Sucker Love by Risa Cruise

Noel I’m impossible to love. At least, that’s what my ex-boyfriend said after he moved out and left me short on next month’s rent. Luckily, I've found a sexy solution in the form of Luca, a tattoo artist looking for a place to crash. He’s older, hot, a little awkward…and he’s also in the middle of a divorce. Whatever. All I know is, my new roommate leaves me absolutely breathless. Our arrangement benefits us in more ways than one...as long as I can keep it together. He’s sweeter than I deserve, but that’s only because he doesn’t know how broken I really am. Once he figures that out, he'll leave. Everybody does. Luca Meeting someone like Noel is the last thing I expected after separating from my wife. But I can’t help being drawn to him. He’s gorgeous, talented, and unapologetically himself—something I’ve struggled with my entire life. Moving in with him may be impulsive, but it is convenient. And our chemistry is next level. Yeah, he’s bit of a brat, but this complicated man is showing me everything I’ve denied myself for years. Falling for him feels almost inevitable. But when my past threatens everything, it’s easy to fall back into familiar patterns—and playing it safe could cost me the one person who’s ever really seen me. SUCKER LOVE is a soft D/s, roommates-to-lovers MM romance between a bold art student and a closeted tattoo artist. Unraveling against the vibrant backdrop of Boston, Massachusetts, it's a love story brimming with drama and messy desire.

Fey & Wolf: A Lusefell Novella by Noah Bodie

Osmond Banes is at his wits' end. Plagued by nightmares from 12 years ago, constant worry about his family, and an unsettling fear of immortality. The one thing keeping him afloat is his longtime partner, Christian Baker, who just returned from a trip across the sea. Upon their reunion, they learn of a growing threat from a monstrous force. This duo of monster hunters sets out to investigate the creatures rumored to have murdered Oz’s father figure and to finally exchange the vows they have been postponing for years.

Some Assembly Required: A Heartstrings & Coffee Beans Novel by Noah Bodie

Liam Parker is a single dad navigating the chaos of life with his twelve-year-old son, Jack, in a world that seems determined to make things harder for them. Between juggling work, parenting, and the lingering scars of his past, Liam has little time for himself—until a chance encounter at Mocha & Magic, a quirky local cafe, introduces him to Quinn Maher, the enigmatic owner with a penchant for kindness and a complicated history of his own.

Bulwark: Book 2 of the Desert Rose Saga by Noah Bodie

The next installment of the Desert Rose Saga follows Simon and Andreas as old wounds are reopened, and they’re forced to confront their growing feelings for one another. What awaits them as they leave the city of Sebree eight months after being sent into isolation? Will Simon be able to confront his inner demons? Will Andreas uncover answers to a surprising revelation about his family? What challenges lie ahead as new foes emerge and a hidden piece of the world’s history claws to light?

The Monsters Among Us by Kent Priore

“Kent Priore writes like a natural about the supernatural, and The Monsters Among Us is a marvelously dark and true novel. American fiction has found a terrific new voice.” —Joseph O’Neill, PEN/Faulkner Award-Winning Author of Netherland Seth’s life until now has been a product of a diabolical, evil Truman Show, his entire upbringing a façade orchestrated for malevolent purposes. After his beloved dies, he undergoes a demonic metamorphosis, which causes the world’s fictitious walls to crumble. As he tries to piece a semblance of his life back together and move on, he meets friends who inspire, but even more harsh truths are revealed, perhaps too difficult to cope with. The very existence of life and reality is exposed as a machination of grotesque gods. And to defeat them, Seth will have to fill his emptiness, for which there’s only two options… Bring the world to ruin, or learn to transmute his pain into strength. Fans of "Jerusalem" by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.” “I was intrigued from the first sentence, determined to spend the night speed-reading so I didn't have to remain in suspense any longer.” -Ella Dupuie, author of Fractures of the Fallen “Supernatural storytelling at its best, this vivid cinematic novel takes the reader on an imaginative journey through what could be considered end of days. The Monster’s Among Us is a masterful creation and a must read—even for those who aren’t fans of fantasy/horror.” —Joni Marie Iraci MFA author of Vatican Daughter

Diminished by Erica Rose Eberhart

A queen haunted by ghosts. A dragon cursed in human skin. A kingdom on the brink of war. In the aftermath of her father's death, Queen Greer stands at the edge of grief and revelation. Magic—once forbidden—has returned to Wimleigh, but so have enemies. When a prophetic funeral warns of rising death, it sets into motion a chain of events that will test the mettle of queens, heirs, and warriors alike. As Greer grapples with panic attacks and the vengeful ghost of her father, her sister, Caitriona, struggles under the weight of monstrous expectations. Bearing horns, scales, and the voice of a dragon in her mind, Caitriona must lead a secret mission with Ailith MacCree—now a royal guard—north to find a lost prince who could stop a war—if he’s willing to fight. But treachery weaves through the forests, poisons creep in, and fae assassins lurk in the shadows. With kingdoms falling to darkness, an ancient tree bleeding out its final life, and bonds shattered by betrayal, Wimleigh’s hope rests on a dragon no longer afraid to rise. When magic is reborn and monsters wear crowns, who dares to lead the charge?

Tarnished by Erica Rose Eberhart

An outlawed magic, a hidden curse, and a love tested by fire. In the struggling city of Braewick, a determined 20-year-old gate guard named Ailith MacCree longs for a chance at financial stability and adventure. Little does she know, her wish is about to come true. She accepts a mission from Princess Greer that promises both: escort Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains to meet the enigmatic hermit for a great financial reward. Ailith jumps at the opportunity and bids goodbye to all she’s ever known. But as they journey together, Ailith discovers that Caitriona holds a dangerous secret—she possesses powerful magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed. Ailith and Caitriona face mysterious attacks and supernatural challenges. But as they delve deeper into the treacherous landscape, Ailith learns of Caitriona's tragic past and the dark curse that threatens her very existence. With rebellion brewing in Braewick, and the oppressive king hot on their trail, Ailith must not only navigate her growing feelings for Caitriona, but also fight against relentless foes. As they race against time to stop the curse, Ailith and Caitriona uncover shocking truths about their kingdom, their families, and themselves. Will their burgeoning romance survive the trials ahead? Can they break the curse and save their homeland from tyranny? Join Ailith and Caitriona on a thrilling quest filled with magic, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Fans of high-stakes fantasy will not want to miss this epic tale.

All I Know So Far by Nicole Zelniker

Of course Avery Marsh’s parents decide to divorce their senior year of high school, but what’s way worse, they’re shipping her across the country to spend the year with her extremely closeted, absentee half-brother Lucas and his secret boyfriend. And it’s great that Lucas is living his truth or whatever, but he couldn’t have told his bisexual, nonbinary sibling earlier? Told in journal entries, ALL I KNOW SO FAR is a queer coming of age story about love, hope, and resilience.

We Are Made of Scars and Starlight by Nicole Zelniker

When twenty-five-year-old Kai Larssen agrees to pose as his best friend Mariah’s date at a family gathering, he doesn’t expect to fall—hard—for her twin brother, Ray. Anxious, magnetic, and achingly off-limits, Ray is everything Kai has ever wanted. But coming out to Ray means risking Mariah’s privacy—and their friendship. Back in New York, Kai and Ray grow closer, and Kai finds himself trapped in a tangle of half-truths and unspoken feelings. As the lies pile up, Kai must decide: is love worth the cost of betrayal? Told in luminous prose, We Are Made of Scars and Starlight is a tender, heartbreaking novella about mental health, disability, and queer desire in the heart of the modern city. Poignant and full of hope, it’s a story of self-discovery, chosen family, and the courage it takes to be seen.

Usurper (Children of Lorcan Book 1) by J. M. Rose

DMITRY PETROV WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE NEXT VAMPIRE KING OF RASPIEN. On the night of his eighteenth birthday, Dmitry unwittingly finds himself at the center of a scandal that turns his life upside down. Stripped of his titles, inheritance, and everything he’s ever known, Dmitry has to learn to live like the other side. Forced to question everything he’s been taught to believe, Dmitry is determined to forge ahead and build a new life far from the intricate politics and poison of a family bound to a golden chair and the weight of a crown once promised. But dressing a prince in overalls does not a pauper make, and no matter the distance he travels or how hard he tries to forget, Dmitry has to face a harsh and inescapable truth; that a fate born into is not so easily shaken. When he finds himself at the beck and call of a boy king with too much power and no patience, Dmitry begins to understand that there is more to inheritance than a title and a crown, and blood—indeed—runs much thicker than water.

The Death Made Prince by Lisette Marshall

A runewitch on the run has only one option left: join forces with the sarcastic, unpleasantly gorgeous necromancer she loathes The man Thraga loved is dead, and her future is in shambles. When she's sentenced to the gallows for killing her lover's murderers, it's a relief more than anything… until, the night before her execution, a necromancer is thrown into her cell. Escaping with him is her only chance to bring Lark back to life - and also the start of all her troubles. Because her new almost-ally is not just any man returned from death. Fire mage, rogue prince, and son of the man who killed her mother, sharp-tongued Durlain Averre is everything Thraga hates. Worse, he won't revive her lover unless she joins him on a mission of his own first, using her forbidden rune magic to free his sister from the dungeons of an enemy king. But their quest turns into a deadly chase when Thraga's violent past catches up with her. And as the net of court intrigue and old fears closes around them, she begins to find out Lark was not at all the man she thought he was… And neither is Durlain. The Death-Made Prince is the first book of the Runewitch Saga, an epic enemies to lovers fantasy romance featuring two morally grey leads, OCD rep, and a Norse mythology-inspired world. While it is a slow burn romance, the first book does contain spicy content intended for 18+ readers

Burnt by Eldora Deasil

Sweet sins, sticky situations and rules bound to be broken... Apparently sinning has consequences - divorce, jealous ex's, a son who it's becoming increasingly difficult to see. Fortunately, sinning also comes with the benefits of a feisty little cake designer. She's sexy, loud mouthed and just happens to be the daughter of the tea shop owners who took me in at my lowest. Sinners may not be supposed to reap rewards, but after three years of friends with benefits, I'm starting to wonder if I might just have to sin a little more. After all, what's a little stalking between friends? Boo "Yes, Chef!" Friends with benefits with my secret sulky bestie seemed a great idea, three years ago. Now heart palpitations are involved? Not so much. Gabriel Cake testing, she said. Cake testing, yeah, right. It used to be about cake testing. Now I'm not even sure I care about the cake and isn't that a kicker for a pâtissier? Welcome to Tea Nook, the spiritual tea shop, opened by Bean because the leaves told her to. Can Gabe shackle his restraint back in place to keep what he has or has the devil finally come to claim him? His chest certainly burns, when she comes to play... Contemporary romance author Eldora loves her cinnamon rolls with a little bite, all the spice, and frosted with neurodiversity. All Tea Nook books are readable as stand alone or may be read in chronological order. Eldora promises a HEA and no MC cheating. *** Burnt is a MF Friends to Lovers, Found Family, contemporary tea shop romance. It features a surly chef, who learns to like being a 'Good Boy' and a learning support assistant slash cake designer with ADHD, whose passions involve teasing, crocheting tortoise shell covers, and calling Gabe 'pussycat'.

A Forgotten Legend by T.M. Baylor

If one thing is true, it is that peace is a fragile thing in Eterin. The Lupegi province, Davegu kingdom, and the wilds of Andyse are anything but united, a tense alliance being the only thing stopping the world from plunging into chaos and death. When a Lupegi mission goes missing under mysterious circumstances and the Southern Coalition of Andyse is attacked during a time of peace, people from all across Eterin end up thrown into the fray. Ancient stories and long forgotten legends are their new truths as they must figure out how to navigate the now treacherous lands of Eterin and keep themselves alive against all odds. ​​--- A Forgotten Legend is an epic dark fantasy that follows six POV characters from across the world of Eterin. It centers themes of truth, the nature of resistance, propaganda, and the importance of knowing history to understand the present. Features LGBTQIA+ and women characters. Intended for mature audiences, please check the content warnings. First book of The Secrets of Eterin series.

Nights in New Eden: A Mystery at The Upshur Manor by A.L. Davidson

There's a mystery afoot in New Eden! After an eventful summer full of romance, sweet treats, and not-so-mild panic for café owner Eli Hawkins, the much anticipated Halloween season is a breath of fresh air. With the joys of the 'ber months on the horizon, Eli aims to make the many upcoming holidays as memorable as possible. The most exciting event on the calendar? The annual Murder Mystery Party at the Upshur's beautiful manor, an exclusive event that he's been dying to attend for years. But balancing the cake orders, a new hire, and his boyfriend's failing health has made New Eden's favorite fallen angel a tad frazzled. Meanwhile, Des Upshur is feeling anxious - but the fact that his soul-fire went out and his heart literally stopped over the summer probably has more to do with it than he wants to admit. Des tries to stay strong for Eli as they head into the fallen angel's favorite time of the year, but his sugary sweet boyfriend's obvious worries are starting to bleed into their romance. Hoping the party at his parents' house - and a visit from his favorite cousin, Daedalus - may help lift both of their spirits, the half-demon tries his best to make the days leading up to Halloween magical. Little does he know, the mystery that awaits them at the manor will change their lives forever.

The Night Farm: The Alluring Ache of Autumn by A.L. Davidson

Changes Blow into Wylder Wood with the arrival of Autumn With the revelation of Rhys’ lineage coming to light following the terrifying first meeting with his long-thought-dead father, the residents of Wylder Wood are forced to accept hidden truths about the founding family that have been buried in the graveyard for generations. The new understanding of what it means to be a Wylder extends to every member of the clan, setting off a chain of events that force each of them to question the long standing traditions that became the very foundation of not only their identities, but the town as a whole. Changes are on the way alongside the falling leaves and cooler winds, and Rhys is excited for a calm autumn that will soon arrive in the Wood. With a fresh outlook and hope in his heart for a better tomorrow, the young farmer looks forward to the blessings of harvest season and shifts his focus to better appreciate the important things in his life. Diving headfirst into farmer’s market planning and nurturing his sweet as pumpkin pie romance with Lex, life on the Night Farm is busier than ever. But with deeply buried secrets and ghosts coming to the surface, family drama on the rise, and a mysterious contract on the farmer’s very soul threatening to upend their happiness, Rhys and the gang must learn to endure the aches alongside the joys if they want to make the most out of the final months of the year. Halloween is on the horizon, and life on The Night Farm will never be the same.

The Night Farm: The Wylder Years by A.L. Davidson

Before they were the last reaper in Wylder Wood... Casper Wylder’s focus is on one thing and one thing alone: learning how to be a mortician. After moving to New Orleans to finish their studies at the prestigious Bloodworth Family funeral home, the fledgling reaper finds the courage to embrace the truth and become the person they’d always knew they could be - if only for a moment. Despite their newfound freedom, nothing matters more than their studies, and Cas’ quiet life is uneventful to say the least. Things change when a handsome blue-eyed coffin maker named Canaan Michaels walks into the funeral home and sweeps the shy mortician off of their feet. A whirlwind romance, set against the magic-filled backdrop of New Orleans in the springtime, begins to blossom between them. Each new day is sweet, but Knowing they’ll have to return home to Wylder Wood come autumn - and say goodbye to their southern gentleman forever - makes Cas wonder if falling in love is worth the risk. Desperately in love with the moon-eyed mortician and eager to please, Cane is determined to break down Cas’ walls. but when he discovers the haunting truth behind his partner’s penchant for the paranormal, he realizes that life as he knew it will never be the same. The coffin maker must decide if giving up his first true home after years of hardship is worth it for an eternity with the mysterious grim reaper who stole his heart, and his choice sets off a chain of events that will change the Wylders, and their beloved town, forever...

A Life in Too Many Margins by S. E. Thomson

David is dying, or maybe he isn't. Hard to say, really, because no one ever gives you a timetable when you're disabled, autistic, queer, and stuck improvising your way through existence. What he does know is this: if life is going to keep punching him in the gut, he might as well write it all down first. A Life in Too Many Margins is the story of a man looking backward while time keeps nudging him forward. From childhood misunderstandings to medical disasters, David is collecting the fragments of a life shaped by truths he didn't discover until far too late: that he's neurodivergent, that his body will never play by the rules. That gender was never the box people insisted it had to be. If you've ever felt like the world wasn't built with you in mind, or if you just enjoy a dark laugh in the middle of disaster, David's story will remind you that sometimes real life only happens… in the margins.

HOLIEST by Sancta Seraphina

Deep in the heart of Hell, the Fallen Host is living with as much peace as their Father allows them to have, until one day when a treacherous cherub is cast down into their realm like the star Wormwood from Revelation. Yet all of the other portents from Revelation seem to be missing, with the exception of a mysterious manuscript that begins haunting the Devil's dreams and eventually his waking world as well.

Canvas of Scars by Shane Blackheart

Wandering alone late at night in the dark. Searching for meaning as your heart melts in your ribcage. A longing to be alive, but you're dead and staring through a veil to experience a semblance of life. + + + Canvas of Scars is a collection of dark poetry, short prose, and art with themes of PTSD, depression, psychosis, and other dark subjects.

There Will Be Other Summers by Tegan Anderson

Ryn is morbidly fascinated by the ocean, and he constantly thinks of ways he might let it consume his life. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him from drowning. He might see past his sadness if he could still...well, see. Asher lives for the future, counting the days until she turns eighteen when she'll be old enough to move out of her mother's house and feel some control over how she spends her time. She tries to see the good in everyone, probably for the best since she blocks out what they say about her. Not by choice, but she does it. When Asher and Ryn meet in a group therapy exercise where they have to exchange letters, it's unclear who saves whose life overnight. And when they make a pact to trade their lives for the remainder of the summer, it's evident that they've both found the person who truly understands them: it's only with Asher that Ryn can be himself—a lonely blind boy who might not be so alone after all. And it's only with Ryn that Asher stops feeling so self-conscious about her deafness that she can forget to count down the days and start living them. They spend their summer trading letters and the brightest days of their lives, but when Asher finds a tearstained letter from a mysterious writer, it becomes clear that she’ll have to choose between whom she cares more about saving.

The Inn Between by Wendra Colleen

Teenagers J.T. and Sylvia have no memory of dying, only how much they hate each other. Trapped at The Inn Between, a B&B of the afterlife, they have nine days to discover how they died. If they solve the mystery, they can choose to evolve; if they don’t, they will be reborn with their memories wiped, destined to die young again. In the realm of the living, Dr. Jillian Flaggerty, a young, newly minted parapsychologist, suppresses her childhood ability to rescue earthbound ghosts. She wants to avoid another trip to an institution and succeed in her first job. On a ghostly visit to Earth, J.T. realizes that only Jillian can see and hear him and begs for her help. Jillian denies J.T.’s existence until she uncovers a personal connection to the teen ghosts. Then Jillian has to choose between saving souls or her sanity as time winds down for J.T. and Sylvia to reconcile their differences, face the truth of their deaths, and avoid being reborn. If you’re looking for an escape like Cemetery Boys, Neverworld Wake, and The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts with a dash of The Good Place, don’t wait to read this high-stakes supernatural novel.

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.

the drowners by David A. Anderson

For Aaron, this world is an unfathomable puzzle. Haunted by disturbing dreams, he drifts through empty days, shielding himself behind sarcasm and cynical wit. After being expelled, he sees an opportunity to rewrite his future at a new school. Connecting over a shared love for De Niro films with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent, he unexpectedly finds his companion piece, one person who truly understands him. Together, they navigate the chaotic waters of adolescence, from dramatic first dates to sociopathic bullies, iconic concerts, drugs, and a dead body. With adulthood fast approaching, can their unique bond survive the crushing weight of societal pressures and devastating revelations? Confronted by the ghosts of his past, Aaron must choose whether to blaze bright or fade away. A funny and poignant meditation on the forces that shape us, The Drowners transports us back to a time when our tolerance for hypocrisy was zero and life seemed infinite. An early draft of this novel won a 2021 YA Watty award.

Community Witch by Ash Kreider

Aspen Fahey is a non-binary aspiring community witch and failed witchfluencer living in downtown Toronto. When their aunt dies and leaves them her house and witching practice on beautiful, idyllic Vancouver Island, their life unexpectedly turns into a Lifetime movie: early thirties enby leaves the big city (including their toxic partner and the job they hate) to move to a beautiful small town, has meet cute with beautiful stranger before running into The One That Got Away. But can they navigate the hard work of building healthy relationships while juggling their responsibilities as town witch? Or will the trauma of their ex’s emotional abuse ruin the best thing that’s ever happened to them?

The Other Place by Elizabeth Roderick

Living in Justin Flaherty’s mind has never been easy. Unfortunately, things are about to get much worse... At eighteen years old, most guys are chasing girls or dreams. Justin, on the other hand, wants to draw and be left alone. He’s been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but it’s more than that. He's in tune with the Dark Energy that surrounds us all, and can see how it controls people’s actions. Sometimes, the Dark Energy will give him visions, to help him on the road to enlightenment. When his mother hooks up with a Baptist preacher named David who believes Justin’s schizophrenia can be cured with prayer, Justin knows he has to get out—or risk involuntary commitment in a religious facility. After a brush with incarceration, Justin takes off to San Francisco, where his drawings are not just noticed, but admired... Justin’s bizarre and beautiful drawings create a stir in the art world. Meanwhile, he’s homeless, couch surfing, and trapped in a continuous battle with his mental illness. His salvation is a girl named Liria Czetski with a shady past. They’d met a year ago, and she’s appeared in his visions ever since. It turns out Liria has been sharing those visions, something that is a surprise to everyone but Justin... When secrets surface, Justin is forced to realize that being a genius has a downside. Surrounded by people who want to exploit his talent, he must fight not only for his career and freedom, but perhaps for his life...

How to Slay a Demon Lord and Get away with it by Devi Letalis

Book 3 in the Inferno's Forbidden Archives Series Damien is barely holding it together. Struggling with the weight of his recent loss, he finds himself torn between his duty to Lariza and his responsibility as the leader of Lamia Vult. Just when he thinks things can’t get worse, an angry mob forms at the gates, blaming the cult for mysterious dreams that drain not only the citizens of the city but also the members of Lamia Vult. And as if that weren’t enough, Damien can’t shake the feeling that Damnatio might be lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. With pressure from the police and his allies questioning his ability to lead, Damien must face his demons—literally—and hope that he can save himself before everything falls apart. Will he survive the nightmare, or will he lose himself in the chaos?

Napkins & Other Distractions by M.A. Wardell

On paper, they're a disaster. In the sheets, they're a perfect match. ​ Kent Lester is proud of the joyful, thriving learning community he's created as principal of Lear Elementary School. But six years after his divorce, he's ready to focus on his personal life and spread his bisexual wings. Things get off to a rocky start when Kent's first date is an uptight control freak — although that doesn't stop them tangling some sheets. Vincent Manda never seems able to move past the friend zone, and besides, he's not sure anyone can handle his OCD. But that night with the bearded, older Kent revealed a side of Vincent he'd never experienced before. And he's equal parts scared of and desperate for a repeat. When Lear's test scores take a nosedive, Kent finds himself under the microscope. Forced to implement new software to monitor and collect school data, he's horrified to discover that Vincent is working on the project. With his last install ending less than ideally, Vincent's job depends on this one succeeding — and butting heads with the principal won't help. Vincent and Kent need to view each other in a new light, but that could change their futures forever.

How to be Jewish in 30 Seconds by Rabbi Kenneth Block

I’m here to tell you - You can be Jewish in 30 seconds or less.  Hear me out. Many of my colleagues, both Jewish and Gentile, present their religions as all or nothing, insurmountable mountains of material. So, naturally, nearly everyone is going to shy away from it. Religion is like sailing. If you learn some of the basics, you can sail a boat. You’re not going to be in the America’s Cup or sail around the world, but you can love it anyway.  I think a disservice has been done to Judaism by presenting it as all or nothing –telling Jews what they can and cannot do and that you have to give up this and that. The only thing that that results in is people walking away. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can practice Judaism in just 30 seconds a week by picking a Jewish activity and, well, practicing it.

Cicada Man: The Tale of Jonny Dice by Vincent Trezor

Step into the wild, unregulated world of the crypto markets origins with “Cicada Man,” where you'll meet Jonny Dice, an erratic trader wrestling with bipolar disorder. Jonny's quest for his manic version of the American Dream often leaves him clinging on to reality. His almost true tale unfolds across an unpredictable landscape where reality is constantly rewritten.

What’s So Bad About Being Poor? Our Lives in the Shadows of the Poverty Experts by Deborah Foster

“What’s So Bad About Being Poor?: Our Lives In the Shadows of the Poverty Experts” is a memoir by Deborah M. Foster, published on February 14, 2024.  In this deeply personal narrative, Foster reflects on her family’s experiences with extreme poverty, aiming to challenge common misconceptions about its causes and effects in American society. The memoir was inspired by Charles Murray’s essay, “What’s So Bad About Being Poor?”  Foster critiques Murray’s perspective by sharing firsthand accounts that highlight the systemic challenges faced by those in poverty. She emphasizes the roles of public education, mental health services, and government interventions in her journey to overcome fundamentalist constraints and economic hardship. Foster’s narrative serves as a counterargument to views that attribute poverty to individual failings. Instead, she underscores the systemic issues that perpetuate economic hardship, advocating for a more empathetic and informed approach to addressing poverty. The book has been praised for its candid storytelling and critical examination of societal attitudes toward poverty. It is available in both paperback and eBook formats. For those interested in social policy, memoirs, or poverty studies, Foster’s work offers a compelling perspective on the lived realities of economic hardship and the societal structures that influence them.

Valor Amidst Decay by AJ Somers

“I won’t expect anything less than savage in this world.
Even if I have to be a monster to protect my own.”   Ending her vacation on a high note, Dahlia Danaher thinks nothing of the mass flight cancellations — until she’s in the strangely quiet terminals of LAX. Then she hears it. The sound of  the undead, transforming those around her into something other.   Something rabid.   As chaos unfolds, Dahlia’s protective instincts cement her path to clash with a man veiled in mystery. Someone who is no stranger to darkness.   Growing up as the brother of an Oyabun, Ren Ryūko is used to protecting his own— whatever the cost. He never expected to be indebted to a stranger. But Dahlia is less of a liability than she appears…   Thrown together amidst death, the unexpected craving for more than survival clutches Dahlia and Ren. As they battle the relentless decay, the past fights to resurface. Not only the shadows lurking within Ren’s mind but someone that Dahlia thought forgotten.   Somebody not willing to let her go.

Suneater: Book 1 of the Desert Rose Saga by Noah Bodie

In a world scarred by war, Andreas and Simon are unlikely companions brought together by fate. Andreas struggles with the weight of his family's legacy, while Simon, a hardened mercenary, is haunted by his past. As they journey together, their bond grows from wary allies to something deeper, offering glimpses of hope amid the darkness. They must learn to trust each other not just with their lives, but with their hearts. "Suneater" is a captivating story about trust, family, and self-discovery. It follows the fateful meeting of Andreas and Simon as they navigate a world filled with mystery, magic, and turmoil. As they confront their pasts and grapple with their intertwined destinies, they must unravel the complexities of their relationships and confront their feelings for one another. This captivating narrative explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection, offering a rich and immersive journey into the depths of the human spirit.

The Vault by Cara Nox

No hidden maps. No secret words written among the dotted specks of white. His fingers itched to touch the paint and peel it away to whatever lie beneath—to whatever felt both so horribly familiar yet strange. With about half the keys in Noa’s possession and a horrible discovery that several members of a project to emulate lost magic through a device, it’s looking far more likely that this mission to find the Vault isn’t as much of a fabled fool’s errand as she originally thought. Every piece is seemingly falling into place, heralding the coming of the dark with the light of magic dwindling to sparks. As Noa’s priorities shift with the newly-planted thought that she’s the one chosen to see this task through after the loss of her would-be-Seer and surrogate father, Lazarus, she decides that it might be better to distance herself from that growing bond she’s found comfort in with Glacier. After all, his place is with his kingdom, and once they reach the end—whatever their fates might be—there won’t be any place for a group of killers and thieves in his life. However, Noa doesn’t realize that the other half of her quest’s fated set might actually be standing next to her. Glacier is starting to unravel, thanks to that echo of power rippling along the surface of his soul. Power that he’s not willing to accept, let alone acknowledge, with the crushing weight of what might be awaiting him back in Amarais. Being Miraltan is one thing, but a powerful Seer—a Mage—is another. And with one daemon-summoning adversary recognizing that potential, it’s only a matter of time before he’s hunted for his magic instead of just his blood.

Even If We're Broken: a novel by A.M. Weald

Love, like archaeology, is a lot of trowel and error. Still reeling from being ghosted by her girlfriend, bioarchaeologist Kate Roth agrees to join an estranged colleague to teach at his field school at a Viking-age archaeology site in the wilds of Newfoundland. While welcoming the escape from Colorado where she’s been medicating resurfaced anxieties with wine and angry rock music, she’s wary of three important facts: 1) she’s had a crush on Viking Cowboy Ben for half her life, 2) Ben is a family man who lives in Norway, and 3) all her romantic relationships, and most friendships, seem to have an expiration date. For archaeologist Esben “Ben” Veholt, inviting the woman he’s been in love with since digging alongside her 23 years ago was, of course, the worst possible thing he could have done for himself. This summer was supposed to be his escape from reality: a love life in ruins, worsening body image issues, and a teenage daughter who suddenly wants nothing to do with him. When Kate accepts his offer, he intends to retain a professional relationship with her. A woman like Kate could never love him anyway—not with how much he’s changed inside and out. All seems fine on the surface as Kate and Esben’s friendship rebuilds, but as they dig deeper, they realize just how broken they both are. To heal from their painful pasts and reclaim their crumbling presents, they each need a friend who accepts them, mess and all. But summer won’t last forever, and a third chance at romance threatens to drift across the ocean yet again. Even If We’re Broken is an own-voice debut novel—an emotional slow-burn friends-to-lovers open-door romance about self-acceptance, mental health, and the scars we carry.

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.

The Reverence Chosen by Amena Jamali

With the reconquest of the nation of Nademan, some light has returned to the world of Icilia. The Quest of Freedom has been victorious in the first part of their war against the Blood-soaked Sorcerer, and now they look to the second. But just as Lucian, Malika, Elian, Arista, and Kyros finally finish their preparations, a scream echoes through the night. A sign that the protections around Icilia’s most sacred places, the athar mountains of Asfiya, are breaking. And soon after arrives the news that the Blood-soaked Sorcerer is coming — with an army vast enough to blacken the plains. Rushing west, the Quest finds a nation on the brink of madness. The hallowed cities are too filthy to endure, and the people they have come to save are more than lost — they are cruel themselves. Yet the Quest must save them — all of them — before the enemy reaches Asfiya. For, if they fail in the least degree, the cost will be in the currency of souls. With such high stakes and such little time, they cannot escape the Does even the Divine truly possess the power to defeat the encroaching darkness? Amena Jamali continues on her literary career with a haunting new adult fantasy tale of found family, strong heroines, and gentle heroes that ponders the meaning of human dignity amid a clash of absolute good and absolute evil. Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon will savor this story of redemption, mercy, and hope in the darkest of times.

The Bell Tolling by Amena Jamali

The Blood-soaked Sorcerer tyrannizes the land of Icilia with every form of cruelty imaginable, dyeing his armor red in the blood of innocents. Crushed to pieces under such savagery, the people of Icilia abandon hope and forget the gifts of civilization that had once been their dearest blessings. Amid this darkness comes light in the form of Lucian, the divinely-appointed hero of Icilia and the Leader of the Quest of Freedom. Educated in all of the ancient arts, Lucian has the virtue and power necessary to cleanse evil from the land. But not alone—answering the call of his sacred destiny, Lucian gathers together his four divinely-chosen companions and embarks on a journey to free his world. He is determined to restore the forgotten laws, heal the tormented, and unite the land behind his banner. Yet his companions seem too shattered to save anyone, while his people might be too blind to see the light. And above all he must confront the question: Are there some evils even the Divine cannot conquer? Amena Jamali embarks on her literary career with a haunting new adult fantasy tale of found family, strong heroines, and gentle heroes that ponders the meaning of freedom amid a clash of absolute good and absolute evil. Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Eragon will savor this story of light springing forth from dark places.

The Sneaky Lass by Kennedy Sutton

Jane has been many things in her life. A wife. A widow. A thief. A prostitute. Most recently, a woman seeking any means of escape from Grand Port. Flying no colors and desperate for crew, Sneaky Lass is a damaged brig in no position to look too closely at any volunteers, no matter how ill-suited to sea life they may be. After a series of decisions Jane can’t turn back from, she commits one final act of desperation; she dons stolen boots, shorn hair, and the name Dixon Ables to take up with the crew of Sneaky Lass. Now she finds herself in a position where she must keep up her boyish disguise or be thrown into the briny deep. Concrete plans to leave the ship at the next port turn fluid as Jane becomes enamored by the mystery of the ropes, the lullaby of waves against the hull, and the wind in the sails. That the crewmen are far from the salty rogues she expected doesn't help her resolve. Among the filthy men, the roar of cannons, the critical eye of a whip-wielding quartermaster, and beneath the weight of her own lies, Jane finds something she long believed a fantasy—Family. Even the frequent gaze of the fine and fair-minded captain isn't enough to send her towards shore… yet. She doesn't want to sacrifice everything until she is sure he knows her secret, or perhaps his attentions are something else, something more. The problem is her new life belongs to the man called Dixon, not the woman called Jane. The longer she stays aboard Sneaky Lass, the closer she grows to losing everything she's come to value; new friends, the only home she's ever known, her life. Deceptions are difficult on land, but in the close quarters of a pirate ship, they can be deadly.

Black Widow's Bite by Bella Reves

Addison has resigned herself to the fact that she’ll be alone forever, thanks to an unfortunate ‘gift’ that drives anyone who touches her to the brink of insanity. When a vicious attack sends her tumbling down a staircase, Addison stumbles upon four reclusive men who are just as troubled as she is. Wyatt, whose tortured soul screams for relief as he takes pain from everyone around him. Austin, whose affinity with snakes has left him stuck inside for fear of cruelty. Piper, whose ability to see the future comes at a terrible cost, leaving his mind fractured and his clarity waning with each passing day. Cain, the terrifying protector of this group of misfits, would gladly burn the world - Addison included - to keep them safe. Addison’s world is turned upside down as fate keeps pushing her towards these four men, and she begins to wonder if maybe this den of monsters is exactly where she belongs. On the heels of her arrival, the group receives a terrifying warning, and Addison’s dreams begin to look more like dark omens as they prepare to fight an unknown threat. What could be so evil that it would scare the monsters lurking in the dark?

My Shy Alpha by River Kai

With 10 enchanting illustrations, My Shy Alpha is the first book in an empowering, steamy fantasy series that leaves readers swooning for a shy Alpha Lycan while rooting for an abuse survivor as she rediscovers what it means to be loved. Aliya Matsuoka meets “him” in her dreams - a regal yet unexpectedly shy man. But strangest of all, he always meets her in the forest, where their instant bond escalates into a sensual night beneath the stars. In waking reality, a monstrous ex blurred Aliya’s judgment on whom to trust. She won’t even kiss most dates, let alone “get down and dirty in the leaves” with a gorgeous stranger. When Aliya follows an uncontrollable urge to retrace her dream’s steps, reality surpasses her wildest imagination; she’s living amongst Lycans, shapeshifters who can morph into wolves at will. Outspoken for his “untraditional values” that Lycan sexes should have equal rights, shy Alpha Noah Greenfield faces constant pushback from other Alphas who thrive on dominance. Aliya, however, finds his social defiance alluring. As Aliya and Noah’s fated love transcends all bonds, Aliya unleashes her desires. But diving into this paranormal fairytale isn’t enough to erase Aliya’s trauma; there’s always a chance another monster could follow her home. Equal parts heartfelt and steamy, the My Shy Alpha series follows an epic love story for both seasoned werewolf lovers and new readers dipping their paws into the shifter universe

On The Verge by G Severino

[on the verge: at the point when (something) is about to happen or is very likely to happen, but it never does.] "On The Verge" is a nonfiction, journaling-style novella where I deal with my anxiety, dive into my emotions, and drift through the motions of life.

The Snow Thief’s Amulet by Rowan Redfield

An ice-elf seeking redemption. An assassin with hidden magic. A promise struck in blood. Nivia's god is dead, and she is responsible. A magic amulet could redeem Nivia and free her people, the ice-elves, but first she'll have to go through the Queen of Mammoth North. And Nivia may be a thief, but she's no assassin. Mysterious ice-magic thrums in Thane's veins. But assassin life never allowed him a chance to seek answers to his ability, until now. After a heist gone wrong, Thane discovers that the one who might hold the answer to his magic is none other but his mortal enemy: an ice-elf, seeking an amulet. A reluctant bargain is struck, and the heist for the amulet begins. But the bad blood between Thane and Nivia turns to undeniable attraction, and their seething desire begins to melt the ice.

Trust in Tomorrow by Dana Sweeney

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

Farzana’s Spite by Felix Graves

Life is about as good as it gets for an anxious and depressed bastard stripped of any social benefits of her caste. Farzana has a cushy job, a wonderful best friend, and a mother and younger brother who love her to bits. Then the faerie who abandoned her mother before she was born—the father she always hoped to meet—returns, brutally murders the royal family, and seizes the crown for himself. That comfortable life? Shattered. Slowly but inevitably, both the country and Farzana’s life are dragged into a terrifying and lethal storm of chaos. If someone doesn’t step up soon to set things right, there won’t be much left worth saving. Farzana’s Spite is a sapphic dark fantasy featuring a diverse cast doing their best to stay alive during a traumatic and tumultuous period. A blend of tragedy, romance, and mystery, this story was written for anyone ever made to believe they were broken beyond repair, and who needs a story to kill that thought once and for all.

Cosmic Soul by Mars Quinn

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

Cosmic Husband by Mars Quinn

My cat and I have been abducted by aliens… Seth One second I’m walking to work, and the next I’m on a spaceship. I have no idea what’s going on, but this scaled alien claims I’m his mate. That’s not going to happen. I have until we reach his planet to accept or reject him. If I don’t want him, I can go back to Earth. But six months is a long time when the alien Kal is determined to woo me. Kalvoxrencol The Crystal sent me to the far reaches of the universe for my soulmate, and now that I have him, I will not surrender him. I will do whatever I can to win his love and keep him by my side, where he belongs. I will not let anything from my past or his keep us apart. This is a standalone sci-fi romance with a socially anxious human, his protective winged alien mate, a black cat companion, a slow burn with a spicy payoff, and a guaranteed HEA. This is an MM romance with explicit content intended for adult readers only. Some of the trigger warnings include: panic attacks, anxiety, swearing, and adult content (Full list inside).

Rubbles of Magrath by Natalie Kelda

Three months have passed since the Great Quake shook Magrath. Three months since Balfour lost Skye. The city lies in ruin and survival is only possible by scavenging. Every day they root through buildings filled with those killed in the earthquake that was meant to mark the end of the tarilla war. The war that still rages on. Balfour's biggest fear is to find Skye. Rotten and crushed under the rubble. But he knows where she In the starless vaults at the centre of town. Struggling to accept his loss, Balfour strays to the courtyard where he once spent a night beside Skye. But there he discovers an old enemy and that hope yet remains. Can he risk the people who have become his family for someone he has already lost and mourned? Rubbles of Magrath is the second book in a trilogy that can be read on its own or in connection with the first 3 books in the Inner Universe Series.

The Shadow of Summer by Marlon Yelich

Socialite Jem has always lived in an ivory tower, hiding his own secrets and insecurities behind a veneer of surliness. But tragedy has struck his life and he'd rather not stick around to see the mess. When his initial escape plan fails, he ends up taking a job on a secluded Cumbrian farm. In the English Lake District, glitz and glamour are out, traded for hay bales and horses. Surrounded by nothing but fells and mountains, he meets Mat. Mat is confident, openly gay, optimistic—everything that Jem struggles to be. Nevertheless, an unlikely bond forms. And above all, Jem realises Mat has secrets of his own. Together, the pair begin a journey that will shake their perspectives of the world. They must acknowledge all that stands against them—and make it, despite the odds, to the other side. IMPORTANT NOTICE: "The Shadow of Summer" is a work of fiction not intended for readers under the age of 16. The novel deals with themes that some readers may find upsetting. These include alcohol/substance abuse, bereavement, mental health issues & suicide. A more comprehensive list of trigger warnings can be found on Instagram at @marlonyelichauthor.

Never Leave, Never Lie by Thea Verdone

The lies that brought them together will tear them apart. Alek and Ian’s relationship is built on lies and the cracks are starting to show. A pianist gifted with synesthesia, Alek sees sounds and hears colors and transforms all of his emotions into music. But no matter how hard he tries to hide behind a facade of apathy and seduction, he can’t escape the dark past that haunts him. Contractor Ian sees the beauty in something destroyed by neglect and his obsession with fixing extends beyond historical buildings. But when Alek’s self-destructive tendencies turn their relationship to ruins, Ian fears Alek is the first project he’ll have no choice but to abandon. Now the Gothic Victorian mansion they’re renovating is the only thing connecting them. Alek will do anything to keep Ian with him. Except tell the truth. Because Alek is lying about everything, starting with his name, and when Ian learns the truth, their house of cards will collapse. Never Leave, Never Lie is an angsty MM modern gothic romance that will appeal to fans of mental health representation, relationships in crisis, hurt/comfort, and a hard-fought happily ever after.

Dawn's Cozy Horror Corner by Dawn Chen

"Dawn‘s Cozy Horror Corner: a queer Chinese diaspora horror short stories anthology“ is a horror anthology which contains five stories featuring supernatural elements and young Chinese diaspora protagonists whose identities clash with the environment around them. In ”Bottle of Shame“, a girl who can pull out people's shame must grapple with the gruesome consequences of the truth she reveals. In ”The Girl with No Face“, a girl slowly loses her facial features one at a time until she become a faceless horror who take vengeance upon her tormentor. In “My Future Self Once Said“, a girl is paid a visit from her future-self as a warning. In "Judge of the Underworld Household", the protagonist disagrees with the method her ancestor god who rules over the Chinese Underworld and the way he views crimes and punishment. In "Meet Your Demons“, a girl is offered to be possessed by a demon and gladly accepts.