As always, I recommend sampling before you buy! I have not read most of the new releases listed (although I always end up one-clicking a bunch as I prepare these posts LOL).
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HEART OF THE CAT (SARAFIN WARRIORS BOOK 3) by SE Smith
VS Note: The re-release of SE’s story from the Pets In SpaceR 3 anthology!
Prince Walkyr d’Rojah’s mission is to find an ancient artifact known as the Heart of the Cat–a powerful gem that connects his people, its magic woven through the Sarafin like his predatory cat is woven into himself. Walkyr’s only clues are an ancient scroll and the legends passed down through generations. However, he isn’t the only one searching for it. A sect determined to overthrow the royal families of the Sarafin, the Curizan, and the Valdier wants the gem for themselves. They are more than willing to do whatever it takes to obtain it.
Trescina Bukov’s affinity with large cats has taken her all over the world, but this time a frantic call from a rescue group compels her to fly to Wyoming in the United States. A new species of leopard was discovered near death, she’s told, and this “”new species”” sounds enough like a shape-shifter that Trescina hurries to examine this cat.
Their first meeting is explosive, and Walkyr is shocked when the human female connects with his leopard–recognizing what he is and what his weaknesses are, and this is only the beginning of how his mission has gone wrong!
OPERATION ARK: A PROJECT ENTERPRISE STORY by Pauline B Jones
VS Note: The re-release of Pauline’s story from the Pets In SpaceR 3 anthology!
She’s a USMC Sergeant deployed to the Garradian Galaxy.
He was raised by the robots who freed him from slavery.
It’s a match made nowhere anyone can figure out.
They clashed as enemies but joined forces to defeat a common foe. Now they’re tasked with returning some freed prisoners to their home worlds. In the next galaxy. With an alien, a robot, and a caticorn. It was a bar joke without a punch line, though Carolina City has a feeling it is out there—like the truth.
Kraye isn’t eager to return to his galaxy where the dark secret of his past lays in wait, but he’s willing to risk it in hopes that Caro can teach him what the robots couldn’t: how to be human.
Together they must face a dangerous journey, a lethal enemy with a score to settle, their unexpected desire, and an uncertain future if they make it out alive.
Can Caro and Kraye navigate the minefields—both emotional and space based—to land a happy homecoming for the sentient animals in their care? Can the man raised by robots learn how to kiss the girl while the starchy Marine decides if she is willing to bend the rules for a happy ever after? Don’t miss Pauline Baird Jones’ newest Project Enterprise story!
ELLA AND THE EMPEROR (ALIEN ABDUCTION BOOK 5) by Honey Phillips
Captured by aliens as a child, Ella was raised as the beloved pet of a kind alien couple. One night of blood and terror destroyed her sheltered life and shattered her voice. Now she’s a slave in the emperor’s palace.
Alone in a terrifying new world, she clings to the person who saves her – the dashing young emperor. But the handsome alien also arouses unfamiliar longings in her heart.
When Emperor Karthajin rescues a silent female from an attack, he does not expect to become an object of worship to the enchanting little creature.
New to the throne, surrounded by smiling faces and hidden enemies, he finds unexpected comfort in the innocent human who trusts him so completely. But as his feelings grow stronger, so does his reluctance to expose her to the viciousness of the Imperial Court.
Can an emperor lose his heart to a human slave? And will his empire ever accept such a match?
BLIND BET (THE DRIFT BOOK 7) by Susan Hayes
VS Note: A re-release
Layla Corbin loves her life as a technician on the deep space asteroid-mining ship, Kessel Queen. Great job, great companions, great money. Perfect, except she wants all four of her sexy crewmates. The rules of the ship state she can only have one – an impossible choice.
When Mace issued that order, he did it to protect his crew. He never imagined that they’d all fall for Layla.
PROJECT ADAPT: FOUND by Jade Waltz
Selena’s life has been filled with far too much torture, betrayal and distrust… and far too little love. But as she gains a tenuous freedom for herself, she also discovers the one man she’d let herself love gifted her with children of her own.
Along the way, she finds herself picked up by a scouting ship and thrust into the hands of a group of males who want nothing but to support her–that is, if she allows herself to trust them.
Desperate to avoid being forced back into a life of experimentation and manipulation, for herself and her babies, Selena realizes she must dedicate herself to protecting them… or die trying.
EMPIRE OF LIGHT (VOYANCE BOOK 1) by Alex Harrow
Damian Nettoyer is the Empire’s go-to gun. He kills whoever they want him to kill. In exchange, he and his rag-tag gang of crooks get to live, and Damian’s psychokinetic partner and lover, Aris, isn’t issued a one-way ticket to an Empire-sanctioned lobotomy.
Then Damian’s latest mark, a suave revolutionary named Raeyn, kicks his ass and demands his help. The first item on the new agenda: take out Damian’s old boss—or Raeyn will take out Damian’s crew.
To protect his friends and save his own skin, Damian teams up with Raeyn to make his revolution work. As Aris slips away from Damian and his control over his powers crumbles, the Watch catches on. Damian gets way too close to Raeyn, torn between the need to shoot him one minute and kiss him the next.
With the Empire, Damian had two policies: shoot first and don’t ask questions. But to save the guy he loves, he’ll set the world on fire.
STARBURST (HALF LIGHT BOOK 4) by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Noah doesn’t like pressure. Too bad he has been tasked with saving the universe. Right now the only thing he can think about is finding Rachel and figuring out more about what being a starmate really means.
Rachel wants nothing to do with Caspian or his starmate, but she has no choice. Finding Versaka is the only way she can have the life she dreams of with Noah.
Angie doesn’t want to desire Kelby, but can she help the growing feelings between them? The problem is, he seems to want her too and turning back seems all but impossible.
Caspian will do anything to protect his people and his planet, but his biggest challenge might be accepting that Rachel is in love with someone else.
With so much on the line, will they be able to put their feelings and hearts to the side long enough to fill the roles they were born for?
SEVERED (PRECINCT 1 BOOK 1) by Shona Husk
Halle Ish, one of Velli’s elite police Arrows, is shot down during a Precinct One riot. Wounded and unable to fly, she tries to hide and avoid capture, knowing that if she is found by the razor gangs or Clipper Sect they will sever her wings. She needs to get out of Precinct One.
Avin Lent was once a promising medical student, but he started sniffing Mumble to beat the stress and is now the doctor to one of the biggest gangs in Precinct One—while not part of the Clipper Sect, they are just as dangerous. He knows he is only as useful as his next surgery and they would have no qualms about killing him. Only Jarro is keeping him safe.
Jarro Coblic is deep under cover and has been for a year. Immersed in the gang, he suspects his hands will never be clean again. When he finds the wounded Arrow, he knows he can’t turn her over even though everyone is looking for her. With his lover’s help, they hide her and heal her wing. All the while, falling for her. He prays Avin will not crumble and reveal their secret as Jarro tries to figure out a way to get them all out of Precinct One before the Sect and the gangs bring the full wrath of Velli on Precinct One. Tearing the place down can’t come soon enough, but there will be blood before the slate can be washed clean.
NEVER ASHAMED (CHOSEN NARRATIVES BOOK 3) by Sabrina Kade
Having finally accepted Chimase as her mate, Hollis believes she can relax into their life together. But she didn’t count on family ties almost undoing their love.
Hollis realizes that their relationship must undergo one final test when she finally meets Chimase’s father. She offers to play the role of a normal human slave, but Chimase refuses to agree to her plan—even when it leads to Chimase’s father demanding Hollis’s death.
Now Chimase must choose between a life with his own kind or loving Hollis in exile. If they’re to stay together, he may have to make his promise real: that he will be with her to the ends of the galaxy.
OLD MEDIA by Annalee Newitz
VS note: Listed as a short read, no reviews, I have no idea if there’s an actual romance…the concept is intriguing. I have not read this.
The story of a freed slave and a robot professor, trying to figure out what it means to be in love while they watch old anime from the 21st century.
ALPHA KNOTS (ALPHA HORDE BOOK 3) by Milana Jacks
Officer Samantha Noell – In the blink of an eye, I’m head-first in a snowdrift, rescued by the biggest, greenest—man?—I’ve ever seen. Whatever he is, he turns my take-no-crap attitude into need. I should escape, but I’ve got a hunch that I’m close to solving a cold case involving several women who disappeared into thin air.
Vemlox – My plan is foolproof. Fetch the Omega and hand her over to Montar, thus sealing Loven’s alliance between Guardians and Horde. Thanks to a glitchy space gate, I’m stuck in a freezing cave with something that’s turned the simple delivery into a suicide mission. An Omega I must not want and can never have.
Unfortunately, she’s going into heat. And Serpent help me, I will betray the Horde and starve on a pole if only to keep her.
ALIEN GIANT (VAXXLIAN MATES BOOK 3) by Sue Mercury and Sue Lyndon
Diana is a survivor. It’s all she knows. But she has big plans once she escapes the dangerous outpost where she’s been stranded for the last ten years. Plans that involve buying a ship of her very own and traveling to a sparsely populated planet to live out the rest of her days in the sun. No more crowds, no more recirculated air, and no more cage fights. She certainly doesn’t plan on being “rescued” by a sexy alien giant with glowing green eyes who wants to make babies with her.
Kirn is enchanted by the fierce little human he’s stolen away from the outpost. Ah, what a beauty she is–and strong. She resists his advances at first, but he’s confident she will agree to become his mate soon. He’s a highly respected Vaxxlian warrior. How could she not want him? Mindful of his enormous size, he promises to be as gentle as possible when he finally mates with her. But as he’s about to discover, claiming a human female never goes as planned.
SOLD TO THE ALIEN OUTLAWS (ROGUE AURELIANS BOOK 1) by Corin Cain
We declared independence from the Aurelian Empire. Now, we will pay for it. The moment the all-male species leaves, the ravening hordes of the universe attack. The Scorp descend on our little planet without mercy. Pinching claws rend. Darting tails poison. Blood fills the streets.
With the arrogant warrior species of aliens gone, we have no hope.
Until three seven-foot tall aliens break away from their Empire to save us. They will be branded as deserters by their Empire. They will lose everything, and yet they come for us. Like Greek Gods, they stand. Like angels of death, they war.
Raka. Raekon. Leon. – Under their hungry eyes, it’s impossible to feel out of place like I do alongside the willowy, elegant noblewomen. All of my imperfections wash away under their eyes. When they look at me, they drink up my curves, and for the first time in my life I feel small… and helpless.
They are violence incarnate. They are a whirlwind of death. They threw away their future to save us. In return…They demand everything. (more blurb on ebook seller page…)
BONDED TO THE ALIEN CENTURION (WARRIORS OF THE LATHAR BOOK 7) by Mina Carter
Behind ‘enemy lines’ the last thing she expects is a sexy alien warrior determined to make her his…When things screw up in diplomatic talks with the Lathar Dani Black finds herself lined up for the one thing every dyed in the wool soldier dreads… a diplomatic function. Alone on the Lathar ship without backup, she must play nice, rescue a VIP and somehow get them both back to her own ship without causing a diplomatic incident that could result in the annihilation of the human race.
The problem is one sexy as hell alien warrior. Tall, silver-haired and handsome, he’s her escort for the evening and makes her want things she certainly shouldn’t want from an alien, no matter how sexy he is. But then a conversation goes bad, and she finds herself in an alien challenge circle fighting for her freedom. It’s all going well, until her sexy alien steps into the ring…
The moment he saw her, he swore he’d make the beautiful human woman his mate.
Sardaan is the envy of his shipmates when he’s assigned by the emperor to escort a visiting human dignitary for a diplomatic function. But that’s not all he’s been assigned to do… under orders to seduce the beautiful human woman at any costs, Sardaan is more than happy to do his duty…(more blurb on ebook seller page…)
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CAT by Sandra R Neeley
VS note: A scifi romance short story under 10K words.
Orlgo was one of the last of a unique breed. He’d been exiled, for nothing more than existing. His species was feared and ostracized. He needed a host – required one in order to live, thrive. Because of that, most other species considered his people parasitic. He supposed in a way, maybe they were – but there was so much more to it than that. He’d given up hope – intentionally left on an abandoned space station near the outer reaches of the universe, there was no chance for him to find a host. No chance for him to survive…(more blurb on ebook seller page…)
THE DYSASTERS by P C Cast and Kristin Cast
Adoptive daughter of a gifted scientist, Foster Stewart doesn’t live a “normal” life, (not that she’d want to). But controlling cloud formations and seeing airwaves aren’t things most eighteen year olds can do.
Small town star quarterback and quintessential dreamy boy next door, Tate “Nighthawk” Taylor has never thought much about his extra abilities. Sure, his night vision comes in handy during games, but who wouldn’t want that extra edge?
From the moment Foster and Tate collide, their worlds spiral and a deadly tornado forces them to work together, fully awakening their not-so-natural ability – the power to control air.
As they each deal with the tragic loss of loved ones, they’re caught by another devastating blow – they are the first in a group of teens genetically manipulated before birth to bond with the elements, and worse… they’re being hunted.
THE LEGACY CHRONICLES:RAISING MONSTERS by Pittacus Lore
Contrary to what the government would have the world believe, not all of the Mogadorians are safely imprisoned. A small contingent of the alien invaders has been in hiding, working on a vicious plan for revenge and foiling Six and Sam’s every move. Even the couple’s failed attempt to rescue Ghost was nothing but a trap, and now they’ve been abducted by their old foes.
Held captive in an impenetrable underground bunker, they’ll have to find each other and then somehow find a way out if they’re going to have any hope of survival. But with their Legacies still on the fritz and Mogs out for blood it may be nearly impossible. Luckily, Six and Sam have more than a few allies with powers of their own who can help…if they’re not too late.
ADAMANT EVE (GEMMA-HYDROX BOOK 2) by L J Vickery
Marek Stasky isn’t sure about this trip to Gemma-Hydrox, but he has no choice. He signed an agreement with Gerri Wilder, the Galaxy’s foremost matchmaker, before he knew the particulars of the inhabitants. Now he’s just confused. Since he doesn’t follow the, uh, proclivities of the natives, why exactly has Ms. Wilder recruited him? As the planet’s twin suns appear on the horizon, he knows he’ll soon find out. But that’s as far as it will go. No one can force a new lifestyle on him. No siree.
Eve doesn’t understand why she’s been assigned to take care of the luscious visitor from earth, but she knows she likes the way he looks and acts, way too much. Cautiously she allows herself to study him. But if she lets her interest show, and the lords find out, punishment will be dire. As she stands ready to serve, she judiciously keeps her head down and her mouth shut…until the human asks her a question.
HOLDING HONOR (ASHLAND PRIDE BOOK 9) by R E Butler
Mountain lion shifter Honor Parkins is in trouble. After a meeting in the woods with sexy brothers Holden and Jackson, the ancient curse all female mountain lions are under has been broken. She knows that they’re her mates. When her all-female pride discovers she’s not like them anymore, they keep her locked up. Missing her mates is driving her and her mountain lion crazy.
Holden and Jackson Whitman never expected to find the leader of the female pride in the woods on the full moon; now the only thing they care about is finding her again. The problem? The females live in secrecy in Canada, and no one knows where. Their niece, Melody, is finally able to narrow down the area where she thinks they live, and after seven long months the brothers are finally on their way to find their mate. Freeing Honor is only half of the battle.
Can Holden and Jackson help her come to terms with all she’s lost because of the curse? Will returning to King be the best choice they ever made, or the worst decision in history?
DEMON ON THE DOWN-LOW (SUPERNATURAL SELECTION BOOK 3) by E J Russell
Lovelorn kangaroo shifter Hamish Mulherne, drummer for the mega-hit rock band Hunter’s Moon, waited years for the band’s jaguar shifter bassist to notice him. Instead, she’s just gotten married and is in a thriving poly relationship. How is Hamish supposed to compete with that? But with everyone else in the band mated and revoltingly happy, he needs somebody. Since he can’t expect true love to strike twice, he signs up with Supernatural Selection. Because what the hell.
When Zeke Oz was placed at Supernatural Selection through the Sheol work-release program, he thought he was the luckiest demon alive. But when he seems responsible for several massive matchmaking errors, he’s put on notice: find the perfect match for Hamish, or get booted back to Sheol for good. The only catch? He has to do it without the agency’s matchmaking spells, and Hamish simply will not engage.
But Zeke starts to believe that the reason all of Hamish’s dates fizzle is because nobody in the database is good enough for him. And Hamish realizes that his perfect match might be the cute demon who’s trying so hard to make him happy.
MAGICAL SECLUSION (BIOMYSTIC SECURITY BOOK 3) by Jalizia A Burwell
Dr. Laila Porter is ready to jump into her relationship with her men. They butted into her life, made their intentions known, and she’s more than willing to take them up on it. As they find a balance in their budding relationship, emotions run high, and Laila questions if it’ll last. Instead of facing these unfamiliar emotions, she throws herself into her current project, a toy with both wonderful and dangerous possibilities.
While the guys prove that they are all in, a new dangerous plot slowly circles Biomystic Security, and this time, they aren’t so sure it’s something they will be able to get out of. Especially if this new danger threatens who they’re fighting for: Laila Porter
WHAT THE FOX (THE CHAOS OF FOXES BOOK 3) by Emma Dean
Kenzie is a void witch. Only a handful have ever existed. And now she’s trying to find out where she belongs in the paranormal world. Thankfully her mates have never cared about her witch status. They love her for her – even if one of them is playing hard to get. Kenzie plans to make Hunter beg.
Meanwhile they still have to bring down Bradley Davis. But there are complications to their plans no one could have foreseen. Will Kenzie be able to handle her newly discovered abilities and any threat until she can master them? Will they be able to take down the jerk who cursed her sister after finding out what he’s really after?
DAWN OF COBALT SHADOWS (BURNING EMPIRE BOOK 2) by Emma Hamm
Loose from her cage, Sigrid of Wildewyn returns to her homeland with a heavy heart. An army of Beastkin await her orders in a new kingdom made out of animals and forgotten rules. When she begins to lose faith in herself, she embarks on a journey to find her history and that of all the Beastkin.
Far in the desert, Nadir tightens his control over his kingdom. For a time, he’s the Sultan they’ve all waited for. Until an assassin arrives in his palace declaring a legendary warrior has summoned him. A warrior who claims to be his mother.
Both struggle to discover their own history, while remaining tied to each other regardless of distance. But a war brews between the kingdoms. Sigrid and Nadir must once again choose between each other, or their people. Only this time, they aren’t certain what they’ll choose.
SUSTAINING (TO TAME A SHIFTER BOOK 4) by A K Koonce
There’s something just slightly more terrifying than dark magic.
And that’s going home.
The beautiful coastal village is too small and it’s impossible to hide when you’re a target. They know I’m different. They knew when I was a young girl and they know now. They’re just waiting for the proof. They’re all waiting for me to screw up like I always do.
What they don’t know is, I’m not staying. I’ll take my scowling shifters—hopefully before they literally rip into one of the many hateful villagers—and I’ll find the Solstice Queen.
I’ll find that mysteriously dangerous mage again if it’s the last thing I do.
A BOAT, A BANSHEE AND A BREAKDOWN: DEANNA OSCAR PARANORMAL MYSTERIES BOOK 10 by CC Dragon
A gator hunting bayou family all hear the cry of a banshee while on their lucky boat–who will be the next to die?
Deanna Oscar and friends are back to solve the spooky and paranormal problems in the Big Easy. A banshee returns every five years and kills at least one (or as many as five) members of a particular family. The family asks Deanna to help them end the curse or stop the wrath of this vengeful spirit.
Newly married and juggling a lot of upheaval in her social circles, De is happy to help but the banshee isn’t cooperating or communicating. Is it a vengeful dead woman or a demon playing tricks?
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HARLEY MERLIN AND THE CULT OF ERIS 6 by Bella Forrest
Harley has a game plan to stop the third ritual: infiltrate the Cult of Eris and steal back her mother’s soul. But her only way in is through her devious half-brother Finch—the same guy who was Katherine’s most devoted bootlicker not too long ago.
Joining a cult counts as sibling bonding time, right?
Left with no choice but to break Finch out of prison, Harley must play the part of a loyal cultist. Within Katherine’s inner circle, deadly initiation trials and watchful enemies make every moment a battle for survival.
Harley hasn’t forgotten that Finch once belonged to the cult himself, and she wonders if she’ll end up with a valuable new ally… or a knife in the back.
THORNBOUND: VOLUME II OF THE HARWOOD SPELLBOOK by Stephanie Burgis
Cassandra Harwood scandalized her nation when she became the first woman magician in Angland. Now, she’s ready to teach a whole new generation of bright young women at her radical new school, the Thornfell College of Magic…
Until a sinister fey altar is discovered in the school library, the ruling Boudiccate sends a delegation to shut down Thornfell, and Cassandra’s own husband is torn away from her.
As malevolent vines slither in from the forest and ruthless politicians scheme against her, Cassandra must fight the greatest battle of her life to save her love, her school, and the future of the young women of Angland.
HARDEST FALL (DOMINION BOOK 3) by Juliette Cross
The tattooed demoness, Bone, doesn’t like anything except the magical weapons she makes. But she has hidden talents few know about. When I was brought to her near death, she used her Seraph song to manipulate flesh and bone to heal me. But she wasn’t happy about it.
Now I must return the favor. Even though she refuses to take sides in the apocalypse, there’s one job she’s not willing to do for the demon prince Rook. If she doesn’t, her head will end up on a spike. Of course, there’s a good chance we’re all going to die anyway, but I will do anything to protect this fierce woman—and not just because she saved me.
So, we’re both off to kill a demon—or three—and possibly save the world.
THE DEMON KING’S DESTINY (FATE OF THE IMPERIUM BOOK 3) by C A Worley
When Marrok, the Demon King of Sundari, meets his fated mate in the dreamworld, he ignores the pull of the saatus bond. He has no desire to make a life with the female, not with his past being what it is. Unable to deny the bond for long, Marrok accepts his demon spirit’s need for its mate. He plans to use their connection to prevent him from turning rogue, while keeping his heart safely buried in the past.
Since the age of six, Evelyn has been dreaming of the Demon King. When she starts having visions of his past, old betrayals are brought to light, including an ancient brotherhood who has been working against the pair for decades. Knowing Marrok may never love her in the way she loves him, Evelyn chooses to fight for their future anyway. She’ll protect everyone she loves from the insidious group—or die trying.
MIST, METAL AND ASH (INK, IRON AND GLASS BOOK 2) by Gwendolyn Clare
VS note: Reviews seem to indicate the series needs to be read in order. not sure how much romance there may be.
In an alternate 19th-century Italy, Elsa has an incredible gift: she can craft new worlds with precise lines of script written in books. But political extremists have stolen the most dangerous book ever scribed—one that can rewrite the Earth itself.
Now Elsa must track down the friend who betrayed her and recover the book before its destructive power is unleashed. Can she handle the secrets she’ll uncover along the way—including the ones hiding in her own heart?
THE GHOSTS OF RUSHTON COURT by Blair Bancroft
VS Note: From January.
The widowed Lady Marian Talbot is keeping a low profile as her exquisitely lovely sister, Vanessa, makes her come-out. Yet somehow it is Marian who attracts the attention of the most eligible bachelor London society has seen in a decade, a marquess who has spent the last dozen years in India. After a whirlwind courtship, Marian—now the Marchioness of Rushton—arrives at her new home, only to discover she is expected to solve the challenges of dealing with her husband’s hostile brother and sister, his illegitimate young son, and a staff at war with itself. And, as if that weren’t enough, Marian must also adjust to a panoply of ghosts, all supposedly benign, but that becomes doubtful as someone—or some thing—makes repeated attempts to kill both the marquess and his new bride.
SEDONA SIN by Lisa Kessler
Asher Mateo’s future was stolen the night the Sedona Pack Alpha marked him to be bitten. Drafted into the werewolf Pack, Asher was forced to become a man he hardly recognized. After heading up a rebellion to overthrow their Alpha, Asher can’t wash the sins from his hands and yearns for a fresh start. But he can’t bring himself to leave Naomi and her twin boys. Without a strong Alpha to lead the Pack, all their lives are at risk from a new threat who will stop at nothing to expose shifters to the world as blood thirsty killers.
Naomi Rossi used to be a graphic designer with a black belt in karate and deadly aim with ninja stars, but under a full moon a wolf bite left her changed forever. Now she’s a single mom to her twin boys, and doing her best to help her friend Asher see himself the way she does, as a leader. But a passing touch, threatens all of her plans as her wolf recognizes this man is destined to be much more than a friend.
OF WOLVES AND WITCHES (ARCANE ARTS ACADEMY BOOK 1) by Elena Lawson
Before I could catch my breath, my simple gypsy life of peddling potions with my guardians is wrenched away. I’m forcibly enrolled into the prestigious and supremely snotty Arcane Arts Academy, given shackles under the guise of mercy for my crimes.
As if that weren’t enough, my volatile magic bound me to two infuriatingly overbearing shifters in the woods near campus, making me an instant pariah.
At least the history teacher is helpful—not to mention insanely gorgeous. And besides giving me a dangerous distraction, there’s something else he can provide—a way to finally find out more about my father and unravel the dark mystery surrounding his death… but some secrets have claws, and if I’m not careful, knowing the truth could get me killed.
OUTRUSH (THE MER CHRONICLES BOOK 3) by Errin Stevens
Maya’s headlong rush into marriage isn’t working out… and it isn’t the only collision course she’s on these days. Her saltwater distractions aside, her father-in-law wants her gunned down for reasons unknown, and her pesky bodyguard – when he’s around – seems intent on drowning her in want and regret.
Maya is desperate to hold onto any small part of herself she understands. When escape becomes her only option, she finds herself in a race against a past – and a man – she can’t outrun.
UNQUIET SOULS (PROJECT DEMON HUNTERS BOOK 1) by Christine Pope
On the surface, psychologist Audrey Barrett is the perfect co-host for Michael Covenant’s new cable series, Project Demon Hunters. She’s smart, articulate, and photogenic as hell.
There’s just one problem. Michael has made it his mission to stay out of her orbit. Thanks to his producer’s stubborn insistence, however, there’s no avoiding her — which means Michael will have to bury his secrets even deeper.
After the tragedy that took her parents more than ten years earlier, Audrey has kept herself on the fringe of the paranormal world. But with her small therapy practice floundering, the money the show’s offering is too good to pass up.
From the moment they step inside a rundown mansion, things start flying: sparks between Audrey and Michael, not to mention furniture hurled by something determined to make sure their investigation fails. Worse, evil seems to have followed Audrey home — and she discovers why the man at her side on camera is the last man she can trust in real life.
SUSPECTS AND SCALES (STALLION RIDGE BOOK 3) by Maz Maddox
Deputy Cody Moore is shattered.
The murder of someone dear to him has pushed him to a breaking point and awakened the monster sleeping inside him. While the young man is no stranger to tragedy and death, having someone slaughtered under his watch has left him rattled with heartache.
In the wake of the devastation, a mysterious shadow of a man is dispatched to Stallion Ridge to track down the murderer. Even with his heart in pieces and a coiling monster inside him, Cody refuses to leave the investigation to this mystifying man.
Cody knew his life was forever changed after what happened at the river, but he never expected the powerful current that is the dark and charismatic Quellin.
FAE’S CAPTIVE by Lily Archer
My college roommate is the worst. Cecile steals my food, brings guys over at all hours, and parties instead of studying. But those quirks pale in comparison to what she does next. She drugs me, and I wake up imprisoned in an alternate universe full of terrifying creatures. Now, the biggest and scariest creature of all–a fae king–believes I’m his mate. He’s freed me from the dungeon but keeps me close. So close, in fact, that I’m beginning to like his wintery gaze and ice-chiseled body. But secrets and villains lurk throughout this new world, and I don’t know if I’ll survive long enough to figure out how to get back home.
ROAD TO WINTER (FAE’S CAPTIVE BOOK 2) by Lily Archer
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
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THE TENTH WISH by David Zeltserman
Emily Mignon recently moved to New York and finds herself frustrated romantically, professionally, and financially. When she comes into possession of a genie’s lamp, she’s tempted to wish for her biggest dream to be fulfilled, but she knows from literature that a genie’s wish can be maliciously twisted. Even the genie—who is quite handsome and looks like a young lawyer dressed in a Brooks Brothers suit and black leather oxfords—admits to her how disastrously some of his previous masters’ wishes turned out. He seems sincere when he promises her that this time will be different and she wants to believe him. Except there’s a warning engraved on the bottom of the lamp. Do not trust him.
CLAIMING HIS MATE (ALPHA PROTECTORS) by Juniper Hart
My whole life, I wanted to be someone.
I left the drudgery of my small-town life for a coveted job in New York City.
But the past has a way of catching up with you.
If I want to prove myself, I need to go back to Salem and wrap up some business.
Running into Marcel Forrester wasn’t part of the plan, and bittersweet memories of the past have left me both frightened and intrigued.
His big blues eyes, powerful position, and strong presence make me feel safe.
But I can’t get involved with someone like him.
He has sworn to protect me against a force I didn’t even know existed.
However, the powerful Alpha can’t save me if I don’t want to be saved.
He can’t convince me that something so perfect can last forever.
SOLD TO A DRAGON (DRAGON SHIFTER ISLAND) by Maia Starr
Axel – My dragon consumes me, forcing me to shift day and night, and other clans are questioning my leadership. I was starting to go insane and on the brink of losing everything I have worked for. That was until I met Sam at the bar, a gorgeous dancer that I cant keep my eyes off nor keep my dragon within from claiming her as my own. As I saw her being abused by a raving lunatic, I could not take this any longer and had to do something before my dragon erupted fire. I offered him cash on the spot for his mate and never looked back. My body craves every ounce of her, and she is making it harder each day to stay in control especially when the man that sold her thinks he can walk in and take her back like nothing. But I am keeping a secret from her that may ruin everything and spiral my dragon out of control…
Sam – When I fell in love, I got more than I bargained for; a man who turned into a nightmare from hell. Now, I find myself bought and sold to a mysterious, mouth-watering hunk of a beast with rippling muscles and a sweet side that makes me melt like never before. Learning from my past, I know I cant trust him nor give him my heart. I need to be strong and firmly say no. However we have one problem, the animal that sold me wants me back and he wont give up until he gets his way. The more I need to be protected, the more my body yearns and aches for Axel’s presence both in and out of bed. I know I have to risk it all, even if that means him finding out my secret that might ruin everything and putting me back in the hell that I came from.
STAINED EGOS (SALSANG CHRONICLES BOOK 1) by Helen Scott and Serena Akeroyd
She’s everything they never knew they wanted, but more than one overly ambitious student wants to win the final place in their brotherhood. It’s up to Cade, Raven, Barclay, Keiran, and Gideon to make sure they pick the best person for their team, after all, the brotherhoods are the only thing stopping the magic world and the human world from crashing into each other.
When things start to go sideways can the guys still trust that they will pick the best candidate for the position, or will it end up being a political game of cat and mouse, as powers out of their control manipulate the future?
RILEY’S PRIDE by Sandra R Neeley
There’s a new Alpha in town. He’s tried for too long to make a life in a place with more than its share of Alphas. His Panther has decided enough is enough. His Mate has renounced him as a result of a grave misunderstanding, and he’s struck out on his own, forging a new future and a new Pride that will welcome all who have struggled to find their place. He will be their Alpha — they will live by his rules. Together they will make a new life in the hills and mountains of Missouri. They’ll build a life to be proud of, a life that will welcome all their Mates, if they are lucky enough to find them. A life his own estranged Mate will hopefully be drawn to. It will be dangerous because the shifters that have struggled to find a place are usually the most unpredictable, those that never fit anywhere else. But that’s what makes life interesting isn’t it — danger, unpredictability and love?
DANDELION SEASON (GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS BOOK 3) by Zoe Chant
Tawny Summers has her retirement all planned out: catch up on her books, work on her garden, and teach piano lessons to children in the sleepy town of Green Valley.
Her plan doesn’t include a gorgeous city billionaire with piercing silver eyes who is determined to upend her quiet life and frighten her cats.
Lion shifter Damien Powell gave his family up for hopelessly broken decades ago. Now he finds himself drawn to a tiny country town to try to mend fences with his son and build a relationship with his precocious lion shifter grandson… and meets his mate at the worst party of his life.
Suddenly, he’s faced with book clubs and nosy neighbors instead of board rooms and lawsuits, and stubborn, set-in-her-ways Tawny refuses his gifts and challenges his expectations at every turn.
Can a city lion find a home with a country spinster? Can he convince her that it’s not too late for true love?
FOUR HEIRS (THE ROTHHAVEN TRILOGY BOOK 3) by C J Pinard and Cassie Alexandra
With the curse still not broken in Syracuse, the people of the country begin to grow impatient. The burden mounts on the royals to break it, but nobody is feeling the pressure more than Mariselle. Frustrated with the way the four kings seem to be making decisions for her, she finally puts her foot down and tells them she’s going to do what she wants. Things seem to be going fine until King Zackary takes a trip to the village… and doesn’t return.
Griffin and Alexander decide to leave the West Haven and look for him, leaving the youngest Rothhaven, Mathias, alone at the castle to look after Mariselle. With them both worried about the missing King, they turn to each other for comfort. Mariselle begins to fall for Mathias, and quickly realizes she is now hopelessly in love with all the brothers…(more blurb on ebook seller page…)
EMBER (BEARPAW RIDGE FIREFIGHTERS BOOK 9) by Ophelia Sexton
Bear shifter Margaret Einarsson Swanson never thought that love would find her again after her mate Ryan was killed. The curvy widow has spent years raising her children and running the Grizzly Creek Ranch’s bed-and-breakfast operation.
Then professional chef Daniel Langlais shows up seeking sanctuary at the ranch. He’s wounded, on the run with his young nephew, and big trouble is hot on his heels. Margaret knows that falling for this devastatingly attractive silver-haired sabertooth shifter will make all hell break loose within the Swanson family.
But even knowing all that, her bear can’t resist his scent, the mouthwatering meals he dishes up for her, or his smooth Louisiana drawl.
Sometimes, grabbing the chance for happiness means taking big risks. Is Margaret willing to defy her clan for a second chance at love with a mate who seems so wrong but feels so right?
GOLDIE AND THE BEARS by Milly Taiden
Ash Goldenlochs hasn’t touched another person in years. Her gift–or curse, as she thinks of it–forces her to experience the past of anything against her hands. When she meets two of the most gorgeous men she’s ever seen, she wants to rip her gloves off and let her fingers do the walking.
Bear shifters, Spencer Hartz and Chaz Coco, are partners in a trio who couldn’t be more opposite. When their coworker is murdered, they will take help in any form, including a cute blonde who happens to be their mate.
Using her ability, she sees the murderer but doesn’t know who it is. When the killer recognizes her, her tragic past may repeat itself and it’s all the guys can do to keep her alive.
SPELLED: TOXIC BITCHCRAFT BOOK 2 by K B Everly
Christi Craft is the name, and being witchy is probably not as much of my game as I lead you to believe…I thought my troubles were as bad as they could get. I was so wrong.
-I was hexed by my mother.
-I accidentally put an annoying, fae ghost named Button (okay, his name is Beauregard) into a woman’s body.
-Orrin, my sexy and not so ex Incubus lover, knows more about why my magic is so finicky than he’s letting on AND seems to be in cahoots with my mother about it all.
-And Milo, the ever sweet Warden Warlock, isn’t backing down now that we’ve slept together.
But things are about to get a lot more complicated when secrets start to unravel, lies continue to be told, and hearts are put to the test.
Life might be at least a little bit easier if Shakes would just stop talking.
WYATT DRAKE (AURUM COURT DRAGONS BOOK 2) by Emilia Hartley
Kennedy Mortensen has been drifting for years, travelling and food blogging. It’s a good life, but something’s missing. When she gets to a little hamlet in the mountains of Colorado that isn’t even on the maps, she wonders if she’s found that something—and she’s sure it includes the forceful, but gentle, and oh-so-gorgeous man who runs off a couple of creeps who are bothering her. She can’t get him out of her mind even though he doesn’t seem interested in her. It’s like pulling eye teeth even to get him to give her his name.
Wyatt Drake has just broken up with his long-time girlfriend, a woman he’d expected to marry, and a relationship is the last thing he wants. But his dragon is sniffing around a tourist in his hometown—a tourist who discovers more about him in days than his girlfriend did in years—and who seems to like him despite all that, or maybe even because of it. Still, Wyatt isn’t sure he’s ready for another relationship. He doesn’t want a one-night-stand or a short-term rebound girl. He’s looking for commitment. And what kind of stability can he get from a travelling food-blogger he just met?
PRINCE OF AIR AND DARKNESS (THE DARKEST COURT BOOK 1) by M A Grant
The only human student at Mather’s School of Magick, Phineas Smith has a target on his back. Born with the rare ability to tap into unlimited magick, he finds both Faerie Courts want his allegiance—and will do anything to get it.
They don’t realize he can’t levitate a feather, much less defend the Faerie Realm as it slips into civil war.
Unseelie Prince Roark Lyne, Phineas’s roommate—and self-proclaimed arch nemesis—is beautiful and brave and a pain in the ass. ..(more blurb on ebook seller page…)
HELL HOUND’S REDEMPTION: FAE OF THE NORTH SHORE by A S Green
Declan MacConall can barely keep his hound in check when Rowan McNeely is around. She’s beautiful, smart, devastatingly sexy. . .and also completely off limits. As a hell hound from the outskirts of town, Declan would never live up to the high standards of Rowan’s family, especially after he hit rock bottom following the murder of his parents.
Rowan McNeely has spent her entire life doing exactly what her parents ask of her. She’s a part of the highest class of fae society and as such, is expected to be the perfect wife to the husband of her parents’ choosing.
Then she’s assigned to be Declan’s nurse. Her father would have a coronary if he knew she were associating with a ‘dog’ but the more she gets to know Declan, the more she starts to question everything she thought she knew.
As things begin to heat up between them, an old enemy that’s plagued the fae for centuries arrives in town and puts Rowan in their sights. Declan can’t keep his hound leashed any longer. He must set aside his old wounds and find the strength to fight for the only woman who could ever make him whole again.
THE RAVEN TOWER by Ann Leckie
VS note: Not a romance but a book of note this week.
MERCIFUL BLEED (SERPENTINE VAMPIRES BOOK 1) by J Hali SteelePaladin Bodine, called a Bleeder, is serpentine. He’s paid to extinguish unmanageable vampires and even end the lifecycle of those old and tired of existing. He cheats, lies and skulks, whatever it takes for his serpents to deliver. Paladin is damn good at what he does until he meets a vampire who turns his slithering world upside down.
Braid Calderon means to stop the individual hired to end his sire’s life at any cost. He follows the murderous man whose strangeness entices and delights Braid from a distance and he fails to consider his body’s reaction when he meets the killer face to face.
Both cold and distant, one hot coming together changes their lives forever!
THEIR WICKED WOLF (MYSTIC WOLVES BOOK 6) by Elle BoonThey’d do anything to save their mate. .
Raydon and River…thought they’d never find a mate that would love them both, until they found Sky. Not even death would keep them from the one woman who completes them. .
There’s beauty in everything, even pain. ..Finding the strength to rise above the hurt and trust in each other is hard, but Sky realizes that true love is exactly what she’s found within the Mystic Pack. Will these three be able to keep the peace they’ve found, or will secrets long buried tear them apart forever? Amazon Apple Books
YOU HAD ME AT JAGUAR by Terry Spear
The United Shifter Force gives jaguar agent Howard Armstrong an impossible task—to protect fierce she-jaguar Valerie Chambers, when the last thing she wants is protecting. They’re going international to take down a killer and he can guard Valerie all day long. But guard his heart? He doesn’t stand a chance.
EVERYBODY WANTS TO RUNE THE WORLD (BEWITCHINGLY EVER AFTER BOOK 2) by Mandy M Roth
Welcome to Hedgewitch Cove, Louisiana, where there’s no such thing as normal.
Sigmund Bails ran from his past straight to a supernatural Louisiana town after coming into his shifting abilities later than most, to dire consequences. With help from the colorful locals, the were-kraken has been working hard to gain some semblance of control. Unfortunately, the dead bodies turning up around tiny Hedgewitch Cove seem to point to the fact his kraken side is running wild again. It’s bad enough he has to hide from a part of himself; since moving down south, he’s also been avoiding the one person every shifter hopes to find—his true mate.
Despite being part witch, part siren and part hunter, Virginia Peugeot has shied away from her supernatural side ever since a frightening childhood incident. Which gives her plenty in common with Sigmund. Their sizzling attraction is just icing on the cake…or would be, if the man didn’t make an Olympic sport out of sprinting in the opposite direction every time he sees Virginia coming. There’s only so long a woman can wait, especially when she’s caught the interest of another eligible alpha male in town.
If Sigmund won’t make the first move, maybe his kraken will. If an old enemy doesn’t claim his mate first.
WOLF (SONS OF SANGUE BOOK 7) by Patricia A Rasey
Grigore “Wolf” Lupei left his past behind and for good reason. Staying with Caitlyn Summers would have held her back, would have stifled her dreams and her beautiful voice that deserved to be shared on a world stage. Instead, Wolf’s stayed away while her career flourishes, convincing himself he’s content to watch Caitlyn from the sidelines despite knowing she’ll never forgive him for walking out. Wolf can’t let her know the truth. He’s not the man she used to love–no longer a man at all, but a creature of the darkness. A lethal vampire and member of the Sons of Sangue MC. But when he learns someone has threatened Caitlyn’s life, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.
Caitlyn Summers is at the height of her career, performing sold-out shows all over the world. When a death threat comes, she refuses to cancel her tour, reluctantly agreeing to a hire a bodyguard. She never dreamed the one man who broke her heart would come walking back into her life to protect her. She’s never gotten over Wolf, but putting her life in his hands is the last thing Caitlyn wants–especially when she realizes what he’s become. But there’s no denying her desire for the dangerous man, and as the spotlight thrusts her into a killer’s reach, Wolf will have to prove that Caitlyn can not only trust him with her life, but with her heart as well.
THUNDER ROLLING (THE STORM BOOK 2) by Ripley Proserpina and Rebecca Royce
The world around Whitney Lake keeps changing, but with John, Isaiah, Nick, Brandon, Dante, and Carson by her side, her foundation has never been stronger. Together, they are building a sanctuary for the survivors of Roanoke—the living and the newly Uncontrolled.
Still figuring out their newfound powers, and the connection which binds them all together, the guys don’t hesitate to do everything they can to protect the woman they love.
Whitney may have brought her guys to life, but when she falls ill, they are left scrambling. Will her men pay any price to save her, or will the storm that brought them together, tear them apart?
MARTY’S HORRIBLE TERRIBLE VERY BAD DAY (ACCIDENTALLY PARANORMAL SERIES BOOK 17) by Dakota Cassidy
For Roxanne McNally, being a grim reaper has never been easy. Now she hates her job more than usual, because she’s been charged with reaping the soul of a legend—werewolf Marty Andrews Flaherty. Marty, together with her equally iconic friends Nina and Wanda, are Rocky’s idols. To say she’s an OOPs fangirl is putting it mildly. No way is she willing to deal with eons of hate Tweets for taking the soul of a paranormal superstar. Reaping supernaturals isn’t even her gig. She’s strictly human-only. No. There must be some mistake with the list, and she’ll get to the bottom of it…if she can just ignore the distracting reappearance of a certain hunky doctor in her life.
Hudson Kahlil—frequently known as Dr. Sexypants among besotted patients and staff—could swear he knows Roxanne from somewhere. As a phoenix who’s regularly reincarnated with no previous knowledge of his past lives, he’s not surprised he can’t place her. Though he’d love to reacquaint himself…and he may get the chance, since they’re both temporarily staying at Marty Flaherty’s home, protecting her while racing to find an unknown threat.
Nina, Wanda and their assorted framily may be able to save Marty’s immortal soul from an enemy who’s plan is still unclear…but they can’t save Rocky from the backlash when her secret past connection to Hudson is finally revealed.
IMMORTAL DESIRES by Various
Immortals last all night…
So do their desires…
Dive into this wickedly sexy boxed set, packed with thrilling and steamy romances from some of your favorite New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Bestsellers.
We’ve brought the heat with paranormal bad boys who will leave you begging for more. If you love vampires, dragons, shifters, ghosts, and other hotties that go bump in the night, this is a limited time charity boxed set you don’t want to miss out on!
REKINDLED MAGIC (THE THORNE WITCHES BOOK 5) by T M Cromer
Until now, Holly Thorne has resisted all romantic overtures from her self-appointed bodyguard, Quentin Buchanan. Believing he’s betrayed her, she feigns animosity to protect her vulnerable heart. Unfortunately, now it’s her turn to retrieve the final piece of the puzzle to revive her mother, and she needs Quentin’s help to do it.
From the first moment he set eyes on Holly, Quentin was lovestruck, and she’s held his heart ever since. With a hurtful misunderstanding lying between them, he sets out to convince her that he’s the only man for her. Determined to help in Holly’s quest, he leaves to retrieve an ancient scroll with the magic spell to bring Holly’s mother back from the brink of death.
While in Greece, Holly and Quentin find history repeating itself. Holly must put aside her old hurts forever or risk losing the one man who would cross the boundaries of time to save her.
ELIZABETH AND HER BABY DRAGON (FATED ALPHA BOOK 8) by Ava Mason
Elizabeth and her guys, finally together and having their happily ever after, discover that happiness comes with a price. Their baby, still unborn, is more powerful than ever, and beings from the supernatural world rush to be the one to control her.
Lizzy and her men must do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it comes with a heavy cost.
JAXSON’S JUSTICE (RARE BOOK 6) by Dawn Sullivan
As the technology expert for RARE, Jaxson Lahey spends most of his time on a computer, hunting down everything he can on the team’s enemy, the General. Focused on the mission, he doesn’t have time for anything else, which is fine with him. All he cares about is finding justice for the people he considers his family after the hell they’d been through. Until she enters his dreams.
A prisoner of a man she considers the devil himself for the past year, Raven Dreher has almost given up hope of ever seeing the light of day again. She lives in fear, with constant pain beating at her, but she refuses to give into what the General wants. She would rather pass on into the next life than give up her people. All she can do is pray her suffering will come to an end soon. Then, she hears his voice.
Jaxson is driven by an uncontrollable need to find the woman in his dreams and save her. Raven is hoping her prayers have been answered by the voice promising he is coming for her. Will Jaxson be able to find Raven before the General makes his move, or is it truly time for Raven to see what the next life has in store for her?
BANTAMWEIGHT (HALLOW BROTHERS BOOK 5) by Tricia Andersen
Abraham Hallow would do just about anything to get out from under his oldest brother, Josiah’s, thumb. That includes performing as the Luchador in the local semi-professional wrestling circuit. He gets more than he bargained for when he hooks up with a woman with multicolored hair. The draw to her is undeniable. He wakes up the following morning with the ancient mark of his ancestors, mating him to the mystery woman he met the night before.
It was a simple mission—find the infamous Hallow brothers, kill them, and bring back the amulet. Kai’s plans get derailed after one night of hot, crazy sex with a mask wrestler. When she finds out the wrestler was none other than Abraham Hallow, the youngest of the Hallow brothers, she is exiled from the mermaid kingdom. Yet the orders from her king still stand. Can she deny her ever-growing love for Abraham, or will she fulfill her duties of killing him?
THE HALLOWED HUNT (WILD HUNT BOOK 5) by Yasmine Galenorn
It’s October, and with Samhain approaching, Ember must enter the Cruharach to face the darkest night of her life. As she gives herself over to the Autumn Stalkers and the Leannan Sidhe, she is plunged deep into the shadows of Annwn to face Cernunnos and the test of the Hallowed Hunt.
Meanwhile, the Wild Hunt is trying to contain collateral damage throughout the city. A Fae hate group is terrorizing Seattle, going after shifters and humans alike. In the middle of investigating the deadly cult, Herne takes on a new case.
A frantic wolf-shifter mother begs them for help. Her three-year old daughter has been kidnapped. With three other young girls already dead at the hands of a serial killer dubbed the Angel of Mercy, Herne and Ember find themselves in a desperate race to find the girl before the Angel of Mercy claims another victim.
CIRCLE OF THE MOON (A SOULWOOD NOVEL BOOK 4) by Faith Hunter
Nell can draw magic from the land around her, and lately she’s been using it to help the Psy-Law Enforcement Division, which solves paranormal crimes. Joining the team at PsyLED has allowed her to learn more about her powers and the world she always shunned–and to find true friends.
Head agent Rick LaFleur shifts into a panther when the moon calls him, but this time, something has gone wrong. Rick calls Nell from a riverbank–he’s naked, with no memory of how he came to be there, and there’s a dead black cat, sacrificed in a witch circle and killed by black magic, lying next to him.
Then more animals turn up dead, and team rushes to investigate. A blood-witch is out to kill. But when it seems as if their leader is involved in the crime, the bonds that hold the team together could shatter at any moment.
WARRIOR OF THE WILD by Tricia Levenseller
VS Note: Not a romance but I was caught by description of the kick ass heroine. Put it on my TBR.
As her father’s chosen heir, eighteen-year-old Rasmira has trained her whole life to become a warrior and lead her village. But when her coming-of-age trial is sabotaged and she fails the test, her father banishes her to the monster-filled wilderness with an impossible quest: To win back her honor, she must kill the oppressive god who claims tribute from the villages each year or die trying.
THE IMMORTAL’S SALVATION (BLOODWITE BOOK 2) by Cecelia Mecca
Lawrence Derrickson never wanted to be a chief, let alone a vampire, but fate has always been a fickle beast…callous to the inner-workings of a man’s heart.
Seven hundred years after he was turned, he’s still chief of Clan Karyn, although his clan now consists of only his three siblings. With no more castle to protect and defend, they are dedicated to only one cause—protecting the Cheld—their superhuman descendants.
Lawrence longs for a different life—a life of his own passions, desires, and dreams—but duty drives him further from that with each passing century of protecting the Cheld. Until their mission brings him to Stone Haven. In saving a fledgling Cheld, Alessandra Fiore, he meets her best friend, Toni O’Neill, a human woman who seems to understand him better than anyone has in over ten lifetimes. ..(more blurb on ebook seller page…)
THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE by Samantha Shannon
The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction–but assassins are getting closer to her door.
Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic.
Across the dark sea, Tané has trained all her life to be a dragonrider, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel.
Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.
LOST SOULS (SOUL CHARMER BOOK 3) by Chelsea Mueller
Callie’s magic is finally her own. She and Derek dispatched Ford. They should have been able to breathe, but layers of sin run deep beneath Gem City. Another mob boss quickly rises, and his sights are firmly set on Callie–and her family.
Mobile soul rental shops begin to bite at the Soul Charmer’s business. His retribution is wicked, but the blowback threatens to crush Callie. If she can’t maintain the tenuous balance of souls in Gem City, more lives will be lost.
Only the more magic she uses, the more danger finds her. A break-in, pools of blood, and bare shelves at the Soul Charmer’s store force Callie to choose the fates of others. But which can she live with? Losing her city, her love, her family …or her very soul?
OKAMI: A LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD RETELLING (TALES OF THE AKATSUKI BOOK 3) by Nicolette Andrews
A prisoner seeking his freedom. A woman chosen by the gods. To break himself of his centuries long bondage he must capture her.
Shin gave everything up for love. Uncaring whether he lives or dies, when he catches a spy in his master’s land, he lets her escape. What he hadn’t been counting on was just how cruel his master can be. Now he must catch the spy or be locked away for eternity in darkness.
Pretending to be a woman, he infiltrates a woman’s only temple. Akane, the spy is head strong and determined to not trust him. But when fate sets them on a quest to save a kidnapped girl, they’re drawn together. As he falls for her, Shin finds a new reason to live. But fail to bring her back to his master and he’ll never see the light of day again.
BONDS OF THE MAZZA (MAZZA SERIES BOOK 2) by Blake Blessing
Bonded. Kidnapped. Attacked.
What just freaking happened?
Since I jumped into an Uber full of hot men, I’ve discovered I am this fated Mazza that was revered and feared among the Fennin people. Bonded, kidnapped and attacked. I’m navigating a new world with enemies everywhere, and everyone is suspect. This isn’t exactly the life I saw for myself, but I can’t quite bring myself to regret it.
Now my Lusty Legion and I are heading into Fennina to discover exactly who is behind the mysterious attacks. Only, there’s no evidence; only dead ends.
To keep everyone safe, I need to complete my bonds. The one thing I’m asking for myself is that my bonds be formed out of love. But what happens when that may not be an option anymore? To keep everyone safe, I just might have to bond out of necessity. But who?
With the fate of both realms hanging in the balance, I’m trying and failing to make progress with my Lusty Legion. The only hope for our people is to play the game better than everyone else.
Hopefully, it won’t tear us apart in the process.
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VS Note: NEWS! We’ve announced the next Pets In SpaceR anthology and author lineup in our Facebook reader group. (Feel free to come join us LOL.) The collection will release on my birthday this year, October 8. No pre-order yet…
A number of the authors from 2018’s PISA3 have now released their stories as standalones now, including yours truly. ..
STAR CRUISE: MYSTERY DANCER
A scifi romance take on the Anastasia legend…
Tassia Megg is a woman on the run after the death of her elderly guardian. She needs to get off the planet in a hurry when chance directs her to an open dance audition for the luxury cruise liner Nebula Zephyr’s resident troupe. One thing Tassia can do is dance.
Security Officer Liam Austin is suspicious of the newest performer to join the Comettes. She shows all the signs of being a woman on the run and seems to fit the Sectors-wide broadcast description of a missing thief, accused of stealing priceless artifacts. As he gets to know Tassia during the cruise, he starts to wonder if she’s something more – a long vanished princess in hiding from deadly political enemies of her family perhaps?
And what’s the story with the three eyed feline companion other crew members swear Tassia brought aboard the ship? Does the animal even exist?
As the ship approaches its next port of call, all the issues come to a boil and Liam must decide if he’ll step in to help Tassia or betray her. F’rrh the alien cat is the key to the mystery and Tassia’s fate.
Amazon Apple Books Kobo Nook GooglePlay
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VS: I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with the #copypastecris plagiarism scandal in Romancelandia, where a woman who may or may not even be a real person, could be a group of people, has plagiarized 34 authors so far including Nora Roberts and Diana Gabaldon!!! She’s reportedly plagiarized Nalini Singh, Michelle M Pillow, Laurann Dohner and Carmen DeSousa among our scifi romance community.
The Kindle Unlimited (KU) program, Amazon scammers, use of ghostwriters, rapid release, free and $.99 books are all among the topics now being discussed hotly. The issues are complex although obviously plagiarizing is WRONG WRONG WRONG. Aside from that, there are perfectly legitimate indie and hybrid authors who use KU, free books and $.99 prices as tools to attract readers to the rest of their backlist. I have two permafree books myself, one each in my SFR and my Egyptian PNR, to give readers a sample of my writing. I have priced other titles at $.99 on occasion for a special sale.
I have never nor would I ever use a ghostwriter. Every book with my name on it is written by ME. And only me. I write and release approximately 4-7 books a year.
Ghostwriting is a legitimate profession but I think people had no idea how much it’s currently allegedly being used in Romancelandia. My personal opinion: I feel if an author uses ghostwriters they should credit the person, not claim the book is all theirs and certainly not enter it into a writing contest as theirs…
There are authors who write extremely fast on their own. Authors who stockpile books for years and then release them all at once. Authors who write a series in its entirety and then do rapid release. There are also scammers who do rapid release of ghost written or re-packaged material or change pen names and re-release the same books again. It’s kind of a ‘readers be aware’ situation…
I’ve never been in KU myself – I prefer to be ‘wide’ on all platforms to reach more readers. I do list KU books in this weekly report. Unless I have proof an author is a scammer or have other reason to feel the newly released book doesn’t belong on my report (bad reviews for example), I lean toward being inclusive. Hence my “check it out carefully” note at the start every week! Everyone has to decide for themselves what to buy and read.
Nora Roberts has been positively eloquent and fierce on the #copypastecris scandal so check out her blog for more (she has 4 posts on it to date). Her 1st post: http://fallintothestory.com/plagiarism-then-and-now/
LINKS TO RECENT NEW RELEASES POSTS from Veronica:
The term “new” is generally plus or minus a week or two. I try to catch up on ones I missed in recent months.
I do NOT cover every single new release in SFR/FantasyR/PNR. I never have. That would be an impossible task for any human! I assemble my list every week based on various informal inputs, and I do curate the list to some extent…
I check and verify all the buy links at the time I create the post but after that I’m not responsible.
Wow! What a list. Word is getting out. The list gets longer every week.
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