A Thousand Reasons by Titania Tempest

Shadowed by masks and etched with scars, can love bloom beneath the glare of the spotlight? Rowan Hart wants to believe it. Vivienne Vale stopped hoping long ago. Rowan arrives for the final season of The Crystal Throne determined to prove herself opposite the legendary Vivienne Vale. After weathering her last media storm, she’s ready to reclaim her confidence, find her courage, and finally cement her place as an A-list actress. Viv steps onto set carrying decades of discipline, the scars of an old scandal, and a reputation polished to brilliance. She has rebuilt her life once already, and she won’t risk it again – not even for the magnetic co-star who disarms her with unsettling ease. Rowan’s quick wit and earnest warmth crack Viv’s composure. Viv’s fierce grace and quiet vulnerability catch Rowan completely off guard. What starts as professional admiration drifts into amiable rivalry – and then into a soft, dangerous friendship. Long days, dazzling sets, and unspoken truths draw them closer until one stolen night shifts everything. Their connection is undeniable… and utterly impossible. Careers, reputations, and old wounds stand between them, along with a thousand reasons to walk away. With the world watching and wrap day looming, Rowan and Viv must choose between protecting the glittering masks they’ve built – or risking everything for one fragile, fiercely earned chance at something real.

Go Easy on Me by Bradley James

How do you rebuild a life shaped by loss? Eight years after a devastating accident left his father permanently disabled, Theo Branson is still carrying the weight of a decision no teenager should have been asked to make. Now in graduate school for mental health counseling, he hopes to find a way forward and focus solely on his education and building his career. After years of dedication to his caregiving responsibilities, he’s ready to live a life that’s his own. But when it comes to romance—something Theo has sworn off entirely—he is urged by his best friend to open his heart to the idea of finding love in his new era of independence. With this push, Theo meets Javier, a gentle music tutor with a quiet sadness, and Randall, an enigmatic Army veteran whose sudden arrival stirs something Theo can’t explain. As he navigates the growing pull between the two men, Theo’s home life begins to unravel—fractured by secrets, addiction, and another tragedy that threatens to undo everything. Just when Theo thinks he’s lost his chance at love and healing, a revelation shifts the world beneath his feet—one that defies logic and opens the door to something both heartbreaking and miraculous.

The Key by Jo Morgan Sloan

Two high school sweethearts—one cisgender, one transgender, both men— find each other again in adulthood and have a second chance at love, but one of them doesn’t know they’ve been in love before. Tabby, a closeted trans boy in high school, resolves to come out after moving away for his senior year. He worries his boyfriend, Jax, will reject him over the truth and doesn’t share his trans status. On their final date before Tabby moves, still passing as female, he and Jax agree to break up over the distance and promise to give their love a chance if they find one another again. As an adult, Jax moves to San Francisco in search of a clean slate. Tabby, living in the same city, fills his life with friends and hosts an LGBT D&D group; however, his boyfriend Rob is a poor match for him. When Jax joins Tabby’s D&D group by chance, the two are thrust together again and become fast friends, yet Jax doesn’t recognize Tabby because of his advanced transition. Jax becomes Tabby’s unofficial confidant and helps Rob be a better boyfriend behind the scenes to satisfy his growing attraction. With every day that Tabby hides the truth—that he is Jax’s missing first love—he risks losing both Rob and Jax to his lies.

Dire Straights by L.A. Lambert

Maddox - As a freshman at BBU, I have my pick of parties and girls, but I still feel pretty stressed and unfulfilled. I can't stand my moronic teammates on the swim team, and devoting so much of my time to swimming is starting to take a toll on me. I'm over everything, until I get paired with this socially awkward dweeb named Ren Suzuki in one of my classes. He follows me around like a puppy and wants to show me off to his weird friends. I feel protective over him, like I'd fight anyone who looks at him wrong, but I don't like guys that way. But then why do I feel jealous when he talks to other people? And why do I want to spend all my time with him? Ren - It's hard for me to believe that someone like Maddox Holmes likes hanging out with me. He's cool and athletic and looks like one of those male models on a magazine cover. Jocks have never been nice to me, but I know right away that he's different. I've never liked a guy before, but I can't help but develop a crush on someone like him. And even though my evil ex-girlfriend drilled it into my head that I'm too weird and annoying for anyone to like, I'm pretty sure he's starting to feel the same way. Does he like me enough to make this a real thing, even if coming out as bi will make everything harder for him? Dire Straights is a guaranteed HEA dual 1st POV college romance featuring double bi-awakening, jock/nerd, grumpy/sunshine, lots of fluff and spice, and an oddball group of friends.

Out of the Storm by Logan Sage Adams

Jeff Russo, a somewhat surly full-time mall custodian and hobbyist storm chaser, feels fated to a life without intimacy, the wall cloud of past trauma poised to wreck every romantic relationship he tries to pursue. But when Jeff meets the constantly corny, very nerdy, and hopelessly endearing Gary Graham of radio station WKBR, he is helpless to fight his burgeoning feelings. Gary Graham, part-time calculus professor, part-time radio personality, and full-time self-proclaimed weirdo, has packed his schedule to the brim so that he might stave off loneliness. Afraid of losing people, Gary tends to latch on too tightly in his romantic relationships, which has only ever resulted in heartbreak. Jeff and Gary’s fast friendship threatens to turn into too much too soon, and their romantic intimacy seems to only forecast catastrophe. Forced out of his storm shelter, Jeff will have to face his trauma and learn how to be vulnerable, or chance losing the only man with whom he has ever felt truly safe. And Gary will have to let Jeff take the lead, or risk hurting the broody-yet-sweet man he is starting to love. Navigating intimacy in the middle of a metaphorical tornado isn’t easy, but Gary and Jeff are willing to try. Because true love is worth weathering the storm for. Set in 1985 in Niles, Ohio, Out of the Storm is a heartfelt MM romance with a torrent of humor, a flurry of heartache, and a sprinkling of spice.

Pieces of Home by Becca Neil

All he’d ever wanted was to go home. Ryan Davis has lived in hell for the last fifteen years. Kidnapped at age eight, then beaten, broken, and forced into silence, Rye managed to exist, to survive. When a chance phone call gives him an opportunity to escape, he takes it. But escape doesn’t mean safety, and freedom doesn’t mean happiness. And even if he can manage to find home, the pieces of what used to be may never fit back together. Jacob Wright has adapted. In fact, Jake would probably say he loves his life—living in a beautiful home on a secluded beach on the Northern California coast. It wasn’t the life he’d planned. But accidents happen. And an accident was what stole his livelihood and limited his mobility six years ago. He’s happy now, if not still living carefully, avoiding things that used to make him happier. When Rye shows up on Jake’s beach, lost, fearful, and on the verge of death, Jake has to become a caretaker for a man who can’t seem to speak, and Rye has to put his trust in a stranger to survive. An unexpected and tenuous friendship grows, forming a deep bond full of possibilities that neither of them had imagined. But even as they start to recognize what’s in their hearts, the past seems intent on reminding them both how truly broken they are . . . Pieces of Home is a slow burn, hurt/comfort MM romance that focuses on the growth of a deep friendship and how two broken men find each other, help each other, and heal each other. It’s a story of strangers to friends to lovers, featuring a small town setting, forced proximity, PTSD/cPTSD trauma and healing, demi rep, and a hard-fought happily-ever-after.

Return To Sender by Nicole Bazley

It’s hard to move on from a past you thought you would never survive. To live a life you don’t believe you deserve. I tried to start fresh. I really did. I agreed to move, thinking that I would be able to leave behind the tragic events that turned my life upside down. The day I lost the boy I loved. I didn’t expect to actually move on. I also didn’t expect to find love in the most unconventional of circumstances. With an unlikely person. Blake. His kind heart is washing away my internal fire of guilt, and his playful humour is piecing together my broken, shattered heart. But how do I truly move on when the very past I’ve been running from for years returns? It threatens everything Blake and I have created, forcing me to choose between the past that broke me and the man who pieced me back together. But does fate ever really give you a choice?

Glitches and Kisses by Grafton Carter

In small-town Havenwood, Noah Patel is used to keeping his walls high and his life predictable. As a video game designer who prefers the company of pixels over people, Noah doesn’t do spontaneous, flirty, or emotionally messy—especially when it comes in the form of Evan Mitchell, the charming, free-spirited waiter at The Rivermere Bistro. But when a chance encounter turns into something neither of them saw coming, Noah finds himself pulled into Evan’s orbit, one teasing smile and lingering touch at a time. What starts as a slow burn of attraction soon crashes through Noah’s carefully constructed defenses, leaving him vulnerable in ways he’s never allowed himself to be. As late-night confessions, riverside adventures, and quiet moments turn into something deeper, Noah and Evan must decide if they’re willing to risk the comfort of what’s familiar for the unpredictable, beautiful chaos of falling in love. Glitches and Kisses is Grafton Carter’s heartfelt second novel in The Havenwood Series—a tender, funny, and spicy exploration of love, trust, and learning to let someone in, even when you’re sure you’ll mess it up. Get ready for slow-burn chemistry, emotional vulnerability, and steamy scenes that turn up the heat in all the right ways.

The Dandelion & The Thistle by Pip Dolyn

Welcome to the Makers Market, your stop for high-quality, local, handcrafted art. Meet the artists as you browse. You never know what you'll find. Addison Baird has been a staple figure at the Makers Market. Known as the (un)official mayor of the market, he's who everyone goes to when they have a problem, but when he experiences a disaster of his own, who does he turn to? Colin Jameson is new to the Makers Market this year and has aspirations to take his ceramic art to a new level, but he's dealing with a creative block. When a frazzled vendor comes up to his booth with a problem he is uniquely qualified to solve, Colin wonders if he's finally found his muse. Throughout the summer, Colin and Addison grow closer as they navigate the art world and face the pasts that haunt them. Will their budding relationship be uprooted or will they find healing and truly begin to blossom?

The Next Round by Eva Frances

Shaken and stirred. Five years is a long time between drinks for old friends. Shaken by a series of heartbreaks, Andie Herrera’s fear of jumping into new relationships leads her to run away and keep her distance from the possibilities of love, even with restaurant and bar entrepreneur, Chris Vaughn. After five years apart, Andie and Chris are unexpectedly thrown together in a mix of professional and personal circumstances, as they work on the launch of a new bar establishment. Is this their chance to re-ignite their friendship and heal the rupture from the last time they saw each other? The heady cocktail of familiar warmth, heated conversation, and undeniable chemistry in their shared moments has Andie questioning what she really wants: friendship—or maybe even more, this time around. Can Andie face her demons and move beyond her deep-seated fears to finally take the leap of faith and meet Chris halfway? Is it possible that the person who knows her best might be the love she’s been missing?

Dying Wish by Hope Everly

Four broken souls. One dying wish. A promise that changes everything. When Joshua dies, his last request isn’t for himself. It’s for the friends he loved. Lexi, Lucas, Maddie, and Nelly swore they’d keep meeting, no matter how much life tried to pull them apart. What started as a fragile vow made in grief becomes the thread holding them together long after he’s gone. Each of them carries scars they’d rather hide: regrets that haunt, dreams that feel out of reach, families that broke them, choices that nearly destroyed them. But when silence and distance would be easier, it’s Joshua’s dying wish that forces them to show up for each other, again and again. Raw, emotional, and deeply human, Dying Wish is a story of love, grief, and survival. It’s about broken people finding strength in one another and discovering that sometimes, the promises forged in loss are the ones that teach us how to live.

Quickies at New Year's Eve by Penny Heart

Will New Year's Eve speed-dating bring him a new love or show him what he's missing? Bryan's sister, Cassie, has a side hustle running speed-dating events featuring strong drinks and delicious baked goods. After a bit of a rocky start, she's found her stride. Unfortunately, she's scrambling due to a couple of last-minute cancellations right before her big New Year's Eve event. Bryan is single and tired of swiping right, so he sees her problem as a win-win for them both. When he volunteers to help her out, he's stunned that she doesn't think he's a good fit for her female clients. This go 'round, her clientele are mostly late 30s and early 40s divorcees, single parents, those who've lost partners, and others who've been left behind in the dating scene. As a perpetual bachelor, Bryan's reputation doesn't exactly lend itself to finding a lasting connection, which is Cassie's goal. However, he's eager to prove he's finally ready to move into the next phase of his life as middle age stares him down. Tropes include he falls first, commitment-phobic bachelor, opposites attract, and second chance at love. Each book in the "Quickies: Spicy Shorts" series features an individual novella in the same world of ridiculous speed dating events, but each book can be read as a stand-alone. Contains explicit sexual language and adult situation.

Wicked Games by Hope Everly

She’s always done what she had to. Now, she’s doing what she never dared—choosing herself. Willow is a survivor. Raised in the foster system and shaped by a lifetime of bad breaks, she’s made more wrong choices than she can count, but every one of them kept her alive. When her bad decisions finally land her in the worst trouble yet, she is facing the unthinkable—jail time—Willow does something she’s never done before: she puts herself first. Determined to rewrite her story, she accepts a second chance to start over. But starting over isn’t so simple, especially when two very different men step into her path. Blake is calm, magnetic, and composed, everything Willow never believed she deserved. He offers safety, direction, and a future she never thought possible. Then there’s Braxton, rough around the edges, honest in a way that cuts deep, and a painful reminder of the past she’s desperate to leave behind. As emotions tangle and old wounds resurface, Willow finds herself caught between what feels safe and what feels real. But when survival is all you’ve ever known, can you really learn how to trust? Wicked Games is a raw, emotional journey of betrayal, self-worth, and the heartache of choosing between who you were and who you want to become.

Scrooged by the Mountain Man (Log Cabin Christmas) by Lilah Hart

She brought Christmas to his mountain cabin. He was determined to stay a Grinch forever. I show up at my Christmas cabin rental with a decorated tree, twelve boxes of vintage cards, and dreams of my big break at Wildwood Valley's festival. There's just one problem. The cabin isn't a rental. It's home to the grumpiest, most gorgeous mountain man I've ever seen, and he wants me gone. Chase Matthews doesn't do Christmas. Doesn't do joy. Doesn't do anything that remotely resembles holiday cheer. He lives alone in these mountains for a reason, and that reason is to avoid people like me—the kind who hum carols and believe in happy endings. But when the sheriff convinces him to let me stay, everything changes. Three days, he says. That's all I get. Three days in his cabin. Three days of stolen glances and simmering tension. Three days of discovering that beneath all that gruff exterior is a man who's been hurt, who's lost everything, who's convinced he doesn't deserve a second chance at happiness. I should keep my distance. Should focus on my business, my meetings with store buyers, my carefully planned future. Instead, I fall for him. Hard. Fast. Completely. But loving Chase means understanding his scars. It means accepting that Christmas—my favorite time of year—is the season that broke him. And when I push too hard, when I try to bring light into his darkness too soon, I might lose him forever. Unless he's brave enough to believe that some things are worth fighting for. That some people are worth the risk. That maybe, just maybe, this Christmas can be different. Because I'm not giving up on him. Not on us. Not on the possibility that a girl who loves everything about the holidays and a man who can't stand them might just be exactly what each other needs. Scrooged by the Mountain Man is an OTT age-gap holiday romance featuring an alpha hero and V-card heroine. It's a forced proximity holiday romance with lots of steam that's designed to be read in only 1 hour. It's part of the Log Cabin Christmas Multi-Author Series.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Mediterranean Waves by L.E. Minx & T.J. Fox

After over a year Sam has broken free of a narcissistic online lover, but mentally, a shell of who she used to be; Sam is lost. Her oldest friend, Nina, insists Sam take a healing journey to the scenic country of Greece. Sam’s hesitation about the journey melts away as she’s entranced by Greece’s lovely scenery, kind people, and gorgeous men, one in particular. Lucian, the sarcastic and flirtatious Florida boy, instantly charms Sam and offers a chance to step out of her comfort zone and experience the fun in life. “You’re thinking too much, Sam, life is an adventure, you should live it,” Lucian says and a sassy new friend, Jenny, agrees. Together, they take Sam on an awakening journey that changes how she feels about herself and life. When Sam’s heart is opened and she loves herself again, unexpected, perfect love finds her, now she must be brave enough to trust it. Mediterranean Waves is an adult Contemporary Women's Romantic Fiction novel featuring unconventional romantic relationships open door spice 4-5 level. It features an independent, sex positive FMC, and includes multiple lovers and friends. LGBTQ and CNM relationships present.

The Thread Ruby by VK Leon

When nineteen-year-old Ellie Ioannides crosses paths with her enigmatic tutor, Alex Rodocanachi, she feels an attraction she cannot explain. Magnetic and terrifying. Alex is rational, disciplined, and the heir to a powerful Greek shipping dynasty. He is not the person she would expect to fall for. Yet, every glance they share feels deeply like fate. Every touch sparks something deep within her. Alex feels it too, but he’s convinced their worlds can never truly meet. Ellie tries to dismiss the recurring dreams that feel far too real. Yet a part of him lingers with her — waiting at the edges of her life like a promise left unsaid until fate brings them together on her university graduation.. At the start of a deeply passionate and electrifying love affair, Ellie begins to uncover the truth. Some desires are not new but remembered. Some bonds are not chosen but returned. Alex holds secrets that go beyond one lifetime. Those secrets could take her heart, her destiny, and everything she thought she knew about herself. From modern London to 19th-century Thessaly in Greece, beneath the shadows of Mount Olympus, The Thread Trilogy is a story of obsession, fate, and unapologetic passion where love is never truly lost; it is only waiting to be found again. Lyrical, romantic, and unforgettable, this story will obsess you and remain with you long after you turn the last page.

Reality With You by L.E. McQuinn

Lights, camera…controversy? Lennon Young is a failure. Her marriage to her first love ended in under a year, and so did her first record deal. Now, a chance encounter throws her music career a life raft — but broadcasting all her failures on a reality show back in her home city of Arden Beach, Florida, isn’t exactly what Lennon had in mind. Especially when the producers discover her ex-husband is disgraced baseball star Dylan Strickland. As the son and grandson of two Arden Beach baseball legacies, all eyes are on Dylan to make a comeback from a major PR scandal. With an old family rival poised to seize team ownership, Dylan’s career needs to be his priority — but that’s what lost him Lennon the first time. Appearing on Arden Elite is a second chance to fix everything he’s broken. When “reality” TV turns out to be anything but, Lennon and Dylan learn the hard way that scandal sells better than sincerity. They’ll have to play this ruthless game right to avoid losing their reputations, their careers, and most importantly — each other. Reality With You is the first book in the Arden Beach series of interconnected standalone romance novels about the residents of a steamy South Florida city teeming with wealth, secrets, and scandal.

A One-Time Thing by Kate Hawthorne, E.M. Denning

Gil Valentine knows three things: he doesn’t want kids, he doesn’t want a relationship, and he likes to be alone. He spends Sundays tinkering in the garage, cruising on his motorcycle, and enjoying the luxury of a bed that he doesn’t have to share. After his last relationship with his best friend’s brother ended in disaster and nearly cost him a friendship, Gil swore off anything that might lead to complications. Rowan Verne knows two things: being a single dad is hard, and being a single dad to a pre-teen is harder. After the death of his wife and a tough few years as a struggling single dad, he’s determined to give his son a better life in a new town. Between moving into a fixer-upper and handling the demands of parenting a twelve year old, he’s juggling more than he anticipated—and then his son turns up down the street, talking to a very handsome, and very single neighbor. Rowan is everything Gil doesn’t want and Gil is everything Rowan doesn’t think he needs. Even though they’re opposites, the chemistry between them is undeniable. What’s supposed to be a one-time thing quickly turns into something both men want to continue. And when tensions get high and memories from the past flare their ugly heads Gil and Rowan realize everything has changed, but they both know one thing to be true. Once is never enough.

Opening It Up by Katie Landry

"Monogamy is really a very modern, patriarchal idea," Harley said gently. "Humans were not designed to stay with only one person, that's a very repressive construct. This would be about increasing our communication skills and deepening our commitment to each other in a sustainable way." When handsome and charismatic marriage and family therapist Dr. Harley Donaghy announces on his famous podcast Self-Actualizing Your Way to Marital Delight, that he wants an open marriage, his wife Lily-Mae is stunned and blindsided. Afraid she'll lose her husband, Lily-Mae reluctantly agrees to try it out. But things don't go as planned for Harley when his wife starts getting a lot more attention than he does...

Vile Pucker by Kate Raven

"Darling, I need my brilliant psychologist girlfriend to come down to Ashgrove Manor and verify that my son is not a psychopath..." When renowned abnormal psychology specialist Dr. Lark Lindeth reluctantly agrees to do her boyfriend a favor by interviewing his superstar hockey player son Gabriel and reassuring his team that he is sane enough to play, she has no idea what darkness and depravity waits for her behind the dripping stone walls of Ashgrove Manor... Author's this is a DARK Halloween horror romance and recommended for readers who love a fast pace, high spice, and unredeemable cruel villains who get a HEA.

The Twelfth Night Before Christmas by Keri Lane

When she first put on the Santa suit, she never imagined she'd fall in love... Cheated on, unemployed, and apartmentless, Viola Pearson does the unthinkable: she agrees to pretend to be her brother at his job at Snowspruce Christmas Village Santa. That's right. She pulls the classic twin switcheroo. The job, though, offers more problems than Viola anticipated. From beard itch to demanding parents, she also has to contend with her unfairly handsome coworker, Duke, all while hiding the fact that she's a woman. Viola has twelve days-twelve days to either find her happy ending or watch her lies come crashing down around her. Either way, it'll end with a bang. The Twelfth Night Before Christmas is a sweet, Shakespeare-inspired novella that guarantees both a happily ever after and a merry Christmas.

The Wedding Night by Kati Wilde

When an opportunity to take everything from the powerful family who destroyed his mother’s life falls into Caleb Moore’s lap, he needs help from the one person with more power and money than they have — business mogul, Audrey Clarke. The trick is getting her attention. So he approaches the infamous ice queen with an unusual proposition: marriage. The odds of a snowball surviving in hell are better than the chances of a rich, classy lady like Audrey Clarke marrying a mechanic from the wrong side of the tracks. He only hopes that she might consider a business partnership when she’s finished laughing at his marriage proposal. He never expects her to say yes — or that the ice queen could burn so hot. Because Audrey Clarke isn’t cold at all. And if Caleb’s not careful, the only thing he’ll give her for Christmas…is a broken heart.

Lizards Hold The Sun by Dani Trujillo

Archaeology has historically been a field for white men only. Not anymore. Xiomara Chavez has dedicated her life to the preservation of her Mexican homeland. Out of hundreds of applications, she alone was selected to lead the creation of the Bunchberry Tribal Museum. Faced with her most remote project ever, Xiomara must rely on the help of Calehan, the aloof museum architect. Sparks fly in the archives as Xiomara struggles to refrain from dating in the workplace. Tight-lipped Calehan Yellowbird has been tethered to Bunchberry, Canada for a thousand years. After the loss of his mother as a teen, Calehan has been providing for his family more than half his life. While he earned his architecture degree nearly a decade ago, the Bunchberry Museum would be his first official project. The pressure was immense, and Calehan felt the pressure of this project being his first…and last. Romance and dreams weren’t in the cards for someone like him. For Xiomara though, he was willing to take the chance. Thrown among ancient artifacts, shooting stars, and cultural obligations, Calehan and Xiomara must decide if they belong to each other or if the responsibility to their tribes and families are where they must be.

Gravity's Fire by CJ Aralore

Jason June meets F.T. Lukens in this YA debut that’s two parts fluffy romcom, one part contemporary fantasy, and all epic love story. First love is magic. Sometimes literally. Sixteen-year-old Phoenix “Nix” Ashwell has spent his whole life looking for his soulmate. He’s also spent that life living a lie. After discovering his parents kidnapped him as an infant, he runs away to a town built inside an ancient crater to search for clues about his past. And, no, he’s totally not there to look for a boyfriend. That is, until he meets Max, a boy straight out of his dreams. Okay, fine, he’s definitely there for a boyfriend. Desperate to be closer to Max, Nix takes a series of bizarre tests to get into the special program he’s part of. There’s just one problem: Max is magic. And, after unknowingly cheating on the tests, everyone thinks Nix is magic too—including a group of ex-students whose attempts to reveal magic to the world put Max in danger. Now Nix has way more to worry about than figuring out if Max is flirting with him or just super nice. He’ll have to find his own magic to protect the guy he’s falling so hard for he’s seeing stars. But then he learns his birth parents are hiding even more secrets than the ones he ran away from—one being that he was born to wield the most dangerous kind of magic. He’s faced with an impossible choice: risk the life of the boy he’s spent his whole life looking for or let him go to save him. What began as a quest to find where he belongs becomes a battle between the fire of who he is and the gravity of who he loves.

What Death Forgets by Thea Verdone

Never meet your hero, don't tattoo his art all over your body, and definitely don't fall in love with him. When up-and-coming artist, Asher Blakely, is invited to ​compete for a prestigious art mentorship hosted by his hero, ​the reclusive celebrity artist Leviathan Marks, he’ll do ​whatever it takes to win. Because Asher isn’t just any fan. ​He’s spent hours of pain and thousands of dollars turning ​Leviathan’s art into tattoos on his skin. But the more Asher gets to know the mercurial Leviathan, ​the more he starts to fear that maybe he never should have ​met his hero, that maybe Leviathan is no hero at all. Lev Marks collects people like paintings and he’ll stop at ​nothing to add Asher Blakely to his halls. But after luring ​Asher to his ancestral castle perched atop a tidal island, Lev starts to have second ​thoughts. Because Asher’s art is a mirror showing Lev all the worst ​parts of himself, and he can’t risk his secrets getting out. What Death Forgets is an MM modern gothic romance featuring -master painter x art prodigy protégé -hurt/comfort -anxiety and ADHD rep
 -touch-starved MC -angst -age gap
 -forced proximity -creepy castle -limerence to insta-love -mutual obsession -spicy Perfect for fans of Saltburn, Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, Sierra Simone's Thornchapel series, and A Picture of Dorian Gray.

Irresistibly Yours by Vicky Zarielle

A billionaire CEO. A marketing exec with no time for distractions. And one sassy cat determined to cause chaos... Emma Harper didn’t plan on romance. She barely planned on surviving another Monday. But when her mischievous black cat, Ruby, topples coffee all over Havenport’s most elusive billionaire, Emma’s neatly ordered life takes a very unexpected turn. Nolan Pierce is powerful, polished and far too serious for his own good. The rules of his empire are simple: no distractions, no complications, no mixing business with pleasure. But Emma’s quick wit and gentle warmth prove harder to ignore than any boardroom negotiation. Between late night deadlines, awkward almost dates and a viral kiss cam that makes them the city’s favorite “secret couple,” Emma and Nolan find themselves caught in something that feels a lot like fate. And Ruby, the cat who sees everything, is determined to give them a nudge... or a shove. In a city that thrives on ambition and appearances, Emma and Nolan must decide if love is worth the risk. Because sometimes the greatest fortune isn’t in boardrooms or bank accounts, it’s finding someone who feels like home.

Just Like a Fairy Tale by Cameron James

Luca‘s dreams are finally coming true when he secures a spot in the infamous Drag Club, The Rose Quartet. After years of perfecting his art, his moment is here but there’s still another first that’s niggling in the back of Luca’s mind: he’s never been in love. But maybe the beautiful boy who he’s certain would never like him back could change that. To Jackson, The Rose Quartet is like a second home having been raised amongst the fabulous Queens of the past, but his confidence has been shook after a disaster breakup he believes his demisexuality played a part in. With the health of his grandfather deteriorating by the day, Jackson doesn’t have time for the new Queen who’s catching his eye, right? Both have an undying love for drag which is ultimately what brings the two of them together, but will these two Drag Queens ever figure out what’s right in front of them?

Dumpster Kid by Cameron James

At just 17, McKenzie Jackson took the world by storm with Dumpster Kid, his raw, unfiltered musical about survival, hope, and finding where you belong. Now, a decade later, the prodigy-turned-playwright is ready to reclaim his voice as his show gets a long-overdue revival. But this time, McKenzie won’t just sit back and watch—he’s making sure it’s done his way. Enter a nationwide talent search, a live reality competition, and one dangerously charming contestant who makes McKenzie question everything. Falling for him? Bad idea. Falling for him on national television? Career suicide. And when an unscripted, unapologetic gay kiss ignites both celebration and backlash, McKenzie is thrown into a firestorm he never expected. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Ben is ready to disappear. Bullies, school, and home feel unbearable, and he longs to be anyone but himself. When an opportunity brings him into the orbit of Dumpster Kid, he’s faced with a choice: run from the life he knows or fight for the future he never believed he deserved. Told through dual perspectives, Dumpster Kid is a story of love, identity, and the messy, beautiful chaos of finding where you truly belong. A celebration of art, queerness, and the family we choose, this heart-wrenching yet hopeful novel asks: what happens when the world finally sees you for who you really are?

Adolescent Summers by Cameron James

Adolescent Summer has been lighting up screens for a whole decade – that’s ten years of Oz living it up in a fantasy world lightyears away from reality. But when production shut down during the global pandemic, Oz found himself with more free time than ever, giving him a chance to piece together parts of himself he’d lost. ​When Oz finally returns to the set after the lockdown, he’s in the midst of his own transformation. What he doesn’t realize is that he’s walking straight into a minefield of drama, one that feels all too familiar – just like the battle that erupted when his co-star, Quincy, came out as nonbinary years ago. Old wounds are ripped open, and feelings are hurt. And that’s just the beginning of the on-screen and off-screen drama.

Cassidy is Queen by Cameron James

Cassidy is the Queen. Everyone knows Cassidy, right? Theatre star, VIP at every party, and boys wrapped around his little finger, Cassidy rules Ravenwood School for Boys, and it’s everything he’s ever wanted, isn’t it? ​After a mix-up in a coffee shop with Casper, a trumpet player from a rival school who isn’t under Cassidy’s spell, Cassidy starts to see his life for what it is: does he want friends or is he happy with followers? Can he trust the people closest to him? Should he continue a secret relationship with his theatre teacher? Is the word boy the right word to describe him? ​With the help of Casper, Cassidy begins to explore who he truly is and whether he even wants to be The Queen after all. For the first time, he lets himself fall for someone who shows him there’s more to life than fancy parties, expensive clothes, and a disposable income.

The Burn of a Bourbon Soaked Cherry by MJ Marlowe

a queer, small town romance between a Trans M/Cis F, packed with high heat and a tender touch to soothe the burn ‘Thirty-five year old Hazel Vincent is no stranger to wanting things—she’s human after all, but a life of holding herself back has turned her apathetic. That is, until she unexpectedly sees him. Immediately drawn to the mysterious, older newcomer in the small town bar, Hazel decides she’s ready to take what she wants: starting with a night entwined in him. Except as her evening progresses with the gruff, yet tender cowboy, it’s clear to them both that their connection goes beyond something one night of passion can satisfy. Only problem is, neither one are looking for love.’