Scargo’s Cape Cod Adventures by Dr Valarie Whiting

The story comes from Wampanoag oral tradition. Princess Scargo was the daughter of a Native American chief. One version says a young brave gave her four fish as a gift before he left for a journey. She wanted to keep them alive, so her father and the villagers dug out a lake to hold them—today called Scargo Lake, in Dennis, Massachusetts. The lake was filled with rainwater or diverted from another water source. When the brave returned, the fish had grown and thrived, and he was impressed by her dedication. The story is associated with themes of love, patience, resourcefulness, and the connection between people and nature. The shape of the lake and nearby Scargo Tower are said to resemble parts of the story. Be sure to look for the additional books in the Scargo’s Cape Cod Adventures series and the companion coloring books! ✨ Dream, Discover, and Delight in the Magic of Cape Cod! ✨ Join baby Scargo on a dream-filled journey where family stories, sparkling lakes, and the legend of a Wampanoag princess come to life. This book invites children and their families to: 🖍️ Explore Cape Cod’s beauty 🖍️ Learn through imagination 🖍️ Celebrate family traditions 🖍️ Enjoy Native American folklore

Horns For Hell by rafael nicolás

In between Angels Before Man and Angels & Man: The fallen angel of fruit Rosier lives among cold caves and fiery demons with a soft heart succumbing to comfortable misery. He shares a bed with the monster who'd been his most beloved friend in Heaven, captive now to a beastly body of eternal rot. If there is any love left between them, it's surely a ghost fading with each daybreak. But when the devil commands Rosier to have the Earth bloom with its first fruits — Rosier must confront whether there is really any life after falling from paradise and whether there is really any solace in abandoning all hope. (Contains spoilers for both full-length Angels books).

Angels & Man by rafael nicolás

A Queer Retelling of the Watcher's Flood The angel Azazel is miserable in Heaven. In the aftermath of Satan's fall, the angels live in the reconstructed ruins of an old utopia, oppressive and paranoid of any new rebellion. The angel Samyaza is content in Heaven, but he longs for the eternal city's former glory. Watching the feeble humans below, wallowing in sin for centuries after Adam and Eve, he sees opportunity to earn back the Lord’s favor. On Earth, the Watcher angels arrive to lecture on God's love, but the love of a human soon begins to seem much warmer.

Oh, Sacred Dark by Marina Vivancos

Tyler’s first priority is to protect his coven. Not because he’s the High Witch’s right-hand-man. Not because he was born a Dom. But because this is his home, and a protector is who he is. When a new person is fostered by the coven, Tyler is immediately suspicious. Roman is a sub, sure, but his old coven is bad news. They’re all convicted of practicing Chaos Magic, so…why isn’t Roman? Tyler is sure that Roman is up to no good. The sub refuses to integrate with the coven. Will avoid meals, barely leaves his room, doesn’t talk to anybody. There’s something wrong there, and Tyler won’t stop until he finds out what. Turns out, there’s a lot more to Roman than meets the eye—a dark past that’s left scars he can’t even imagine. In the end, Roman might not be someone Tyler has to defend against…but someone he needs to protect. Coven Ties takes place in a universe where magic exists, and everybody is born either a Dom or a sub. This book contains themes of abuse and trauma with a focus on healing, love, and found family.

Freed Kingfisher by R. Laham

The rebellion won them freedom. The war for survival has only begun. The Manzakar Rebellion has ended. The chains are broken. But freedom is fragile. In the aftermath, the kingdom of Anzor teeters on the edge of collapse, its throne mired in intrigue and its people divided. Once slave-soldiers, Tikran, Coxani, and their brothers must carve out a place in a world that still sees them as outsiders. Beyond Anzor’s borders, the rival kingdom of Dilovar shatters its truce, driving east into Gohar to hunt nomads and seize their magic—the fabled Essence. As Tikran is pulled into a deadly web of betrayal and court politics, Coxani journeys into Gohar to unite its scattered tribes for the coming war. Empires are stirring, gods are watching, and the fate of a people hangs in the balance. Tikran swore the Gohari would be free. Now he must decide what price he is willing to pay to keep that promise.

A Chord of Silver Moons by Tylisha Washington

Aryam Sinanan has spent her life training to fulfill her bloodline oath to defend the princess of Beldemar. An ancient seal keeps the vengeful creatures known as the akbarrin trapped in a devastating wasteland called The Shadows, and Aryam believes they will never return. So why should she sacrifice her youth and happiness for such an unlikely calling? Instead of dedicating her every breath to her training, Aryam pushes the boundaries of her oath, trying to lead a somewhat normal life. But on the day she turns sixteen, the captain of the royal guard arrives and summons Aryam to duty with dire news—the king has been assassinated, and the princess is in danger. Worse, the captain believes akbarrin are responsible and that the seal is weakening. Too soon, Aryam is forced to leave behind everything and everyone she loves, joining her sister guardians to battle the akbarrin with their spirit weapons. The problem is Aryam doesn't have one. And without it, she might not only fail Beldemar—she might doom it.

That Girl Who Ran Off and Kissed a Vampire by K.R.S. McEntire

Eighteen-year-old Raven has always had a college, a stable job, and marriage to her high school sweetheart—all within the safe boundaries of her comfort zone. As a neurodivergent girl adopted into a family of high achievers, she understands the importance of stability. But when a single disastrous day leaves her without a job, her best friend, or her boyfriend, Raven’s carefully planned future unravels. Desperate for a fresh start, Raven takes a leap of faith in the form of a mysterious job offer that lands her in a magical realm where humans coexist with fae, dragons, vampires, and other fantastical creatures. Her unlikely guide is Hunter, a snarky and secretive vampire who insists her bloodline holds the key to breaking an ancient curse. Reluctantly, Raven agrees to help, embarking on a quest filled with impromptu hip-hip concerts in medieval taverns, sassy talking unicorns, and growing feelings for Hunter. But as sparks fly, so do her suspicions about his true intentions. To save a kingdom—and herself—Raven must uncover the secrets of her heritage and decide if she’s willing to risk everything for a magical world and a love that feels too impossible to be real.

Return of the Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey

Afro Samurai meets The Boondocks in this anime-inspired novel I've wanted nothing more than to become a Sistah Samurai. When I was expelled from the training academy for sneaking in my stupid ex-boyfriend, I still had hope that I could cry enough to convince them to take me back. Then, demons invaded the capital and decimated the clan, and there went my dreams of ever naming my own pair of pink swords. Until I heard a rumor of one last Sistah Samurai. I packed my favorite outfits and my trusty teddy bear, and recruited my forever bestie to help me find her. If we could manage not to interrupt her lunch, maybe we could convince her to train us? We were ready to do whatever she asked, even if that meant confronting old flames and taking down the patriarchy. As long as we looked good while doing it. The sequel of Sistah Samurai is an Action Fantasy novella that is an homage to the anime, Afro Samurai. Both works feature a feudal Japan-inspired setting that is rife with anachronisms. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “Is that a motherf—ing RPG?”

Death Among the Stars by C.M. Lockhart

“This is not what I had in mind when we agreed ‘til death do us part’.” Kyra Johnson is married to an alien. At least, she was until he was murdered. Left with only his ship and a gaping hole in her life where her husband used to be, she takes to the stars with his crew as their unwilling captain. But grief isn’t a thing so easily discarded, and she’ll have to confront his memory — and the man who killed him — before she can face a future without him. And the best thing for heartbreak is revenge.

May Chaos Reign Over You by La Purvis

Hezi is the purveyor of wine and chaos at Wayward Sip, the safe haven she created to escape her abusive ex. As chaos incarnate, she bestows her golden apples at her discretion and it is there that she meets Edno. The young dragon carries a darkness that threatens unmeasurable destruction and Hezi can't help but offer him the thing he wants most -- power. But when he returns days later with Emry, the alpha of his coven, Hezi realizes she made a mistake. Edno was consumed by chaos. But rather than feeling remorse, Hezi is amused and Emry is incensed. Emry decides that Hezi's life will be a suitable replacement for Edno's, but when their eyes lock, Emry's demands become far more personal than she'd anticipated. Bigger problems arise however as Emry is called back to her home to deal with the growing mistrust between her coven and The Regime, while Hezi's ex is trying to force his way back into her life. Hezi knows that getting attached to anyone is a risk, but she doesn't know which is more terrifying -- pushing everyone away for fear of losing them, or succumbing to the love of a dragon hellbent on claiming Hezi as her own.

Our Funny Love Story (Resistance #1) by Byrd Koto

Normal People meets 10 Things That Never Happened with a literary whodunit twist in this Achillean romantic mystery set in Tokyo. A comedy of errors, until fate decides to reveal its twisted sense of humor. Kamada Eizo, a popular young web novelist, lands his dream—a flagship fantasy series with an ambitious publisher. Miyamoto Ran is the brusque, uncompromising editor assigned to turn his series into a hit. Perfect opposites, they clash at the start. Eizo is skilled at spinning tales; Ran hates liars. Eizo is quick to notice Ran’s aversion to touch; Ran sees through Eizo’s polished smiles. What follows is a frustrating series of one-upsmanship games with no clear winners, only bruised egos. As the weight of their high-stakes project closes in, Ran senses something amiss about Eizo. He begins to uncover the man behind the writer, a truth that forces Eizo to double down on his defenses, fighting not just for his story but to keep Ran out. But exposing the truth will come at a cost; Ran isn’t prepared to pay, not when his long-suppressed feelings are becoming as complicated as the mystery he’s trying to solve. Expect dual third-person perspective, layered narratives, and banter teeming with romantic tension and psychological intrigue. This is Book 1 of a duet that ends in a happily-ever-after.

The Witch who Chases the Sun by Dawn Chen

Sometimes, true love is not the answer. ​ A decade after the Second War, Aixauhan Alchemist Ying Cai-Li seeks to rekindle her relationship with her ex-lover, the Inabrian Oracle Anne Barberry. However, the war changed them both. Estranged by their losses, Cai-Li has gained a notorious reputation as the dark magic-wielding Blood Hawk and Anne barricades herself in a castle on a hill where her family’s dark secrets lie. Rumors in the village say Anne is a monster, responsible for the disappearance of innocent visitors. But when the two witches reunite and begin unraveling the mysteries of the village, it becomes clear that scars left by the war do not easily fade. Things are not as they seem. Old ghosts come back to haunt them. Past truths are revealed. Can the witches be each other’s salvations or are they doomed to repeat the past that tore them apart? Fans of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will fall in love with Dawn Chen’s sapphic high fantasy epic about anti-colonialism, grief, generational trauma, and the cycles of war.

A Legend in the Sky by Faye Oliander

Odd things shadow Naila Groenhart’s life. Her touch can bring a flower to bloom and sometimes her eyes flash with gilded flames. For as long as she can remember, she believed this power to be a figment of her imagination. Until they find her. Ruthless hunters. Their prey? Her flames. When they lure her from Earth to an archaic world, everything she thought a lie turns out to be a dangerous truth. Until a prince—an heir to the very people who see her power as their heritage—offers to help her find a way home. But this quest is a dangerous one, that may demand an unspeakable price. With her hunters tailing her every move, Naila must decide what sacrifice she’s willing to make to find a way back. Especially since her presence put something long feared into motion… and ancient secrets, dormant for ages, are starting to stir. Perfect for fans of plot-heavy, character-driven tales with a touch of romance, A Legend in the Sky launches a spellbinding New Adult epic fantasy series inspired by the ancient Middle East.

Paramour by Robin Alvarez

“You know that feeling people get when something bad is about to happen to someone they love? Or how some people know it’s their time right before getting into a horrible accident? Well, that’s me. I warn them Death is coming.” Sadie is a banshee on the run—from hunters, from her past, and from the terrifying truth that she’s already killed once before. As an empath, she’s learned to shut everything down: no highs, no lows, no chance of losing control. Because if she feels too much, she becomes lethal. But when a hunter casts a mysterious spell, Sadie gets so sick she can’t escape into other people’s emotions anymore. Now she’s forced to feel everything she’s spent years running from. Grief. Rage. Longing. For the first time, she’s breaking her careful rules for survival as she forges connections with new friends who see past her façade, and Nathan—the human boy she’s fated to. Falling for him might be her undoing. As hunters close in, and friendship and love creep past her defenses, Sadie must risk losing control—and everything that keeps her safe—to protect those she never meant to love.

Werecockroach by Polenth Blake

Rin moves into a new flat on the day the aliens arrive. Their new flatmates are laid-back Sanjay and conspiracy theorist Pete. It doesn't take long to notice some oddities about the pair, like hoarding cardboard and hissing at people when they're angry. Something strange is going on, but it's not all due to the aliens.

Silk and Foxglove: A BIPOC Erotic Eco-Horror Anthology by Z. K. Abraham

In the anthology Silk and An Erotic-Eco Horror anthology, our thirteen authors explore the space where horror, the erotic, and nature meet. In these tales of uncontrolled, unknowable, and visceral nature, we explore folk tales, modern dating woes, filthy body horror, delicate and dark magic, psychological torment, and the dark humor of nature’s revenge. These stories range from creepy to horrific, from sensual to sultry, and from grounded to entirely strange. Edited and curated by Z. K. Abraham Stories ZH Sun "Flower Power" Shantell Powell "All That Came From Our Lips Were Lilies" Toshiya Kamei "The Last Garden" Annika Ancheta "Pop" Cindy Phan "All Her Darling Little Ones" Simo Srinivas "The Hilltop Eel" Cristian Presgraves "A Blueberry Delight" Mae Tang "Down by the River" Psyche Chimère "The Human Project" Candice Zheng "Merge" Maxine Nwigwe "Tinderfish" Winifred Burton "Miss Kaiyah Regrets, She's Unable to Text, Today" Kofi Brown "Deadly Pleasure"

Soft Launch (Zeta Love Story #1) by Olivia Carter

A high-heat, emotionally grounded queer romance about burnout, vulnerability, and falling hard—on camera and off. Remy: I wasn’t trying to go viral. I was just doing my job. Glitter, spandex, party chaos. Then suddenly I was internet famous, and everything got louder. Too many eyes. Too much pressure. I couldn’t keep up. Enter Karim El-Amin. Ex-wellness star. Content whisperer. Calm-in-a-storm kind of guy. He says he can help me build something sustainable. I’m trying to be cool about it. I’m failing. Karim: After I burned out, I swore I was done. No more cameras. No more public anything. Just yoga, hot tea, and quiet mornings above a queer café. Then Remy showed up. Loud. Glittery. Overwhelmed. He asked for help and I said yes. I thought I could stay detached. I thought I could keep it professional. I was wrong. Now we’re building something together. A platform. A relationship. A life. If we can stop spiraling long enough to hold onto it. Soft Launch is a high-heat, emotionally grounded queer romance about burnout, creator chaos, mutual support, and falling hard—online and off. It features slow burn to explosive heat, soft dom energy, neck kisses as a love language, and a tender third act separation with a guaranteed happily ever after. It’s book one in the Zeta Love Story series and can be read as a standalone.

Tethered by TJ Williams

One boy, his mother, and a captain with secrets from her crew. Amongst the stars, all things lost are found. Marlowe Rose has been fighting her ex, Dominik, for a decade. When he kidnaps their son, she sneaks onto his starship, planning to give him hell. Instead, she ends up caught, sequestered and questioned by the captain. But Tanisira Sekmith isn’t what Marlowe thought she was, and when it becomes clear that they’re all just puppets in Dominik’s eyes, Marlowe convinces the stoic captain to help rescue her son. Tanisira promised herself she’d make no waves, catch no one’s attention, and cruise under the radar. Misplacing her trust once changed the trajectory of her whole life. After the fallout from her last job, flying a pleasure yacht is supposed to be boring and easy—exactly what she wants. But finding Marlowe on the ship changes everything. Marlowe sees her, shadows and all, and it forces Tanisira to face things she tried to leave behind. Marlowe doesn’t expect to find, on this journey that she dreaded, something she’d given up. And Tanisira doesn’t know if she deserves happiness, but she doesn’t want to lose this: a kid with big, green eyes and his fierce, captivating mother. Described as Becky Chambers meets Delilah Green Doesn't Care, Tethered is a Sapphic, soft science-fiction romance. There are content warnings in the front matter and on my website.

The Mean Ones by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne

So what if Sadie hears talking dead animals and a strange, comforting male voice in her head? The therapist insists these are just symptoms of PTSD. It makes sense considering that she hid under the bed and watched as her best friends were slaughtered. But the murders were seventeen years ago, back when her name was Sabrina. Now, she’s Sadie: a perfectly normal 29-year-old. She works as a physical therapist assistant and lifts weights with her boyfriend, Lucas, who’s the sweetest, most considerate man—as long as he’s not angry. But when Lucas spontaneously agrees to join a couples trip to a cabin in the woods, the visions get worse, a strange figure stalks her during the night, and that male voice in Sadie’s head keeps calling, asking her to do things she’s never fathomed. Sadie’s not sure if it’s her paranoia or something else entirely . . . But she is sure of one thing—this time, she’s not going to sit idly by as everything starts to unravel.

Trapped in the Past by Indira Merritt

What if the only way to fix your future… was to confront the past that broke you? Seventeen-year-old Lennox Merritt is tired of holes―the ones in his story, his home, and his hope. When a glitch in an experimental beat machine hurls him three decades into the past, he lands in 1995 with nothing but a backpack and music the world hasn't heard yet. In a world of boom boxes, beepers, and block parties, Lennox meets people who feel too familiar―and a version of someone who never got the future they deserved. But getting back home isn't just about rewiring time. It's about feeling the grief he buried, the silence he inherited, and the choices he still has the power to make. Set in a rhythm-rich world where hip hop holds memory and healing moves through basslines, Trapped in the Past is a time-bending debut novel about rewriting what hurt you, reclaiming what made you, and remembering that the story isn't over just because the page turned.

Grim Portents by Christian Akins

Bill Baker wants nothing more than to marry the woman he loves, but when his wedding is interrupted by a rampaging hell-beast, his life is thrown into disarray. Desperate for a second chance, he will do anything to set his future back on track. Now, with the help of a soul-collecting reaper named Sonny, he must uncover who is releasing monsters from Hell, in order to earn back the life that was stolen from him and prevent the oncoming end of days. Faced with the choice between what is right and what is easy, Bill may have to sacrifice all he holds dear for one last shot at life. Grim Portents is a paranormal odyssey that takes a man through Heaven and Hell in a satirical exploration of the institutional pitfalls of the afterlife. Though desperate to return, death may have been the very thing he needed to learn how to live.

The Shadowbearer's Promise by Jasmyn Morning

Whispers of unrest echo through the Shadowrealm. As tensions rise and long-buried fears resurface, a mysterious cult emerges from the darkness, vowing to challenge the rule of the Shadowbearer. As the shadows close in, Edan finds his guarded heart unraveling and his growing affection for Ryuji and Micah pulling him deeper into a bond that defies fate. But with betrayal lurking in every corner, love may be the most dangerous promise of all. In this soul-shattering final instalment of the trilogy, the Shadowbearer must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice, and whether their love is strong enough to survive the chaos.

The Shadowbearer's Burden by Jasmyn Morning

The High King of Aetheria stands at the crossroads of duty and desire. Bound by his love for the Shadowbearer, he navigates a fragile bond with the man cursed to wield the darkness. But as a Shadow warrior claims his place in their star-crossed union, their hearts wrestle with jealousy and doubt. With his kingdom demanding unwavering strength and the Shadowbearer's burdens growing heavier, the High King must face impossible choices. Can he bridge the growing chasm between love and duty, or will the shadows tear apart everything he's fought to protect? In this gripping sequel, betrayal and passion entwine as the trio discover that the path to peace is paved with sacrifice.

Take Care by Monique Fisher

"Take Care" follows Amari Hawkins and Jamila Washington. He's a VP of Programming for a popular streaming service and she's an aspiring actress/cabaret performer. The last thing he wants is any sort of attachments and all she wants is a place to stay. All that changes from the moment they meet. It's a rom-com about letting go of past hurt with lots of high heat!!

Africa's Ashiest Warrior by Dr. Joel Anthony Hamilton

Ashy is a term used to describe dry skin and is commonly used within the Black community. Our skin turns a harsh grayish-white, becomes rough, cracks, and invites criticism. Ashy is grotesque, not beautiful. Ashy is ghetto, not professional. Ashy is undesirable, not valued. That is what many people think. This book takes back the negative association with being ashy and turns it into a right, a privilege, a power… a superpower. Ashburn is born in a haunted region of Africa known for its enthusiastically ashy citizens. Their skin allows them to create the friction needed to birth weak flames. They were the first to discover, create, and harness fire. Their powers are used for general house duties and occupations. Although their powers are useful, they are not strong enough to defeat the spirits and deities that lurk in the night. Due to the arid climate, young children are lathered in oil and grease to prevent them from prematurely igniting their powers. Oh, how they yearn to be free of the crude moisturizer and become ashy like the adults. Upon completing kindergarten, they are allowed to be ashy and use their powers. Ashburn discovers that his ash powers are much more powerful and destructive than everyone else's. Is he one of the legendary burning warriors, the Mpiganaji wa Kuchoma, the ones strong enough to defeat the monsters of the night? All will be revealed in this story of adventure, African folklore and mythology, as we reclaim the word ashy.

My Harimau King by Annie McCann

An ancient king, a modern-day kid, and a life-changing prophecy that binds them. 13-year-old Sumaiyah Jackson is living her best life in Parramatta until a family drama spirals out of control, mysterious events start happening, and loved ones begin to disappear. Suddenly, Sumaiyah and her friends find themselves trapped in the ancient kingdom of Pajajaran, Indonesia, where Sumaiyah discovers she is 'the chosen one' from descendants of ancient royalty. But this doesn't mean fun and untold riches. Instead, she needs to break a mystifying curse and prevent a prophecy from destroying her family. Now Sumaiyah's in a race against time to discover her true purpose, combat terrifying creatures, and fulfil her destiny, or risk losing her family and friends forever! "... a beautifully crafted debut from a gifted storyteller...' - Karuna Riazi, author of The Gauntlet. '... a truly unique and enthralling world...' -- Wai Chim, author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling. "A fresh new fantasy with fascinating insights into West Javanese culture and history." - Leanne Yong, author of Two Can Play That Game.

Volatile Reaction by Magnus Thorne

A hitman gets swept up protecting the younger man who lives next door. VOLATILE REACTION is an 18k MM erotic suspense thriller featuring a transmasc main character.

A Seething Heart: Ophelia Requited by T.O. Tate

SHOW ME THE STEEP AND THORNY WAY TO HEAVEN On the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes, the cargo ship Squall sails from port to port in a world torn apart by a mysterious illness. Orris is an oddity, born wrapped in thorny vines that have lain silent inside their body for decades. Since then, they’ve dedicated their life to caring for those in the last stages of a mysterious illness known as sliversickness, well aware that someday soon, they too will die. After the death of the Squall’s captain under suspicious circumstances, Orris finds themself in the middle of a struggle for power between their lover Hunter and his stepfather Charles. Rumors of ghosts creep through the Squall’s passageways, and Hunter’s behavior becomes more and more erratic. Everyone looks to Orris to help him, worried that he, like so many others, has fallen ill. But as vines begin to stir inside their chest, Hunter kills Orris’s father, leaving vengeance as their only option.

Physical Magic by William C. Tracy

**Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year 2025 Semi-Finalist!** Welcome to the Shifting Lands. Silluka was born with only one arm and could never practice the exacting motions to summon the favor of the gods. Caught stealing, she is forced to test her powers or be branded an outcast. She fails, and loses citizenship to her village. In a fit of desperation, Silluka tries to steal a badge of citizenship from a mysterious elder, but instead, Elder Quilqi shows Silluka a different path to gain the powers of the gods, aided by an octopus-like technological wizard who worships their own eldritch divinities. Time is short for training however, because a new island is speeding toward the coastal town, throwing deadly hurricanes and tidal waves before it and threatening all who live there. Only the gods and godlike storm warriors protect the village from destruction, but all of them fail when a mysterious creature bursts through the wall. It's only one forerunner for a species of terrifying fast, deadly, and ready to invade the larger island. The village must flee inland before the invasion, while Silluka is weighed down by her outcast status and her brother’s failing abilities. To save herself, her family, and her village, Silluka must overcome stigma and self-doubt. She must learn the scope of the world outside her village. She must learn Physical Magic.

The Celeste Files by Sienna Eggler

Difficult clients, questionable technological advances, and the much despised holiday of love torments our protagonist, Ryn Casler. Detective Winters surprises Ryn with yet another case outside their wheelhouse: a missing dog. The pooch in question is Celeste, beloved Doberman, once ensnared in a custody battle. But the police have better use of their time than searching for the pup, allegedly stolen from a high-rise apartment with no signs of forced entry. A reluctant Ryn accepts, thinking it would be a nice change of pace from their stressful case log—but this dog quickly becomes the bane of their existence. Especially when Celeste’s tracker is found at the bottom of the Cuyahoga River… “Just what the hell have you gotten me into this time, Detective?”

Voracity by Sienna Eggler

They’ll do anything to prevent another mauling... Frankie had it all in their youth; they were a talented musician and dancer with a promising career in ballet. But that all fell apart in one night, after an encounter with a fellow jaguar left them scarred for life. With the help of their former rescuer and partner, Nikita, and close friend, Dasha, Frankie put on a little muscle, learned to fight, and even kill. All skills needed for their partner’s walk of life—but not Frankie’s. When Dominique offered them a job as a piano player at her dance studio, Frankie took it—and her heart. Their mutual love for the arts helps keeps Frankie grounded. But she only knows them as the tortured soul and fallen dancer. But the careful image Frankie has crafted for themself begins to unravel when the alluring Sophie enters their life. Sophie, who may be the next victim in a string of violent cat attacks…

The Dhampir's Acolyte by Nyx Coronado

Rescued from the brink of death by a mysterious, solitary dhampir, Tasmin finds an unexpected sanctuary in Vicente's crumbling castle. As their fragile bond deepens into something more, the arrival of his ruthless vampire family threatens to shatter her newfound safe haven. With a hexed wolf shifter at her side who is eager to show his interest in her, Tasmin is just a human trying to figure out what to do with her life but decisions have consequences. Pulled into a dangerous conflict, she must decide if trusting the monsters who healed her is worth the risk of losing her heart—and her life. The Dhampir's Acolyte is a vampire/human/werewolf romance with why choose love interests, open door spice and quick chapters to keep the action moving.

The Flowers I Deserve by Tamara Jerée

Weeping luna is as common as wildflowers, and in the northern kingdoms, assassination by its floral poison is rampant. Those born with immunity are coveted by heretic clerical orders and the endangered aristocracy—and shunned by a superstitious society. One so gifted, or cursed, Carlotta embraces her newfound power as the currency to deliver her from a land in the grip of drought. Luxury and beauty, glimpsed only through the portal of her late mother’s letters, become an easy trade to consider in exchange for her life. And looming always in her imagination is the symbol of it all—King Emelia, a demon who rose to power under mysterious circumstances. Rumor claims her to be a monstrous woman like the poison girls who serve and adore her. Yet in the warnings of evil, Carlotta sees her own reflection. Once initiated into the world of sensual indulgence and ancient magic within the castle walls, however, Carlotta finds that not even a king’s devotion is enough to sate her. As the castle’s ghosts coalesce, Carlotta must also confront what her own dead want for her and, even at the heights of her seduction, what she truly wants for herself. The Flowers I Deserve is an FFF erotic gothic fantasy novel with lyrical prose.

Can Pandas Be Koalas Too by Jane Xu

What if you are more than one thing...and exactly enough? Pandy doesn't quite fit into one world or the other. She's both panda and koala—and neither—all at once. Pandy struggles with the comments of how others perceive her and who they think she is. It makes her doubt herself and she searches for answers. As she journeys through a world that tries to define her, Pandy discovers that true belonging isn't something others can decide for you. It's a story you create for yourself. With stunning, fine-art inspired illustrations, Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? is an ideal offering for families and educators of young children looking to invite conversation around identity, diversity, and self-acceptance, particularly for those young readers from immigrant families, are third-culture kids, and children of mixed heritage. For children who see themselves in the story, it helps them navigate complex identities, while for others it is a wonderful tool to help raise thoughtful, global citizens, who can understand and empathize with their peers.

A Wolf Steps in Blood by Tamara Jerée

Yasmine is a red wolf girl stuck in rural Alabama. Her world is small: pick up shifts at the greasy late-night diner and endure her pack’s petty squabbles. She’s not good at being a wolf or being human, directionless in life and disconnected from her ancestors. Blessed by a century-old enchantment, the local red wolves have escaped extinction by blending into the human world. But with the old witches’ blessing wearing thin, the wolves face an uncertain future. An answer arrives in the form of an exiled blood witch whose magic is steeped in reckless grief. Kalta rides into town in her dead brother’s truck, prophecy following on her heels. Despite the danger Yasmine can smell swirling around the witch, a fated bond tangles their futures—and those of all the wolves. After an accident threatens the wolves’ secret, Yasmine has no choice but to join Kalta on the road, carving a path through the South’s backroads and hoping the magic brewing between them is enough to overcome their bloody pasts.

All This Time by J. Clark

Zaria Michelle Winderson and Osirion Najimi were best friends...until her father's bullet changed everything. Instantly traumatized, Michelle buried her feelings for her high school friend and moved on with her life. Now as a college student she has a bright future and a lover that her family approves of, but she has kept her friendship with Osirion close to her heart. As she accepts both her feelings and the tangled history between their families Michelle resolves to be the best friend she can be. However, Osirion had other plans. Even with a girlfriend and his studies, the twenty-two-year-old has never lost his first love. As wonderful as their friendship can be, he knows that their love affair could be even better and he's determined to show her. As Michelle transfers to his campus their unresolved feelings rise to the surface amid jealous lovers, undergrad drama, noisy friends, and two families that can't wait to tear each other apart. She strives to be loved and to heal her past trauma while surviving the semester. Osirion resolves to confess to his beloved without destroying their friendship. They both pray that their feelings don't make their warring families implode.

The Covenant of Blood by J.S. Living

What would you do if someone granted your deepest desire for one tiny favor? What would you give up to gain your freedom? And, if it came down to it, who would you save: yourself, or a loved one? Elizabeth Bathory-Tepes wants to find the mother that abandoned her. She wants to find her father's soul. And she wants to know why she blackouts from time to time. But getting what you want comes at a cost. And, sometimes, the cost of blood is too high.

Supplicant by Delilah Waan

SEQUEL TO 2023 INDIE INK AWARD WINNER & SPFBO SEMI-FINALIST! In the depths of the Endless Gate, anyone can become a god—if they are willing to pay the price. Common-born Rahelu can’t afford principles: she had to sell her loyalty to the highest bidder in the Dominion to save her destitute family. Now she must work with her scheming House-born peers and her most detested rival to carry out her secretive Elder’s dubious orders: steal an artifact that can supposedly turn any desire into reality before the Dominion’s enemies can do the same. But when control of the future itself is the prize, temptation beckons. Even Rahelu, who has never dreamed of anything more than a debt-free life of simple comforts, is swayed. No blood feud is too old to set aside; no alliance is too unsavory and no method too ruthless to contemplate. House politics and hidden motives soon set Rahelu and her teammates at each others’ throats, as foreign operatives and treasure-seeking pirates pursue them across deadly seas, past the edge of the known world. All are oblivious to the dying cult manipulating fate from the shadows…and the ancient power stirring inside the Endless Gate. Torn between her own desires and new loyalties, guilt-wracked by the blood accumulating on her hands, Rahelu’s oaths force her to a devastating choice: who else is she willing to sacrifice in the name of success?

Chasing Moonflowers by Pauline Chow

A gothic historical fantasy perfect for fans of These Violent Delights, House of Hollow, and Enola Holmes, Chasing Moonflowers is a coming-of-power tale that asks: What truly makes a monster? In 1925 colonial Hong Kong, young herbalist Ling Shaw witnesses a murder committed by a bloodthirsty creature. When her uncle is wrongfully arrested for the crime, Ling is the only one who can clear the family name and find the real killer. Teaming up with her private academy best friend and a Red Society thug from the Kowloon Walled City, she uncovers dark family secrets, occult rituals, a vampiric curse, and a sinister plot to bring down the Canton Labor Strikes. Ling must overcome ancient and eldritch forces to save her family—and all of Kowloon. Email paulinechowstories@gmail.com for a reviewer's copy or ARC.

A Man for Mrs. Claus by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Running the North Pole and making good on the promise of comfort and joy for a few billion people is no simple two-step around the Christmas tree. Mr. and Mrs. Claus have always worked in tandem to do just that. So when her third husband realizes it's time to peace out and move on to more Heavenly pastures, the angels and all the elves know what time it is. They need to find Tiffany Saint-Nicholas a new man. With the holiday calendar slowing down for no one, her team has three days to find her a new Santa. Someone kind, loving and willing to take on the spirit of the season, and with the potential to be Tiffany's first true love match. Tiffany thinks that idea is cute and all, and so are the men they line up for her. But she knows delivering on their Christmas obligations is what really matters, not the chemistry she might have with the candidates in question. Too bad one prospective Santa will stop at nothing to show her and the rest of the North Pole population that no amount of silver or gold is more important than winning Tiffany's heart.

Specimen by C. Quince

David Cortez, a decorated US Marine, is now on the run from his own government after escaping a top-secret CIA lab when an experimental medical procedure turned sour. While lying low in Mexico, an assassin sent from British Intelligence tracks him down. However, Sonny from MI6, a British-Iranian with a cockney accent, offers David a choice: join his team, or be killed. David chooses to work with Sonny, not only because he wants his life back, but because he feels a kinship with the man. They’re also both in the unique position of being the only living test subjects with alien DNA in their blood. Could that explain the strong attraction between them?

Supersized Bubblegum by E.A. Noble

In a world filled with superheroes, supervillains, and delectable snacks, four Fatty Baddies kick off their girls' night with a snack hunt. They never expected to be caught in a superpowered fight for their lives. Stuck in a sticky situation, one of their crew vanishes. With no one to turn to, the Fatty Baddies join forces with a shady duo in order to get their friend returned. This newfound team must employ their wits and extraordinary gifts to unravel an evil plot that could forever snatch away the people they love. And, oh yeah. Fat chicks gaining superpowers by eating bubblegum. That totally happens. Brace yourself for a sugar explosion as the Fatty Baddies chew their way to the truth!

Oceansong by C.W. Rose

Fish are mysteriously disappearing, starving the people in Angie Song’s Alaskan hometown. Angie, a snarky, guarded aspiring marine biologist and dock worker, enthusiastically joins the hunt to find out where the fish are gathering. When her family and the villagers discover that merfolk are responsible, they vow to destroy every last one. In the midst of the conflict, Angie faces off with a merman and fails to pull the trigger. Inquisitive Mer-Prince Kaden is just as snarky as Angie, but he’s willing to talk and stop the brutal massacring of his people. The two form a cautious alliance to broker peace between the humans and mer before any more of them die. As tensions clash between the two races fighting to control the sea’s resources, Angie and Kaden’s forbidden relationship ignites. And as she learns about the mer’s mysterious world and the reason why the fish are gone, Angie starts to question who the true monster is, and where her loyalties lie. Taking the wrong side means choosing between family and her job, or the man she’s fallen for and the merfolk she’s come to respect—or losing it all.

Journey Home by May Barros

Amara e Luiza are two witches in a queerplatonic relationship. When Luiza decides to embark on a journey throught the galaxy in search for the lost fortress of Laura, the Dragon Queen, she ends up finding more than she bargained for, while Amara follows her footsteps hoping it’s not too late.

Nochebuena by Stephanie Shea

Camila Morales is a hopeless romantic. Not that she thinks every couple is meant to be—she is a divorce lawyer, after all. But when her happy, married-thirty-years parents announce their own separation three weeks before Christmas, Cami’s world is turned upside down, especially since she’s been trying to feel her way through her own marital slump for months. Sutton Davies is an imposter. At least, that’s what her therapist says. Or was it that she may have imposter syndrome? Same difference. With a promotion she’s not sure she deserves, a wife who’s definitely too good for her, and a best friend who’s always been in her corner, she should be fine. Perfect, even. But maybe that’s the problem—this unattainable quest for perfection—which is why she’s decided to focus on something she can control. Proving to Cami that this bout of spotty communication and dwindling intimacy is nothing but a blip. Every couple goes through it, right? Will Sutton’s attempts to reconnect over the holidays reignite sparks, or is it all too little too late?

More to Love by Georgina Kiersten

An Unexpected Love For Jamir Cunnigham, a relationship is the last thing on his mind. After inheriting his grandparent’s bookstore, Jamir has been completely focused on running the business. And if he’s lonely, that was between him and the books. Yet, from the moment Emmy Park walked into his life, Jamir was immediately captivated by the plus-size Korean. A Fresh Start After his recent divorce, former Olympic Wrestler Emerson “Emmy” Park moved to Texas to get a fresh start. After taking a job as an assistant wrestling coach at a nearby university, he stumbles across Jamir’s bookstore. Emmy is instantly attracted to Jamir. Unfortunately, he is big and burly with a resting bitch face and thinks he has zero chance with the gorgeous Black man. However, when a sudden encounter shows them how good they can be together. Is the simmering attraction between them enough for them to see past their differences and finally give in to their desires? More To Love is a short and sweet m/m romance book featuring bookstores, coffee shops, plus-size main characters, bisexual couples, sapphic side characters, autumn feels, and Black/Asian romances.

Fall Into You by Georgina Kiersten

It’s Autumn. Is there a better time to fall in love? Imari Haines has had it with the gossip. The whole town is acting like she’s their very own Runaway Bride. A plus-size, black version of Julia Roberts that left a perfectly nice boy at the altar. Her family is no exception. Her mother won’t stop making passive-aggressive comments. Exhausted by this charged atmosphere, a boss that doesn’t appreciate her, and the never-ending town rumors, Imari makes a bold decision. Come autumn, she moves to Appeley (a small town in Hill Country) and never looks back. In Appeley, for the first time ever, Imari feels welcome, happy, and unapologetically herself. She tries new things, makes brand-new friends and, while attending the fall apple festival, she accidentally bumps into a very familiar face… Cassidy Martinez was her childhood best friend and partner in crime. Now, she has grown into a stunning, confident woman, and Imari can’t help noticing. Should she take a risk? Can the two of them pick up where they left off, or is being friends not going to be enough this time around? An F/F Black BBW Sapphic Romance featuring plus-size main characters, a small town, autumn themes, butches and studs, motorcycle rides, coffeeshops, childhood friends-to-lovers romance, and tons of found family feels.

Perfect Strangers: Echoes of a Black Suburban Youth by Justin Marlowe

Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Justin Marlowe's Perfect Strangers delves into the challenges of growing up in an era still reverberating from the Civil Rights movement. This poignant memoir captures the dual narratives of Justin and his childhood best friend, Nicos, two African American adolescents navigating the complexities of suburban life in the late '80s and early '90s. Their stories explore the universal struggles of youth—romance, socialization, and mental health—against the backdrop of racial and class tensions. The intertwining experiences of Justin and Nicos reveal a nuanced portrayal of teenage confusion and family dynamics, offering a unique perspective on suburban black life. Marlowe's raw honesty bridges generational divides, presenting a narrative that resonates with readers across diverse backgrounds. Perfect Strangers is a compelling account of friendship, identity, resilience, and pop culture illuminating the shared human experience in a divided world. This is a story that speaks to the heart of our collective struggles, told with unapologetic authenticity.

RUNNIN' NO MORE by G.T. DÍPÈ

Love shouldn't be a crime, but for twenty-three-year-old Teniade Adeowo, it is. After fleeing Nigeria to escape both the law and his trauma, Ade arrives in England with one goal: to leave everything behind. But when his path collides with Stefan Wickström's at Heathrow, Teniade learns that sometimes the things you run from have a way of chasing you down. Stefan is no stranger to running either. Leaving Sweden behind, he's convinced that constant motion is the only way to stay one step ahead. But Teniade's quiet intensity stops him in his tracks—and suddenly, Stefan's past feels closer than ever. In a world where love feels like a luxury they can't afford, and with the ghosts of their pasts lurking just behind them, Teniade and Stefan must decide whether to let love be the force that finally sets them free—or if their fragile bond will snap under the weight of secrets too heavy to bear.

The Way It Would Become by Amena Jamali

Before the rise of the Quest of Freedom, their mothers and their fathers witnessed the darkening of the skies... Riqeta, Princess of Zahacim, is the most powerful warrior to stalk across eastern and southern Icilia. Both her skill and her honor in war are legendary, and her defection to her new husband’s nation is an upheaval of their world’s political balance. Yet beneath her fierce veneer is a woman unsure of how to love. Naman, Prince of Koroma, is renowned for his compassion and good heart, and his wedding to Riqeta renders him a political force to behold. Yet there is one flaw to his happiness — he cannot be sure whether Riqeta loves him. Not long after their wedding, the king gives Riqeta and Naman a mission of dire importance: resolve the growing insurgency in the south before it poses a true threat to the crown. Riqeta’s martial prowess and Naman’s benevolent voice surely can resolve anything. So they set out, thinking success will not be too difficult to achieve. But the evil festering in the south is unlike anything they could ever imagine… Will they even be able to see it to survive it? Amena Jamali continues on her literary career with a sweet yet haunting new adult fantasy tale of romance, home found through love, strong heroines, and gentle heroes that ponders at what it means to have courage in the face of evil. Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon will savor this story of staying strong in dark times.