Unfixed by Amy L. Sauder

Julia Trencher has died. Twice. But Geppetto’s Circus of Strange Marvels offers hope of others like her—a place she could be welcomed, celebrated even. She didn’t know it would lead to herself and the circus vanishing amidst a mysterious fire. Now, all that remains are the historical circus wagons at the edge of town and a darkness that a young man Max can’t seem to shake. As Max investigates the enchanted circus claims and the Trenchers abandoned mansion, the line between villains and sidekicks blurs, and revealing the circus’ secrets may come at the cost of confronting his own.

I Know You Like a Murder by Amy L. Sauder

“A narrator always gets to know the reader before spilling their deepest secret. I am a murderer. She was just a silly nothing of a girl until I made her rise to fame. A pennything. So, reader: sit down, cozy up. I’d offer a cup of tea, but you may worry it’s poisoned, and you may be correct. But I can’t just tell you how she died. That’s too easy. Too quick. Buckle up: you’re in for a villainous monologue.”

Taterskin & The Eco Defenders by Blackbird Crow Raven

Book 2 of the "Taterskin & The Eco Defenders" series (“Tell it to Future Generations”) takes up with the Eco Defenders following up on their earlier adventures by 1) Preventing the American Civil War in 1861, after which a slave they free joins them; 2) Saving the Indians from being massacred at Wounded Knee in 1890, following which Chapawee, a Sioux Indian, joins the Eco Defenders; 3) Putting an end to the practice of vivisection (experimentation on live animals) in 1903; 4) Coming to the aid of exploited workers in 1911 Manhattan, saving hundreds from the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire; and 5) Traveling to the Amazon Basin in 1978 to protect and preserve the Amazon rainforest. Taterskin & The Eco Defenders, told in “first canine” by the titular character, a Labrador Retriever, is a Cli-Fi (ultimately utopian) fantasy of a few humans and several talking animals who travel through time and space to make the past—and thus the future—a better place. The improvements effected by the Eco Defenders benefit not just the earth itself, but also mistreated humans and animals.

The Warrior's Shade by Ingrid Moon

A fleet for hire. A mysterious client. A weapon of mass destruction. No longer a commander, Turner Boone will come to the rescue of any fleet that will pay him. However, he has done his job too well, and his clients have no need to call. His fleet-for-hire is running out of funds—and options. Things look up when he is hired to retrieve the wreckage of an ancient terraforming machine. He soon realizes the device can be turned into a devastating weapon, and he has no idea who his well-paying client is. Caught between delivering the artifact to the client, whose methods to collect it are ruthless, and hiding his fleet from the Coalition Navy, who hunts him as a traitor, Boone faces the most difficult decision of his life. In discovering the client's secret, his investigation goes too deep, propelling himself and the assassin, Elyon, into a Coalition trap—one that will require untenable sacrifices to avoid execution. Epic Space Battles, Biological “Magic,” Found Family, Galactic Empire, Pirates, A Rebellious Assassin, Daring Pilots and more! The Warrior's Shade is a desperate chase across the galaxy, where a young man discovers his fatal flaw, and an assassin learns the meaning of sacrifice.

With Love, Juniper by Amanda Cessor

Juniper Harlow had always been a nervous young woman. Particularly when it came to the social obligations of a well-to-do family in a small village. There were only very few exceptions: her parents and her childhood friend Oleander Ambrose. He always seemed to understand her fears and often went out of his way to act as a shield against the perils of social interaction. Oleander didn’t mind. After all, he wanted nothing more than to make Juniper his wife. As far as he was concerned, it was his duty to protect her. When Oleander left to attend conservatory to gain his sorcerer’s diploma, Juniper was left to handle the overwhelming expectations of the people around her on her own. Which, for her, meant to avoid them entirely, retreating into her work as an herbalist. When Oleander did return, he was unrecognizable, and Juniper and Oleander found themselves navigating an unexpected chasm in their once intimate friendship. Oleander, ever patient with his childhood love, was more than ready to move at her pace. That is until Theo Vervain arrives in the village and sets his sights on Juniper with his own desires of courtship, seeming to have an inexplicable connection to the usually-timid young lady.

Earth Hagiography by Sfarda L. Gül

Written during a time of turmoil and heavy-heartedness, EARTH HAGIOGRAPHY collates prose poetry and lyric essays in a poignant, frank discourse of grief, police state upbringing, loss of heritage to colonialism, political ideology, earth veneration, queerness, and psychological wounds, seeking to weave and unfold the bloodied yarn of remembrance and histories forgotten or unknown.

Non Omnis Moriar by Sfarda L. Gül

The city state of Vencenza rots, and Giorgianna, vengeful, enlightened, an outlaw and witch, seeks blood—the dues she’s owed for the crimes committed against her and those she loves. As summer withers to autumn, she is faced with a deadly quest: infiltrate the ministerial court, unspool the inner circle’s darkest secrets, and aid the resistance in bringing forth a revolution to finally break the shackles of tyranny. All while remaining under pretences amidst the state’s most violent and powerful men. But explosive tensions mount among the revolutionaries, bodies pile in the streets, the church gains frightening authority, and Giorgianna’s psyche teeters along its final breaking point—made only worse by a lovesickness more agonising than hunger. With winter looming upon the horizon, civil war seems inevitable, and love could never be a saviour. How dearly will those dues cost?

Non Serviam by Sfarda L. Gül

Expressing emotion is prohibited by law in the city state of Vencenza. Beneath its tyrannical shadow, Giorgianna, a deranged former playwright turned political fugitive, flees a brothel to seek justice for the murder of a beloved friend. When the last remnants of her bloodline are reaped by the incorrigible Minister of Dominion, Giorgianna’s crooked path to retribution crosses with Vencenza’s Machiavellian revolutionary hellbent on regime overturn. All the while, the weight of unending tragedy erodes Giorgianna’s psyche into a vengeful bloodlust plagued by cabbalistic visions hinting at an ever-darker face of the violent Powers That Be.

Valiance by C. Borden

When a rural settlement at the edge of our galaxy faces a threat science cannot explain, Dr. Lau must choose: save herself and keep her secrets, or reveal her truth to save her community. In the distant future, no one questions the limitations of science and technology. But on Valiance, a planet far from Earth, everything changes when the nightly fog becomes dangerous, people go missing, and those found are comatose. Dr. Jena Lau is secretly a woman of faith. In a society where religion has been eradicated and is illegal, she grapples with the reality that neither science nor technology can resolve the threat to her community. As she recognizes the evil attacking her home for what it is, she faces a life-altering decision: save herself by keeping her secrets or try to save everyone else by revealing them. As the inexplicable danger within the fog takes more and more of her community, Dr. Lau’s forbidden faith in a god long rejected and forgotten pushes her to act. Readers who enjoy Christian Science Fiction will love this novel that boldly declares the God of Earth is also the God of all creation, to the edges of the galaxy and beyond.

A Dirge for Cascius by Calum Lott

SPSFC 2024

Chaos seeps into the Valsollas Galaxy. Cascius Carcyde is on the brink of letting his addiction to reliving his sorrows claim his mind. When the Sages demand he take a new partner, Cascius must forfeit his old ways in order to solve the twisted Red Hand murders. To unravel an interstellar mystery and stop the Red Hand, Cascius must pull himself from the very depths of despair and learn to change before the entire Velutra falls into oblivion. Stare too long into the abyss, and the abyss peers back. True Detective meets Hyperion in this epic space opera debut, perfect for fans of James S.A. Corey and Christopher Ruocchio.

A Princess of Oldir by Bryan Wilson

"Whether (this book) is your initiation to the Power of the Stars saga or you're an experienced Solara wielder, this is a must-read for sci-fantasy fans." - The Dragon Reread: SFF Insiders The Ojurn family has guided the planet of Oldir for centuries, and as the ancestors of a prophet, the world’s citizens have always honored their bloodline. However, the people’s struggles are on the rise, and their solar system’s limited resources continue to dwindle. Rhanna, the daughter of the current Lord Supreme, considers it her duty to rid the planet of its troubles. She spends most of her days training to take up her family’s mantle. But when a popular young leader from a neighboring world arrives on their soil, it becomes evident that there are those with other wishes. Set more than three decades before the events of The Forsaken Planet, this is a story of one family’s struggle to do what is right, even if it costs them their legacy. A Princess of Oldir is both a standalone story in the Power of the Stars universe and a complementary addition for those familiar with the main books. You do not need to have read the other work to enjoy this novella.

The Bartender Between Worlds by Herman Steuernagel

Low-stakes magic, crafting cocktails, and discovering the power of who we truly are. Emma grew up as a Hunter of the Cursed—those charged with eradicating monsters and magic from the Kingdom. She's revered as one of the King's most skilled hunters. At least she was—until she discovered she possessed magic herself. Before anyone else can discover her secret, Emma abandons her post and flees to the far edge of the Kingdom, where she hopes she can settle down and live a quiet life as a bartender, out of the Hunters' watchful eye. Fate, however, won't allow us to run away from who we are so easily. When Emma is confronted by an exiled fairy and a man who claims to be a scientist (though Emma is convinced he's a sorcerer), she must evaluate what she believes and the confines of who she's been allowed to be. Pulled on a journey that takes her further than she'd ever imagined possible, Emma is led on an adventure to discover where her fate lies and must confront her own biases, hopefully learning a drink recipe or two along the way. A low-stakes cozy fantasy about cocktails, magic, portals, and finding where we truly belong. If you enjoyed the themes of leaving it all behind in books like Legends & Lattes, and the fun and low-stakes magic in The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, then this is the book for you.

Hecate's Hollow by Tallie Rose

A Snow White and Rose Red retelling Besides the blood drinking and international crime, she’s the perfect woman… Lemon has spent the last twenty years hidden away from her abusive father in the mountain town of Hecate’s Hollow, a safe haven for witches like Lemon and her family. But that safety comes to an end the day she trips down an embankment and is honest-to-god swept off her feet by Claudia. It would be just like the romantic movies she loves, except Claudia is an international thief, cursed to live like a vampire by her witch hunter ex-boss, Julian. Lemon knows she should stay out of it, but curiosity and the urge to play the hero for a beautiful woman get the better of her. Talented at divining the ingredients for potions, Lemon agrees to help brew a cure, not expecting to find herself caught up in the very life her mother ran from years ago. Lemon thinks it will be easy enough to help Claudia — a few hikes for obscure ingredients, some clandestine kisses, and favors from farmers, nothing too dangerous — until Julian comes to claim what’s his. With her girlfriend in the hands of a monster, Lemon can’t hide anymore. She must leave Hecate’s Hollow and learn just what she’s really capable of.

They of the West (Scrublands Book 1) by Dani Finn

Dralen never could leave well enough alone. He knows better than to go near the canyons. That’s where the Logans live, wild men of the hills said to devour lone travelers in frenzied midnight feasts. But the mysterious cloaked figure he saw down by the canyons had to be there for a reason. And he can’t get his Urpa’s poem out of his head: something about “They of the West” and “Treasures buried in memory’s mine.” Folks used to mine for topaz in the canyons, and other stones too. Magical ones, some said. But the Logans and the cave-in put an end to all that. Dralen knows he’ll get in trouble if he goes after the cloaked figure, and he’s doubly sure he doesn’t care. Maybe They know something everyone else has forgotten in this little nothing town. Dralen is called to follow Them, but the closer he gets to unraveling the mystery, the more it seems his own journey is just beginning… They of the West is a fantasy novella set in a brand-new world, a coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and self-discovery. It is the first book in The Scrublands, a planned trio of novellas. It is appropriate for older young adult and adult audiences; content warnings include hunting/butchery, smoking, drinking, cursing, and brief references to sexual topics.

Through Dry Places by D.H. Gutierrez

An old Spanish mission lies beneath the surface of a serene Texas lake, its secrets hidden for decades. The receding waters of a drought expose its ruins and it becomes the source of inspiration for Matthew, an urban explorer struggling to maintain his once-popular video channel. Determined to make it his next big video, Matthew sets out to uncover the mystery surrounding San Lazaro. But as he delves deeper into the decrepit halls and forgotten rooms, he finds himself face-to-face with his own fears.

Heirs to a Flawed Creation: Stories from Near Earth by E.L. Montague

Assassin. Detective. Cop. Interrogator. Lover. Spy Master. Rebel. All of these. Purpose defines us. It will define the peoples we leave behind when we are gone. We are children playing with the powers of a god. Our creations will be as flawed as their creators. The gift of intellect comes with doubt. In the none too distant future, tools will become beings in their own right. Factory floors will be the womb of an entire people. Androids will struggle to exist alongside the lesser gods who created them, even as they surpass us. These stories explore that struggle.

The Hound of Greyvor (Silver Sights Saga #2) by W.J. Long III

Since Minerva Prime, peace, quiet, and adolescence have driven a wedge between Claude and Vision. As tempers flare in their modest home, a new danger emerges behind the Sabien veil; Levine Drarri, a disgraced servant of the Imperium, arrives on their doorstep, seeking the aid of Silver Sights. In his wake comes chaos, tragedy, and the boundless fury of a Sabien Crown. Now, the weight of Drarri’s sudden arrival threatens to shatter the already fractured bond between father and daughter, while in the shadows, the weapons of the Imperium bear down on all they have built.

Not Your Bargain (Not Your Adventures Book 2) by AJ Alexanders

When his last opportunity for closure arises, will Matradatin get answers before it's too late? It’s been 20 years since the Battle of Crab. 20 years since Matradatin Hammerbeard was crowned King of Craig'n Dell. 20 years since he last saw Samuel Floresburg and shared that earth-shattering kiss. When they parted, Matradatin was left with more questions than answers. What did Samuel mean by it? Why hasn't he kept in touch? Why did he leave so abruptly? Now, Samuel has returned, seeking the dwarf king’s help for one final adventure: one last chance to finally find the answers he's been yearning for. The Otehill dwarves of the South Wildes have unearthed a vein of Hoskonor, the dark ore that nearly destroyed Matradatin’s home. A human king has enlisted their aid to persuade the Otehill dwarves of its peril. Can they convince the dwarves to heed their warning? What secrets has Samuel kept from Matradatin all these years? Will the embers of their past finally ignite into a lasting flame? Join Samuel, the charming spellcaster, and Matradatin, the quiet sovereign, as they embark on one last, bittersweet journey. "We franchised!" - Puck "It reads different from NYM... loved seeing old characters and new fun characters pop up!"

Protector Dragon: MM Shifter Romance (Lewiston Dragons Book 1) by Liv Rider

Shifters ruined his life. How can he be falling in love with one? Growing up the only human in a shifter town, Joel has been an outcast his entire life - not even his own family let him forget how weak humans are. Running away was his only chance at a normal life, and he's been avoiding shifters ever since. But when his job working in a coffee shop puts him in a room full of shifters, he has to confront his worst fears. He's just not sure if he should be alarmed or happy that the hottest guy he's ever met is determined to talk to him. After all, everyone knows shifters aren't attracted to humans. Dragon shifter Thomas Rollins thought nothing could be more difficult than resolving arguments between the shifters in his district. But when he meets his fated mate Joel, he has no clue how to get the suspicious human to talk to him for more than five minutes, never mind go out on a date. When he learns about Joel's past, he's determined to prove shifters and humans can get along very well. Just as Joel is starting to let his guard down, his family finds him and forces him to come back to a place he refuses to call home. Can the trust Joel and Thomas have started to build survive the ultimate test? Protector Dragon is a m/m paranormal dragon shifter/human romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It is the first book in the Lewiston Dragons series, followed by Halloween Dragon and Wedding Dragon. All books can be read separately.

The Truth for the Lies by O. H. Phukdischidt

Is the handsome winged criminal a madman? Or has he uncovered a government conspiracy that threatens his entire race? In the country of Tar, humans and winged people called hollow-boned live side by side. Red Raven, a criminal so named by the media because of his red wings and black hair, wreaks havoc on the cities. He revels in torturing government employees and blowing up charity organizations. His true motives with these attacks, however, remain a mystery. Indigo is an agent of the Sentinels of Light, a private organization sworn to uphold justice. The skilled fighter is the Sentinel’s Master Swordsman and makes apprehending Red Raven his top priority. However, he finds the criminal beautiful and charming. The man may not be as evil as everyone seems to think. The more often they battle each other, the harder it becomes for the two men to deny their fiery attraction. And the more he learns about the alluring man’s motivations, the more Indigo questions everything he was taught about the sheltered world he was raised in.

Shadows Dark and Deadly by Andrea Marie Johnson

Slowly freezing in the snow and a knife to the gut are two awful ways to die. And Cerise would very much like to avoid both. A mysterious man steps from the shadows with an offer of food, a bed, and a roof over her head. The catch? She’ll have to become his assassin apprentice. Her hands are already stained with the blood of five men. What’s a little more? But training to be an assassin isn’t easy and learning to control her magic even less. To complicate things, Cerise can’t fight her attraction to her mentor, Keir, or his charming best friend, Damara. It wouldn’t be a problem if she wasn’t a dirty street rat. Well, that and society isn’t ready for two women to be together. Everything heats up as an arsonist stalks the streets. His targets? Brothel owners and Cerise’s aunt is at the top of his list. Can Cerise get strong enough to help Keir hunt him down or will her aunt become another tragic death that haunts her nightmares?

The Mad Man's Hope (The Commune's Curse: Book 2) by Lucy A. McLaren

Lovers become enemies, enemies become allies, and all will be tested to their limits in this second instalment in The Commune’s Curse series. Evelyn Folksman has partnered with the enemy. Desperate to save her friends, she has reluctantly agreed to travel with former Commune Commander, Jonah Sulemon, to his home islands where he has promised a weapon that will allow them to take down the Commune once and for all. To succeed, both Evelyn and Jonah must face the trauma of their pasts and learn to trust one another. Meanwhile, Raif Huntsman is searching for his sister, Rose, a young child who wields incredible and deadly powers. Alongside rebel Hector Haralambous, he travels to Nook Town, where they hope to find Rose and to stop her powers being abused by those who kidnapped her… but where they will encounter a danger just as oppressive—and perhaps even as deadly—as the Commune’s regime.

Oath Breakers by Grace Leeds

Ayden Quinn only volunteered because she had nothing left. Set in a walled city where no one knows what the outside world contains, the people of the city are under attack by mysterious monsters causing unprecedented destruction. After becoming part of an experimental ritual designed to help save the city from these monsters, Ayden becomes part of a group of four other people that now possess powers no one fully understands. They are faster, stronger, and able to heal from almost any wound. With little time to understand these new powers, the group is sent to fight the monsters. Ayden never expected that she would grow to love the other four people. She never expected to fall in love, and she has no idea how she's supposed to juggle having a family for the very first time when she's supposed to be saving the world.

Let Slip the Beasts by Suzanne Berget

Beneath the streets of East Resplendent, monsters are mounting a war against their masters. Kaliope Dearborne, a customer service nobody for a pharmaceutical mega-conglomerate, wants only to escape her cubicle and find true meaning for her life. But after accidentally killing her little sister’s bully, she’s taken captive by The Warren, a ragtag group of runaway medical test subjects. Kaliope learns that she and her captors are experiments owned by the VyroGen corporation. Locked away and evolving, pieces of her slough off as she grows stronger, faster, and hungrier. Only Thresher—not quite man, not quite animal—keeps her from losing her grip on reality. When Kaliope discovers the hidden truth of her genetic code, she joins The Warren in the war against VyroGen. With chemistry-altering pheromones and brain-tampering, she’s converted into a sleeper agent. But deep inside the dark heart of the corporation, Kaliope finds something that drastically changes her role in the war. She might win back her memories, her body, and her life, but will Kaliope lose her humanity in the process?

Dueling Shoulder Angels by Ben Schenkman

Selling his soul to the Devil was the best decision that Nick ever made. He got the girl, saved the day, and settled in for a comfortable career at Devil Co. That means it’s the perfect time for God to have other plans for him– and guess who shows up to try and poach Nick for Their organization? Why have one complicated job working for a personified deity, when you can have two? Caught between worlds, and moonlighting for the “good guys,” Nick learns his deal with Lucifer might not be what it seems. Uncovering a scheme to take advantage of the Devil himself rocks Nick to his core, and makes him question everything. The line between good and evil gets blurrier by the day, and Nick doesn’t know which shoulder angel to trust. His partner Amy, a witch growing into powers of her own, warns him of the danger he faces, but can’t stop Nick from running headlong into it. Can Nick save himself, or will Amy need to make an ally of a former foe to save him from a fate worse than decaf?

Garden of Secrets: Misselthwaite book one (Misselthwaite College 1) by Drake LaMarque

Alistair Lennox is disagreeable. Isolated and miserable, with parents who don’t care about him, his life has been equal parts privilege and loneliness. But when his parents die, his life is turned upside down. In order to gain his inheritance, Alistair is forced to attend a college he's never heard of - for good reason. Misselthwaite College is a school for the magically gifted Alistair has no magical gifts - unless being magically inept counts. What were his parents thinking? And what is the mysterious affliction plaguing William Carlisle, the affluent and arrogant heir to Misselthwaite? Is there a connection to the strange key Alistair discovers in a book, the stranger noises in the night, and, strangest of all, the multiple men who desire his friendship? Misselthwaite has no end of secrets. But if being disagreeable is good for anything, it's for getting to the bottom of mysteries. -- Garden of Secrets is book one in a duology, and the first installment in a magical new universe. A Secret Garden retelling with a queer twist and featuring MMMM polyamory.

That Time I was Kidnapped by the Fae King by Azshure Raine

Bryn Carlisle exists within a fantasy of her own making. She consumes Fae ‘romances’ faster than the coffee she makes and loves it. Her actual love life is pretty much dead. When her best friend Cassandra decides she needs to get out of the house and maybe talk to some non-fictional men, she ends up at the Ren Faire for a cosplay contest starring the Fae King of her favorite book. There she meets one in particular who promptly kidnaps her. When Ezra Rose, the man who kidnaps her, turns out to be an actual Fae King, Bryn has to survive in his world, while also trying to not fall in love with him. Even though she absolutely wants to.

Bitterbound by A.Z. Louise

A PROMISE SEALED IN FLESH AND BLOOD Kin Jole is an indentured assassin, forced to serve those who ripped her soul from her body and stripped her of her conscience. When Kin is ordered to kill Verias Hartwell, a beaten-down sorcerer unwillingly bound to a war machine, she sees his power as an opportunity to do the one thing that will set her free—reclaim and destroy her own soul. Kin offers Verias a trade. She’ll spare his life in exchange for his help stealing her soul. To retrieve it, Verias must join the very guild of sorcerers that turned Kin into a killer. With the fate of her soul in his hands, Kin must now protect Verias from enemies new and old, including a former friend with a bitter grudge. But the closer Verias gets to Kin’s soul, the closer he gets to her darkest secrets. And if the enemies closing in on all sides don’t destroy them, those secrets just might.

The Godsblood Tragedy by Bill Adams

An orphan, without a trueborn name, returns to the city of her birth to uncover her past. Hounded by the servants of the Dark God and dying from the poisonous mist that covers the land, her path leads to one of the magical seals protecting the holy ruin of Eminence. A father, murdered and reborn, aims to bring down the floating fortress hovering over his homeland. Burdened by loss, he’s willing to sacrifice his soul to free his city and get revenge for the destruction of his family. A mother, captured and bonded to a daemon, kills in the name of the Dark God so she can free her tortured daughter. Relentless in her vengeance, she hunts the one person who could end her suffering: the man who would destroy her vile master. A drake, the banished hatchling of a failed advisor, seeks his father’s stolen horns. Untested, he desires to right his father’s wrongs in the eyes of the gods and restore his family’s honor. As all converge in the occupied desert city where the world’s fuel source is mined, one family’s bond will be tested. Old betrayals will resurface, anger and resentment will flourish, but one thing remains clear: blood rules all.

Somewhere Out There by Caroline Astiago

Benjamin didn't survive the battle of Camlann. Nor did his mentor and best friend Merlin. Nor did King Arthur. The only difference was they died, and Benjamin continued existing, forced to take on their Guardianship of a realm torn apart by war with desperate Gods. But the world didn't end - although it came close a few times. Centuries have slipped by and there hasn't been much need for Benjamin’s skills as a warlock, but at least he's had his magic, Ambrosius, for company. They've done their best to keep the realm safe, but everything changes one Halloween in Oxford when Benjamin meets April, a vampire hunter who isn't quite what she seems. As the universe begins to unravel and the Gods seek to ensure their continued freedom, Benjamin must confront conflicts of morality and his own inner demons to find the truth and save his realm. Rooted in the Arthurian legends and Norse mythology, Somewhere Out There is an enthralling exploration of betrayals, identity, tangled relationships, LGBTQ+ themes, loss and love. With a dash of horror and humour, this adult urban fantasy is as much a psychological journey as a supernatural adventure set in an ever-changing, magic-soaked world.

A Third Kind of Madness by Christiane Knight

When Denny isn’t working as a photographer, they spend their time at the local coffee shop mooning over one of the regulars, the mysterious and beautiful Peri. No one’s more surprised than Denny when she asks them out on a date. What happens that night throws the couple into a world where nothing is as it appears and everyone wants to get their hands on Peri and her powers to inspire artists – especially Joolie, the controlling and egotistical leader of Denny’s art collective. If that wasn’t enough, the powerful, capricious water elementals known as Nyxen have inexplicably taken an interest in Denny. They warn that Peri’s gifts bring nothing but trouble to those around her. It’s hard to argue with them when the magic starts to go wrong; paintings greedily come alive with grasping tentacles, an obsessed ex-lover returns to threaten the couple, and Denny begins to wonder if their grip on reality is beginning to slip…

Leech by Gabriel Ryves

Who are you feeding? New York, 1899: Working class nobody Jasper is whisked away to a castle in the mountains by his wealthy lover Leo. It’s supposed to be a romantic escape, even if Jasper is officially here as a servant. But his dreams are soon dashed as he’s worked to the bone and demeaned by Leo’s callous, conservative family. Trapped in the isolated castle, with even his lover against him, Jasper sees no choice but to accept this rotten treatment. That is, until he makes an unlikely friend: the man in the walls. Chained in a hidden room, the man won’t say who imprisoned him or why. He demands to be kept a secret, and for Jasper to bring him a steady supply of his favorite meal: leeches. Bizarre, but it becomes easier to swallow when the man promises great rewards for Jasper’s help: money, power, revenge. Jasper doesn’t see anything wrong with taking the deal. He believes his hard times will soon be over—until he’s forced to confront the monster he’s been feeding.

How to start a demonic cult and get away with it by Devi Letalis

In the gloomy alleyways of an unknown city where supernatural beings cast their shadows, Dante, a mercenary with a mysterious past and a soul touched by darkness, embarks on a dangerous mission. He is tasked with investigating the sudden disappearance of young women and the disturbing rise of the undead in the city. Accompanied by the charming vampire Lariza, whose words are sharper than her fangs, he must confront a bizarre conspiracy that will be a challenge even for their extraordinary powers to unravel. Everything points to the workings of a mysterious cult that is pulling the strings of the city and spinning its sinister plans in the shadows. But as Dante and Lariza follow the twisted paths of the investigation, they come across an even greater treat: a mysterious figure who seems to know more about Lariza than they would have liked. With each step, the between reality and nightmare blurrs, and Dante and Lariza must confront a web of schemes, betrayal and forbidden sorcery. In "How to start a demonic cult and get away with it", the boundaries between right and wrong are put to the test. Can the odd duo once again avert impending disaster and put an end to the machinations of the demonic cult, or will they themselves be devoured by its dark powers?

The Regrets I Have are Not the Ones I Say by Or M. Bialik

Aviana Aquila does not have much, but she does have structure. No home but whatever she is currently assigned to, no family, and the closest to a relationship she has is a not very clandestine affair with her emotionally inhibited commanding officer, with whom she dreams to run away. As an Imperial soldier, ever on deployment, she knows she may die at any moment. As a commander, she knows she will need to order people to their deaths. After years on years, she is dull to all of that, existing to exist. But when an Alliance Admiral comes aboard on what was just supposed to be a routine mission, her structured semblance of a life is completely overturned. The Admiral is not a normal being, and possibly insane. Yet her presence may save Aviana in more ways than one and make her rediscover the woman she loves.

Battle Calm by W.D. Kilpack III

SPSFC 2024

When Badger succeeded his father, Red Skin, as Keeper Base Leader, he was well prepared, raised to handle anything the enemy threw at him. He was the best killer, and the most respected tactician. He knew Red Skin’s Laws like he wrote them himself. Most importantly, he was always calm, no matter how frenzied the combat. These were only some of the reasons why he still had all his original parts. Trinity would die for him. Korry would follow him without question. They were Keepers. They fought, they killed, they lived to kill another day, even when it meant bugging out to another Base ... and another. That was life when life was war. They knew nothing else. But even war cannot last forever, regardless of the infallible truth of Red Skin’s Law #35: “Under conditions of peace, men attack themselves; thus, there never has been, and there never will be a time without war. It is the greatest, most perfect thing men can do.” "Battle Calm is a dystopian military science fiction novel that ... revolves around Badger, a complex character — renowned as a skilled tactician and fighter — he navigates a relentless world governed by the unyielding Red Skin’s Laws, which assert that war is humanity’s perpetual state. The narrative dives deep into the psyches of its characters, illustrating the psychological toll of endless combat and the fragile bonds formed among comrades. The book’s intense action sequences and vividly detailed world-building are highlights. Kilpack immerses the reader in the brutal realities of dystopian warfare, where moments of calm between battles carry their own form of tension and danger. The thematic exploration of war’s cyclical nature and its dehumanizing effects offers thought-provoking insights, making it more than just an action-driven tale. Not just the protagonist but the emotional depth of characters like Trinity and Korry, also bring additional dimensions to the narrative as Badger's loyal allies. Fans of hard military science fiction and dystopian sagas will likely find Battle Calm a rewarding, intense, and reflective read. It balances relentless action with philosophical underpinnings." — Jasveer Singh Dangi, author of The Hunter Genesis "Battle Calm is a visceral dystopian war novel. Kilpack builds a world that is haunting in its vivid depictions of a world at war for so long that humans remember nothing else. Born to train, fight and live to take the lives of their enemy. Following the laws of a veteran leader, the characters strive to find humanity in the loss of their compatriots, as their numbers dwindle and the enemy continues to advance with more hardware and seemly endless combatants. Kilpack brings you into the lives, histories and hopes of soldiers fighting for survival. Combat is fierce, on the battlefield and in the calm between enemy engagements. Awaiting book two - Battle Calm: Omega Message.” — Jessica Bair, former Special Agent, US Army CID

The Legion of the Lost by Joseph John Lee

All gods bleed. All gods die. Even those of our own making. The flames of war have left a scar through the Heart of the Land, and its once-pristine landscapes have been stained with divine blood. After a battle that has cast a shadow larger than anything the Tribes have ever seen, who memory permits to endure shall be determined by the hand to pen the tale, and for whom it may be penned: For Kamataa, who continues her centuries-long search for revenge, regardless of the cost. For Tez, who must find her place after being stripped of her greatest talent. For Aritz, who will stop at nothing to complete his conquest, and at any means necessary. And for Sen, who must rise above her gravest mistakes to carve a path for her people. But whether for friend or foe, memory shall ever remain a fickle thing, but it shall not forget the Harvests . . . and the legion who survived them.

Euphrates Vanished by Leon Stevens

“This is not a drill!” He wakes up to the sound of his alarm and the announcement blaring. Looking around the room, he realizes he is a member of a starship crew. There’s only one he doesn’t remember who he is or how he got there. With no time to think, he finds his way to the bridge, while being careful not to call attention to his predicament. The first problem is piecing together the puzzle of his missing memories to reveal his knowledge, rank, and friendships. Another problem is being stranded on an alien planet during his first away mission. Mysteries abound in this new science fiction adventure by Leon Stevens

Zero Marginal Value by Jason Cole

In a world, in the not too distant future, news is streamed through smart contact lenses. Liam Baron is a corporate spy managing debt and family obligations in his own unique way. Together with his partner, Keema, they can slip in, copy what they need and disappear without anyone knowing they were there. But when his sister contracts an emerging disease his next job is personal. He must risk everything to steal the treatment she helped develop. Liam must take on a ruthless pharmaceutical company to save his family and millions of others. He must decide who to trust as he races against the clock. In a society under heavily surveillance can Liam maintain his cover?

For Your Benefit by Patrick Canning

Teddy Lint is the kindest private investigator on the planet, committed to seeing the best in everyone he meets. The detective agency he runs with his brother Ralph out of a Los Angeles strip mall has seen a strange case or two before, but never anything like this. A man claiming to work for the CIA hires the Lints to find a shipping container of radioactive Agent Orange that vanished over fifty years ago. He insists someone is planning on using an army of drones to drench L.A. with the deadly chemicals before the week is out. The Lint Brothers enter a maze of bizarre suspects, from nefarious ad executives, to anarchistic Boy Scouts, to a toga-clad militia fighting for exclusive rule by women. The propaganda-obsessed society that seems to be running the world is probably worth looking into as well. The power of empathy collides with the dangers of disinformation as Teddy fights to save the people he loves. Our beloved detective doesn't give up easily, but any Angelenos with an aversion to death by herbicide might want to dust off that umbrella, just in case…

Wedding Dragon by Liv Rider

Bringing a fake boyfriend to his sister's wedding seems like a great idea. Until he meets one of the groomsmen. His sister's wedding raises a lot of issues Shaun doesn't want to deal with. The worrying thought that his life is going nowhere. Two adventurous, ring-bearing cats. Bridesmaids from his old hometown who love bringing up his past mistakes and are still convinced he's a car thief. Desperate to get people off his back, he asks his straight roommate to pose as his boyfriend. Telling a few lies to impress people is fine, right? What could go wrong? The one thing he hasn't counted on: a distractingly sexy groomsman who can't stand liars and is a powerful dragon shifter. Mitchell never expected his fated mate to have a boyfriend. Mitchell thought meeting his fated mate would be the best day of his life, but meeting Shaun's boyfriend makes it the worst. How can he focus on his brother's wedding now? As he spends more time around Shaun, he realizes his mate has more problems than just bridesmaids spreading rumors. Resisting the urge to go after Shaun is the hardest thing he's ever had to do. Especially since his mate is irresistible. After a disastrous moonlit kiss, Shaun and Mitchell are determined to stay away from each other. But when the bridesmaids threaten to expose Shaun's lies, he has a choice: Run away from his past, or ask for help from the one man he wants to have a future with. Wedding Dragon is a m/m paranormal dragon shifter/human romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It is the third book in the Lewiston Dragons series, following Protector Dragon and Halloween Dragon. All books can be read separately.

The Genesis of Change by Livia J. Elliot

Élan; the chaos-tamer, the record-breaker. Verve; the one behind the rise and fall of thousands of civilisations. Two alchemists, each sent on a mission by the leader of The Orders—The Rector. Élan must shatter their mentee’s humanity to train her as an alchemist, while Verve must define the unexplainable existing within a respected healer. When their missions reveal clues that could reformulate alchemy, they’ll edge closer to fathom The Rector’s goal while facing an endless conundrum—to remain as is, or to learn and adapt. The genesis of change is near.

Dark Summoning by James Anderson Foster

When an ancient cult’s dark ritual threatens to unleash a primordial goddess, Special Agent Morgan Thorne and his team must race against time to stop them. In “Dark Summoning,” Morgan Thorne, a battle-hardened investigator for the Department of Anomalous Affairs, is thrust into a deadly game against The Night’s Embrace, a sinister cult intent on bringing the primordial goddess Nyx into the modern world. With his team by his side—brilliant occult analyst Dr. Evelyn Blackwood, rugged cryptid expert Jackson Reynolds, and the enigmatic yet troubled Lucas Reed—Morgan must uncover the cult’s secrets. As the stakes rise and the lines between ally and enemy blur, Morgan discovers that Lucas’s past with the cult might hold the key to their victory—or their undoing. In the heart of darkness, can Morgan thwart the ritual before Nyx’s chaos consumes everything? Perfect for fans of Jim Butcher’s “The Dresden Files” and Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods,” “Dark Summoning” blends gritty urban fantasy with ancient mythology, delivering a pulse-pounding adventure you won’t be able to put down.

Atlantis Land of Dreams by Edale Lane

A handful of heroes; an impending cataclysm. Can Ariel and her friends save the world as they know it? Communicating with plants and animals has become a rare gift, one Ariel cherishes. She loves her farm and her family, especially her three-hundred-year-old oma. As she grapples to preserve her connection with the spirit world, she realizes something is dreadfully wrong. Lysandra, a gifted healer, lives in the most splendid city in the world, overflowing with culture and prosperity. Despite her meaningful career, she misses the love of her youth whom she left behind. Now something is causing more illnesses and deaths at increasingly younger ages than typical for Atlantans. When both Ariel and Lysandra are called to the Ring of Stones for a meeting of scholars, masters, and gifted individuals, they reunite for the first time in thirty years. Pushing personal feelings aside, they must focus on discovering what’s wrong with their world and help fix it. Making a startling discovery, Ariel brings an ominous report to the council. Can the sharpest minds and most compassionate hearts of Atlantis create a plan to save their civilization, or is it doomed to be obliterated from the face of the earth forever? Captivating storyteller Edale Lane brings you an epic historical fantasy warmed with a second-chance sapphic romance. Atlantis, Land of Dreams, will transport you to a world of wonder and imagination, where myths of the past come to life and inspire a brighter vision for our future. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and marvel at the beauty and magic of this legendary place that has captured the hearts and minds of generations.

The Knight by Will Wight

“As the Knight of The Last Horizon, I challenge you.” The Last Horizon has already sown new legends across the galaxy, tales of monsters defeated and worlds saved. For better and for worse, their reputation is spreading. Their enemies have taken notice. On Karosha, the Perfected gather fleets crewed by inhumanly flawless soldiers. In the Galactic Union, the secretive organization known as Solstice pulls strings in the shadows. And in the depths of Dark Space, after years of silence, the ravenous D’Niss begin to stir. Raion Raithe, Knight of The Last Horizon, sees these threats as a chance to redeem himself. He will stand against the danger, and he will stand strong, no matter what it costs. His friends are counting on him. The Knight is Book Three of a planned six-book series.

Eye of the Ouroboros by Megan Bontrager

The woods surrounding the insular town of Mill Creek, West Virginia, have a habit of taking people and refusing to give them back. The National Parks Service Search and Rescue Team knows this, just like they know when you find a door in the woods, you don’t go through it. But park ranger Theo Buchanan has a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Determined to find the truth behind her sister Flora’s strange disappearance, she boldly steps through one such door, catching the attention of the Federal Bureau of Reality. She quickly learns how far they are willing to go to keep their secrets locked tight, even if it means silencing those who stumble upon them permanently. Together with her journalist ex-girlfriend, a fellow ranger, a conspiracy theorist, and a rogue member of the Bureau’s Requisitions Department, Theo must brave the horrors of the Infinite Corridor and its web of connected realities to find Flora…before the Bureau does.

Merchants of Milan by Edale Lane

Three powerful merchants, two independent women in love, one masked vigilante. Florentina, set on revenge for her father’s murder, creates an alter-ego known as the Night Flyer. Madelena, whose husband was also murdered, hires Florentina as a tutor for her children and love blossoms between them. However, Florentina’s vendetta is fraught with danger, and surprising developments threaten both women’s lives. ˃˃˃ "The Night Flyer character is kick-butt glorious!" Merchants of Milan is the first book in Edale Lane’s Night Flyer Trilogy, a tale of power, passion, and payback in Renaissance Italy. If you like gadgets and gismos, rich historical background, three-dimensional characters, and fast-paced action with a slow-boil lesbian romance, then you are sure to love this series.

War and Solace by Edale Lane

2023 Lesfic Bard Award winner for Historical Fiction A battle-hardened shieldmaiden. A pacifist healer. Can the two find love amid the chaos of war? Tyrdis is a stalwart warrior raised to value honor, courage, and military prowess. When a traumatic injury renders the powerful protector helpless, she depends on the lovely, tender-hearted Adelle to restore her from the brink of death. Is it merely gratitude or true love that draws Tyrdis to the healer? Defying cultural norms, Adelle despises violence and those who propagate it, but when her shieldmaiden patient saves the life of her beloved little girl, she must reexamine her values. Could Tyrdis be more than a stiff, efficient killer with an amazing body? In a kingdom steeped in conflict with their neighbors and internal strife, shocking secrets are revealed, and both women strive to ensure justice prevails. Can they overcome their differences to safeguard their friends, end the war, and fall in love, or will fate prove to be a cruel sovereign? This Sapphic Viking Historical nursed-back-to-health, opposites-attract Romance is packed with action, intrigue, and mythical references. If you enjoy rich storytelling that brings the past to life, vivid characters you won’t forget, and a surprise twist on the way to a HEA ending, then you’ll love War and Solace.

Legacy of the Valiant by Edale Lane

All legends spring from a seed of truth. Humble Kai aspires to become more than the petite, inconsequential young woman her community sees. Persistence pays off when the village holy leaders reveal a prophecy - Kai might actualize her dream of being a hero if she completes three seemingly impossible tasks. Princess Solveig, descendant of the famous shieldmaiden Sigrid the Valiant, believes she was born to accomplish great things, but her poor eyesight, weak constitution, and lack of physical expertise hold her back. Convinced she can never realize her ambitions, Solveig settles for living vicariously through her warrior girlfriend. The appearance of a dangerous jötunn wreaking havoc in the kingdom brings the two would-be champions together. Solveig feels both threatened and skeptical when Kai arrives in her father’s great hall with a “magic” sword, claiming she’s there to save the day after more promising protectors have failed. With many lives at stake, will rivalry push Solveig and Kai apart, or will they inspire each other to realize the greatness both women desire to achieve - and to survive the coming battle? ˃˃˃ Epic Action! Gear up for action and the dramatic storytelling of Edale Lane in this hero’s journey sapphic Viking historical romance. If you like to root for an underdog, experience epic world-building, and enjoy women with swords, you’ll love Legacy of the Valiant, the second book in the Tales from Norvegr series.

Walks with Spirits by Edale Lane

Bound by love, separated by a tragic mistake; can two Indigenous women realize their happy ending? Long ago, in an age of mysticism, Walks with Spirits, a two-spirit woman, perceives voices whispering on the wind and they empower her with the gift of calling animals. But who she truly wishes to call to her side is her childhood friend, Laughing Brook. Daughter of a shaman and an herbalist-midwife, Laughing Brook holds a prominent place in her society and bears the responsibilities it entails. She is training to be a healer like her mother, but her most compelling desire is to spend her life with Walks with Spirits. When a misunderstanding crushes their dreams of happiness, both women must learn to face the trials that await them in a land where danger lurks behind every tree and honor means more than life. Will the spirits intervene on their behalf, or are they fated never to manifest their visions of love? Walks with Spirits is a historical fantasy set in an ancient time. Packed with Native American themes, heart-touching imagery, and an epic love story, Walks with Spirits will immerse you in an inspiring view of life. ˃˃˃ Are you into history, spirituality, or a romance with a happy ending? Walks with Spirits demonstrates how one woman learns to communicate with the spirit world in a way that is just as viable today as centuries ago. It gives the reader a peek into another culture, and demonstrates how true love conquers all.

Viking Quest by Edale Lane

When secrets and lies threaten the throne, can a fierce champion tame her passion in time to stop a cruel enemy’s ruthless march? Jutland, Early 11th Century. Viking Warrior Princess Lena craves revenge. Hunting a killer after her husband is brutally slain, she discovers a shadowy traitor is at play behind the scenes, working to disrupt the balance of power. But she places her need for vengeance on hold when the king falls gravely ill, and sails out along with the pretty slave she rescued to locate a fabled healer. Gunnar is loyal to the core. But when his lord orders him to sabotage the princess’s royal mission, he’s plagued by an unfamiliar sense of doubt. And after he witnesses the courageous woman and her crew save his life in a vicious storm, he’s no longer certain he’s fighting for the right side. Beset by foul weather and an uncharted island of trolls, Lena fears she’ll never avenge her husband’s death… even as her heart softens towards the lovely Celt girl she longs to embrace. And now Gunnar must decide where his fealty rests as the tides turn to war. Can Lena and Gunnar survive a bloody grab for power and find a true home for their hearts? Viking Quest is a breathtaking historical fantasy novel. If you like principled characters, battles of conscience, and tender F/F romance, then you’ll love Edale Lane’s action-packed epic.