Orc The Halls: A Snowed-In Christmas Romance (OrcFire Book 9) by Alana Khan

Some Christmas gifts come with muscle, tusks, and a promise you’ll never be cold again. Laney My plan to cover next semester’s vet school tuition—holiday pet-sitting at my late grandma’s snowy mountain sanctuary—is going down in flames. The exotic animals are staging a revolt, a blizzard’s closing in, and failure means losing everything. Then he shows up. Ryder six-foot-eight of green-skinned, musclebound orc firefighter with a voice that could melt snow and hands that promise ruin. He’s calm with the animals, gentle with me—and when he calls me sunshine, my icy walls start to melt. But I’ve been left behind too many times to believe in happy endings. Ryder I came here to do a quick pet-care favor. What I found? A fierce, brilliant woman holding her world together with grit and hope. Laney thinks I’ll walk away like everyone else. But this orc? I’m not going anywhere. I’ll earn her trust. Melt her defenses. And prove that I love hard, protect harder, and know exactly how to heat up a snowbound cabin. Escape into a snowed-in mountain romance where Christmas miracles come with fierce devotion, possessive growls, and the kind of dominant orc who brings the fire. Scorching scenes guaranteed, along with your new green-skinned book boyfriend. For readers 18+ who love their holidays hot, their heroes huge, and their monster romances equal parts heart and heat.

Stirring Spurs by MA Wardell

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

Cut to the Feeling by AJ Truman and MA Wardell

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

Snapdragon: A Thumbelina Retelling (A Garden of Fairy Tales) by Sarah Beran

A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm. Persephina’s idea of a perfect future has always involved exactly two her mother and their little flower shop. Sure, marriage would be nice, but it’s hard to find love when the only men Percy meets are there to buy flowers for their sweethearts…until a mysterious, handsome stranger shows up in her shop. But all is not as it seems, and when an innocent walk goes disastrously wrong, Percy finds herself in a whole new realm of trouble. Literally. Trapped in the dying Fairy Realm, Percy is left with no choice but to seek help from the so-called Lord of Death. Just when it looks like a future is going to blossom, however, secrets come to light that could change everything. Because fairy princes are not all that they seem. And in the end, death comes for all. Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order. “Snapdragon” is a combined retelling of Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone, featuring tropes such as Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Hidden Identity.

Dances and Danger: A Twelve Dancing Princesses Retelling (Fairy Tales of Ambrose) by Amanda Thompson

A tournament, a threat, and a terrifying dance. Princess Gardenia loves her life, her family, and her kingdom. Being heir to the throne is a challenge she enjoys. Her father throwing a tourney to find her a husband, while not a joy, is something she can handle. If only the eyes she has dreamed of for months were easier to forget. However, Nia doesn’t get to daydream because she must focus on saving her sisters and herself from being forced to dance until exhaustion every night. As Nia watches her sisters fade, she wonders if she is truly fit to be the future queen—and if she’ll survive long enough to be crowned. Prince Dario of Cortes is eager to prove himself as capable as his older brother. Craving adventure, he hopes the tournament will allow him to do just that—and possibly find love. If the feelings he has for a certain beautiful princess are anything to go by, he has possibly found his soulmate. But befriending the princesses puts the twelve young ladies in even more peril, and soon the princesses are fighting new dangers against threats seen and unseen. Can the curse be broken before it's too late? Or will the princesses be forced to dance until they each fade from existence?

Diamond Wishes: An Aladdin Retelling (All That Glitters #12) by Abigail Manning

A mute guard, a chatty parrot, and a diamond ring that could change it all... Few people have heard the legend of the wondrous wishing diamond, and even fewer have wasted their efforts searching for it. Kya could care less about jewels unless they can sell for enough money to feed her and her mouthy parrot. Her chronic fainting spells make it impossible to hold down a real job, and difficult to escape the guards when a charming stranger interrupts her heist. Caught and caged, Kya admits defeat as she wastes away in the palace prison. Not even befriending a royal guard can get her out of her chains, but a deal with a smooth-talking nobleman might... It would seem that the boy from the market isn’t the only person on a diamond hunt. If anyone can find a diamond ring in a cave full of treasures, it’s a jewel thief, but that doesn’t mean she knows how to use it. Wishes gone wrong and a power struggle between royals quickly trap Kya once again, but this time as a fake princess. Even a counterfeit diamond can sparkle, but can it fool a treasure hunter? Life as a royal sure does have a nice ring to it, if you can live long enough to wish for a crown. Diamond Wishes is a standalone, no-spice, fairy retelling and is a part of the series "All That Glitters." A collection of 12 treasure-themed fairy tale retellings full of adventure, romance, and glittering gold.

Meet Me in the Woods by Courtney Reece

When Lowen Lawrence is invited to participate in the annual Moon Water Ritual, she unknowingly unlocks an ancient curse, turning her life upside-down. With two mysterious--and gorgeous--strangers pop up in her sleepy Midwest town of Moon Creek, Lowen is both intrigued and alarmed. Sebastian, with his forward flirtation, and Wesley, who seems steady and familiar, both appear to be keeping secrets. The problem is: Lowen can't seem to stay away from either of them. When teens are found murdered in town, Lowen understands how dangerous her life has become since Sebastian and Wesley recklessly barged into it. With the help of her friends, Noah and Taylor, she must dive into the mysteries of alchemy, telepathy, and witchcraft in order to figure out who is haunting the woods of Moon Creek, or else become a ghost herself.

Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes

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

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).

When Flowers Wilt by G.E. Masters

To keep her soul, she'll have to make a deal with the Devil. The Dark Lady comes for a witch's soul on their eighteenth birthday. That's the way it's always been, but Vivian's instincts are telling her to run. So she does. Fleeing from home and denouncing all magic, she spends the next ten years with one foot out the door, terrified that the ruler of Hell will come knocking. But when her suppressed magic finally breaks free and the Dark Lady tracks her down, it's not to claim her soul. Covens have been disappearing under mysterious circumstances and she needs Vivian--and her magic--to stop it. Using the Dark Lady's desperation, Vivian strikes a deal: she will help, but only if she gets to keep her soul. As her connection to both her magic and to the alluring ruler of Hell gets stronger, Vivian uncovers the horrifying truth: there is something far more dangerous than the Devil out there, and it's coming for her.

When the Smoke Clears by Amanda Marquardt

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

When Sparks Fly by Amanda Marquardt

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

A Penny For Your Thoughts by Amanda Marquardt

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

Third and Long by Rebecca Minelga

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

False Comeback by Lily Mayne

High Lord Crossbody I’ve given up a lot to pursue a career in professional wrestling, and I’m not going to have it all derailed by an uncouth ghoul with a huge chip on his shoulder, who decided he disliked me for no reason on his very first day at Goliaths. Vince Burke has been the thorn in my side for five long years, but things have taken a turn for the worse. The management is threatening to get involved. I refuse to let Burke take the life I’ve worked so hard to build from me, so I try to be on my best behaviour at work, but something about him just gets to me. He consumes my thoughts. I can’t stand him. And when something happens between us that leaves me feeling completely unmoored, I find myself thinking about him constantly. He’s taken all the control, and I need to get it back. Because I liked it too much, and I can’t let myself feel that way about him. Vince “Rolling Rimmer” Burke I love everything about my job as a professional wrestler at Goliaths of Wrestling, an underground supernatural wrestling organisation. I love the showmanship. The costumes. The crowds. The ring and the arena. My co-workers. Well, except one. High Lord Crossbody, the royal fae who’s an actual prince, is a pompous snob and a pain in my backside. Everything about him rankles me—his clipped drawl, his disdainful sneer, his stupid long legs and eerily perfect face and sultry hooded eyes… I hate everything about him. I do. So when our mutual dislike boils over in a very public argument, then explodes into something even hotter and completely inappropriate, I’m left confused and even more annoyed. Because now I want him. And I hate that I want him.

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.

You’re Ours by D.C. Emerson

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

Brad & Finn by D.C. Emerson

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

Second Chance by S.B. Barnes

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

Heart First by S.B. Barnes

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

Two for Holding by S.B. Barnes

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

The Changeling by Shaelynn Long

A discarded Changeling battles prejudice, an identity crisis, and forbidden love as she risks everything in a deadly Faerie tournament to claim a place and a future she can call her own. Titian, a Changeling, has finally carved a quiet, solitary life for herself in the Borderlands of Ostaria, making poisons for anyone who can afford them. But when a Fae lord she never wanted to see again returns and demands she participate in the Heir Trials, she is forced to do something she swore she never would: return to Faerie. As Titian discovers more about the rising animosity between Ostaria and Faerie and its impact on Changelings, she is forced to reconsider everything she thought she knew-and, perhaps, everything she thought she wanted. Alongside new friends and a tall, dark, and mysterious Changeling male named Jasper, Titian must finally confront her past. Will the reluctant hero try to win the Heir Trials and perhaps even Jasper's heart, or will she return to the isolated existence she desires most?

Gilded by Vicious

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

Hiss and Tell (Harmony Glen) by Alana Khan

When calming magic meets single-mom mayhem, storytime turns sizzling. When my deadbeat ex disappoints my four-year-old again, I lose my mind at library storytime. Apparently, yelling "are you f*cking kidding me?" when daddies don’t show up isn’t considered appropriate language. Now my son is banned from his favorite place, and I’m desperate enough to fake-date the shy, snake-haired librarian with the gentle smile and the massive forearms. Sebastian’s hands turn me into liquid heat. His snakes flirt better than most men I’ve dated, but it’s the way he touches me—like I’m already his—that really undoes me. The more time we spend together, the harder it is to remember this is pretend… especially when his healing magic might offer a cure I never dared hope for. Maybe pretending isn’t enough anymore. She crashes into my quiet world and suddenly, safe feels overrated. Aspen’s chaos rewrites every rule I’ve lived by. My snakes react to her like she’s the missing piece of my soul, and every instinct screams at me to claim what’s mine. She doesn’t flinch at my snakes, my magic, or the emotional minefields I keep buried beneath stacks of books. Instead, she sees me. Not the Gorgon. Not the librarian. Me. Now I’m bringing storybooks to life at her son’s bedtime, fantasizing about healing her in every possible way, and wishing our fake relationship wasn’t so heartbreakingly pretend. One fake date. One magical cure. Infinite ways to burn. From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Alana Khan, author of Reptile Dysfunction, comes a monster romance filled with bedtime stories, possessive Gorgon magic, and a cinnamon roll hero who’ll do anything for the woman who sees him. One-click for fake dating turned dangerously real, healing hands and heat, and fantasy-fueled steam hot enough to incinerate your inhibitions. * * * * Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did. But not in Harmony Glen. After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.” Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here. Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.

Reptile Dysfunction (Harmony Glen) by Alana Khan

His head snakes aren't the only thing twitching with interest over her. Turns out, "reptile dysfunction" isn't permanent when the right woman knows exactly how to handle a Gorgon. SLOANE I returned to Harmony Glen to care for my injured mom, not to obsess over a grumpy Gorgon whose snakes have better game than most humans. Now Thad's thrown out his back trying to impress me, and I’m suddenly playing doctor… battling the urge to thoroughly examine every inch of his rock-hard body. THAD Sloane Whitaker spells trouble—human, high-profile, and a threat to everything I’ve tried to protect. She looks at me like I'm more than just the guy who kept monsters in the shadows. She believes I could build something new... and my snakes aren't the only part of me ready to rise to the occasion. Sometimes the best relationships start with a little dysfunction. Return to Harmony Glen in this spicy standalone from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Alana Khan, featuring Thad—the broody, biker Gorgon brother of Sebastian (from Hiss and Tell). Prepare for snake shenanigans, small-town drama, and heat that’ll fog your windows. * * * * Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did. But not in Harmony Glen. After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.” Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here. Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.

Thankful for My Orc: A Thanksgiving Firefighter Romance (OrcFire Book 8) by Alana Khan

She’s convinced she can’t be loved. He’s determined to prove she already is. Jordan I’m a divorce lawyer. Victorious in court, hopeless in love. The plan? Swear off dating and bury myself in work. The only reason I showed up at the orc firefighter speed-dating event was because my best friend dragged me along as moral support. I ended up paired with Forge—six-foot-eight of hot green muscle and infuriating patience. One incendiary kiss ignited a night of raw hunger I can’t stop replaying. Then I did what I always I panicked. Forge doesn’t pout. He builds. We each put ten date ideas in a a taco truck crawl, a vintage pinball tournament, even letting me into his workshop—his hands guiding mine over smooth wood until the air between us burns hotter than any fire. With him, every disaster feels like destiny in disguise. The more time we spend together, the more I know his heart, and the harder it is to walk away. Forge She’s guarded. I’m devoted. She’s brilliant. I’m hers. She thinks she’s unlovable; I know she’s my destiny. So, I make it one date at a time. I’ll shoulder the weight. I’ll do the heavy lifting, so she can finally let go in my arms. And I’ll worship what doesn’t need fixing—her. Every kiss, every laugh, every night in my arms proves the same Jordan is mine. This Thanksgiving, I want her at my side—with my brothers at Station 32, and my soulbond etched into her flesh. No cheating. No cliffhanger. Just five-alarm monster romance heat, a fiercely possessive orc, his grumpy heroine, and a firehouse family that always serves up second helpings of love, laughter, and heat. From USA TODAY Bestselling author Alana Khan.

The Lost Selkie by Eule Grey

Esther is excited to start a new job on a beach TV shoot. Sure, maybe it is strange how the ocean seeps in overnight with weird sea snails everywhere, but the technical issues are down to science, not myths. As an electrician, Esther understands facts. If only women were so simple. In her daydreams, Esther’s a passionate woman. Who cares if she lacks the courage for the real thing? And, yeah, maybe a girlfriend is better than a fantasy, but who’d put up with Esther? Her shyness keeps her from socialising, so it’s a shock when she ends up sharing a bed with the star of the show. Beautiful, gentle Layla becomes fascinated by a mythical selkie who guides lesbians to physical love. If only! Layla craves a real woman who will wait for sex until they’re ready for intimacy…a strong, kind woman exactly like Esther. Midsummer magic, faulty wiring, sexual awakenings, an ancient diary. Everyone knows about the lost selkie with a broken heart: she may only return to the sea once she finds her missing fur. Can Esther fix the set’s electrical issues and reunite the selkie with her lost love? Will the TV show ever be ready to broadcast? And, most importantly, can Esther and Layla come together on the beach and discover what matters most? Pretty Selkie from the sea, Can’t you spare a kiss for me?

The Milkyway Hotel by Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud ; Marguerite Grimaud

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

Their Sunflower Girl by Amelia Lascaux

Melina was stuck in a dry spell. Her love life, and sex life, were like a broken record—repeating the same lonely, unfulfilled song. Until she was offered an invitation to a fae pleasure house where all her desires awaited exploration. The pleasure house was filled with monster lovers from beautiful naga women to telepathic tentacle creatures, all looking for a casual hook up for the night. It was the perfect place for Melina to finally explore the bisexuality she'd buried her whole life. As she visited each themed room, two monster drew her attention—a stoic femme dryad determined not to let their connection blossom in and a genderfluid unicorn shifter who wants more than just one night together. Hours of pleasure with knots, tails, and scales later, the night was coming to an end. But Melina had a problem. She couldn't go back to an empty home when there was an ache in her heart that could on be filled with both of them. This FFX monster romance is a bi awakening where the FMC falls in lust with two sapphic partners ending in a spicy ever after. This story has multiple open door scenes, both with and without the love interests. This novella includes pairings with the FMC across the sexual and gender identity spectrum with monster characters.

Non Nobis (Not For Us) by Tom Rhymer

Oliver Oakeshott, misbehaving son of a proud line of English nobility, has made England too hot for himself. In the Kingdom of Jerusalem he follows an exile’s path, far from the disapproval of his powerful father, seeking a genteel oblivion in drinking and dicing. Ruadhan Ui Neill has taken the long journey beyond the sea for reasons of his own and joined the powerful and solemn Poor Knights of Christ of the Temple of the feared Knights Templar. A mystery on the pilgrim’s road waits to bring them together, but the two warriors live in a world that would keep them apart. Will they hold true to themselves and each other in the face of deadly intrigue?

Godsbane by Lindsey Richardson

Everything you know about your gods is a lie. Born into a ruling family, Ivy Fellows is no stranger to power. In a nation devoid of magic and forced to worship the Golden Pantheon, Ivy has used her position to loudly oppose the gods, earning her enemies and a slanderous nickname in the process. When the King dies without an heir, Ivy must take her ailing father's place at the Ascension Vote to stop the most powerful man in Corinth from taking the throne. Armed with weapons, wit, and secret earth magic in her veins, Ivy is ready to make the cross-country trek to the capital city, even if it means being forced to travel with the battle-famed Captain Callan Murphy, a man with a reputation even larger than her own. But nothing is as it seems. Determined to secure the captain as an ally, Ivy pushes Callan to open up and begins to suspect that he's hiding magic of his own. But uncovering his truths leads to a forbidden discovery of rebellion, bargains, prophecy, and destiny, culminating in an earth-shattering revelation that upends everything Ivy believes to be true. Faced with a reality that looks nothing like the one she left behind, Ivy must learn to navigate her rapidly expanding magic and growing feelings for Callan to accomplish the impossible: kill a god and change the fate of her country, her world, and herself. Godsbane, the first book in a planned fantasy romance duology, is perfect for fans of the descriptive prose, high stakes, and epic love stories of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, The Plated Prisoner, and Throne of Glass.

Forgotten Mountain Man by Sofia Aves

I've spent years hiding from a world that's best forgotten me. I'm a man who prefers the company of the wind to my own kind. Strangers are never welcome. When a woman who should never have crossed into my territory decides to set up house right on my doorstep, I'm forced to endure the calamity she brings with her. My existence is upended by a redhead tornado hellbent on destroying the peace I've garnered in the remotest corner of Montana. By the time I've accepted her changes in my life it's too late...I've fallen for the girl who dared poke the proverbial bear. But she's brought a secret to my mountains that means leaving my hidden corner of the world or risk losing everything I've found with the girl who healed me.

Her Feral Biker by Sofia Aves

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

Puck Me Sideways by Sofia Aves

Working alongside the hottest hockey team is her dream-right up until the most droolworthy defender on the ice does the one thing that ruins all her fantasies. He notices her. Hallie Newman has spent the last four months at the home of the Jericho Chimeras pretending not to exist. After all, the curvy marketing graduate knows exactly what it feels like to have her heart broken by a pro hockey player, and stomped all over by a puck bunny WAG wannabe. But when she finds herself in Solace Hunter's sights he leaves her no room to escape. He's been watching her for longer than anyone knows. Because Hallie is his obsession. And just like his job as goalie for the Chimeras, Solace takes the protection of what he considers his seriously...and he's already claimed Hallie whether she knows it or not. PUCK ME SIDEWAYS is a standalone dark romance read in Sofia Aves' JERICHO CHIMERAS ICE HOCKEY SPORTS ROMANCE world.

The Silence of Storms by Nico Silver

Everyone knows that a seer must never take life, but no one seems to know what happens if they do. Stígandr Tovarsson never dreamed they would learn the answer to that puzzle, but one night a prophetic state leads them into the forest where they stumble upon a pair of spies. Still half-caught between reality and the spirit world, Stíga accidentally kills the men and finds out first-hand what it means when a seer takes a life. Now, stripped of their family name and their inheritance, faced with a life without hearing, and plagued by visions of being pulled into the ocean’s depths by a Sea Folk man, Stíga chooses to follow the magic that constantly pulls at them. It leads towards the sea, but when they get there, will they find a cold death by drowning, or a chance for mutual healing in a pair of deep brown eyes full of anger, hate, and desire?

Waking Pan by Nico Silver

Satyrs are real and someone is sacrificing them, but love is the most terrifying thing of all. After too many years of letting social anxiety dictate their life, Alder Lewis is done. They’re determined to make it through the MA program in Folklore, no matter how many presentations it requires, or how much socializing with other students. The horrors of a joint project don’t seem so bad, after all, once they meet their study partner Silas. Silas is handsome, kind, and interested in Alder as much for their brain as for their body. It also doesn’t hurt that he looks like a Greek god, and Alder is obsessed with Greek mythology—especially satyrs. Only Silas has secrets, and there’s someone in Great Valley who’s extremely interested in finding out what those secrets are. When Alder’s thesis research leads them to the enigmatic leader of a gentle nature religion, it seems like everything is working out perfectly: Alder has found a new love interest, a new spiritual path, and a new research subject. But Ego Arcadia has secrets, too, and Alder will have to draw on every strength they didn’t know they had to survive.

Horned to be Wild: A Cozy Monster Romance (Harmony Glen) by Honey Phillips

Big horns. Bigger… heart? When city artist Lila inherits her great-aunt’s cottage she expects rustic charm—not a fixer-upper with a failing roof and a grumpy, reclusive minotaur living next door. Torin is big, brooding, and annoyingly attractive. He might have the social skills of a tree stump, but every time he stomps to her rescue she’s more intrigued. Torin likes his life quiet, his woods undisturbed, and his horns—and his heart—well out of sight. Unfortunately his deliciously curvy new neighbor has a way of bypassing all his carefully crafted rules. She’s sweet, sassy, and impossible to ignore. But Torin has spent years hiding, and Lila’s presence threatens to upend the safe, quiet life he’s built. As the town's art fair approaches, Torin must decide if he’s ready to show more than his carvings to the world! * * * * Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did. But not in Harmony Glen. After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.” Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here. Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.

A Caress of Water by Nico Silver

A terrible sickness rages through the Eyrie, demanding all of Fionn’s skill and magic as a healer, and leaving him no time to pine after the prince of Morven Forest. Far to the north, Kiernan awaits whatever terrible revenge his Queen will exact for the crime of evading her punishment—Kier still has no magic, but he is no longer cut off from his beloved forest. But instead of further discipline, Kiernan finds himself sent to Great River, where he is instructed to set up a Sidhe embassy in the mostly human city. Struggling with the loss of magic and the absence of the man he loves, the heart-bond he shares with Fionn is all that keeps Kiernan grounded. Then, that same bond delivers the devastating knowledge that something has happened to Fionn, something that has left him hurt and in pain. Too far away to send timely aid, Kiernan is left to decide if he can risk angering his Queen further by leaving his post to travel across the Isle. If he goes, he risks his freedom and that of his loyal staff. If he stays, Fionn might not survive.

Wedding for My Werewolf (Fairhaven Falls #9) by Honey Phillips

One runaway human. One frustrated werewolf sheriff. Pretending to be mates is supposed to be the easy part… Robin never imagined she’d be on the run, but after being framed for a crime she didn’t commit, her only option is to disappear. She lands in Fairhaven Falls, a quirky small town full of creatures that should terrify her—but after dealing with real-life villains, a town of monsters is almost a relief. If only she didn’t keep falling into the arms of the town's huge werewolf sheriff… Eric has had it with his pack’s matchmaking schemes. They’ve been sending a steady stream of she-wolves to his door in an effort to tie him down, and he needs a break. The pretty little human with the frightened eyes and the most delectable scent he’s ever encountered seems like the perfect solution—they’ll pretend to be mates, and his pack will finally give him some breathing room. Robin’s not thrilled about cozying up to the law, especially not a bossy, protective werewolf, but when he gives her that hot, hungry look, it's easy to forget she’s a fugitive. With his pack breathing down their necks and her past catching up fast, the only thing scarier than the monsters in town is the fact that their little charade is starting to feel dangerously real… Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy holiday tale is intended for mature readers.

AcClaim by Jean Thesquare

Beatrix Winslow-Hale, a celebrated author on the brink of mainstream breakthrough, has everything she needs in life: acclaim, a fiercely protective ride-or-die bestie to ensure she gets out of the house and into the most delicious trouble, and increasing ability to build worlds without support from her wealthy family. But in a city where all is possible, a new player emerges: Dorian Wolker, a man who doesn't take makes others want to be taken. As their dance of seduction moves from opulent penthouses to contracts and requests of surrender, Beatrix's world spins out of control. Yet her partner in crime, Manon De Rochemaure, a European billionaire heiress and supermodel who wields sensuality as rebellion, stands by her side as they plot a devastating comeback. AcClaim pulses with feminist punk spirit, as the two women strategically dismantle the patriarchy by wielding sensuality, brazenness, and the power of reputation as weapons proving that men only burn witches because they fear them. It's the perfect book for people who loved Penelope Douglas's Corrupt or Megan Nolan's Acts of Desperation.

Happy Face by Sirius

Casper makes his living by chasing the dead. He specializes in helping confused spirits, and the people they leave behind, move on. He’s also deathly afraid of clowns. Lately, all his nightmares have centered around Buttons the Merrymaker, a clown-like entity who trapped and tormented him while he was fleeing his Appalachian home. Casper has been willing to write off the whole experience as a bad dream for the past 20 years. But now, the clown is calling him back, as are the family secrets he so desperately tried to leave buried. His fears are catching up to him, whether he’s ready to face them or not. Taking the reins of his own fate will mean returning to that funny little town of Bustagut. Where, in some ways, it will be just like he never left.

The Break of Dawn by Eule Grey

Cora ‘I am all that I need’ Richards has a prison reputation for being an ice queen. She exists via a strict code of survival: people equal pain—the end. Surprises lead to disappointment; therefore, Cora won’t tolerate the unexpected. Friends? No. Lovers? Never. A hollow nighttime ache in her chest is bothersome, true, but the issue certainly isn’t caused by loneliness. Cora knows who she is and what she isn’t. She gladly accepts a placement at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, not to meet the elusive artist, Sky Sunday, but to finish her prison sentence early. It’s work, nothing more. But the breathtaking landscape, woolly lambs, fluffy ducklings, and friendly artists challenge a woman trying not to feel. Life at the Sculpture Park is vibrant, messy, and warm. Still, it would take someone extraordinary to melt an ice queen such as Cora—the end. Sky Sunday wears dungarees and muddy yellow boots, talks in riddles, listens to Cora’s suggestions, and never belittles her. From the first awkward meeting, attraction sizzles between them. But Sky is rubbish at talking. So is Cora. How can two impenetrable women ever get close? From dawn to dusk, the workers toil on a mysterious, humming sculpture, and nobody knows what it’s supposed to be. If they trust their instincts, Sky insists that something unique will happen on Easter Sunday. Cora abandons the last of her ice armour as dawn breaks, but is it too late to be vulnerable and take a second chance? What happens when an ice queen and a fluffy chick kiss? Can Cora and Sky forget their past and begin a new life together? This story is not the end.

Kiss for My Kraken: A Cozy Monster Romance (Fairhaven Falls #10) by Honey Phillips

A lonely woman, a grumpy kraken, and a town determined to bring them together… Nina needs a fresh start. Broke, alone, and desperate to escape her past, she stumbles into the quirky little town of Fairhaven Falls, hoping for a quiet place to rebuild her life. What she doesn’t expect is to nearly drown in the river on the edge of town—or to be saved by the town’s most mysterious resident. Sam has spent most of his life lurking deep in the river, keeping his distance from the humans on shore. As a kraken, he’s used to being feared, whispered about, and left alone. But when he rescues Nina, something in him stirs—an unfamiliar and dangerous longing to keep her. Nina should be terrified of the massive, tentacled creature who rescues her. Instead, she finds herself drawn to him—the gruff protector with bioluminescent skin, a possessive streak a mile wide, and a heart as deep as the ocean. But just as she begins to believe she’s finally found a place to belong, her past comes calling, threatening to rip her new life—and her monster—from her grasp. Sam has spent his life keeping his distance. But when danger comes for Nina, he’s ready to show the town—and the world—just how terrifyingly protective a kraken in love can be. Welcome to Fairhaven Falls, where love is wet, wild, and all together wonderful! Each book in the Fairhaven Falls series can be read as a standalone. This sweet and steamy small town romance is intended for mature readers.

Mountain Man’s Winter Wonder (Wildwood Valley Christmas Book 5) by Lilah Hart

She’s spent her life living for everyone else. He makes her wonder if she could finally choose herself. I’d spent my whole life living for everyone else. Since the age of twelve, I’d worked in my parents’ restaurant—trading proms for late-night shifts, friendships for endless obligations, and love for a future I never chose. At twenty-three, I was still stuck in their dream, not mine, pouring my heart into crafting snow globes that captured the kind of family and freedom I’d never have. Then came the Wildwood Valley Christmas Festival. One careless moment—a pack of kids knocking over my display—sent my carefully built world crashing in pieces across the frozen ground. And that’s when he appeared. Buck. A mountain man with steady hands, eyes warm as melted chocolate, and a quiet strength that made me feel seen for the very first time. He didn’t just help gather broken glass—he saw beauty in what was shattered. He saw me. Mountain Man's Winter Wonder is an OTT age-gap holiday romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It's a forced proximity ex-military, lumberjack romance with lots of steam that's designed to be read in only 1 hour. If you like short, steamy instalove novellas, you’ll love the entire Wildwood Valley Christmas series!

Rose's Untamed Bear by Bella Blair

She touched me, and the beast inside me opened its eyes and chose her ROSE: My life was simple. A cottage in the woods. Warm hearth. Quiet days spent with my mother and sister. Then the bear came. Huge, wounded, and wild. I should’ve been terrified, but I wasn’t. Because when he looked at me, I saw a man behind the beast. A soul trapped in fur and fury. One day, when he changed before my eyes, into a warrior with blood on his hands and fire in his gaze, I knew the truth. This wasn’t fate. It was a curse. And somehow, I’m the key to breaking it. He says I belong to him. But what terrifies me more is how much I want him to be right. ALARIC: Grimbald cursed me out of spite, forcing me to wear the skin of a beast for crimes I did not commit. For years, I lived alone. Forgotten. Savage. Waiting for madness to take me. Then she appeared. A girl with fire in her hair and kindness in her voice. Her touch calms the storm inside me. Her scent drives me to my knees. I told myself I wouldn’t love again. But Rose isn’t just anyone. She was made for me, and now I will prove to her that she is MINE. Even if I have to tear the gnome’s magic apart with my bare hands. Coming this curvy heroines, alpha monsters, and fairy‑tale chaos collide in a whirlwind of dirty declarations, magical matings, and heart‑thumping happily ever afters. For readers who like their fairy tales filthy, heartfelt, and unforgettably fun.

The Orc's Captive Bride (The Five Kingdoms #5) by Honey Phillips

The Five Kingdoms are poised to fall into eternal darkness. All hope lies in a forgotten prophecy—and a woman from another world. Dr. Thea Monroe knows nothing of prophecies. She only knows she's been transported to a strange new world, kidnapped by a terrifying orc warrior, and is being dragged toward the heart of an enemy's empire. Her only chance at survival is to outwit her captor, a male taught to be a monster. But his reluctant care and fierce protection tempt her to believe he could be so much more. Khorrek was bred for one to obey. But his beautiful new captive, a brilliant woman with fire in her eyes, challenges his every command and sees through the lies that have defined his existence. He was sent to deliver the final piece of his master's puzzle, but Thea may be the one person who can help him destroy it. In the final battle for the future of the Five Kingdoms, a monster must become a hero, a captive must become a queen, and two souls from different worlds will have to risk everything for a love that could save them all… Although each book in the Five Kingdoms series can be read as a standalone romance, there is an overall series arc which concludes in this book. This sweet and steamy romance is intended for mature readers.

Masks Worn by Magical Wives by Hiyodori

"Look humble. Look bashful. Look harmless." Masks Worn by Magical Wives is a slow-burn f/f romance packed with secret identities and surreal magic. The story unfolds in a unique contemporary fantasy setting: a twisted yet beautiful realm where kings slowly turn amphibious and snake-worshipping nuns lurk in colossal caverns. Nemesia is one such nun. Chosen by an eldritch god, she spends most of her life underground, but her sect sends her on occasional pilgrimages to work in the land above. This time, in her mid-thirties, she gets hired to snoop on a mage named Eden... by going undercover as Eden's wife. In a world of cold and unsociable mages, Eden alone is the opposite: both powerful and well-loved. Perhaps too well-loved—she's left behind a long string of angry paramours. The exasperated king of the land orders her to settle the issue by taking a spouse. Despite her friendly facade, Eden would rather marry a stranger than someone who adores her. Nemesia (who has spent decades living devoutly in a hole) is the perfect candidate. Eden welcomes her new bride with warmth and generosity. But one of her oldest enemies ordered Nemesia to accept her offer, and it's only a matter of time till she finds out. Their marriage of convenience feels strangely comfortable, even with multiple layers of mutual deception. Yet as the seasons turn, Eden begins to lose control over her magic, and Nemesia begins to lose sight of her mission. Secrets unlock deeper secrets as tentative, unwished-for emotions spill over into a relationship that was never supposed to mean anything at all. This standalone fantasy novel has loose connections to the author's other work, but can be read and enjoyed without any prior knowledge.

No One Else Could Heal Her by Hiyodori

“I want to see you cry. I want to see you destroyed.” No One Else Could Heal Her (a standalone prequel to the Clem & Wist series) marks the contentious beginning of a lifelong f/f romance. Their slow-burn relationship deepens in a stratified magical academy packed with rules designed to keep them apart. They’re opposites in every way. Their feelings for each other are stifled, unfamiliar, charged with resentment. And impossible to deny. In this modern-era fantasy world, mages get all the magic and glory. Mages run the nation. Healers shuffle around in their shadow. Clematis is a talented healer. That’s what traps her at a prestigious boarding school for high-class mages and the healers being trained to serve them. Her only goal: keep her head down. Pretend to be mediocre. Avoid catching the interest of any mages whatsoever. Tall, dark-haired Wist is a quiet loner, despite being the strongest mage student in the entire academy. She seems just as determined as Clematis to cover up her true gifts. Yet every once in a while, she cracks and shows more glimpses of her power. For some reason, those moments usually have something to do with Clematis. Clematis can’t begin to understand why a top-tier mage would try to avoid the spotlight. The sheer infuriating mystery of Wist keeps dragging her in closer. Even if they're supposed to be enemies. Even if it means making herself a target for envious classmates. Even if every step she takes toward Wist puts her at risk of expulsion. Once Clematis would’ve been thrilled to escape the academy. Now—confronted with a cold, secretive, long-suffering mage unlike any other—she finds herself scrambling for excuses to stay.

Rise of the Phoenix by Brendan Arnold

Winner of Debut Author of the Year, Young Adult Book of the Year and Book Cover of the Year at the Bookstagram Awards 2025. Filled with emotional stakes, heartwarming angst, and shocking revelations, Rise of the Phoenix is the first book in the Phoenix Chronicles where magic is just the beginning. One moment can change your life forever. Will Tavner never imagined his quiet life in Fawkeston would end with fire and shadows. Marked by a strange glowing symbol and plagued by visions he can't explain, Will's dreams of leaving his small town behind crumble as he's thrust into a world where magic is more than myth - and far more dangerous. Together with his fiercely loyal friends - Aylise, Seb, and Rupert - Will is drawn into an ancient conflict brewing across the kingdom of Arulean. The ruthless Queen Haveena and her husband, King Rickard, rule the land with fear, wielding their powers to crush dissent. When whispers of rebellion stir and a long-forgotten power begins to rise, their reign threatens to topple. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Will must decide who he can trust and what he's willing to sacrifice to awaken a long-lost power. In a world teetering on the edge of revolution, his choices will either spark a new dawn - or doom it to ashes. Why you'll love Rise of the Phoenix * A rich new magical world filled with loveable and love to hate characters, strong, powerful women and magical gays. * A blend of fantasy, action, mystery and self-realisation that will hook you in from the beginning. * A slow-burn romance formed from a lifelong friendship. * It's is a love letter to anyone who's ever felt different or had to fight to be themselves. * Perfect for readers looking for a less brutal Game of Thrones (George R. R. Martin), a queer twist on Throne of Glass (Sarah J. Maas), or looking for the self-discovery and friendship of Heartstopper (Alice Oseman).

Ghost: A Small Town Age Gap OTT Instalove Biker MC Steamy Short Romance (Steelwood MC Book 1) by Julia Stone

He stole her to save her. Now he can’t let her go. I found her by accident—just a glimpse during a job finished a few months back. One little discovery turned into an obsession. I told myself to forget her, but that was a lie I never stood a chance of keeping. When I learned her father planned to trade her to another club’s bastard, I couldn’t let it happen. So I took her. Now she’s here, hidden away in my world of smoke, leather, and scars. She looks at me like I’m her captor, and maybe I am. But I’m also her only chance. Every day she’s near, I lose another piece of the restraint I swore I’d keep. I can’t let her go—but I can’t let myself have her either. Because if I touch her, there’s no coming back from it. My whole life has been planned for me—every breath, every choice, every future moment dictated by my father. I never questioned it until Ghost tore me from that life and dropped me into his. He’s chaos made flesh—scarred, and dangerous—but somehow, he feels more honest than anyone I’ve ever known. He says he took me to protect me. Maybe that’s true. But the way he looks at me burns hotter than any lie. The longer I stay, the more I see the man beneath the rough edges—the protector, not the villain. Somewhere between fear and fascination, I start to fall. Ghost may have stolen my freedom... but he’s the first person who’s ever made me feel free. Each story in the Steelwood MC series is part of a shared storyline that is best enjoyed read in order. Each couple ends with a HFN ending that will result in their HEA by the end of the series!