daughter. Sheās younger. Sheās here to learn, not to tempt the hell out of me every time she steps into my space. Living under the same roof makes distance impossible. Every shared meal, every long day working side by side chips away at my self-control. I know better. I should stop this before it starts. But wanting her feels inevitableāand once I give in, thereās no going back. Millie: Spending the summer on Cyrus Kaneās ranch is supposed to be simple. Hands-on experience. Early mornings. All while learning what kind of veterinarian I want to be. Instead, Iām sharing a house with a gruff, intimidating cowboy who barely speaksāand somehow says everything with a single look. Heās bigger than life, rough around the edges, and completely different from anyone Iāve ever wanted before. I tell myself to focus, to keep things professional. But the longer I stay, the harder it is to ignore the tension crackling between us. The way his eyes linger. The way my heart races whenever weāre alone. Weāre crossing lines we shouldnāt. With the promise of leaving in the future, one push may risk everything falling apart. |
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Mountain Man's Winter Sunshine (Wildwood Valley Firehouse, #6) by Lilah Hart A grumpy firefighter. A fake romance that burns real. I came to Wildwood Valley to disappear. To escape a controlling mother, an ex who wouldnāt take no for an answer, and a life that felt suffocating before I was even living it. Slipping behind the bar at a mountain town roadhouse was supposed to be temporaryājust long enough to breathe again. Then he walked through the door. Not the man I was running from. The one who watched me from the corner booth every night. Silent. Intense. A grumpy firefighter with dark eyes and a permanent scowl that made my pulse trip every time they lingered on me. I told myself I didnāt notice him. I lied. When my past catches up with me at the Roadhouse, panic takes over. I need protectionāfast. And the most dangerous-looking man in the room is Briggs. Six feet of muscle, bad attitude, and barely contained heat. So I climb into his lap and beg him to play along. One whispered please changes everything. He calls me his without hesitation. Puts himself between me and the world like itās instinct. And suddenly, the man whoās been watching me for weeks isnāt pretending anymore. But Iāve spent too long being someoneās project. Someoneās sensible choice. Trust doesnāt come easy. Briggs has one night to prove that he doesnāt want to save me. He wants to keep me. Tropes: š„ Grumpy Firefighter Hero š Fake Relationship Turns Real š”ļø Protective āTouch Her and Dieā Energy š» Small-Town Bar & Roadhouse Romance š„ Instalove with High Emotional Stakes š Brooding Hero Whoās Been Watching Her š Fast-Burn Chemistry & Open-Door Heat šļø Mountain Town Escape Romance š¤ Woman on the Run Finds Safety ā¤ļøāš„ Alpha Protector Who Claims Her Publicly Mountain Man's Winter Sunshine 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, youāll love the entire Wildwood Valley Firehouse series! |
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The Alien Warrior's Valentine: A Sci-Fi Valentine (Sci-fi Holiday Specials #4) by Robin O'Connor On a struggling alien vineyard, the only thing harder than surviving is letting someone get close. Mariska I have two years to make this work, and time is running out. The cozy small town is scary when the Aderians are all empaths who seem to know your innermost thoughts. I came to Llykhe to escape, to find myself again. The vineyard granted to me by the Aderians is supposed to be my salvation, even if itās rundown and the machines are failing. I have space, but not the privacy I came for. Then thereās Jeltom. Grumpy and silent, heās not your typical Aderian empath. When I ask him for help, he actually says no. With Valentine coming, I wonder if explaining a human holiday and asking him to share it is brave or foolish. Jeltom I hadnāt come home to fall for anyone. After being shot, I want simple: familiar air, quiet nights, and absolutely no responsibilities. Then Mariska crosses my path, human and shy like a skittish animal. Giving her my help when she needs it is easy. It feels like the purpose Iāve been searching for all my life. When she mentions a custom called Valentine, a strange human ritual, I donāt understand it, but I want to. Not for traditionās sake, but for hers. This human might just be the one thing my people have forgotten how to find: my fated mate. The Alien Warriorās Valentine is a standalone Valentine-themed steamy sci-fi romance featuring a scarred alien warrior searching for home, and a traumatized human looking for peace. This is a story of love and redemption. Itās cozy, sweet, with a little action and a whole lot of romance. |
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The Coronation Ball: A Four Kingdoms Cinderella Novelette (The Four Kingdoms) by Melanie Cellier Hanna knows all about hard work. For years sheās labored to complete her apprenticeship and become a pastry chef. Driven from her home once before, sheās willing to endure whatever it takes to keep her position in the palace kitchens of Northhelm. But when she finally has a chance for all her dreams to come true, everything goes wrong. In danger of losing both her future as a pastry chef, and the man sheās loved for years, Hanna will have to decide if sheās ready to fight for herself, as well as for Stefan. The Coronation Ball is a novelette of approximately 15,000 words that follows Hansās sister after she flees Rangmere to build a life in Northhelm. If you enjoy clean romance, adventure and intrigue, then try the books in The Four Kingdoms series now! Each book can be read as a standalone story, however, for greatest enjoyment, they should be read in order. The Four Kingdoms Reading Order: The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea (Book One) The Princess Fugitive: A Reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood (Book Two) The Coronation Ball: A Four Kingdoms Cinderella Novelette Happily Ever Afters: A Reimagining of Snow White and Rose Red (Novella) The Princess Pact: A Twist on Rumpelstiltskin (Book Three) A Midwinter's Wedding: A Retelling of The Frog Prince (Novella) The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty (Book Four) The Princess Search: A Retelling of The Ugly Duckling (Book Five) |
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Death of Dulgath by Michael J. Sullivan Three times they tried to kill her. Then a professional was hired. So was Riyria. When the last member of the oldest noble family in Avryn is targeted for assassination, Riyria is hired to foil the plot. Three years have passed since the war-weary mercenary Hadrian and the cynical ex-assassin Royce joined forces to start life as rogues-for-hire. Things have gone well enough until they're asked to help prevent a murder. Now they must venture into an ancient corner of the world to save a mysterious woman who knows more about Royce than is safe and cares less about herself than is sane. From the best-selling author of The Riyria Revelations comes the third installment of The Riyria Chronicles. Although part of a series, it's designed to thrill both new readers looking for fun, fast-paced fantasy and Riyria veterans wishing to reunite with old friends. For those who do wish to experience the entire Riyria saga, two reading options exist: Order of Publication: Theft of Swords | Rise of Empire | Heir of Novron | The Crown Tower | The Rose and the Thorn | The Death of Dulgath Chronological Order: The Crown Tower | The Rose and the Thorn | The Death of Dulgath | Theft of Swords | Rise of Empire | Heir of Novron |
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Tears of Dust (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 5) by Sylvia Mercedes After two days in isolation, Ayleth still doesnāt know why Fendrel placed her under house arrest. Powerful drugs suppress Laranta deep inside her, leaving her alone with too many unanswered questions. What has become of kidnapped Lady Cerine? Why has Prince Gerard not stepped in to help? What is Fendrelās ultimate agenda? And, most urgently, where is Terryn? Has Fendrel arrested him as well for the curse he carries? The curse that nearly made him kill Gerard . . . . When a Phasmatrix arrives at the castle with a host of shade hunters, Ayleth fears they have come to test Terryn and, if he cannot be cured, to execute him. But the Phasmatrix has a different objective in view, and Terrynās life might not be the one most imperiled. Betrayal surrounds Ayleth on all sides, and fiery doom awaits her at dawn. Will she find an unexpected ally amid the coming storm? Or will she face the truth of her pastāand its future consequencesāalone? Return to the dark and deadly intrigues of The Venatrix Chronicles, where witches wage war against holy orders, friends and enemies are equally treacherous, and secrets long thought dead struggle into light. If you enjoy kick-butt heroines, conflicted heroes, and slow-burn romance ready to ignite, then you will love Ayleth and Terrynās latest adventure! |
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Black Table by Anttimatti Pennanen Jon and Gus, science fiction fans from Finland with a penchant for fist bumping and pop culture references, travel to the Portland Comic Con where tragedy strikes. Their hero, Dr Wells, suffers a heart attack. With his dying breath, the doctor exhorts Jon to āfind the ā¦ā as he pushes a book into Jonās hands. Following clues inscribed in the book, Jon and Gus discover an alien structure with a mysterious Black Table which they accidently activate, transporting them to an alien world. Jumping from world to world via the Black Table galactic transportation network, Jon and Gus embark on the adventure of a lifetime where they encounter monsters, alien tech, giant vessels made of water and make new friends. But those friends are facing an unstoppable and mindless enemy. An enemy that is destroying the galaxy, and Earth is next in its path. Can two fans from Finland save the day? Black Table is a rollicking yarn of two likeable, wise-cracking friends who like nothing better than pranking each other. That is, except when they are not doing something more serious, like saving the universe. JOIN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE BLACK TABLE NETWORK! |
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A Hex For Hunger by Alistair Reeves Ambrose, a trans knight serving the medieval witch king, spent his life trying to be a hero. Instead, he died a villain in the name of a love he hungered for in secret. That would have ended his story, except a suspicious necromancer, Emery, resurrects him and gives him two things: a second chance and a job. He needs Ambrose to kill Morcant, a cult leader who is terrorizing a small group of students. Ambrose thought he was done with killing, but this modern world whet his appetite. If he can bring his king back from the grave, they could finally enjoy the love theyād been starved of. The witch kingās voice tells him how it can be achieved: kill Emery. But while Ambroseās magic might hunger for Emeryās blood, his heart hungers for Emery another way entirely . . . Another delightful MM romantic fantasy from Alistair Reeves, A Hex for Hunger promises to captivate with more magic, wonder, and adventure. |
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Rotting In Vain by Lady Kilroy "I am not the damsel. I am the weapon their parents warned them not to touch." Legends say the fae only exist because our gods are dead. That we were originally the vermin that feasted on their flesh. As future Queen of the Dhadren Fae, I can tell you I've never wielded the power of a god. I feel nothing in this land of death and decay. An ancient malevolence has taken my home hostage with the curse of a blight, and for twenty years I have been rotting in this cage, stalked by a beast and hunted by shadows that lure me into the night. And even though my mind is screaming for me to follow them, to let them catch me⦠I need to survive this world. I need to become the liberator my people need. Because if I don't, Iāll become the crown to a kingdom of dust and famine. |