New Releases in #SciFi #Fantasy and Paranormal Romance for JAN 31

I have not read most of the new releases listed (although I always end up one-clicking quite a few as I prepare these posts LOL). 

‘AB’ denotes audiobook and the Amazon buy link.

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FROM VANGAR WITH LOVE: ALIEN LOVE LETTERS by Julie K Cohen

Her letters are filled with love… but they’re for the male I’m pretending to be. For two years I’ve been writing to a human female… and falling for her. She’s sweet and strong, but she doesn’t know the real me. Or what I’ve done. And she just arrived on my planet. To marry the man I’ve been pretending to be.     AmazonKU

FROM THOK WITH LOVE: ALIEN LOVE LETTERS by Susan Trombley

Can a grieving widow find love again with an alien who’s more tree than human and whose touch is toxic? Frannie – Still grieving for the husband I lost during the invasion of Earth, I signed up with the Human Outreach Alliance Network to become a bride in an arranged marriage with an alien. I don’t expect to find love in a match meant for political alliances, but I hope that leaving Earth behind for another world will free me from the heartache of my past. The Valentine’s Day reveal of my future husband leaves me in shock and despair. My “match” is a Thokost—an eight-foot-tall behemoth of a tree-man with a toxic touch. I’ll need to undergo a series of experimental treatments to make me immune to his toxin. To my surprise, the letters we exchange during the painful process reveal an unexpectedly sweet and thoughtful side to the four-armed, four-tailed, bark-skinned alien. My match to Zanthos may not be a disaster after all. But on Thok, the rules require more sacrifices for us to be together. This time, I may not survive them. This is a 30k word novella set in the Iriduan Universe but is not a part of either the Iriduan Test Subjects or Iriduan Universe Love Stories series. AmazonKU

FROM ZARPATHIA WITH LOVE: ALIEN LOVE LETTERS by Tracy Lauren

Scientist Olivia Mitchell sends a heartfelt love letter into the cosmos, begging the universe to give her the one thing she wants most: true love. Never, in a million years, did she expect to get a reply. Returning from his latest mission, the formidable alien warlord, Vortigon, is drawn by fate. Catching the scent of his mate on a hastily scrawled message, he sets his heading for Earth. Little does he anticipate the vast differences between his people and Olivia’s. The unlikely couple navigate the complexities of love, grapple with the merging of cultures, and forge a connection that transcends the boundaries of their disparate lives. Will love prevail, or will the cosmic forces that drew them together crumble? “From Zarpathia, with Love” is a tale of interstellar romance, where destiny defies the vastness of space, and love becomes the gravitational force that binds two worlds.     AmazonKU

FROM ZESTRIA WITH LOVE: ALIEN LOVE LETTERS by Rena Marks

Vanna: That was our dream back when we were eight. We lived on different planets, but once we figured out the art of letter writing, we learned enough about each other’s cultures to become best friends despite the distance. Required to attend space camp, we spent summers together and grew as close as sisters. Eventually we realized marrying her Zestrian stepbrother would have opened up a whole can of worms anyhow. And when I finally meet him? I wasn’t prepared for the rush of hormones that comes along with the Zestrian connection—the rare occurrence that happens to hit for us. Mish: Of all the people for the connection to recognize as my eternal mate, it chooses Vanna Suchey, wild child I’d hoped my little sister would outgrow. Not only did Brionna not outgrow her, but now Vanna’s on our planet and I can’t get away from her. She holds my job in her hands, my life in her hands, and my heart? In her hands.     AmazonKU

FROM EARTH WITH LOVE: ALIEN LOVE LETTERS by Sandra R Neeley

Valentine’s Day sucks. It always has. Especially for a socially awkward woman. Leave that woman alone, bitter and angry after the death of her husband, and it only gets worse. Her husband was the only one who ever understood her, the only one who ever cared. Probably because of his own social ineptness, but that’s beside the point. He’s gone now, and that’s not the worst of it — there’s a bit of lying by omission surrounding his death. And doesn’t that just piss her off! His long inactive email address is the only outlet she’s got. So, she floods it with her messages of frustration, messages of anger, and messages of loneliness. Messages that clearly show she’s given up, that she no longer even makes an effort. Little does she know, though, her letters to her late husband have been received. Oh, not by him. They’ve been intercepted. His position as a scientist with SETI put him on the radar of some very secretive, very surprising, very unexpected people. One of them in particular feels her words as he reads them, and makes it his priority to be sure that only he receives them. He wants more for her than simply learning to accept her situation in life and move on from her grief and anger. And if he has his way, he’ll be a part of her healing, and ultimately her happiness. But first he has to manage to survive a political coup, a revolt so to speak. It’s a necessary confrontation that hopefully will save not only her, but her entire world. Maybe then she’ll see him and accept him without fear. A lonely alien can hope, can’t he? This is a fun, quick, Valentine story of just under 33,000 words.     AmazonKU

ENTHRALLER (VERDANT STRING BOOK SEVEN) by Michelle Diener

The planet Aponi sits at the outer edge of the Verdant String. For Wren Thorakis, working as an Aponian Special Forces artifacts consultant, it means interesting assignments and unusual discoveries. Being captured and held for ransom by a strange cult while working on the moon Ytla was not something she expected, though. However, while escaping her captors, she stumbles across what could be the discovery of her career—one that no artifact consultant could possibly ignore—a genuine ancestral mothership. The mothership isn’t just amazing in itself, though. Wren finds herself the recipient of crazy-powerful nanotech. It helps keep her alive and one step ahead of those trying to hide the ship’s existence. When Wren starts working out who’s behind keeping her discovery secret, and why, she is plunged into a bigger plot than she ever imagined. A shadowy organization has its eye on Aponi, and isn’t shy to use the Verdant String’s fiercest enemies, the Caruso, to help them take it from the Coalition. When an Aponi Special Forces soldier, Ed Zeneri, who’s existence is also inconvenient to Wren’s enemies, is lured into a trap with Wren and they both come under fire, Wren’s nanotech does whatever it has to to keep her safe—including enthralling Ed to protect her at all costs. Ed knows his reaction to Wren isn’t normal, or even sane, but as the compulsion to put himself in front of anything coming at her recedes, he finds he’s more than inclined to do it of his own volition. He joins forces with Wren to try to stop the takeover of their home planet, and as they race the clock to find the answers they need, he also has to convince Wren that what he feels for her is real. As real as the enemy battleships hovering in Aponi’s nearspace. As real as the deadline to bring them down. As real as it gets.     AmazonKU

ALIEN WARRIOR DEFENDED (GALACTIC GLADIATOR GAMES BOOK FOUR) by Margo Bond Collins

If they can learn to work together, they just might beat the Gladiator Games System. She’s a criminal attorney, used to winning every case by following the rules. He’s a space cowboy, a bounty hunter who has never followed a rule in his life. Welcome to the Galactic Gladiator Games, where the toughest aliens in the galaxy fight for the most prestigious titles. But these games come with a twist: every alien warrior is mentally and emotionally bound to a potential Earth mate, forced to work with her to overcome their enemies–and sometimes each other.   AmazonKU

FATE: GALACTIC CYBORG HEAT SERIES by Jessie Rose Case

This is a Happily Ever After, Galactic Cyborg Heat Series, Hot Romantic Fiction Novel. This tantalizing story of passions and desires unexpectedly brings together a Cyborg and a human female in a way they never thought possible. This is a standalone novel but can and is more complete by reading the series in order starting with Book 1 Rage. But not doing so, will not spoil your enjoyment.     AmazonKU

SLAVE MARKET ON THE PLEASURE PLANET: A M/M ALIEN ROMANCE by Sienna Sway 

My son is missing, but I will do whatever I have to in order to get him back. Even if that means infiltrating the darkest of the black market industries on Kateria, a lawless pleasure planet where the wealthy come to vacation. Even if that means rubbing shoulders with the very people who I believe to have sold my son into slavery. Even if that means buying a slave myself. Slave Market on the Pleasure Planet is a somewhat dark romance featuring a human billionaire who will not rest until his family is whole again, and a purchased alien who wants nothing more that to fill his lonely human’s heart.     AmazonKU

FACE OF THE COLOSSUS (HOLLY DRAKE JOBS BOOK 10) by Nicole Grotepas

VS Note: From the info for book one: “steampunk space fantasy adventure”.

When the ‘real world’ just isn’t enough, escape to the 6 Moons.

AmazonKU

0 ALIEN REGRETS (CRASH LANDED ALIEN LOVE BOOK SIX) by C Y Croc

In the ruthless embrace of Planet Vysaria, a solitary flying cannibal alien outcast, prowls the skies, burdened by a heart heavy with resentment. Amidst the dense forest below, he spots a lone figure, readying himself for the kill, he’s driven by the instinct for survival—and hunger. He descends from the sky, intent on capturing his prey, and as he rises with its victim in the clutches of his talons, he releases him to plummet to his death to feast on. But the truth shatters the air like a dagger—as he looks down at his victim, he is not the male he assumed, but a female. Stunned by the revelation, Phalon halts Felicity’s descent just in time, saving her from a fatal fall. The tangled dance of fate binds them in an uneasy alliance, a tumultuous journey through the perilous landscapes of a world where trust is scarce begins. Haunted by their tormented pasts, Phalon and Felicity’s connection teeters on the edge of love and hate…(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)      Amazon

BEAUTY AND THE ALIEN BEAST: NAXER (GALAXY ALIEN WARRIORS ROMANCE) by Sedona Venez

The second she lands on the nightmare alien planet, all bets are off. Amara—earthling, captive, and freedom fighter—must do whatever it takes to survive. She wastes no time in coming up with a plan. Liberate fellow captives and jet out of this hellhole. The one thing she didn’t count on was Naxer. The Alpha alien gladiator radiates an intensity that’s off the charts. Claiming Amara as his fated mate only heightens the instant connection between them. But she has a mission and is battling not to be swayed by her pulse-pounding attraction to the alien being. Time’s running out. Will she unleash war on her enemies? Or kiss her freedom goodbye when he utters the breathy words, “You’re mine?”

Amazon      Apple Books     Kobo

DOING THE MAMBA (ANGUIS DEFENDERS BOOK FIVE) by Stephanie West

Stephanie’s nickname is Mother, not only because she’s the leader of a clandestine refugee settlement, but because she’s literally the mother of the alien hybrids who rescued her and started the secret station on Kepler for people just like them. Her hands are more than full when Mamba, an Anguis general, and his crew unexpectedly arrive at her secret station, fleeing the same aliens who’d abducted her. There’s something about his raw, exotic masculinity that calls to her. He’s built like a god of war with camouflaging skin, spikes embedded in his forearms, and venomous fangs. Clearly Mamba is from a race of warriors. If that isn’t enough to set off alarm bells, the fact the Anguis Empire is still allied to her enemy should. Despite her better judgment, Stephanie baits the overbearing general. Much to her surprise Mamba returns the volley and things escalate from there. With each taunt it becomes harder to tell if they are enemies or something more.   AmazonKU

MATCHED TO A RHAN (BONDED PRINCESSES OF RHAN BOOK ONE) by Ariel Ryan

She. Is. Mine. A youngest son with something to prove…Crayden – My brothers might be older, but I’m smarter, and I know how to capture a mate. My plan is brilliant, I don’t even have to take her by force. Until we land on Rhan and she changes her mind. We’re bonded and she wants to escape, but there’s no way I can survive if she leaves. A single girl with nothing to lose…Hadley – What little girl hasn’t dreamed of being a princess? So when my date ends up being a lizard prince, I’m prepared to overlook the scales. Until I’m taken to a strange alien planet. He says we’re bonded and I’m carrying his child, but I can’t survive so far from home.     AmazonKU

TAKEN BY THE TANKER (KNOTTIVERSE: ALPHAS OF THE WATERWORLD BOOK ONE by V T Bonds

VS Note: Listed in Erotica.

Locked in a rusty metal cage and doomed to suffer as soon as my first heat hits, I barely survive in a broken world run by brutal men. When The Tanker, the biggest, cruelest alpha around, murders everyone I know and flings me over his shoulder, my life takes an even worse turn.
He doesn’t just want to mate me. He wants to break me. Breed me.
Own me.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

PERFECT MATCH: THE VALKYRIE AND THE WITCH by I T Lucas

After breaking up with my boyfriend, I vow never to date a physician again and avoid workplace romances like the plague. Seeking an escape from bad memories and hospital politics, I apply for a job at the Perfect Match Virtual Fantasy Studios, where I hope to explore fantastical scenarios and beta-test new experiences. I have no intention of entering a new relationship anytime soon, but it is difficult to ignore Kayden, a fellow trainee who’s good-looking and charming but regrettably has aspirations of becoming a physician. Hoping never to get paired with him to beta test an experience, I choose the Valkyrie adventure. It seems like a safe bet to avoid a guy like him, who would never select an experience where the female is the kick-ass heroine and the man only gets a supporting role. However, the algorithm has other plans in store for us. It seems to think that we are a perfect match.     AmazonKU

STOLEN BY THE ALIEN PRINCE (ROGUE WARRIORS OF LORR BOOK ONE) by Celia Kyle and Anne Kane

When alien warrior Kozien Lorrz left behind life as the heir to his planet’s throne to run a team that hunts down missing things, his father swore he’d make him regret the decision. According to the king, leaving his duties behind was a mistake, and taking his brothers was an act of treason. Now, with business dwindling, Kozien is forced to send a message into the universe that his team is offering a pro-bono case—a move that could draw in new clients or alert their father to their whereabouts. Gianna Clay needs help locating her missing brother, but local authorities are none too keen to help the human woman—not only due to her dicey past but because rumor has it her brother fell in with the D’Narvius, a vicious, monstrous race known for drugs and murder. Her only hope of finding him comes in the form of an advertisement. But when the grim, all-too-sexy alien warrior arrives, his gruff arrogance has her ready to call the whole thing off. That is until digging into her brother’s disappearance uncovers a dark and sinister plot that could affect the entire galaxy. Now the two must put their differences aside, no matter the cost.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

ALIEN SONG by Deiri Di

Lorelei – I should have left my ex best friend and run for it. Instead, I try to stop her from being abducted by aliens and I’m taken. Luckily I’m rescued from my brutal captors by tall, dark and murder mayhem. His idea of a romantic gift? The heads of my enemies in a box. I’m stranded on this alien moon with no idea of how to get back to Earth and this muscle bound alien heartthrob idea of wooing me is off the star charts in a way I didn’t know I would be into. It’s not like I’m getting back to Earth anytime soon so I might as well have fun. Time to F around and Find Out. Zale – She doesn’t know who I am. In the entire Empire, I never thought I would find a being who wouldn’t recognize me, who would have the chance to love me for me, instead of for my position. To find one who my osae has chosen as a potential mate is a chance I can’t let pass by, the only problem is that it is my fault that she is here. She is a pawn in my royal game. I always win every game I play. Even the one I’m playing with her.     AmazonKU

DAE’MONS AND DOMS: KINDRED TALES by Evangeline Anderson

*This is a Duet Novel—two novellas in one book – Two Spicy Stories in one book. In Having the Dae’mon’s Baby, Ketha decides to skip the Contraception Center and get pregnant the old fashioned way—by letting her new Kindred Bodyslave penetrate her. But will she get more than she bargained for? In Her Kindred Dom, Addison decides she wants her stern Kindred boss as her Daddy Dom, but will the big Beast Kindred give her more than she can handle? Find out when you read, Dae’mons and Doms, the latest Kindred Tales book…(more detailed blurbs on ebook seller’s page)     AmazonKU

THE ANDROMEDA CONTACT: AN ANDROMEDA GALAXY LESBIAN ROMANCE by Sabrina Kane

Lieutenant Jane Belivet—call sign Rascal—is a talented and fearless starfighter pilot, and a member of Sabre Squadron…the elite fighting force onboard the UCS Fordham. Every now and then, however, Jane’s youthful enthusiasm and predilection for annoying her superior officers lands her in trouble. Her latest antics caused her to be assigned a less-than-enviable patrol position while the Fordham is doing a routine scientific survey of a gas giant in the Andromeda Galaxy. Suddenly—far from the mighty starship, and all alone in an empty region of space—an unknown spacecraft appears out of nowhere…and makes contact with her. Veronica Vale is one of the many young and low-ranked officers on the Fordham. She is a member of the Bridge Officer Training Corp, and thanks to her dedication to learning, and her talent for mastering the arcane skills needed to capably serve on the bridge of a starship, she has recently been promoted from ensign to lieutenant junior grade. Still a long way from her ultimate goal of becoming the captain of her own vessel. She is on the bridge when Jane returns to the Fordham from patrol and tells the stunned crew about her contact with an alien spacecraft. A spacecraft which transmitted a message to her. Veronica—never missing an opportunity to expand her knowledge about starship operations—decides she wants to meet Lieutenant Jane Belivet, to find out more about this Andromeda contact.     AmazonKU

CLAIMED BY THE SAVIOR (FATED MATES OF THE HOGAR BOOK FOUR) by Elena Starr

I’m fated to be with a man who saved my life. Except he thinks fated mate bonds are a curse. Turns out aliens have witness protection programs, and now I’m an alien’s fake mate. A beautiful, kind, sexy one called Carveth comes to save me after my ex-boyfriend sells me to a clone race who need women. There’s clearly a spark between my savior and I, and he caters to my every need except one. I know he wants me, but our bed-sharing is strictly platonic. When I learn he’s my real fated mate, Carveth insists he can’t take a mate. He says the mate bond is a curse he literally can’t force on me. When he kisses me after a brush with danger, I can tell he wants more. But when I push things too far, he leaves. Without him to protect me, the clone race will get me for certain. Maybe I should let them. Maybe one of them will actually be able to love me the way my fated mate never will.     AmazonKU

CHAOS (HUNTED RELICS BOOK FIVE) by Sybur Phyre

I used to be a mad devil on the battlefield, the Trio of Terror, until the Solcrue captured and bound me with the most painful of chains, the kind that links to every metal rib and will tear me apart if I try to remove it. Now I am stuck in a hell I cannot escape, bound by a straight-jacket of tines. Every thought echoes three times in my mind. My hands blur with every movement. We are one, but we are not meant to stay this way for so long. I am burning up inside with the need to be free. It is a struggle to stay calm. When unit Redline returns my lost chain of hydramidium, the one the creators gave me, it eases my burden. Still, it is not enough.
When the Solcrue attack the human survivors who forage for those in our rebel camp, I’m tasked out on a defense mission. My building frustration explodes in a dangerous but effective maneuver. All but one of the humans make it back to camp. Now I am separated from the group with a woman who, in one glance, shuts off the chaos within me.
One touch from her …(lots more blurb on ebook seller’s page)   AmazonKU

THE SOUL PROPRIETOR (THE LOVELACE AND WICK SERIES BOOK FOUR) by Jennifer Rainey

When Viola Atchison last saw Iago Wick, she promised that if ever they met again, she would destroy him. Imagine his dismay one autumn afternoon upon finding her waiting for him in his parlor. But Atchison has different plans these days. Caught in a battle to save her soul, she swiftly enlists the help of Iago and his husband, Dante Lovelace, in a plot that’s part deal with the devil, part supernatural heist. Madam Emilia Sly is a wicked spiritualist with one of the largest collections of stolen supernatural relics around: including an ancient scroll that’s the key to Viola Atchison’s salvation. It’s up to Iago, Dante, and the Atchisons to execute their plot through the art of magic and a little playacting. But Madam Sly has her eyes on her own desired treasure, and she’s not about to step aside without a fight, one which could bring deadly consequences.

Amazon     Apple Books   Kobo

THE WANDERING ROBIN: A CERULEAN AIRSHIP STORY by Ruxana Tarca

Avery Hamilton sports a great deal of knowledge about airships, a charming smile, and a carefree demeanour. Plus a rather extensive collection of heavily guarded secrets that travelled with him from Sydney to London. Revealing them could mean losing not only his position as an assistant aeronaut, but also the woman who holds his heart. Ivy Blackwell’s interests revolve around her airship, her assignments, and her food. On top of that, having Avery around as her assistant comes as quite an adequate addition to her endeavours as an aeronaut – even if he’s just an insufferable oaf who only knows how to tease her. Or so she tells herself. When a ghost from his past makes an unexpected appearance in London, Avery knows he must make a choice. One that Ivy is set to prevent at all costs.

Amazon     Apple Books    Kobo

SAVIOR OF HER HEART (RED PLANET FATED MATES BOOK FOUR) by Miranda Martin

Love may not be simple, well, or maybe it is…Survivor’s guilt is what they call it. I don’t know about all of that, but I do know that every day is the same. I question the purpose of my existence until Captain Nyanna presents an offer too enticing to resist. An expedition with T’kali, an alien-dragon Zmaj warrior, to locate the elusive epis plant—an almost magical remedy for the blistering heat threatening humanity’s continued existence on Tajss. The journey with the seven-foot-tall, muscular, and gorgeous alien starts smoothly, his charm proving surprisingly endearing. But as fate would have it, he’s seized by a hidden adversary, forcing me on the perilous path to save him. ‘m determined to reclaim what’s rightfully mine. T’kali might be in the clutches of our enemy, but they’ve taken more than his freedom—he’s my heart. Failure is not an option, and I’ll face unknown threats to rescue him and salvage the love that has ignited in the desert heat.     AmazonKU

************************BRIEF BREAK BEFORE THE FANTASY/PNR BOOKS!***************************************

VS: DAEGAN is one of my favorite Badari Alphas and he’s in the new book I’m writing as a supporting character so I decided to do his book this week. It was fun to figure out what sort of undercover mission Flo, my ex-mercenary, could undertake to find Daegan, and work from there. The series can be read as standalones but there is an overall series plot arc.

DAEGAN: A BADARI WARRIORS SCIFI ROMANCE NOVEL (SECTORS NEW ALLIES SERIES BOOK 10) by Veronica Scott

Ex-Special Forces soldier and mercenary Flo Michetti is bored with her assignment as a pilot for the genetically engineered Badari pack in their fight against the evil Khagrish scientists. She jumps at the chance to take a dangerous undercover mission. She infiltrates a group of human prisoners on their way to a secret lab in the southern ocean, where the Badari believe many more of their own kind have been created and are being experimented on. Once Flo has located the lab, found the Alpha among the Badari there and sent a report back, the plan will be to attack and rescue all the prisoners.

Arriving at the island Flo learns the true nature of the horrific experiment for which the humans have been brought to this remote location. Time will be perilously short to escape before it’s too late for all of them. She has to locate the Alpha of this captive southern pack, who conceals his identity to escape death at the hands of the Khagrish, and get him to join with her and her allies.

Daegan feels an instant attraction to Flo when the Badari and the humans are forced together by the Khagrish scientists, but there are mysteries and questions surrounding her. Before he reveals himself as the incognito Alpha she’s seeking, he wants answers to allay his doubts. He also wants Flo in his bed…but can he risk his heart to claim her as his mate?

Complicating the situation is a dangerous rival for Daegan’s position as Alpha, an oncoming hurricane and Flo’s resistance to abandoning her life as a soldier of fortune…as the Khagrish scientists prepare to initiate the experiment, the clock is ticking for humans and Badari alike.

Amazon      Apple Books      Kobo     Nook    GooglePlay

*****************************OKAY, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT  IF YOU DECIDE TO CHECK OUT THE BOOK  (because my own books pay my bills) AND A BIG THANK YOU IF YOU ALREADY HAVE! AND ONWARD WE GO!*********************

HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW (CRESCENT CITY BOOK THREE) by Sarah J Maas

Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she’s going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that’s no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust. Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he’s in the Asteri’s dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce’s fate. He’s desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri’s leash, his hands are quite literally tied.

Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

DRAGON’S BELLE (MAGIC, FUR AND CLAWS BOOK TWO) by Eve Langlais

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

TOURNAMENT (GAME OF HEARTS BOOK ONE) by Kaye Draper

Lady Katrina Bellflower, the mixed-blood steward of Larkwood, is in charge of a secluded fae territory on the brink of expansion. But the good fortune of the people she governs is about to become her downfall. The queen of Elfhaven has declared a tournament, and the winning team of fae males will be bonded to a mysterious, unnamed courtier—Lady Katrina. Kat might not like the idea, but one doesn’t say no to the queen of Elfhaven when she demands entertainment. Kat dreads the idea of being bonded to strangers. She isn’t allowed to reveal her identity, and she isn’t supposed to play favorites. But she finds a way to get to know the teams of fae males who may soon share her home and her title by posing as a palace gossip. Kat’s heart is torn between duty and longing as she is forced to conceal her true identity and her real role in the tournament. Despite her best efforts to remain impartial, the powerful, alluring men of Raven team kindle a fire she cannot ignore, and she finds herself yearning for them to win. But someone else has other ideas. As the tournament progresses, all thoughts of future happiness are shadowed by the specter of sabotage. Lady Katrina discovers that there is more at stake than her bonding and the stewardship of Larkwood. Nothing is ever as it seems when ancient, mercurial fae royals are involved. At this rate, it will be a wonder if the men of Raven team even manage to survive the Game of Hearts, let alone emerge as champions.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

WHICH IS WHERE CHICKENS GO TO ROOST (A WITCH P.I. MYSTERY BOOK 48) by Adele Abbott

Why do chickens suddenly loom large in Jill Maxwell’s life, and how worried should she be about the day of burning? Now in possession of all four compass stones, It’s time to confront her nemesis, Braxmore, in a fight to the death.     AmazonKU

 

GUARDED BY THE SPIDER (MONSTER SECURITY AGENCY) by Cassie Alexander

For my kind, to be without a mate is to be doomed. I know it is too late–all that awaits me is retirement and death, and I’ve embraced it. But when a suicide mission lands on my old boss’s desk, I’m the one he calls. Who better to tackle the mission in the deep, oppressive mines of my own ancestral homeland, if not an Arachnae already slated to die? And it’s not a rescue mission–he wants me to retrieve the corpse of a billionaire’s daughter kidnapped by a terrorist organization. Except our intel was wrong. She’s alive. Tortured and injured–but alive. And from the moment I scent her, I am certain she’s my mate. She cowers in fear when she sees me, yet I will stop at nothing to protect her. And now that I have a reason to live…a whole lot of people are going to die.   AmazonKU

BONE APPETIT (FLINT & CO PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS BOOK FIVE) by Rachel Ford

I’m a magic-wielding Freak. My partner Flinty Jack is a sentient skeleton. We’re Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations. Things are going well. I mean, sure, our short-term squatter seems to have turned into a perma-resident. And yeah, there are rumors that an undead serial killer might have set his sights on us next. But work is steady, and the agency is finally on solid footing. Until one of Nat’s plaintiffs, head chef of an up-and-coming local restaurant, decides to bail on a rock solid case. She doesn’t believe he left willingly, and her firm asks us to take the case. Unpaid. We don’t have the manpower, and we’re not doing well enough for charity cases yet. But saying no isn’t really an option. Not when it’s my fiancée asking. So now we’re up to our eyeballs in work, trying to track down an un-missing person. Except the deeper we dig, the more it looks like someone went to a whole lot of trouble to cook up a story of the chef with cold feet.     AmazonKU

TALON (DEVIL’S MURDER MC) by Niki Landis

VS Note: Author stays there is a “slight paranormal twist.”

Talon, Enforcer for the Devil’s Murder MC, always puts the safety of the club and his brothers above everything else. He’s used to establishing order and getting his knuckles bloody. His president, Crow, put him in charge of security along with the enforcement of club rules and regulations. Talon never fails to get the job done. So when Crow orders him to find and protect his sister, he doesn’t hesitate. His tracker abilities and sharp instincts make him the perfect guy to get the job done. He never expects Abigail Holmes to be beautiful, sweet, and hunted by a ruthless enemy. Now…(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)   AmazonKU

WOLF MARKED (KEEPERS OF EXCALIBUR BOOK ONE) by Tamar Sloan

A cursed wolf. A fated love. And a supernatural war only they can stop.
Elara doesn’t remember the animal attack that left her with deep scratches, but it changes everything. Suddenly, lights explode in her presence. Her senses are unnaturally heightened. And the mysterious, brooding Kade is everywhere she looks. Under the light of the next full moon, Elara can no longer deny the truth. She’s a werewolf. Once again Kade is there, helping her through the transition she never wanted. She has so many questions for him, but he has his own secrets. A past he refuses to reveal. And he keeps talking about a bloodline that reaches as far back as the magical legend of King Arthur. Elara learns of an ancestry that makes her more powerful than any werewolf before her. An ancestry that makes her dangerous. And a threat that others want to extinguish. A supernatural war is coming. But Elara needs answers. Who forever altered her future? And why?     AmazonKU

THE ANSWER IN AUTUMN: SOLSTICE SHIELD BOOK THREE by Kacey Lee and Becky Tama

Nothing like your life blown to bits… or should I say lives. Needless to say, the guys and I aren’t talking because of what they hid from me, but that doesn’t stop my questions from plaguing me. I know just the man to help give me answers as long as I can trust him when he says he respects my space. And despite everything, I miss them, all of them, but I no longer know if I can trust my heart when my head says something else. All I want is to decide my own fate, but I don’t even know that’s possible, and with Dr. Smith still on the hunt, I may lose my chance to decide forever.     AmazonKU

KINDRED SPIRITS: MM PARANORMAL FANTASY MONSTER ROMANCE (MONSTERS IN MY BED BOOK SIX) by L Eveland

I ain’t afraid of no ghost…But tentacle monsters are another story. For the last year, I’ve been living with an invisible monster who steals my snacks, turns off my electricity, and runs off all my dates. As annoying as that is, he’s my only companion, and the only one I trust with my deepest, darkest secret. I’m not human. Then again, neither is my new roommate, and he and ESCU have history. Not the good kind either. But since he seems to think we’re mates, his problems are now mine. I’m certainly not going to argue, especially since he’s got a razor-sharp teeth and claws. But hey, I’m into that so it works out…Until my estranged father leads ESCU right to my doorstep. Now, I have a choice: either hand over my pizza roll loving tentacle monster boyfriend, or turn myself in to save him. I knew I shouldn’t have gone to work today.   AmazonKU

GODSFALL: THE BOOK OF ONE by Adam Gaffen

Angels and Demons don’t mix. That’s what everyone believes – In 10th Century Rome, angels and demons swarm over the city, seeking to corrupt – or defend – the church. Kalili is a demon. Her life is her mission – and she’s bored. After six millennia of corrupting humans, she’s been there and done that. This assignment is no different, until her imp informs her there’s an angel assigned to eliminate her. Faith is that angel. At once ancient and innocent, she’s in over her head on this assignment. She’s an angel, though, charged with a mission, so she confronts the demon, and…Neither of them could have planned what happened next. Now they’re both searching for answers to questions they didn’t know needed asking. And the answers they get will change everything they thought they knew.     Amazon

ETERNAL LEGACY: SHADOWSEND VAMPIRE CLAN BOOK FOUR by L A McGinnis

I made a deal with the devil, Prince Nikolai Isenberg. Now I owe this savage vampire my life. If I’m not careful, he might collect. All I wanted was to save my beloved clan, not wage war against the oldest, deadliest vampires in existence, but they dragged me into their conflict, now I’m fighting for our survival. I’ve sacrificed too much already. My friends. My home. My mate.  My world’s been shattered, but the Elders won’t stop until they control me—or leave me completely ruined. Now my only hope is to trust the dangerous Elder who betrayed me. Nikolai is the only one strong enough to face our enemies, but when distrust blossoms into forbidden attraction, he desires something more. The vicious vampire wants my heart—and he won’t stop until it’s his.     AmazonKU

TELLER OF TALES: A GRIMM ACADEMY RETELLING FAIRY TALE RETELLING OF ARABIAN NIGHTS by Laura Greenwood

Can telling stories of the students at Grimm Academy save a future princess? When Azade is betrothed to a prince who barely even acknowledges her existence, she knows things are bad. And after they’re given a prophecy that their marriage will be doomed if they see through the betrothal, she knows she has to do everything she can to get out of it. Arriving at Grimm Academy gives Azade a chance to change things, all she has to do is convince her prince to end things. But as they grow closer, she starts to question whether it’s really what she wants. At least she’ll be able to keep his attention for one more story.

Amazon     Kobo

DRAGON KING’S INVENTOR: GAY FANTASY ROMANCE (THE DRAGONS OF SERAI BOOK 12) by Amy Sumida

I will never be weak again. After the man I loved mated a Dragon King, I knew I had to make a fresh start. Rontor may not have loved me, but he did care for me. He taught me to be strong. To know I had value. That I was worthy of being loved. Before I left Vix, I promised him that I would never let a man abuse me, not even a Dragon King. That promise was an integral part of the new life I was building for myself. If I wanted to be happy, I had to be strong. But every time I’m near the Dragon King of Sken, my strength fails me. The last Dragon King I was with had mistreated me and then stolen the man I loved. King Dhrostan isn’t a bad man, but he soured me against all Dragons, especially kings. And King Rianvar of Sken is just as arrogant, demanding, and dominant as King Dhrostan. I sense that there is more to him. Something fragile beneath the hard exterior. A man who could command me and love me. Who could hold me down and lift me up. But my newfound strength was far too precious and fragile to risk on a man like him.   AmazonKU

DEADLY CLAWS AND MAYHEM (A FADE ISLAND PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERY BOOK FIVE) by Claire Robyns

 

First Meeting Snippet: DAEGAN and Flo Scifi Romance

I’ve decided to change up these weekly snippets and go through my backlist, sharing the first meeting between the two main characters in each book. It’s always fun for me to revisit the books and I hope it will be for you too! Or if you’ve never happened to read a certain book, maybe I can entice you into giving it a try.

DAEGAN is one of my favorite Badari Alphas and he’s in the new book I’m writing as a supporting character so I decided to do his book this week. Flo is undercover at a secret lab where the alien scientists do their horrific experiments. Her mission is to find an Alpha who wants to remain hidden and persuade him to join the resistance.

The excerpt:

The room was like a pavilion, open on three sides under a rustic-looking thatched roof, with benches scattered here and there. Flo paused, taking in the chaotic scene. There were easily sixty Badari already gathered in the space and the men were an overwhelming presence. Quickly she scanned the crowd but didn’t see anyone she thought fit the description of the Alpha. A few men were sitting on benches along the sides and her gaze kept returning to one man, all by himself. His long black hair blew in the breeze and his face was a blank mask as he watched the women.

That’s an Alpha.

She couldn’t have said exactly why she was so sure except this one soldier reminded her of Aydarr. There was a sensation of immense power contained for the moment but ready to be unleashed.

“You will get to know the soldiers and begin to form an opinion of who you might choose for your first pair bond,” said the senior lab tech. He stepped away and the guards took up positions, their wary stance and weapons held at the ready making it clear the human and the Badari prisoners needed to be on their best behavior.

Flo cut through the crowd and walked along the edge of the pavilion. The Badari attention was focused on the group of women clustered together and no one paid her much heed. She sat on the bench beside the man she’d focused on and leaned back with an easy air. “Probably not the best idea this Khagrish scientist ever had.” She made sure to speak Basic, not Badari, which would be a dead giveaway.

He stared at her, his expression revealing nothing of his thoughts.

Gesturing at the crowd, with three Badari for every woman, she said, “Too unwieldy, too intimidating for the women having all these musclebound guys try to talk to them at the same time.”

She thought he wasn’t going to answer her.

When he did, his voice was matter of fact, although he watched her with narrowed eyes. “Yet you don’t appear to be intimidated.”

Satisfied he was intrigued, she adopted a light tone and gestured at the crowd. “Well, I took myself out of the melee.”

DAEGAN: A BADARI WARRIORS SCIFI ROMANCE NOVEL (SECTORS NEW ALLIES SERIES BOOK 10)

Ex-Special Forces soldier and mercenary Flo Michetti is bored with her assignment as a pilot for the genetically engineered Badari pack in their fight against the evil Khagrish scientists. She jumps at the chance to take a dangerous undercover mission. She infiltrates a group of human prisoners on their way to a secret lab in the southern ocean, where the Badari believe many more of their own kind have been created and are being experimented on. Once Flo has located the lab, found the Alpha among the Badari there and sent a report back, the plan will be to attack and rescue all the prisoners.

Arriving at the island Flo learns the true nature of the horrific experiment for which the humans have been brought to this remote location. Time will be perilously short to escape before it’s too late for all of them. She has to locate the Alpha of this captive southern pack, who conceals his identity to escape death at the hands of the Khagrish, and get him to join with her and her allies.

Daegan feels an instant attraction to Flo when the Badari and the humans are forced together by the Khagrish scientists, but there are mysteries and questions surrounding her. Before he reveals himself as the incognito Alpha she’s seeking, he wants answers to allay his doubts. He also wants Flo in his bed…but can he risk his heart to claim her as his mate?

Complicating the situation is a dangerous rival for Daegan’s position as Alpha, an oncoming hurricane and Flo’s resistance to abandoning her life as a soldier of fortune…as the Khagrish scientists prepare to initiate the experiment, the clock is ticking for humans and Badari alike.

Amazon      Apple Books      Kobo     Nook    GooglePlay

By veronicascott Posted in Snippet

Six Zombie Series with Romance

Note: Portions of this post first appeared in the Roswell Daily Record. 

I’m going to start the New Year with an unusual topic – zombies and romance. I always enjoy a good dystopian or post apocalyptic story and I was a fan of the Walking Dead TV show for a long time, right up until the character of Negan arrived and it became too much even for me. But the Walking Dead was not a romance either even if there were occasional romantic elements.

I enjoy reading how civilization came to an end, how the characters came to realize zombies were now a part of their lives and watching the character arcs as people find ways to survive and thrive. The human spirit triumphs. Eventually.

There are certain things a reader has to accept if they’re going to read zombie stories. There will be a lot of gory scenes with the undead chomping and the humans fighting back. Honestly, I skim those. Characters you really like won’t make it to the end of the series. Some will of course but usually not all the original group of plucky survivors gets to that happy ending on the last page. Other characters a reader might really like are introduced over the course of the series – don’t get too attached because these people tend to meet a bad end as well, maybe not in the same book where they appeared, but eventually. Not all of course or the plot would be too predictable.

Children, dogs and cats aren’t immune from the zombie horde and authors may occasionally choose to sacrifice one or two along the way. I always find that very hard to accept.

The Female Main Character and Male Main Character usually do get to the happy ever after or happy-for-now-in-a-safe-place ending. Although I read one series where the FMC went through not one but two supposed MMC love interests, each of whom ended up in a pile of zombies, before she reconnected with The Right MMC.

The main characters will be battling the undead of course and authors can get very creative in how the zombies act and create menace. There are fast ones, slow ones, smart ones, hordes, animal zombies…

There will inevitably be evil humans who prey on the other survivors just because they can, in the absence of law and order and the comforts of civilization. I’m never too interested in these subplots but that’s often what moves the action along. Main characters tend to trust the wrong people they meet a lot. And a word of caution should you ever find yourself in a zombie apocalypse – don’t get caught in any kind of government-run camp or safe haven. It won’t stay safe for long!

Even in the books listed as romances there isn’t usually much ‘spice’ in the bedroom, even for characters who have a genuinely loving connection. Of course like anything else, a reader can find exceptions to the rule.

Okay, content warnings over – are you ready to consider a few series?

My current favorite is Until the End of the World Series, the City Series and the Cascadia Series by Sarah Lyons Fleming. I devoured these. The three series occur in the same universe, which I liked, and follow characters who have connections to each other. My favorite was the City Series, I think. I had such a thing for Sylvie and Eric, the two main characters, and the way they met all the many challenges and also went from nearly enemies to lovers. The supporting characters were also excellent. The Until the End series follows Eric’s sister and her group of friends and supporting characters and was satisfying. The Cascadia Series takes place on the west coast and the romance is between two midlife characters; really enjoyed that one. The fourth book in this series is due in August and I can’t wait.     AmazonKU     AB

A completely different series is Arisen by Glynn James and Michael Stephens Fuchs, which has fourteen books plus spin-offs. This is pure military science fiction, with a lot of bang bang action, always building to the next crisis. The plot follows different characters in different parts of the world but keeps everything tied together. There are a few romantic elements, which were handled well overall, I thought, considering the primary focus is on the special forces and other military teams battling the zombies. (I did have a quibble, as a romance author, about one MMC literally going from contemplating the gallant passing of his love interest in the last hour or so, to meeting the person who will obviously be his new FMC. Take a breath, dude.) These books were so intense that I literally could only read so much in any one day. Usually I binge read an entire series in short order but I couldn’t withstand the pace here. Lots of military jargon and weapon descriptions. Really excellent.   AmazonKU     AB

I got so invested in Adrienne Lecter’s Green Fields series that I actually joined her Patreon (the only one I ever joined) to get my hands on the bonus materials, many of which are now available in anthologies. I really liked and cared about the FMC and her romance with the MMC was satisfying, intense and had a lot of twists and turns. The FMC starts as a nerdy scientist and becomes fierce as the series goes on and this is definitely one where terrible things happen but by the time they do the reader is so deep into it and cares so much for the characters, you can roll with it. There are twelve books plus additional short stories and other material. Oddly enough, I couldn’t get into her next zombie series World of Anthrax but that’s a ‘me problem’, not the author’s.   AmazonKU     AB

I can’t say enough good things about The Broken World Series by Kate L. Mary.  There are eight books plus spin-offs (one of which addresses the unsatisfactory-to-me ending of an important character in the last book – apparently there’s more to it and there are sequels). Another FMC who starts out on the naïve side but grows and toughens into a warrior. The series covers quite a time span and there’s a lot of character growth, plus the central romance was satisfying. There were some unexpected adventures in this one, which I appreciated as most zombie series tend to follow a fairly similar arc.     AmazonKU     AB

I’ll finish with the Pandora Strain Trilogy by Dee J. Holmes, which took several major zombie tropes and turned them on their heads. I ripped right through the three books with great enjoyment. The heroine is extremely capable right from the start and there’s a Great Dane who is a major character in his own right. The romance was prominent and well handled. Even her titles are different, starting with Three Days in Undead Shoes.     Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

I’ll add one more I read recently, the Kick at the Darkness series by Keira Andrews. This one has a M/M romance at the center of the story and by the end of the three book series I really wished there were more books and spinoffs set in the same world. The twist here is that werewolves also exist and do they ever cut a swath through the zombies. One of the main human characters is pretty inrritating in the beginning but as his character arc unfolded, I got really fond of him.     AmazonKU     AB

There are many other zombie series with and without romance but as always I’m out of time. Happy reading!

Depositphotos

New Releases in #SciFi #Fantasy and Paranormal Romance for JAN 24

TEMEL (HOW THE ALIENS WERE WON BOOK TWO) by Honey Phillips

A proud alien, a desperate widow, and a misfit family…Temel was raised to place duty above all else. Even though the war has ended, his duty is to the warriors who need him rather than his own desires. Until he encounters a curvy, spirited female who makes him long for things he never thought to have. After her husband’s death, Ida struggles to provide for her rebellious stepdaughter and two small children. When a huge, intimidating alien warrior rescues them from an unexpected storm, he insists on helping her. Despite her reluctance, the more time they spend together, the more she begins to care for the kind, lonely male. But Temel has his warriors to protect and Ida has responsibilities of her own – how can he ask her to take a chance on a warrior who has nothing left to offer except his devotion?     AmazonKU

CHOSEN BY THE ALIEN KING (ALIEN LOVE ISLAND BOOK FIVE) by Lindsay R Loucks

On Alien Love Island, the days are hot, but the nights are scorching…
Staying alive has never been harder. But the latest drama on the reality TV show may ensure that I do stay alive. At what cost though? And what if by playing this lovesick part, I’ve just fallen head over heels into yet another death trap? Whatever’s best for the ratings, right? I just hope my heart can take it.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

RANDOM IN DEATH: AN EVE DALLAS NOVEL by J D Robb

Jenna’s parents had finally given in, and there she was, at a New York club with her best friends, watching the legendary band Avenue A, carrying her demo in hopes of slipping it to the guitarist, Jake Kincade. Then, from the stage, Jake catches her eye, and smiles. It’s the best night of her life. It’s the last night of her life. Minutes later, Jake’s in the alley getting some fresh air, and the girl from the dance floor comes stumbling out, sick and confused and deathly pale. He tries to help, but it’s no use. He doesn’t know that someone in the crowd has jabbed her with a needle—and when his girlfriend Nadine arrives, she knows the only thing left to do for the girl is call her friend, Lieutenant Eve Dallas. After everyone on the scene is interviewed, lab results show a toxic mix of substances in the victim’s body—and for an extra touch of viciousness, the needle was teeming with infectious agents. Dallas searches for a pattern: Had any boys been harassing Jenna? Was she engaging in risky behavior or caught up in something shady? But there are no obvious clues why this levelheaded sixteen-year-old, passionate about her music, would be targeted. And that worries Dallas. Because if Jenna wasn’t targeted, if she was just the random, unlucky victim of a madman consumed by hatred, there are likely more deaths to come.

Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

REPRESSED ECHOES (THE SENDAXA CHRONICLES BOOK ONE) by Rebecca Hefner

World-renowned geneticist Danica Lawson woke up to a world that had been destroyed—by her own hand. She has no recollection of the downfall of society but is determined to repair the damage. Moreover, the first face she sees is one that’s eerily familiar—and undeniably handsome—even if she doesn’t recognize the sexy soldier with the deep, soothing voice. As Dani struggles to reverse the destruction, she realizes sinister forces are at play. For, a malevolent threat is sweeping through their dystopian world, and the window to defeat it narrows each day its reign strengthens.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo     Author’s Universal Link

SECRET WAR (DARK EMPIRE BOOK THREE) by Tracy St John

Finally home on Kalquor, Dramok Ilid is haunted by his encounter with the Darks, which he barely survived. His struggle far from over, Ilid’s sanity and the empire’s existence hang on a quickly unraveling thread. When he learns the Darks have arrived on Kalquor, even his family’s love may not be able to keep him from an unthinkable end. On Earth II, head of planetary security Nobek Kuran’s hands are full: meeting his potential in-laws, training his replacement, and keeping tabs on a rogue lieutenant governor with a secret agenda. His troubles are only beginning when a deadly attack on those he loves drives him to the brink of murder. Meanwhile, spy Nobek Selt finds himself growing far too close to his subject, reporter Blythe Nelson. Does his clan dare to romance a woman devoted to uncovering the truth, including their secret activities on her world? Having wiped out the entire Bi’is civilization, the Darks have seized control of the Galactic Council of Planets and attempt to bring the Kalquorian Empire to its knees. Clans Tranis and Piras are desperate to stop the enemy from destroying Kalquor and its allies. Can Hope Nath and Chief Engineer Lokmi capture a lethal enemy capable of passing through all known barriers?

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

THE RENEGADE AKSELI CYBORG (ALDEBARIAN ALLIANCE BOOK FIVE) by Dianne Duvall

Too many years of hunting psychotic vampires night after night have left Rachel with a desperate need for change. So when the opportunity to travel across the galaxy aboard a Lasaran warship to a utopian planet arises, the powerful Immortal Guardian jumps at the chance. Rachel eagerly looks forward to making a fresh start… until an enemy attacks and she ends up alone in an escape pod so far from alliance-occupied space that no one can hear her communications. No one except a renegade cyborg who shouldn’t exist. After a grueling, hard-fought rebellion, Wonick and his cyborg brethren settled on a distant planet, where they’ve finally carved out a peaceful existence. The Aldebarian Alliance believes every Akseli cyborg died long ago. And battle-weary cyborg leader Wonick is determined to prevent anyone from discovering otherwise, knowing such would spark the fiercest manhunt in the galaxy. Yet when he hears Rachel’s communications, temptation drives him to speak to her, sparking…(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)

Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

THREE EIGHT ONE by Aliyah Whiteley

VS Note: Not a romance. SciFi. 

In January 2314, Rowena Savalas – a curator of the vast archive of the twenty-first century’s primitive internet – stumbles upon a story posted in the summer of 2024. She’s quickly drawn into the mystery of the text: Is it autobiography, fantasy or fraud? What’s the significance of the recurring number 381? In the story, the protagonist Fairly walks the Horned Road – a quest undertaken by youngsters in her village when they come of age. She is followed by the “breathing man,” a looming presence, dogging her heels every step of the way. Everything she was taught about her world is overturned. Following Fairly’s quest, Rowena comes to question her own choices, and a predictable life of curation becomes one of exploration, adventure and love. As both women’s stories draw to a close, she realises it doesn’t matter whether the story is true or not: as with the quest itself, it’s the journey that matters.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

G8 (THE EIGHTH SPECIES BOOK TWO) by Linda Mooney

G8 Children and the others are adjusting and learning to live freely outside of the underground bunker that they were once led to believe was normal life. They’re trying to find jobs as they scrounge for food and clothing, although the town is nice enough to help them whenever possible. But they’re determined to do it on their own, for the first time ever. When a fire at Docenti Labs sent everyone running, Ingrid Shyne was told to wipe the computers and get out, but she couldn’t leave the babies behind. How could anyone? She escapes …(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)     Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

NO SHELTER BUT THE STARS by Virginia Black

VS Note: LGBTQ scifi

Kyran Loyal is the last heir to the lost throne of a forgotten planet, the figurehead of a nomadic people fleeing the galactic tyranny of a brutal regime. Davia Sifane is the unrecognized daughter of an imperial despot. When happenstance pits them against each other in battle, neither expects the outcome: they are the only two people to survive. Marooned on a barren moon, their only hope of survival is to rely on each other, but what they learn will either kill them or change the galaxy forever.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

A HEART FOR A SCOUNDREL by Deiri Di

The letter read: Please accept this scoundral as your roommate. Along with the misspelling, it was filled with glitter. Caley – I’ve inherited a house I can’t afford to keep. The property taxes alone are more than my yearly income was… if my job hadn’t just quiet fired me that is. Luckily there is an eight foot tall oddly dressed hunk adorning my front doorstep, bearing an unlimited expense account, ready to become my roommate, and he comes bearing a letter of introduction. A glittery letter of introduction. The only other problem is he is an alien. Who is here to set up a dating agency. And the only Valentine he wants… is me..Jevelar – I am a cunning linguist. It’s why I got the mission to come to the planet my Empire has newly acquired and set up a dating agency. I, like many others, have tried and failed to find a mate who can awaken my osae and we’ve recently found out that hoomons are compatible. I get to this planet to begin my work and what do you know, I’ve found her right off the bat. Now all I have to do is convince her that I am the right mate for her. Lucky for me, her species has a holiday that is all about that.     AmazonKU

A HEART FOR FLYING SPARKS by Latrexa Nova

I’m dying to prove aliens are real, but he wants me to keep his secret.
Are you kidding me, though? He’s like eight feet tall and bright pink! And everyone’s just pretending like that’s normal? You’re telling me a pair of cheap sunglasses is enough to blend in? Too-cool-for-school Clark Kent has entered the chat. Only thing is—I get so busy trying to get everyone to see it that I almost die. Or I do die. But then Clark brings be back to life. He literally makes my heart beat, and I can’t stop myself from feeling a kind of way about him anymore as sparks fly. When my heart surgeon ex propositions me for some “no-strings attached” business, I take the excuse to drag my new alien friend to the Valentine’s Day Gala as a date to send the message that I’m not interested. But maybe I am interested in discovering more about what makes this alien’s heart tick.     Amazon 

A HEART FOR AVA: A LUMARIAN WARRIOR NOVEL by Mia Odetti and Katrina S Karter

VS Note: Mixed reviews on their first book.

Ava Lima – Ava, an astrophysicist with an insatiable curiosity, stumbles upon a cosmic anomaly that defies explanation. Little does she know that her discovery will unravel the fabric of her reality. Drawn into the Lumarian world of Celestial Nexus, she finds herself at the heart of an interstellar battle between humans and Lumarians. As she falls for grumpy alien with scars, she becomes a beacon of hope in a celestial conflict that threatens to shatter the harmony they’ve built. Can she bridge the gap between two worlds and unlock the key to everlasting unity? Cyprian Khalil – Cyprian, a cantankerous Lumarian struggling with the death of his fated mate, witnesses Ava’s arrival with a mixture of anger and trepidation. Her presence disrupts the delicate balance of Celestial Nexus, and Cyprian, an Lumarian assassin, bound by duty, must annihilate all threats. As Lumarians and humans unite against a common foe, he discovers his fated mate in the most unlikely place. Will he overcome his scars from the past, or will the fate of Celestial Nexus be forever altered?     AmazonKU

HEART FOR A HEAT by S R Griffith

Aliens Exist. No. I’m not crazy. Now, I have tickets to the best alien con in the state just in time for Valentine’s Day. My mission: nab me an alien for extracurricular activities. Until it all goes wrong when I touch a weird substance dripping of this red hot alien I’ve been flirting with. Something is changing inside me. I need him. Will I survive this heat rising in my skin? Friidid – My tail flicked and now it’s dripping for it’s mate. I can’t mate a human in the middle of this UFO convention. I’m here to sell books, not a mate! Until she touches the venom and now she’s hungry for carnal pleasures. She’s not my mate though. No way. She’s only human— a deliciously curvy and alluring human. Will I get her the antidote in time before she gets stabbed into my heart?   AmazonKU

A HEART FOR ALIEN HUNTING by Alina Riley

Today is the day I will find an alien and prove everyone wrong. Except… Am I the one finding him? Or is he the one finding me? Valentine’s Day is for those love doves. I’m going to do something more meaningful. These aliens have been evading me despite my efforts to research them. I know they exist, but no one believes me. That’s going to end soon.
When I run into the forest to search for them I end up in the arms of a muscular red alien’s arms… Well, I guess I’m right after all. But… What does he want from me? Do I get to explore him?     AmazonKU

CELESTIAL WOLVES: CELESTION WOLVES BOOK ONE by Charlene Pender

Terra is supposed to be safe. But I’m one of the unlucky ones. Of the thirteen human women in this cell, I’m the only one snatched straight from Earth. And everyone knows once the Skulchers have you, rescue is hopeless…But we hatch a plan to escape. The problem? The vessel we’ve stolen is a heap of junk, and we need to make an emergency landing onto an uncharted planet. As we enter the atmosphere, the shuttle rips in half, and our party is scattered into four groups. Surviving the crash is one thing, but finding the others? Impossible. Of my group, I volunteer to go out into the snowy, mountainous terrain to find the others. But I’m not the only thing out here in this endless snow. When a giant, three-eyed wolf rescues me from another animal’s vicious attack, it seems I’ve gained a hiking companion. But when the wolf transforms into a tall, muscular alien hunk with a gem in his forehead, it’s suddenly hard to focus on finding the others when thoughts of his blue lips on mine consume me.     AmazonKU

WHERE THERE’S A WILL: PANOPOLIS SERIES BOOK THREE by Cari Z

VS Note: From DEC 26. LGBTQ MM SciFi.

Being a Hero in Panopolis means living the high life: parties, money, influence, even reality television. And I’m one of the most powerful Heroes in the city. I have plenty of fans, a manager who looks out for me (after himself), and a job that pays the bills. I should be enjoying myself.
Unfortunately, the downside of my superpower means I can’t touch anyone, which tends to puts a damper on things. I probably don’t deserve all those perks anyway, since I’m working in secret with two of Panopolis’s biggest villains to undermine GenCorp—my main sponsor and the company that controls what gets through my force field. I obviously don’t trust my corporate overseers, but they’ve hired a new scientist who actually seems interested in helping me. Dr. Mansourian might have the answers to all my questions—not to mention a starring role in most of my dreams—but he’s hiding something big. If I let him have what he wants, I might not live to regret it. Then again, the way things are going in Panopolis these days, I might not live either way.

AmazonKU

WHERE THERE’S HOPE: PANOPOLIS SERIES BOOK FOUR by Cari Z

The city of Panopolis has attracted more than ninety percent of both the superheroes—and villains—in America. But some find a purpose beyond Panopolis’s crowds, and Jamie Fletcher, aka Flourish, is one of those heroes. After a brutal battle with a powerful villain called Blight leaves him badly injured, Jamie’s taking time off to recover, but even in his mild-mannered preschool teacher persona, he can’t avoid Blight washing up in his backyard. Only, Blight’s wounded—and he has amnesia, too. Jamie can’t turn this sad, gentle person into the police and his fellow heroes. He’ll help him recover, then send him on his way with none the wiser. Jamie didn’t count on other people tracking Blight down, and what that would mean for his secret identity. He didn’t count on falling in love, either. What happens when a villain stops being villainous, and a hero stops being so heroic?     AmazonKU

A HEART FOR HIS QUEEN by Astrid Eliason

VS Note: A short read.

Kulfirth – From pro athlete with the best hands in the galaxy to mechanic at the edge of the galaxy, Kulfirth’s life is in a downward spiral. So when his mentor mentions a queen from her home planet who needs assistance, he jumps at the chance to save her and her Kingdom of Drama. But when he lands on Earth, things are not what he expected.
The queen is his fated mate, and her emergency is her evil ex. Bridget – 
Cheated on and dumped, Bridget’s hit an all-time low. As if that wasn’t enough, her evil ex is now coming for her job as the internet’s favorite fashionista. The only people she can count on are across the galaxy with their alien “mates”. But when she calls them for help, someone else shows up. Can she and her scorching hot alien fool the internet into thinking they’re a couple? And will that be enough to save her career?
With tempting disguises and social media all a buzz Bridget soon finds their Valentine’s plans spiraling out of control. But maybe that’s how it should be.     AmazonKU

DUST STORM (SUMIRE BOOK TWO) by Liliana Begley

VS Note: A short read.

The deadly planet of Sumire continues to hold secrets. Lyndi of the Space Patrol must make an arrest, before the threatening dust storm arrives. Her partner is a man she can’t trust, whose name she doesn’t even know. Racing against time, and the threat of the Djinn, they might not make it.      AmazonKU

ALIEN’S ROYAL NANNY (ALIEN NEEDS A NANNY BOOK FOUR) by Milly Taiden

Hired as a tutor and nanny to Prince Maxon’s son, Fiona packs her bags and goes to a planet where the people are every color of the rainbow. But life in the palace is anything but vibrant. The prince is a jerk. A jerk her hormones crave. His sexy body and deep gaze twist her emotions in knots, but she’s not falling for him. Prince Maxon has been training for the day to take the place of his father as king since birth. Long days of weapons training, war strategizing, and politics have kept him too busy to be a good father or loving partner. He doesn’t have time for the emotions that blossom with beautiful and sweet Fiona. Keeping her at bay is getting harder by the day. What is it about the beautiful human that stirs his chest like no other? He better figure it out quickly. The enemy is closer to his home than he ever thought. His own life isn’t the only one hanging in the balance. His son and the woman he’s grown to love have become pawns in the games of war and love. Games Maxon has to win.     AmazonKU

HIS HUMAN TO CHASE (UNIT A12 BOOK FIVE) by Morgan Robinson

Skylar – I’m A12-22. That means I’m supposed to leave Earth twenty-two months after we struck a deal to go to a new planet and mate with some weird alien species. So, why does my heart yearn to leave Earth now? Why am I excited when it seems like I’m about to be sent early? Because the aliens that came to save Earth have experimented on me. They’ve been having the women in my unit huff alien pheromones, apparently, and I seem to like one alien’s pheromones a lot. Now, I’m being sent way too early, and I’m not even that upset by it. My mate is supposed to be a powerful warrior, and I’m being sent early to help him finish his transition into becoming an angry, snarling beast of a man. I don’t find a beast, though. I find a caring, funny alien that would do absolutely anything to keep me safe. Including, but not limited to, killing anyone who tries to hurt me. Yril – The goddess continues to bless my tribe. First, she sends …(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)   AmazonKU

SPARO RISING: PRINCESS OF HIGHLAND by Erik Schubach

VS Note: LGBTQ Steampunk SciFi

Sparo Rising is a spinoff series from the Techromancy Scrolls. Each book features a standalone story of a different side character from the Techromancy Scrolls that readers wished to hear more about. This sixth book centers around Shavon Fisher of Solomon, and her rise to power.
Almost three thousand years after an extinction level event on Earth, mankind seeks to regain its former glory, in a new world where magic and technology collide. Desiree Weaver was taken from the realm of Hell’s Gate as a child, losing everything to a Marauder raid, her home, her family, her happiness. Given a new name, Shavon, she is raised far away from the Burning Desert in Hell’s Gate, in the prosperous realm of Solomon upon the Great Sea, by a Fisher couple. One day, Shavon Fisher’s life is changed irrecoverably once again, by a chance meeting of a mysterious woman at Carnival, who would wind up raising Shavon to unimaginable heights as the Crowned Princess of Highland Reach and all the realms of Sparo.    Amazon     Kobo

VEIL OF STILLNESS (KESSLERT EFFECT BOOK FOUR) by Vanetta Chapman

VS Note: I’ve been enjoying the somewhat lowkey dystopian series and one clicked the latest book. There have been romantic elements along the way.

Veil of Stillness is a gripping tale of one town’s fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Set in Alpine, Texas, nine months after all of the lower orbital satellites crashed to Earth, the story follows Logan Wright and Tanda Lopez on a perilous journey to the Rio Grande Valley in search of food. In a world where communication is non-existent and resources are scarce, Logan and Tanda must rely on their instincts and ingenuity. As they traverse the dystopian landscape, they encounter dangers at every turn as well as possible allies. The trick will be in recognizing the difference. Amidst the chaos, Logan and Tanda learn to rely on one another in ways they never thought possible. As they venture further into the unknown, they discover the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and hope.     AmazonKU

TIMEFALL by Madilyn deRose

VS Note: MM time travel romance.

At some point in the near future, I was going to lose all of my friends. It was inevitable, really. That was the sort of life my fortune cookie foretold or whatever. While everyone else wanted to be a doctor or an astronaut, I always found comfort in a good heist movie. I was never very sociable and according to other people, I was kind of weird. The only people I was really close with were my brother, Blaise, and my best friend, Brandy. Now, he was gone and she was a couple months away from marrying a straight edge millionaire. Me; I was a thief. Not the kind that stole one shoe from Walmart. No, I got my hands on things that were a bit more valuable. My life was about intricate surveillance, burglary, and grand theft auto when I was feeling ballsy. I was good at what I did, but I hadn’t made my big break yet. That was about to change. When I learned about a fancy lab with mysterious inventions, I set my sights on it. What I found there was far above anything I’d imagined. I mean, time travel was the stuff of science fiction. With top secret documents and one of their devices in hand, I was going to be a billionaire very soon. Well, that was the plan. Note to self: don’t mess around with a device that could send you hundreds of years into the past. Second note to self: make sure you don’t have a straggler when you head back to your own time. The guy definitely wouldn’t fit in and he’d probably cause all sorts of problems. Hell, at least he was really damn hot. And straight, of course. It’s possible he’s a homophobe, if we’re being honest. My main concern was getting him home. What else could go wrong along the way?   AmazonKU

DESTINED (DESIGNED BOOK THREE) by Amy Patrick

Just when she was settling in at the Haven (and getting almost used to the scary but exciting idea of becoming someone’s mate) Mireya’s world is rocked by the surprise arrival of two newcomers… Daniel and Heath. She’s thrilled to see them both safe and sound. Her would-be mate–Elias–is definitely not. He suspects Heath is a spy for the evil Apollo Gideon and doesn’t trust a word he says. He trusts him with Mireya even less. And she’s not sure what to believe. Because not only did Heath bring some major love triangle vibes to the Gebby sanctuary, he’s also brought news of a devastating new threat to them and all the kids like them on military bases across the country. The fate of the human race may hang in the balance as well. In this third and final book of the Designed series, Mireya has some tough decisions to make: Whom should she trust? Which guy does she truly love? And how can she possibly rise to the world-defining battle she is destined to fight?   AmazonKU

MOTHERSHIP by Kaitlyn O’Connor

VS Note: Listed in Erotica.

When amateur astronomer Opal Kennedy sees something she was never supposed to see—and worse, photographs it and then tops that by posting it online, she gets a visit from the men in black—and they aren’t happy with her. Opal didn’t think she’d really believed she had managed to photograph an alien Mothership until the FEDS showed up and threatened her. When she didn’t cooperate, they fixed the problem in a way she had never dreamed of. They summoned the aliens to come and pick her up and she found herself a ‘uman’ specimen for some very scary aliens—the cyborg, Talos, and his biological avatar.    Amazon

CYBEREVOLUTION AFTERMATH  IV: HERC 500.1 by Kaitlyn O’Connor

VS Note: Listed in Erotica

Swept up in the government plan to transport the poor to a new colony world, Mariah gets booted for health reasons before the ship sails and has to scramble to find a way to accompany her daughter and infant granddaughters. Tristan is the Herc she buys to protect them on the primitive world, but nothing goes quite according to plan. Or actually, at all. Tristan imprints on her as his mistress and Hayden and Dakota aren’t just hard to discourage. They’re impossible. And she isn’t as immune as she wishes she was.

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*************************BRIEF BREAK BEFORE THE FANTASY/PNR BOOKS!***************************************

VS: Just a reminder of my latest release…I was afraid it wasn’t spooky enough but reviews indicate it hit the spot…the “Mary Celeste of space” for those of you familiar with the mystery of the derelict freighter found sailing the Atlantic in the 1870’s with no crew aboard. This is my scifi romance take on it!

STAR CRUISE GHOST SHIP by Veronica Scott

After losing his Space Navy career due to an unfortunate accident, Theo Knox is looking for any opportunity to distinguish himself as an officer aboard the luxury cruise liner Nebula Zephyr. When they come upon a derelict freighter, he’s happy to lead a small crew to salvage the ship and bring her to port. But once he’s boarded the little ship questions pile up. What happened to the original crew? Why is the lifeboat still docked? Is the ship haunted? What’s in those mysterious crates in the cargo hold? Security Officer Jayna Evans has complicated feelings about Theo so she’s pleased to be assigned to his salvage crew. She hopes they can work out their future while bringing the derelict to port but the uncanny events aboard the abandoned vessel pile up and she can’t trust anyone, not even Theo. Can Theo and Jayna salvage the ship and their relationship? Will anyone survive a cruise on the Ghost Ship? This 38K word Star Cruise novella is the latest installment in the ongoing, connected series. Have you booked your Star Cruise yet? There is a very brief mention of the loss of a previous pregnancy.

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*****************************OKAY, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT  IF YOU DECIDE TO CHECK OUT THE BOOK  (because my own books pay my bills) AND A BIG THANK YOU IF YOU ALREADY HAVE! AND ONWARD WE GO!*********************

WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE (SOME KIND OF MONSTER BOOK ONE) by Katie May and Steffanie Holmes

Monsters aren’t just in your nightmares. Sometimes, they’re the people you love most. I’m Lily Dean, and I hunt monsters. Vamps, ghouls, demons. I’ll slay them all. Each kill gets me closer to finding the monsters who killed my parents and stole my future. When a new job comes up to exorcise a ghost haunting the honeymoon suite at an old hotel, I know it’s connected to what happened to me five years ago. But there’s only one problem. Okay, make that three problems. Jackson, Orion, and Brooks. The Bellua brothers – the best hunters in the business. We grew up next door to each other. We used to be best friends. Before they betrayed me. And now, they’re after my kill. There’s only one way I can get the answers I need. I have to team up with my enemies. Sometimes, to kill a monster, you have to become one.   AmazonKU

STARLIGHT DREAMS (STARLIGHT HOLLOW BOOK TWO) by Yasmine Galenorn

I’m Elphyra, the Witch of the Wild. I live in Starlight Hollow, a magical small town on the west side of Hood Canal, Washington. In Starlight Hollow, dreams become both reality, and nightmares. The town is filled with people who need magical help and advice, some tea, or just a shoulder to confide in. They come to me, and I do what I can to help them and to protect the town. AnaLee, my best friend, has started to notice strange things going on around her house. We discover an old graveyard near her house and the trouble seems to be emanating from there. At first I think it’s a ghost, but then we discover it’s something far more dangerous–a force that reminds me of a painful time in my past that I’ve been trying to forget. I’m going to need help, so I call on Faron Collinsworth, the King of the Olympic Wolf Pack, one of the only people who might be able to help me go up against the dark force trying to destroy my best friend–and me.

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BLOOD FAE ACADEMY by Various

CRAVE (DEMONS OF NOTHING) by Charlotte Brice

Pridjen – I am the demon of Pride, and getting sent back to the nothing by a little Vengeance has wounded my soul. I crave my companion in the nothing. A fellow demon with whom I can feel complete. But I crave what I can’t have. My own life. Summoned to the Something keeps us apart for decades at a time, so I must make the most of my favourite demon. Lyric. The demon of Craving. Half lust, half gluttony, I am more than enough for him. Or I would be if I was around more. Luckily, the demon I must share this craving with is asexual, I could not share my Lyric with anyone else. I’m going to start a rebellion to get what I want. I am Me, and I’m going to damn well own these pronouns. This is a 10k short story, told from three POVs     AmazonKU

GRAPE SUGAR SORCERY (A CANDY AND CHAOS COZY MYSTERY BOOK TWO) by Sara Bourgeois

Darkness descends when a teenage girl vanishes in the bewitching town of Hemlock Hollow. Candy shop owner and undercover witch Blue Bell springs into action as occult symbols surround the puzzling disappearance. With help from her sister Pepper, handsome P.I. Ethan Moore, and her sassy cat familiar, Tiffany, Blue follows a trail of chilling clues leading deep into the forest. Her uncanny abilities give her an edge in the baffling case that stumps the police. But when their investigation gets too close for comfort, a dangerous cult targets the sisters. In a heart-pounding confrontation, Blue must tap into her full magical powers to survive and take down the sinister forces threatening her town, sister, and snarky feline friend. She risks exposing her long-hidden gifts to confront the dark side of magic in her beloved haven. Will she prevail and unlock the secrets behind the teen’s alarming vanishing?    AmazonKU

SHIELD (THE DELPHIC DAME BOOK THREE) by Jenny Schwartz

If Cherry was a selfish witch, she’d keep running. She’s an oracle. She KNOWS that trouble is closing in. However, there’s an instant in which she could escape, and so could those she loves. Too bad she’s surrounded herself with ridiculously noble allies. The kind of self-sacrificing, kind, clever, and resolute people who force you to love them…then go off to risk their lives for the greater good. Of course Cherry has to rescue them. And if she’s rescuing those she loves, maybe she could save everyone else along the way?   AmazonKU

BLOOD OF ANCIENTS (A STUDY IN SHADOW BOOK FOUR) by Sara C Roethle

VS Note: From DEC 31.

Eiric won the battle, but Lyssandra plans on winning the war. With her bond broken, her magic builds, threatening to consume her—a price she is willing to pay if it means she can bring Eiric down with her. Only, not everything is as it seems. She had thought the Ivangard witches villains, not victims. When acolytes start dying in mysterious ways, Lyss is torn between helping them, or taking advantage of their weaknesses. Only one thing is for sure: the truth will come to light, shining itself not only on the killers, but on another dark secret hidden in Lyssandra’s blood. A secret that could bring ruin to the one she loves the most. Blood of Ancients is the epic conclusion of A Study in Shadows.   AmazonKU

MOONBREAK (FIVE MOONS RISING BOOK FOUR) by Lise MacTague

In Chicago’s dark underbelly, Snow, a solitary wolf, faces her greatest challenge yet. Leading the city’s remaining werewolf Alphas, she navigates a perilous path of survival. They’re haunted by a merciless enemy who’s not only murdered their leaders but also captured most of their packs. Snow’s task is complicated by the fragile alliance with four dominant Alphas—each battling for supremacy. Cassidy Nolan, amidst this turmoil, clings to her vision of leadership. Confined in a van with rival Alphas, her determination never falters with Snow, her unwavering ally, at her side. Together, they’re on a relentless quest to rescue their kin, facing an elusive and cunning adversary. As their journey grows more desperate, the bond between Snow and Cassidy strengthens. This alliance might be their only hope to unite the Alphas and save their packs. But with time running out and trust scarce, will their newfound strength be enough to conquer the challenges ahead?

Amazon     AB

EMBRACE OF DRAGONS (DRAGON TAILS BOOK EIGHT) by Aja James

Arthur Pendragon, the Once and Future King of an ancient Isle, finally recovered his heart and awoke from his witch queen’s spell. But he sustained mortal wounds before he was spirited away to “Avalon,” a Celestial Realm beyond human ken. In order to restore him, his life force was bound to another—his First Knight, Lancelot. There was a time when Arthur loved and admired Lancelot above all men, before the Betrayal. Since the destruction of their shared tormentor, he realized that he’d accused his friend wrongly. But so much time, distance and regret have accumulated between them. So much sadness and pain. A trip to their homeland with Arthur’s newly discovered family reopens old wounds, but also reminds them of how they used to be. During the journey, they are tasked with the search for the Everlasting Embrace by a mysterious being who speaks to them in dreams. The end of the world may be just around the corner. Along the way, enemies may become lovers, reluctant friendships may form, and lots of hot, desperate, this-may-be-the-last-time-we-have-sex sex will definitely be had.    Amazon

THE HUNTED (ADDALEE ACKERS BOOK ONE) by Rebecca Royce

I’m Addalee Ackers, and my life’s gone totally bonkers. I mean, I’ve been possessed by a freakin’ demon! And that’s not even the half of it. Four drop-dead gorgeous guys have all set their sights on me, which would be awesome if I weren’t, you know, possessed and stuff. It’s like a twisted supernatural soap opera. We’re knee-deep in secret societies, dodging assassins left and right. All I want is to go back to dealing with normal girl problems, but I’m stuck in this paranormal mess. As if things couldn’t get any weirder, there’s this undeniable attraction, a sizzling connection that pops between me and these four guys. But it’s more than just steamy tension; it’s a power that could change everything. Can I kick this demon to the curb and survive the chaos closing in around us? Or will I succumb to the forces that threaten to consume us all?   AmazonKU

TWISTED FATE (VIOLET STORM URBAN FANTASY SERIES BOOK TWO) by Maureen Bonatch

I didn’t expect to become a celestial cat-sitter in addition to getting caught in a cosmic conspiracy, but destiny tampering threatens future angels. The likely culprit? The demon with the sinister plot to recruit me for the Underworld. He can identify future angels. It turns out, so can I—or so I’m told. Doubt creeps in, making me question my abilities. As if another eerie similarity between me and the demon isn’t enough. Now, I must outsmart the demon, identify the next victim, and navigate the chaos at the Station thanks to a mysterious troublemaker. Secrets spill out, and mine aren’t the only ones exposed. If I can’t keep my focus, my self-doubt might lead me to self-sabotage. There’s a mortal teenager’s life on the line, and to top it off, that angel won’t ever forgive me if anything happens to her precious cat.     AmazonKU

FAKE DATES AND FANGED MATES by Alice Winters

Julian – This week hasn’t gone the best for me unless you count Casimir, the sexy ancient vampire, bringing me back from the brink of death (and tying my fate to his in the process). Not that it matters if the werewolves and vampires don’t stop their ridiculous feud, because someone is targeting them and widening the divide between our communities with each body they leave in their wake. But as the alpha’s son, I have a plan to fix everything. I’m going to convince Casimir to fake date me to show the others that we can work together. I mean… what could go wrong? Casimir – Everything. Literally everything could go wrong. Who is actually going to believe that I want this joke-cracking, cute werewolf tagging alongside me? Honestly, do I even care if people get along? I really think I have much more important things to do than going on hardware store dates, learning the torturous art of holding hands, and attending awkward family dinners, like… staring at my dog… and… I’m sure there’s something else. Okay, fine, maybe this whole fake dating scheme isn’t the worst idea that I’ve come across in the past five hundred years, but it’s definitely in the running. The two of us are just going to have a bit of fun while I stop whoever’s hunting down the vampires and werewolves… right?    Amazon

KUAKET (SPEED DATING WITH THE DENIZENS OF THE UNDERWORLD BOOK 34) by Laura Greenwood

Kua has strict rules for her relationships, and most of them revolve around avoiding falling in love. When she finds herself entangled with a warlock belonging to a cult that wants to destroy all gods, she thinks she’s found the perfect no-strings-attached situation. Abrax longs to be free from the cult that has him in its grasp, but he doesn’t have a chance to make that a reality until they threaten the one person he’s grown to care about the most. Can the two of them work out a plan to free him without losing everything they’re not supposed to have?

Amazon      Apple Books     Kobo

MINE (LAIR OF THE WOLVEN) by J R Ward

FAEBOUND: A NOVEL by Saara  El-Arifi
Yeeran was born on the battlefield, has lived on the battlefield, and one day, she knows, she’ll die on the battlefield. As a warrior in the elven army, Yeeran has known nothing but violence her whole life. Her sister, Lettle, is trying to make a living as a diviner, seeking prophecies of a better future. When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran’s exile from the Elven Lands, both sisters are forced into the terrifying wilderness beyond their borders.  There they encounter the impossible: the fae court. The fae haven’t been seen for a millennium. But now Yeeran and Lettle are thrust into their seductive world, torn among their loyalties to each other, their elven homeland, and their hearts.
Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo
LANGDON (TERK’S GUARDIANS FOUR) by Dale Mayer

Langdon hasn’t been in a good place for a long time, but it was time enough to chase away the woman he’d loved since forever. Unable to reach her to make it right, he realizes she’s disappeared—and not by choice. He then finds out why Molly was kidnapped and by whom. Molly would do just about anything for Langdon, yet being used as leverage to force him to act wasn’t part of the plan. But escaping would take more than her special energy skills, abilities her captors are unaware of. She needs to keep it that way. Now if only she could open the psychic door she’d slammed shut between her and Langdon to let him know what was happening—before he was forced to do something that could kill them both.

DEAD MAN’S CHEST (COLD CASE PSYCHIC BOOK 25) by Pandora Pine
One phone call can change everything. Sick of snow and ice, psychic Tennyson Grimm jumps at the chance to head to Florida for a little fun in the sun. While sitting on the beach, his phone rings with a call from prison inmate River Ramsey who has a startling claim: “You don’t know me, but I’m your brother.” The man has been arrested for the murder of his business partner and needs Tennyson’s help to prove his innocence.
Detective Ronan O’Mara is stunned by the revelation. He’s determined to discover if Ramsey is a killer or simply a conman on the grift. As he delves into the crime, Ronan unearths devastating secrets someone is willing to kill in order to protect. Caught in the middle is Tennyson’s mother, Kaye, who must come to grips with the fact that her husband had secrets of his own. Who is River Ramsey? Did he kill his business partner? More importantly, is he really Tennyson’s brother?    AmazonKU
SUMMER QUEEN (THE BURIED AND THE BOUND TRILOGY BOOK TWO) by Rochelle Hassan
As a new coven, Aziza, Leo, and Tristan faced evil and triumphed. All that’s left is to put their lives back together, a process complicated by the fallout from painful secrets, the emotional and physical scars they now carry, and the mysteries that still haunt them. But with the approach of the solstice comes the arrival of strange new visitors to Blackthorn: the Summer Court, a nomadic community of Fair Folk from deep in Elphame. They’ve journeyed to the border between the human world and fairyland, far from their usual caravan route, to take back something that belongs to them—something Leo’s not willing to lose. Refusing to give up without a fight, he makes a risky deal with the Summer Court’s princess and regent. The challenge she proposes sends Coven Blackthorn into the farthest, wildest reaches of Elphame.
But when you play games with the Fair Folk, even winning has a cost.
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RICH, RUGGED AND ORCISH by Zora Black
Nannying two orc kids? Easy. Their handsome single dad? Now that’s a challenge. This orc has a meddling mother-in-law who wants to find him a wife. I know my sister can knock his tusks off! In order to set them up…I have to fake date the orc. I wanted to get his mother-in-law out of the way. But soon enough, bouncy kids and bedtime routines become the least of my worries. Because I want the single orc dad all for myself. 
From his hot body to his thick wallet, I just can’t resist. I thought he was perfect for my sister…But I think he might be perfect for me. Am I destined to just be his nanny? I can wrangle his kids…But can I wrangle his heart?     AmazonKU
MISTLETOE MAGIC: WHEEL OF THE YEAR #2 (SHADOWED DREAMS) by S J Sanders
Yule has arrived and with it my demon husband, Iyano. It may not be the best idea to remain here with him but there is a Yule party to attend, friends to gather with, and one last winter holiday to say goodbye to. Of course, Iyano has his own ideas of how to welcome the birth of the sun and fires getting stoked higher. Not to mention a plan to gift me with another precious memory of a holiday bygone. It’s about to get a lot more magical around here with a demon home for Yule. This novella is a continuation from Pumpkin Spice Magic and should be read in order.   AmazonKU
WORDS NOT NECESSARY: A MAGIC USERS OF GREENFORD SPINOFF SHORT by Lisa Oliver
VS Note: A re-release.
Rocky Anderson, high magic user and a Wielder of the Magic Sword, needed an anchor immediately. Stuck on the border of Poland, with no way to even read his magically encrypted messages on his phone, he was desperate enough to try using magic without the grounding presence an anchor would give him… and got soundly told off by a young homeless girl in the process. A young girl who had a brother, who was an anchor.
For Neo Brecht, life was getting desperate. As an anchor, no one would give him work because he didn’t speak. But because he had anchor marks, no one else would give him any other work in case he was needed to anchor for a high magic user. Magical laws determined he couldn’t use the powers he had for personal gain, and yet without work, he had absolutely nothing at all. Until his sister returned with a mountain of a man bringing pastries and coffee… ah, coffee. Fated mates they might be, but Neo wasn’t going to let Rocky shirk his work. There was a vampire feasting on anchor blood and he wasn’t showing any signs of stopping. But Neo’s gut was warning him there was something off about the case, too. Was their happy ever after going to be cut short before it had even begun?     Amazon
THE BOOK OF JADE (BRANCHES OF TIME BOOK THREE) by Jane O’Brien
Skye has a knack for getting herself into trouble, but she doesn’t shy away from doing whatever has to be done to solve her predicaments. In this case, her newly found ability of time travel is what she resorts to in order to get herself out of yet another sticky situation. All goes well, until she meets a handsome, mysterious, stranger, Remington Hart, in 1927, who, unbeknownst to her, has been sent to track her down and take her back to her rightful year of 2051. After several encounters with Remington in 1927 where Skye learned what it was like to be a carefree, wealthy flapper, she found herself wildly attracted to a man she knew she could never have because she believed he belonged in an era different from her own. When her time has come to an end in the roaring twenties and she must return to 1907 where she had traveled from, she has no idea the man of her dreams has followed her there, too. As Rem watched her from the shadows, waiting for his chance to make a capture, he begins to fall in love from afar. When Skye learns what his mission is, she flees to Taiwan in 1967 to divert his attention away from her and her family. Will Remington Hart catch his prey and forcefully return her to the future…(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)     AmazonKU
ROBERT: A FORTY PROOF NOVELLA (THE FORTY PROOF SERIES) by Shannon Mayer
**This is Robert’s story before he became the Robert you know in the Forty Proof Series.** In 1876, we were called to Savannah, Georgia to help with an infestation of demons. If we’d known what we, my wife Evangeline, and I, were walking into, we’d have run the other way. As it was, we shared tea with a vampire and stepped into a battle we did not understand until it was too late. On the night we arrived, Evangeline went missing, taken from our room. Now, in a strange city, filled with demons, and monsters, I must find her before those monsters make her one of their own. The only question that remains is one for you, dear reader. Are you brave enough to come with me on this journey, my friend? It is not for the weak of heart, but for those who believe that love is always strong enough…and that a kind soul or two can make all the difference in your life as you face the darkness. **You can read this novella WITHOUT having read any of the other books in the Forty Proof Series. Robert’s story continues in Midlife Bounty Hunter**   AmazonKU
EMILY WILDE’S MAP OF THE OTHERLANDS by Heather Fawcett
Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore who just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Ones on her adventures . . . and also from her fellow scholar and former rival Wendell Bambleby.  Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm. And despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and dangers. She also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors and of her own heart.
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SOREN (WANDERERS BETWEEN WORLDS BOOK ONE) by Miranda Page
VS Note: MM Fantasy

Soren – Monsters are nasty, but humans are worse. I’ve spent the last few years wandering what is left of the United States with a monster at my side. Roman’s ginormous. Cat-like, covered head to toe in black scales, and definitely not from this world. I just didn’t think the small, kind of cute, monster house cat that I rescued would grow to be the size of a horse. But I couldn’t have asked for a better traveling companion.
She keeps me safe against the other monsters, and most humans are too scared of her to get near us. Too bad they will never know the worst thing she would do to them is lick them to death. Now, if we could just find a home away from the monsters that want to eat me and the humans who want to kill her. Merrick – Humans took everything from me. My mate. My child. My home. When human technology tore holes in our reality, it killed our world and devastated the human population on their side. Now, we need a new home, and the only one available is the one that took everything with its greed. But to survive, we must find a way to work with humans. Even if they want to kill us. But I never thought I would meet him out here in the wilds. The human who would bring me peace.     AmazonKU

HIS REJECTED MATE (GAME OF WOLVES BOOK THREE) by Lindsey Devin and Skye Wilson

The show is over, but I’m not giving up on our love without a fight…
The deadly hit television show The Reject Project may have stopped filming, but that doesn’t mean we’re done fighting for our lives. We’ve been abandoned on the island while war wages on the mainland, and Kira’s been kidnapped by a dangerous scientist. When I launch a rescue party to save her, we make the sickening discovery that Simon’s experiments are more terrifying that we imagined. Somehow, we have to stop him and figure out a way off the island. And even if we reach Fangmore City alive, there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the brutal pack warfare or settle the score with the show’s producers. Worst of all, Kira is starting to doubt our relationship because of others’ disapproval. The entire world may be against us, but I intend to show her that our love is worth fighting for, even if it kills me.     AmazonKU

HORNS (TWISTED TIDINGS) by Adrian Blue

When a horned nightmare kidnaps Jane, she thinks it is over. She is going to rot in her small, dank cell. But the monster, Krampus, has something far different in mind for her. She has sins to atone for, naughtiness to be punished, and Krampus is all too happy to deal out some discipline. The only problem? He has the wrong person. But Krampus won’t let a little thing like that deprive him of his fun.   AmazonKU

SHADOWS AND SPELLS by Alice Stone

In a world of bewildering hauntings and paranormal mischief, my inheritance soon becomes my gateway to a magical deadly game in the shadows…Inheriting my grandmother’s old mansion was meant to be a fresh start, but I never imagined my new home would be a haven for all sorts of paranormal creatures. A clumsy werewolf and a fairy that bites? Talk about interesting obligatory roommates. Hours after I show up to claim my inheritance, one of the vampire tenants is gruesomely incinerated. A reluctant amateur sleuth with magical abilities to see my paranormal roommates, I delve into a spine-chilling investigation, uncovering a sinister plot that’s targeting my grandma’s house. And me. Time is slipping away, and I must confront malevolent forces and ruthless vampire hunters who are determined to annihilate my new friends, including the handsome, stoic vampire Vincent and my ghost cat companion. Can I master my new magical abilities, shield my friends, and escape the hunters’ clutches? If I don’t unravel the dark enigmas lurking within my newfound inheritance, I may not get out of this one with my life.     Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

LUST (SEVEN DEADLY SINS BOOK ONE) by Sienna Moreau

Sleeping with the Demigod of Desire could cost Deacon his life, but falling for him could cost him everything. Deacon St. James’ search for his missing brother has led him straight into the arms of one of the Deadly Sins that rule the world. Lust is charming, captivating and powerful and Deacon all too willingly falls to his knees at his command. The connection and heat between them could consume him whole, if he lets it. The forbidden fruit has never tasted so good. As one of the Seven Deadly Sins, Lust has the world at his fingertips, never wanting for anything. From the moment Deacon walks into his life, Lust is enamored by the spirited man who can shake off the very magic that he uses to control the world. Once he has him in his bed, Lust has no intention of letting him go. Nothing is as it seems and survival is a fickle beast. The harder Lust falls, the more everything falls apart around him. Enemies plot from the shadows, and secrets that both Lust and Deacon hold have the potential to destroy them from the inside. If they’re going to survive, they have to learn what it means to trust… and to love. When the first strike lands, will they risk it all for a glimpse of a future together?     AmazonKU

ONE ANGEL’S WISH by Kira Stone

Chris is in Heaven, working hard to keep humans happy and healthy. He doesn’t Wish for a single thing in his afterlife, a problem that leads to serious consequences when Geena, a young, beautiful Angel in Training comes crashing into his immortal life. The Wishes he’s been collecting as payment for his work as a Guardian Angel have gone unspent and now when he tries to save the woman of his dreams, he brings trouble down upon both their heads… and bodies. Geena has lost her MAN, her Mentoring Angel. On top of that, she keeps using the Lord’s name in her speech, which has gotten her silenced. She needs a Wish to get her lips unglued, but she can’t speak to earn one. She turns to the only person around she knows, a man with a Wish in his hand. In doing so, she unwittingly ties her immortal life to his and learns just how hot the quiet type can burn.

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WAR KING’S PRIZE (tHE WAR KINGS BOOK FOUR) by Lacey Thorn

When War King Marcus Blaywolf comes across a group of men attempting to enter the Dread Lands, he knows something is off. Stealing their guarded prize, he sends them on their way. The prize? A woman. One with fire on her tongue. Fire that ignites a desire in Marcus that can only be sated by one thing. Claiming his prize and making her his bride.

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VICIOUSLY YOURS (FAE KINGS OF EDEN BOOK ONE) by Jamie Applegate Hunter

Rennick: When Rennick was thirteen, the gods bestowed upon him the name of his fated mate–a human girl. As the sole heir to the Mountain Kingdom, magic bound him to his kingdom until he ascended the throne on his twenty-fifth birthday, and as a human, she couldn’t cross the magical barrier separating the humans from the fae. Heartsore and consumed with thoughts of her, he did the only thing he could and sent her anonymous letters and gifts…Until he crossed the barrier into her kingdom to claim her as his own. Amelia: Six months after Amelia’s thirteenth birthday, she received a strange letter from a fae boy claiming her as his mate. Humans weren’t taught much about the fae, and one look at the horrifying doll meant to be her belated birthday gift solidified her suspicions that someone was playing a cruel joke. Except the letters and odd gifts kept coming. Against her better judgment, Amelia fell in love with her mysterious admirer throughout the years, certain they would never meet. But on her twenty-fifth birthday, her walk to work was interrupted by two familiar words she’d read a million times.   AmazonKU

HEARTS PURSUIT by Lyra Winters

After a horrendous date left my heart feeling like a battered piñata, I knew a gaming marathon would be the perfect remedy. But when I passed out with my portable gaming system in hand, I was transported into the heart of my favorite dating simulation universe! Now, yours truly, is the main heroine attending a whimsical, enchanted academy, armed with magical prowess, EXP, and MANA galore. Dorm life in the academy is magical, especially when my roommate is an enchanted plant with a knack for being judgmental. Plus, she keeps telling me she’s my guardian, whatever that means. Not to mention, I’ve unlocked heart-fluttering connections to some of the men here. Picture six dreamy love potentials, each with their own heart-o-meters and some seriously adorable meet-cute-events. Dating games were my jam, but they always made you choose between the love interests. Why settle for one love interest when I can have six? My goal is to create the ultimate harem and max out their heart-o-meters! Who needs to pick a single beau when you can have a heart-throbbing team? No more tough love choices for this heroine!     AmazonKU

VALKYRIE HEART (VALKYRIE BOUND BOOK ONE) by Nichole Rose

Rissa – My entire life, I’ve been different. I’ve felt things I shouldn’t. Heard things that weren’t there. But those whispers never led me astray until my twenty-first birthday. The handsome stranger at the bar seemed innocent enough…until I woke up in his bed with no recollection of how I got there. He says I’m not who I think I am, and that I’m in danger. The craziest part? The more time I spend with him, the more I want to believe it when he says he belongs to me. But my life isn’t a fairytale, and places like Valhalla, mate bonds, and ancient Fae warriors don’t exist…do they?Dax – For millennia, I was oathbound to protect Valhalla, a warrior of Light sworn to defend her no matter the cost. Until the Forsaken destroyed every last Valkyrie within her borders. My brothers and I have spent the last three hundred years in exile, trapped on earth and waiting for the five mortal women prophesized to restore honor to the Halls. But when Rissa calls my soul, everything changes. My loyalty is no longer to Valhalla and the Fae but to the powerful woman caught in a prophecy she doesn’t understand. I’ll do whatever I have to do to keep her Light shining and protect our bond. Even if it means letting Valhalla fall forever.     AmazonKU

MARRYING HIS BROTHER’S MATE (ALASKA WOLF SHIFTER CLAN) by Alicia Banks

Randall and Page found themselves entangled in a forbidden romance that set their hearts ablaze. They were never supposed to be together. She had already been promised to Randall’s brother Ethan. Randall always had a thing for Page and he was willing to go to great lengths to bring his love to him, even pretending to be someone else to marry her on the sly! PAGE – I tried to run away when I found out that I had to marry a stranger. My dad didn’t care what I wanted, and he locked me up so that I couldn’t run away again. It was humiliating, and I was terrified to get married to Ethan. So, when I saw that it was Randall standing there ready to marry me, I said “I do” with a smile on my face. After a night of passion, I knew that I was always supposed to be with Randall. We were meant to be together, and nothing was going to stand in our way, not even my real fiancée or my dad. No one was going to keep me from Randall. RANDALL – My brother screwed me in the worst way possible when he tried to set our new half-brother up with Page. He knew that I loved her, had asked to marry her years ago, but wasn’t given permission. I was told she wasn’t from the right sort of family, but I didn’t care. I didn’t care about anything but how much I loved her. When I took her back, it set in motion a fight with my brothers, and it almost cost me my life. Is it wrong to think that Page is worth it?  AmazonKU

KING OF COINS: BOOK FOUR THE TAROT KINGS by Amy Kuivalainen

Arkon, the Grand Sorcerer of Venice, grapples with two unyielding foes: duty and the enigmatic Wolf Mage. Unfortunately, he can’t escape either while the war with the Varangians continues to tear Europe apart. Zarya Verasha, once loyal to the Emperor until his betrayal, seeks vengeance. Armed with a list of six names, she wants Arkon’s aid to take them down and end the war’s ceaseless turmoil. The Varangians have created formidable war mages from the essence of magical captives, and it will take the combined might of Arkon and Zarya to stop them. As Fate weaves them closer together, Arkon and Zarya will discover unexpected similarities, forcing them both to question their perceptions of each other and themselves.     AmazonKU

WALTZING WITH WITCHES (HAVEN EVER AFTER BOOK FOUR) by Hazel Mack

The Keeper – Morgan Hector is mine, but for her own safety, I can never claim the pretty witch. I can never sate myself on her blood or bring her to bliss with my teeth. We’ll never be anything more than friends. But when I discover she’s homeless and living in my office, I do what I shouldn’t—I bring her home. Being in close proximity with the mate I hold at arm’s length is the most devastating torture. She’s smart and kind with the mouth of a sailor. Plus she smells good enough to eat, and I’d give my right fang to devour her. The longer we spend under the same roof, the more my control begins to fray. But the secrets I harbor protect innocent lives—including Morgan’s. No matter how much I long for her, I can’t give into temptation. Just when I think I’ve wrestled back my desire, a dangerous warlock makes his final play against me. When Morgan ends up in his crosshairs, I have impossible decisions to make. In a war between duty and love, can I make the choice that’s right for her? Or will I doom us both to loss in the name of protecting Ever?   AmazonKU

ALPHA KING’S CAPTIVE by Ariel Renner and Lila Bosch

Only my fated mates’ touch can satisfy my raging hunger… and, as Alpha King, I will claim her at any cost. As Clarion’s formidable ruler who shifts effortlessly into a wolf, bear, or lion, I pursue my treasonous twin and find the gorgeous human he attacked. Though forbidden, I’m compelled to take Crystal to my kingdom for healing. When she awakens demanding to leave, I refuse. I must unravel why she was targeted and why I burn for her so fiercely. Every heated exchange makes me want her more, and the need to protect her consumes me. Under the chaos of the Blood Moon, our bodies ignite into untamed passion. When Crystal survives another attack, healers question if she’s human or more powerful than we ever imagined. My enemies plot to take her, but she is mine. I’ll unleash primal fury to protect my fated mate. For her, I will risk everything – my brother, my throne, even my life.   AmazonKU

WOLF ARRANGED (BETRAYED BY BLOOD BOOK ONE) by Bethany Shaw

As the alpha’s only daughter, I’m sold to our pack’s adversary to stop a war. Sent to live behind enemy lines, I must breed with my new pack’s sigma, Lincoln, or risk the murder of everyone I love. As luck would have it, the moment I lay eyes on this man I barely know, I realize he’s my fated mate…only to meet his twin brother, Sawyer, and imprint on him, too. Wolves aren’t supposed to have more than one fated mate, and Sawyer—the future alpha—was already promised to another. I was meant to solve a problem, and now I’ve created a new one. One that will get us all killed if our mate bond cements. Now, if we fail to keep our romance a secret, my family will be killed, and I’ll suffer a fate worse than death. But what happens when our inner wolves make that decision for us?     AmazonKU

SHATTERED OMEGA PART ONE (POISONVERSE NOIR BOOK ONE) by Marie Mackay

I’m an omega left behind. I’m damaged, forced to hide my nature, with a scent that can turn alphas violent. I was told there would be no normal, no friends, or dream pack waiting in the distance. But I have one last chance at love. Tomorrow, at the academy ball, my scent blockers will fade. My mates—the ones I was told I would never have—will see me.
But with one night to go, everything falls apart, and I find myself blackmailed by ruthless alphas. They are set on keeping my scent for themselves. Dusk, Umbra, and Ransom are the only alphas in the school more prestigious than my mates. Arrogant, beautiful, and deadly, they’re an enigma, shunning all omega attention. Until now. Too late, I learn that their pack lead, Dusk Varis, is as obsessed as he is unhinged. He doesn’t care about my dreams or scent-matched mates. He claims what he wants without asking. And what he wants is me.     AmazonKU

RENEGADE (URBAN ACADEMY REJECTS BOOK ONE) by Mazzy J March

There are two wolves inside me. One I was born with and one born of trauma. Trauma I don’t remember and no one will tell me about. There’s no other shifter like me and for that reason, I can never have a mate. Life is hard enough running from the Light Kingdom’s fury without adding romance to the mix. They want to drive out a part of me–kill my night wolf, my second wolf. She is a part of me now, and I’m not letting her go. After I met with the headmistress of the Urban Academy, she feared that I would be easily found inside its walls. The best place for me to hide my light was among the shadows and the darkness. There was a place for the more pesky of shifters–her words, not mine. Those who made trouble. Couldn’t control their shifts. Couldn’t cage their beast’s violence. Once I got there, I had to hide my true self. If people knew I had a duality, the repercussions could be severe. So, I would do as the headmistress told me —keep my head down and my wolves hidden —both of them. And then I met the Three Kings. They stayed together–their own little pack. My wolves called out for me to go to them–both of my wolves wanted them desperately. Wanting them was one thing–getting them would mean the end of my night wolf and maybe my life.   AmazonKU

CAPTIVE WITCH (SILVER WOLVES OF LOCKWOOD SERIES BOOK THREE) by Whitney Morsillo

One mistake threatens my fall—the bitten witch captured by a hunter. Everyone knows not to cross Gideon Disantollo, the dangerous alpha of the Silver Wolf Pack, and every witch knows not to enter his territory… But after I’m bitten and changed, I discover that Gideon is my mate—and the reason my powers are spiraling out of control. But when the wolf council and my mother join forces, I realize how screwed we are—and how desperate I am to keep Gideon safe. Now, I’m clinging to the last bit of hope that I can find the well and grow these powers that I never wanted in the first place… while trying to convince my wolf that staying far away from our mate is the right choice—for now.Because Gideon and I are stronger together. After all, I am the alpha’s lycan witch mate.     AmazonKU

ALPHA BOND (THE SHADOW WOLVES BOOK ONE) by BE Brouillard

My fated mate is a beast who’ll destroy me…who’ll ruthlessly use me in his pack’s breeding program. So, I do the unthinkable. I reject my mate and run from the wolves who stole me from my family. Starving, alone, terrified…if they find me, I’m in a world of trouble. Because I have a secret I’d rather not share – one which makes me valuable among our kind; I’m fertile for any male who takes me. And my savage new mate wants to use me, not just for himself, but for his entire pack…I run. I run fast, and I run as far as I can. But escape may not have been the best idea. Turns out that the saying “out of the frying pan into the fire” is true because I’m discovered by an alpha who scares me more than my last captor. But for very different reasons. Jagger Law is big, mean, and the baddest rogue wolf I’ve ever encountered. He also happens to be the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Not that I’m looking too hard because he’s a vicious outcast. A creature who belongs to a pack with no roots and no rules. Guess what?Jagger is willing to protect me – but at a price…because nothing in life is free. Why am I so surprised there are strings attached? I hate to admit it, but I need him. Except Jagger might be the one I need protection from…because it turns out my heart is in more danger than my body.     AmazonKU

 

First Meeting Snippet: Lady of the Star Wind SciFi Romance

I’ve decided to change up these weekly snippets and go through my backlist, sharing the first meeting between the two main characters in each book. It’s always fun for me to revisit the books and I hope it will be for you too! Or if you’ve never happened to read a certain book, maybe I can entice you into giving it a try.

This book was a very different one for me, starting in the Sectors and then it became a portal story as the two main characters escape certain death by venturing into a new world from which there’s no return. I was trying to pay tribute to the way Andre Norton’s characters would sometimes have to make similiar choices. I played with the concept of there already being an identity waiting on this world for the desperate pair…I had a bit of  time travel, I showed a glimpse of the Outlier Empire and there was this ancient civilization type world into which they’d plummeted and innediately took sides, for better or worse. Part of the plot was inspired by a 3000 year old Egyptian mirror I’d seen  in a museum and never forgotten…Yeah, a lot going on. I’ve never yet circled back to write a sequel but the main romance does reach a Happy for Now conclusion in the book.

Universal Mind series. Visually pleasing composition of human head and fractal clouds to serve as background in works on mind, dreams, thinking, consciousness and imagination

The excerpt:

Alessandra stood, straight and imperious, across the chamber from him, her face set in grim lines but showing no fear. Her luminous blue eyes were wide, and she was breathing rapidly, but she faced him with open defiance. A maid cowered behind her.

“You.” Pointing at the servant with his free hand, Mark gestured toward the door. “Out. This house is about to become a death trap, and the men downstairs won’t leave any witnesses. I advise you to run.”

Hunching over to make herself less of a target, the woman edged along the wall until she passed Mark and bolted into the corridor.

Mark stared at the princess, Seeing her again after all these years was like a hallucination. The changes in her face—older, a few lines, but still beautiful by any standard—fascinated him. Annoyed, he realized just being in the same room with her dangerously distracted him from the job.

“You can tell your master I won’t agree to anything,” Alessandra said in Outlier, voice cold but tremulous.

“I’m not one of Kliin’s boys.” Mark removed the helmet, setting it on the bureau amidst a clutter of jewelry and trinkets. Catching a whiff of her delicious perfume, the same she’d always worn for him, Mark felt a moment of vertigo. “I’m here to get you out.”

Eyebrows raised, apparently puzzled by his words, she studied his face.

Mark moved forward. As if engaged in some macabre dance, she stepped back, one step and then another as he advanced, until her shoulders hit the wall with a thump.

“Sandy, damn it, it’s me, Mark Denaltieri.” Unaccustomed emotions battering at him, he regretted ever agreeing to this venture. Some things were best left permanently in the past.

Eyes narrowed, lips thin, she glared at him. “What kind of a fool does Barent Kliin think I am? Or is this some new plot of my grandmother’s?” She grabbed a vase from the table beside her and threw it at him. “Mark is dead.

Dodging the missile, he retreated to the door, cracking it open a sliver. “Your aim is as bad as ever, I see.” He heard the rumble of voices from the floor below. Barent evidently wasn’t done toying with poor, deluded Portuc. Over his shoulder, Mark said, “Who the seven hells ever called you Sandy besides me?”

When he eased the door shut and turned, she’d sunk onto the sofa under the windows, slumped on the cream and blue floral cushions. She wiped away tears.

Crossing to the couch, he stood in front of her. Taking fierce control of his own emotions, he pitched his voice lower and injected more calm into his tones. “Your Highness, this isn’t a plot or a trick. I’m Mark.”

She shook her head in pained denial, closing her eyes as if to avoid the sight of him. Tears coursed over her cheeks. “My grandmother had him tortured and killed. I saw the records. You’re not him, and I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“Tortured, yes. Killed, no.” He blew a gusty breath. “It’s a long story. We haven’t got time for explanations. Barent Kliin is downstairs, about to murder Portuc. His plans for you aren’t much better. Will you trust me to get you out of here in one piece? Once I have you somewhere safe, you can make your own decision about what to do next. Word of a bogatyr. Sworn on my family’s honor.”

Cheeks red, dark blue eyes flooded with tears, she stared at him, seeming lost in grief. “I knew, even when Portuc claimed to have found him, it had to be a lie. Grandmother never would have let Mark Denaltieri live. I wanted it to be true so badly.”

Mark knelt, placing one hand over hers. “We have to get out of here. Now.”

“Prove who you are, or I go nowhere.” Hand fisted, she shoved his shoulder. “I’ll scream and bring them running. I’d rather trust Barent than an impostor.”

Had he changed that much in twenty years? He’d never been able to forget her face, why didn’t she know his? Maybe she was blocking the memories. Or maybe he hadn’t mattered as much to her as he’d believed. Either way, he was committed to this action, no time for doubt. “If I convince you I’m Mark, will you let me get you out of here?”

She nodded. “But you can’t prove such a thing.”

Impatient, he threw off the heavy Kliin overcoat and yanked the left side of his blue tunic free of the pants, revealing his abdomen. “We met when I took a force knife meant for you, in the Spring of a year long ago.”

Fingers trembling, she touched the long, white scar running parallel to his ribs, near his heart. Even when he’d been severely injured in the Special Forces, requiring time in the rejuve resonator, he’d demanded the medtechs leave the scar. It represented the last pitiful link to his past. Proof he had indeed been someone else, with a far different destiny than the one forced upon him. Now he shivered, flinching from even the lightest touch of her hand. Too many memories. He endured the contact for a moment before pulling away and jerking the tunic into place as he stood. “You have a birthmark shaped like a heart in a very intimate place, Your Highness. If you require further proof.”

“I’d wandered off from a family picnic in the gardens at Nemalpaue.” Alessandra stared at him, eyes wide. “You’d recently been assigned to the house guards as a cadet, and you were lost, confused by your first time in the imperial gardens—”

“We were in the gardens at Tsiolovad, and you were reading a book by yourself,” he said, temper growing short as she continued to test his claim. “I was in the wrong place at the right time. In time to see the assassins entering the garden. I’d no chance of getting help, so, being young and stupid, I tried to take them on all by myself.”

“No, you were so brave, displayed amazing courage through the entire fight.” Staring at him, she massaged her temples as if to soothe a massive headache. Unexpectedly, she grabbed his chin, tilting his head until the lamp on the wall bathed his entire face in merciless light. Leaning forward, she peered into his eyes, then released him and fell against the cushions a moment later with a gasp. “It is you—that tiny fleck of gold in your left eye always fascinated me. I’ve never seen anything like it in anyone else’s eyes.”

He walked to the bureau and donned the helmet, visor retracted. “We have to go. Trust me, don’t trust me, believe me or not, but if we don’t leave this room right now, you’re going to be Barent Kliin’s prize. I’m not waiting around to go over old times in the cadets with him. Are you coming?”

“All right.” Her measured tone gave nothing away of her inner thoughts. “We can put aside the need for explanations temporarily. I always trusted you. You were the only one I could rely on.”

“Still am, at least to get you out of here. Trust me tonight.”

LADY OF THE STAR WIND
Are they merely luckless lovers … or a legend come back to life?

Mark Denaltieri, ex-Sector Special Forces, has been hired by the Outlier Empress to rescue her granddaughter, Princess Alessandra, from kidnappers. Since the Empress once had him tortured and banished, she’s the last person Mark wants to work for. But he takes the job. He’ll save Alessandra, his first love, and discover why she didn’t speak for him when he desperately needed her. Then he’ll be on his way, finally free of his past.

Alessandra would rather her rescuer was anyone but Mark–after all, he let her believe he was dead all this time. But when the couple are forced to flee her captors by Traveling via a strange crystal globe, they find themselves in a lovely Oasis on a desert planet, the old attraction sizzling between them again.

They soon discover they are far from alone. The Oasis holds the entrance to another world, one in which the inhabitants are convinced Sandy and Mark are the Lady of the Star Wind and her Warrior, come to free them from an evil queen.

Mark and Sandy must work together to unearth an ancient mirror, and crown the true king of this land. Can they fulfill the prophecy of the Lady and her Warrior…and this time, will their love survive the test?

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo     Nook     Google Play
By veronicascott Posted in Snippet

New Releases in #SciFi #Fantasy and Paranormal Romance for JAN 17

I have not read most of the new releases listed (although I always end up one-clicking quite a few as I prepare these posts LOL). 

‘AB’ denotes audiobook and the Amazon buy link.

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WED TO THE ALIEN ROGUE (ACCIDENTAL ALIEN BRIDES BOOK EIGHT) by January Bell

Sure, he’s my husband— but we’re only friends. The minute our commanding officers assign us to track down the Roth and missing human women, I know it’s a setup. Just my huge husband, Aeroz, and me, together, in a small space ship for however long it takes? Yeah. It’s definitely a set up. But Aeroz is an absolute gentleman —er, gentlealien— and not only do we get along great, but we’re also a good team. He’s a great sparring partner, he’s charming and funny, and I love beating him at whatever Earth or Suevan game we play before we go to our respective beds at night. Everything changes, though, when we have to pretend to be on a lover’s vacation to blend in on a space station in our hunt for the Roth. The tension heats up until I realize maybe… just maybe, Aeroz might be more than a friend. Much more. We have a job to do, though, and it’s dangerous. The Roth are headed to Earth again, and we are the ones closest enough to stop them from mounting another devastating invasion. We don’t have time to be distracted by love. Or is love exactly what we need to save the day?     AmazonKU

PROTECTED BY THE ALIEN WARRIOR by Fern Fraser

I never expected to get sucked through a wormhole, dumped back in time, get separated from the tour group, and lose my bestie all at the same time. And I definitely didn’t plan on being captured by a ripped warrior, Prince Zaryk, who manipulates matter, has glowing tattoos, and rocks diamond-like skin. I need to find my BFF, but how? I’m stuck with a sexy escaped prisoner who doesn’t speak a word of English, communicates in body language, and can’t keep his hands off me. I’m quickly learning nothing’s normal anymore, but if I want to survive, I’ve got to roll with the punches. Zaryk calls me Vah-Neesss-Ahh, and let’s just say I’ve got this situation under control.     AmazonKU

CLAIMED BY THE DIAMOND KING by Violet Rae

Mara – I like to think I’m an open-minded gal, but I’ve never believed in the whole “we’re not alone in the universe” thing. Wormholes? Time travel? Aliens? Um, nope.But when I’m ripped from my comfortable-if-a-tad-boring-life to a strange, prehistoric land, these phenomena seem the only plausible explanation. Because I’m pretty sure my version of Earth doesn’t have insects the size of small cars and beasties with four eyes. The biggest surprise of all is the seven-foot alien with sparkly skin and a bod made for sin who appears from nowhere, grunting at me in a strange, guttural language. The dude is huge, growly, and looks like he wants to club me over the head with his enormous weapon and drag me to his cave to make cute alien babies. Yet there’s no denying his wicked fighting skills when I’m attacked by a giant snake-beast, convincing me that my best chance of survival is to stick with my unexpected knight in sparkly armor. But as we traverse the primitive landscape together, my life isn’t the only thing at risk… my heart is too.     AmazonKU

THE MOUNTAIN ALIEN’S WOMAN by Ella Blake

Adrik – I had accepted my fate. Refusing to serve the warlord’s daughter and commit to a life of violence and brutality had consequences. Mine are hard labor on a prison planet, but the ship carrying me there, crashes on a planet in an uninhabited system. In time, we survivors make lives for ourselves and I’ve resigned myself to being alone, mateless, in this hostile land. Until she arrives. Savannah ignites a fire in me that burns hot and relentless, but Savannah doesn’t trust her heart…or me. In order to survive the monster who wants to take her away, she’ll have to. Savannah – I’m a gig worker, trying to pay off my mother’s debt, when I hear a news story about unhinged scientists taking over some fancy particle accelerator and running mad experiments. It’s just a story until I’m hit with a wave of space-time distortion and yanked to…(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)     AmazonKU

MARRIED TO THE GRUMPY ALIEN by Kat Baxter and Emma Lee Jayne

Cressida – I never imagined that a trip to the art museums of Amsterdam would result in me being sent back in time. I am not a woman built to survive in a stone age Viking village. Almost as soon as I arrive, they’re threatening to burn me at the stake. Things go from bad to worse when an actual Norse God descends from the heavens to rescue me. Because he’s not actually a god, he just looks like one. In truth, he’s an alien. And he’s convinced I’m destined to be his love slave.     AmazonKU

ALIEN IN CHAINS (LUXX WARRIORS ON EARTH BOOK TWO) by Liz Paffel

Sexy neighbor suddenly returns after disappearing for months? ✓ Attraction to sexy neighbor is hotter than ever? ✓ Someone is aggressively messing with her and it’s escalating? Gross. ✓ Rinna Mackey is delightfully surprised when her mysterious neighbor Tristan magically appears after disappearing for months. Though she knows nothing about him, it doesn’t stop her ridiculous infatuation with his tall, rock hard body, perfect hair… perfect everything! Someone has been vandalizing their apartment building while he’s been gone and Rinna is a target. When an embarrassing mishap causes Tristan to step in, she has no choice but to accept his offer of help, and a date that makes her feel like there is SO MUCH more between them. ven if he waves more red flags than she can count. Tristan is bound to the prince of Luxxor. He’s forbidden to take a mate, but his instinct to protect the small human female is too powerful to ignore. Beheading is worth it if it means protecting Rinna. But first, he has to get free of his chains.

Amazon     AB     Kobo

THRILLED BY HER PROTECTOR (WYVERN PROTECTION UNIT BOOK FIVE) by C D Gorri

As the liaison between the Department for Paranormal Creatures & Activity and the Wyvern Protection Unit, it’s just not appropriate for Jennifer Dylluan to have the hots for one of her team. Ignoring her baser instincts is harder than it looks, and a girl can only take so much before she cracks. Zircon Wessex had always known she was the one for him. Silently waiting for her to acknowledge their bond has been sheer torture. But he’s a one woman Wyvern, and his heart is set on the unattainable Owl. When a spaceship full of Alien Wyverns lands on Earth, Jennifer is assigned to guard the group of curious Shifters. It wouldn’t be a problem, except most of the newbies are females hunting for mates, and Zircon is currently available. Jealousy has her holding onto her Owl by a thread, but there’s a bigger problem. With dissent among the ranks, Jennifer’s life is threatened, and she needs protection. Who could be a better bodyguard than the male driving her crazy? Zircon and Jennifer soon find themselves in a compromising situation, and the time comes for the Wyvern and Owl Shifter to make a decision.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

CROUCHING WOMAN HIDDEN DAGGER (NOT YOUR MAMA’S ALIEN ROMANCE BOOK THREE) by Alisha Sunderland

The things a girl’s gotta do to marry the alien love of her life. Leave my new found home in the midst of an Interplanetary war, so we can travel to his home planet: Check. Try really hard NOT to jump my soon-to-be husband’s sexy bones while we participate in his people’s version of a wedding : Check. Remember my promise to everyone I care about to keep calm and not get stabby: Maybe check. As I navigate a new planet while trying to learn Rema’s culture and traditions – while avoiding
assassination attempts and catty females – our friends are scattered to the far corners of space, and the enemy is making their next move. The pressure is on to find our happiness while we can…I just hope Rema’s ready for a lifetime with me and my psychopathic tendencies and my need to fully enjoy every bit of his gorgeous *ahem* body. Because after all this, when I finally get my hands on.. it, there is zero chance I am letting him escape. So to recount..Get married Bang Return to our ship – bringing support from the Neldre if I have anything to say about it.
Reunite with my girls Move towards putting the Unity out of business for good. Yeah, simple right? It’s a good thing I’m so calm and totally sane, or someone would get redrum-ed…kidding.     AmazonKU

SUBLIME TARGET: A DARKSTAR MERCENARIES NOVELLA by Anna Carven

Jerik Garul wants a mate. As a former High Commander in the Kordolian Imperial Military, he’s used to getting his way. Blunt-spoken and gruff, he has a tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. He doesn’t know anything about humans and their mating customs. And he’s mystified at how several of his battle-brothers—hard, ruthless, and lethal—have succeeded in securing their own females. Apparently, there’s a method to this madness. A way to seduce a human woman; to make her come willingly. He just needs to figure it out—and he’s determined to do it his way.     AmazonKU

NAGA WARLORD’S VIRGIN MATE (SERPENTS OF SERANT BOOK THREE) by Robin O’Connor

Captured by a warlord, seduction is my only chance. Can I capture the heart of the beast? Naomi – Stranded on an alien planet sucks, but it’s worse when you can’t even walk. I’m a sitting duck, and when scary Naga capture me, there’s only so much I can do. That doesn’t mean I won’t go down without a fight. When their Warlord personally comes to interrogate me, I’m ready for him. Maybe he’s the one who’s not ready for me. Krashe – I was not ready for the captive I meant to interrogate. This tiny, pale, scaleless creature is supposed to be my mate? But I can’t deny the attraction, I can’t deny the feelings brewing in me for the brave, fierce female with the sassy mouth. She might be small and helpless, but she does not cower, she does not fear me, and she never backs down. For a female like that, I might just be tempted to give up my Clan, my Queen, and my warring ways. For a female like that, I might even reach for the forbidden: technology that could help her walk again.   AmazonKU

DEFY THE FUTURE (KICK AT THE DARKNESS BOOK THREE) by Keira Andrews

VS Note: Sounded good, went back and got book one.

To protect their pack, they must risk everything. Adam and Parker are finally safe. As safe as they can be in a world where the zombie-like infected still roam the night. With other survivors, they’ve built a community—a pack. Until that peace is shattered. How far will Adam and Parker go for family—and each other? Defy the Future is a steamy gay romance from Keira Andrews featuring werewolves, found family, and of course a happy ending.     AmazonKU

SUBJECTED TO THE ALIEN (FATED MATES OF ENCHOR’S HEART BOOK FIVE) by Tammy Walsh

With our home on the verge of being repossessed, my brother convinces me to stick up a rich alien lord. We’re successful but the lord refuses to go down without a fight and gives chase. When he falls and gets knocked unconscious, I’m left with a terrible decision: Leave him to die or nurse him back to health?     AmazonKU

PLEDGED TO THE ALIEN (FATED MATES OF ENCHOR’S HEART BOOK SIX) by Tammy Walsh

After I’m attacked by a huge pair of alien males and rescued by an even more savage stranger, I realize just how vulnerable I am in the galaxy. So when he offers to protect me while he carries out some business, I leap at the chance. But when his business partner turns out not to be what he appears, I discover there’s more to my hero than meets the eye.   AmazonKU

DJINN by Lilania Begley

VS Note: A short.

The planet Sumire’s dry surface holds many surprises. Seona’s academic background hasn’t prepared her for what happens when her flitter crashes, and she nearly lands on top of Henry. Henry has his own secrets, but first, they have to survive.     AmazonKU

 

 

WARRIOR MINE (INTERSTELLAR PORTALS BOOK ONE) by Jinx Layne

VS Note: A re-release.

Leah – It’s hard to reflect and move on with your newly single life when you’re clinging to the side of a mountain in a rainstorm. And even harder when you’re falling off said mountain to your death. But somehow I don’t die. I think. For I wake up in the gigantic, scaly arms of… a creature. A thing that looks like a koi fish and a human man…combined. No joke. I should be terrified of the way he looks at me—like he wants to devour me. Am I out of my mind to find that kinda hot? Yep, completely nutso. Ax’ryon – I expect the Cave of Unmei to show me my destiny as a warrior, not hand me my mate. Especially not one from another planet. But she is absolutely breathtaking. And I can barely control myself when I look into her mossy green eyes. I’d give my life to protect this woman. To love her. Yet, once we are safe, will she agree to stay with me here in my world…forever?

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

ARCHLORD OF EXILE (STAR-MARKED MATES OF SOLLIR BOOK ONE) by Kate Stevens

VS Note: A re-release.

For thousands of years, the Sollirians abducted children from their homeworlds to fuel their magic. Inez would know. She was one of them. Like other star-maids, she was tethered to an archlord, Rylec. Unlike other star-maids, she fell for him, and he helped her escape. Three years later, Inez can’t forget Rylec or the people she left behind. Unable to return to Earth, she’s started smuggling star-maids out of Sollir on unsuspecting intergalactic cruise ships. Then, a sudden knock at her cabin door shatters everything. It’s Rylec, her former archlord — and current husband, a pesky detail she tried to forget. Exiled for helping Inez flee, Rylec is now determined to bring her back to Sollir. Inez swore she’d never be his star-wife again, no matter how she craved his touch. But Rylec will risk everything to claim her once and for all.   AmazonKU

THESE NOBLE DEEDS BOOK ONE by  M Susan Potter

VS Note: Not sure how much scifi there is in this scifi romance.

Peyton Reynolds is attempting to put her life back together after her loving fiancé snapped and tried to kill her but finds herself struggling with nightmares and anxiety. She would like to be in a relationship and feel normal again. However, the one man she cares about and feels secure with is in prison. To make things more complicated, Earth has been colonized by humans from another solar system who have a matriarchal, polyandrous society. By the new laws, Peyton would have to date a minimum of three men. Fortunately, Tyler is released, and they each find a man Peyton feels safe with to satisfy Tulari law, and they’re all getting along amazingly well. But it isn’t a bed of roses. Peyton is harassed by her late fiancé’s family, and someone has a grudge against Ty. This is an Earth based science fiction in a contemporary setting with all human characters. It is a reverse harem romance with adult content meant for mature readers with HEA. This book does not contain m/m or f/f. All focus is on the FMC.    AmazonKU

A HEART FOR HER MATES by Lola Blix

My heart, and other parts, have never felt like this before. I don’t care about Valentine’s Day, I have a much more important goal: to meet up with my chatroom friends and witness an alien landing. It would be even better if we could make contact with one of them. Deep contact preferably. Keep it together, Jen, focus on the mission. Please don’t judge. I really am interested in learning about extra-terrestrial life and would love the chance to teach them about humanity. I can’t help it if my mind wanders south every time I imagine meeting an alien or two. Also, I think I would make an awesome ambassador for humankind. I’d be sure to give them a welcome they wouldn’t forget. It’s getting late and my friends haven’t showed up yet. What on earth could be delaying them? I’ll just have to press forward and see if I can arrange an encounter on my own.     AmazonKU

*************************BRIEF BREAK BEFORE THE FANTASY/PNR BOOKS!***************************************

VS: The book from the backlist I’m highlighting today is TRATUS, partly because that’s the book where the character of Cinnthea is introduced (she wasn’t his Female Main Character) and the new Badari novel I’m writing now picks up on her story and who her fated mate it. Stay tuned on that!

TRATUS:  BADARI WARRIORS SCIFI ROMANCE (SECTORS NEW ALLIES SERIES BOOK 14)

Katrin Rodgerr, ex-Space Navy, was perfectly happy as Third Officer on a tramp freighter in the Outer Sectors, until the day she and everyone on board the ship were kidnapped by alien scientists to become subjects of gruesome experiments. Far away from home or help, Katrin does her best to bolster the other prisoners’ morale and look for a way to escape. Until one day she’s chosen for an experiment of another sort – given to a pack of alien supersoldiers as a prospective breeder.

Tratus, senior enforcer of the Tzibir pack, never expected to find his mate, much less to meet her among the human prison population of the labs. But there she is and there’s no denying the instincts. Despite his Alpha’s objections, Tratus manages to convince the alien scientists to give Katrin to him and he vows to protect her. Deeply unhappy with the way his leader runs the pack as he disobeys all their goddess’s commandments and refuses to ally with other Badari packs to fight the scientists who created them, Tratus plots a revolt.

Despite herself Katrin is drawn to the giant humanoid warrior with alien predator DNA who treats her so respectfully. His scales and other differences from human males only make him more attractive in his own way. But the Alpha distrusts her and Tratus, and time is running out for them both…
Can Tratus defeat the Alpha leading his pack to inevitable doom? Can he and Katrin survive the consequences and find their way to claiming each other as true mates or must he let her go?
Author’s Note: Mature situationsOne scene of attempted assault.

Amazon      Apple Books     Kobo     Nook     GooglePlay

*****************************OKAY, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT  IF YOU DECIDE TO CHECK OUT THE BOOK  (because my own books pay my bills) AND ONWARD WE GO!*********************

THE NIGHTMARE IN HIM by Suzanne Wright

The Ancients and the Aeons. Two groups of powerful immortals that have not seen eye to eye for millennia. And right now, at the heart of their conflict, stands Wynter Dellavale. Wynter is a witch who sought safe haven for herself and her coven in Devil’s Cradle. Founded by seven Ancient beings, the Home of Monsters provides protection, shelter, and will never give you up to outsiders . . . providing you pay the Ancients’ substantial fee. Wynter already wears the brand of Cain – the mark that says she is in his service and that her soul partly belongs to him. But as their relationship deepens, Wynter has to make a choice from which there’s no turning back. Cain cannot reveal the nightmare which lives inside him, the beast that could tear apart the woman who means more to him than he ever thought possible. But with his brother Abel out for revenge, and the suspicious reappearance of his other relatives, Cain sees that Devil’s Cradle is on the verge of war. As the stakes are raised, Cain knows he needs more than anything to keep Wynter safe and by his side – forever.

Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

A SKY FULL OF STARS (SHADOWVALE BOOK SEVEN) by Kristen Painter

Shadowvale isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. Lexi Gardner is a rare creature with a nearly unlimited supply of magic. Unfortunately, that magic has gotten a little low. That’s all right. She’s come to Shadowvale for a refill and thanks to an impending magical event, getting all the magic she requires shouldn’t be a problem. Until she crosses paths with someone who greatly needs her help. A man trapped in the forest. A man no one wanted anything to do with. A man considered by most to be a curse. Lexi, however, sees beyond his past. She sees him for who he is now. And who he could become. The only problem is saving this handsome mountain of a man will take more magic than she has. In fact, it’ll take all the magic she can get her hands on. Seems a small price to pay for his company, however. She vows to help him if he’ll help her in return, something he’s glad to do. But he has his own issues to deal with. As do most people in town. Like Amelia Marchand, the witch who created Shadowvale. Will Lexi be able to help Amelia and her new friend while securing the magic she desperately wants? Because a life without magic won’t be any kind of life at all. Unless love turns out to be all the magic she needs.

Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

A MIDLIFE MOOD (AGED TO PERFECTION BOOK FIVE) by Sara Bourgeois

When recent widow Tilly Parsons moves to the quirky village of Andale, she’s looking for a fresh start. But her new life takes an unexpected turn when she and her friend Emmy discover the body of ruthless realtor Claire Wexler stabbed to death during an open house tour. With the police investigation stalling, Tilly secretly uses her magic abilities to help crack the case. Fighting small-town politics and overcoming personal demons, Tilly is determined to bring Claire’s killer to justice. Suspects abound in this tight-knit community, from Claire’s jealous business rival to her unhinged ex-boyfriend who can’t seem to let go. Tilly must rely on help from her cat familiars and handsome Police Chief Shane Ackers to unravel the mystery before the murderer strikes again. Will she solve the crime before becoming the next victim?     AmazonKU

ALPHA WOLF PRINCES’S ARRANGED MARRIAGE (THE OMEGA’S ROYAL ATTANGEMENT BOOK ONE) by Lorelai M Hart and Colbie Dunbar

Don’t cry over spilled coffee… especially not when it’s spilled by your true mate. I’m a prince, first and foremost. I’ve known that since I was a boy. It’s the way of things. Not once have I questioned it. Why should I? I like my family, my position, and my country. When my father says it’s time for me to mate and that my mating is going to financially save us, I agree. Anything for my family. That is until I visit my favorite coffee shop and my world shifts. I scent him immediately, my fated mate. My wolf recognizes him as ours and begs me to claim him. Everything is as it should be—except nothing is. I’m promised to another, and my mate? Oh yeah, he’s human. Did I mention he hates me?     AmazonKU

HIS DUCKING ALPHA DRAGON (LOVE SYNC MATES BOOK ONE) by Lorelai M Hart

My ducking hoard is a joke, one where the punchline is loneliness. When my internet goes out and the hottie cable guy arrives to save the day, I’m sure I’ve met my mate. Everything goes beautifully: He flirts. I flirt. It’s a flirting extravaganza. And then he asks what all guys do: Is this your grandma’s house? Because what alpha lives surrounded by duck figurines and statues and paintings and even ducky chair cushions? Only with this guy it’s worse because I think he’s my mate. What omega dreams of settling down with a dragon mate whose hoard is made of ducks? Exactly none. Thanks, Grandma.     AmazonKU

GUARDED BY THE CHIMERA (MONSTER SECURITY AGENCY) by Eden Ember

It’s hard for people to see my heart when I’m known for my ferocity. I’ve learned to hide my feelings and do my job. When I’m hired to protect a billionaire heiress on a humanitarian mission to South America, I think it’s business as usual. Then I see her. I catch a whiff of her unique scent, and I know she is my mate. The mate I never thought I’d find. She doesn’t want anything to do with me, though. She’s feisty, determined, and fully focused on her work. She has no time for romance, and even if she did, she would never choose me, her bodyguard. Next thing I know, her life is threatened, and she still ignores me. Tough luck. I will protect her whether she likes it or not.     AmazonKU

DELIRIUM (KINGS OF GROVE ACADEMY FOUR) by Katie May

ELLIE – New secrets and shocking revelations have brought me and my guys closer together. We must work as a team to bring down the Paragons of Prosperity once and for all. But with one of my men presumed dead, another being actively recruited by the cult in question, and the other three chasing lead after lead, I fear we may be in way over our heads. The Divine One will stop at nothing to get what he wants. And I fear that what he wants is…me. THE KINGS – We’ll do everything within our power to protect the girl we love. Ellie is our entire world, and losing her is unimaginable. To save her, we’ll have to enter the belly of the beast and join the very organization we yearn to destroy. What will we be willing to give up in order to save Ellie? Our power? Our wealth? Our sanity? Her love? The clock is ticking. The Divine One is coming, and he won’t rest until he gets what he wants. This is a dark reverse harem romance with gothic academies, dangerous cults, serial killers, and a sweet girl planted smack dab in the middle of it all.   AmazonKU

TWILIGHT OF EMBERS (DRAGONS OF EMBER HOLLOW BOOK ONE) by Tessa Hale

I’d always wondered what it would be like to have a family. I just never expected to find it with five mysterious strangers who have more secrets than I could ever imagine. Getting a scholarship to Evergreen University and majoring in premed means I need to keep my head down and focus on my studies. But campus is full of distractions…The football god with his golden retriever charm. The tortured one with his vicious tongue. The broken boy with his determined protectiveness. The merciless billionaire with a penchant for spoiling me. And the genius professor with his brilliant mind. They make me feel like I belong for the first time since my parents were murdered. And when they touch me, my whole world sparks to flame. But they have enemies. Those who would give anything to harm what they hold dear. And while they’ll do whatever it takes to keep me safe, sometimes falling in love will put you right in the line of fire.     Amazon     AB

OF AURAS AND SHADOWS by Jennifer Karter

Eryn is the greatest hero the Community has ever trained. When a priest foresees that she and her guardian will save the Community, it seems like Eryn’s future is assured. But when she loses her guardian on their first mission to gather the ichor that maintains the life-preserving dome over the Community, Eryn is stuck with Rina, the worst-ranked guardian. Things get harder as Eryn’s resentment turns to love. Heroes don’t fall in love with their guardians. It’s supposed to be the other way around. Rina has spent her entire life trying to prove that shadows don’t always lie. She fights her unconditional love for her hero rather than accepting it as she is supposed to. When Rina discovers that the corruption of the Dark Lands may not just be outside the dome but also in the Community’s system itself, Eryn is the only person who might listen. But will Eryn accept that the Community she loves so dearly is causing the destruction Eryn was prophesied to fix?

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

REDEEMED (WOLVES OF BLACKBIRD BOOK THREE) by Amelia Rademaker

Lawrence McDowell does not recognize his life. He’s living in a thirdhand apartment teaching Magic 101 to a Pack of wolves at the community center, and he’s a member of a Coven. Weirdly enough, he doesn’t hate it. In fact, there are some major upsides to living in Black Bird. One of them is the ward, a protective barrier that surrounds the territory. It currently keeps all of Black Bird’s enemies from crossing the boundary. It is a unique magical feat that he helped create. He’s pretty proud of it. Unfortunately, not everyone is grateful for it. Someone is upset enough about the new feature to throw a magical Molotov cocktail into his new apartment. Luckily, his next-door neighbor manages to save his life. Considering she is a Pierce, he half expected her to let him burn. It may go against every he’s experienced, but something deep inside keeps telling him he can trust her. Julie Pierce has struggled to fit in her whole life. Now that she’s found somewhere she belongs …(more blurb on ebook seller’s page)     AmazonKU

PRINCE OF THE UNDYING (UNDYING DESIRES BOOK ONE) by Karen Kincy

He’s a necromancer. An abomination. And he’s my ruin. When I hunt down the Prince of the Undying, he’s bleeding out on the battlefield. His forbidden magic violates death itself. With his bare hands, he can revive corpses and command the dead. After I save his life, he falls to one knee and swears undying loyalty to me. We should be enemies, but he’s mine now. He should be untouchable, but I can’t stop touching him. Every time I do, the cold fire of his necromancy tingles over my skin. It’s impossible to deny my fascination with him. Maybe there’s more than magic between us. Heartbreakingly beautiful, he has haunted eyes that betray painful secrets in his past. Once, he was royalty. Now, he has fallen from grace into darkness. He taunts me, telling me he hasn’t defiled me yet. I refuse to confess the truth: that’s exactly what I want from him.      Amazon

HAUNTING BEAUTY: THE MATE GAMES (DEATH BOOK ONE) by Meg Anne and K Loraine

One heroic act damned me for eternity. With a name like Tor, I should have been a hero, just like my father and twin. Turns out I’m not. Not even close. Instead I’m the very thing we hunted. A depraved monster. I thought there was no escaping the curse. No hope for a future. And then I met my mate in the unlikeliest of places: Blackwood Asylum. A place for criminals. Power hungry madmen. Supernatural outcasts. And her, the curvaceous writer who sees ghosts. I’m not the only one with a need to claim her though and I don’t know which of us she’ll choose. The dragon The pirate The lost soul or me…the beast. Dahlia was my reason for holding on to the last shreds of my humanity, but with every passing day I lose more of myself. And I’m starting to think that’s for the best. With threats closing in from all sides and a serial killer on the loose, maybe fate brought us together because she doesn’t need a hero. Maybe what my beauty really needs is a villain.     AmazonKU      AB

EVERGREEN by Devin Greenlee

All seventeen-year-old Quill wants is a break from the family business. Flowers, plants, the generations-old garden. What he wouldn’t give for a taste of the outside world. Normalcy. But his mom won’t let him out of the house, telling him he’s just not ready…All because he’s a dryad. Well, not just any dryad, but a male dryad—the first ever. And unlike everyone else in his family, he hasn’t a lick of magic. Just a shock of green hair, matching green eyes, and a growing frustration that there’s an entire world out there waiting to be discovered. Until the night when the outside world—specifically his new neighbor—discovers him. Liam Watson lives in a culture filled with electronics, mobile devices, and social media—where there is no magic or even the belief in it. And as much as Quill finds Liam irritating (he’s so cute it’s annoying), he can’t help himself. Now Quill’s getting a taste of the outside world and of Liam…and he wants more. But all is not well in this magical, urban garden, and someone—or something—is changing the very essence of it.

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LAST GIFT: SUPERNATURAL BATTLE (COVEN CAVES BOOK THREE) by Kelly St Clare

The pendant, gem, dagger, and robe of a dead woman have decided my fate. Now over three hundred magus look to me to save them from the impossibly powerful demon king. It’s safe to say my life took a little turn. But defeating a mere demon army would make life too simple. The demon king’s magic also permeates the knolls, driving the wedge of discord deep in the coven. So much has changed. So many are uncertain. Suspicion and uncertainty will find their target. The burden of my secret heritage weighs heavy, and yet there’s no option but to shoulder this as I sit on a throne I never wanted. Further upheaval could see everyone around me die. Though if Wild and I can’t figure out why our mating ritual suddenly stopped, we’ll be dead before the demons even arrive.   AmazonKU

THE OMEGA’S PRIZE (TIMBERWOLF LODGE BOOK THREE) by Vivian Arend

Moving to Timberwolf Lodge didn’t shake up Stephanie Nix’s life much. She’s content to spend time with her best friend and sister while keeping an eye out for any mystical truths hidden in plain sight. Werewolves? Not surprising. Falling in love? That’ll require more than a touch of magic. Enter Blue Carter, the eccentric Omega of the Jasper wolf pack. With his bright clothes and irrelevant ways, something about Blue captivates Stephanie. After four months together, she wonders if there might be something more than friendship brewing. From the moment they met, Blue sensed a possible bond with Stephanie. But untangling the complexities of mating with a human Omega isn’t easy, even for a patient wolf. Add in storms, rivals, and the return of an evil nemesis—this time even Blue might be in over his head. When the fate of Timberwolf Lodge is tossed into their laps, Steph and Blue will need to dig deep to find a way out. No worries—they’ll make it up as they go.

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SNOWBALLS, FLUFF AND MURDER (SILVER CIRCLE CAT RESCUE MYSTERIES BOOK FIVE) by Leann Leeds

Tablerock, Texas is not a town accustomed to blizzards. But as a once-in-a-lifetime freeze buries the town under piles of snow and ice, life grinds to a frosty halt. For Ellie and Evie Rockwell it means being snowed in at the Silver Circle Cat Rescue with their circle of friends—all of whom are feeling the chill in more ways than one. In an attempt to defrost the increasing tension among the group, they share stories of their past—including the unsolved murder of a local woman that has left a frosty shadow over Tablerock for years. The only witness to the murder was Fluff, the woman’s kitten—who just so happens to be an elderly cat resident at the rescue. In the midst of a blizzard and fraying friendships, Ellie, Evie, and their locked-in companions are plunged into their most chilling mystery yet. Can they solve the case before they’re left out in the cold, or will the icy grip of the past freeze them out for good?   AmazonKU

THE DRAGON’S PRISONER by Holly Day

Kasper Cobalt is a thief who wants to quit, but his boss forces him to do one last job. He has, of course, heard of dragons, but he isn’t sure he believes in them until he’s standing in front of a guy who breathes smoke and has weird eyes. Saxon the Sinful is bored out of his mind. Running a jewelry store on Dragon Row should be pleasing. He is, after all, surrounded by gold and gemstones. But he’s also surrounded by humans, and one of them has the audacity to try to steal from him. After having caught Kasper, Saxon locks him up in his basement. He should kill him, and he might, but first he’ll feed him. He looks hungry. Kasper can’t hang around and play dragon’s prisoner even though Saxon takes great care of him. His boss will kill him if he doesn’t finish the job. Kasper is reluctant to betray Saxon, but a thief and a dragon can never have a happily ever after, can they?

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DATING A GOLDEN GODDESS (JINX PARANORMAL DATING AGENCY BOOK TWO) by Laura Greenwood

Everyone knows not to mess with Aphrodite, so what happens when someone does? Aphrodite has always known exactly how she likes things, and when it comes to love, it’s no different. Her standards might be high, but there’s a good reason for that. Damian knows better than to get involved with a goddess, if anything, he’ll go out of his way to avoid them. The moment he encounters an infuriating woman at a dating event, he realises his life will never be the same again. Will a misunderstanding turn into love?

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WORSHIP OF THE SOUL (SUPERNATURAL HUNTRESS) (SHROUDED NATION BOOK 15) by Brenda Trim and Tia Didmon

In a desperate attempt to unravel the enigma behind Miletus’ descent into darkness, I embark on a treacherous quest to unearth his origins. As my friends and I search for the truth within the walls of a lost temple, we discover a gruesome secret. When I am gravely injured, and learn the power of Artemis is not infallible, Alex is forced to return to his homeland in order to save me. But this respite in the fae realm uncovers more than I bargained for about him and the talisman I seek. When I learn the true power of the rare artifact, will I risk my friends’ lives or allow Miletus to damn an entire species?     AmazonKU

A PERILOUS SPELL (MYSTICAL BEINGS OF OSAGE BOOK TWO) by Constance Barker and Savannah Mills

As Hazel and her allies uncover a sinister plot woven into the fabric of their seemingly tranquil town, the lines between friend and foe blur menacingly. The revelation that some of the town’s most respected inhabitants are entangled in darkness shakes Hazel to her core. Trust becomes a luxury she can no longer afford, save for her closest circle: Jaxon, Rummi, Harken, and her wise grandmother, Ethel. Yet, in the back of her mind lingers an unnerving question: could betrayal lurk even among those she holds dear? Amidst this maelstrom of deceit and danger, the bond between Harken and Hazel deepens, an undeniable attraction that neither can ignore. This burgeoning connection, however, casts ripples through their tight-knit group, stirring unspoken emotions and hidden tensions. As they grapple with yet another mysterious murder and face a heart-wrenching sacrifice from within their ranks, Hazel’s resolve is put to the ultimate test. With evil encroaching from all sides, can she muster the strength to continue her fight, or will the shadows overwhelming her beloved town snuff out the light of hope she’s struggling to keep alive?     AmazonKU

THE BUTLER’S VESSEL (DUTY AND MAGIC MM MODERN DAY REGENCY) by S Rodman

My butler can’t know I dream about him.It’s embarrassing. His eyes are so dark I feel as if I fall into them forever. I think he knows. I think he knows everything. He is calm, confident, capable. And I want him to take charge of me. But he calls me master, because I’m about to come of age and become Earl Rocester. A vessel with a title how absurd. But there is no one else to take it. My parents tried to raise me as an earl, not a vessel, and I understand why. But it has made me a freak. I’m not graceful. I’m not witty or demure. I’m clumsy and brash and bold. Prone to making an utter fool of myself. I’m too much and nobody wants that. It means the only offers of marriage I’ll receive are from men willing to overlook my flaws for the sake of my title. And that was before the incident. I got far too drunk and lost my purity. My magic was freed. My butler hid the evidence with dark magic, but now I need regular intimacy with a mage to empty me before everyone discovers my shameful secret. It is a good thing my butler is so obliging.   AmazonKU

WILD SCOTTISH ROSE (THE ENCHANTED HIGHLANDS BOOK FOUR) by Tricia O’Malley

Shona Scott would much rather putter in her garden than deal with brides that get hysterical over floral arrangements. Fed up, she quits the wedding business and renovates a small cottage on her property for holiday rentals. Without the weddings crowding her calendar, Shona will finally get some time to explore a newfound talent. An unexplainable one, at that. Owen Williams lands in Scotland for a family wedding, only to prolong his trip after his best friend has a terrifying accident on the waters of Loch Mirren. A documentary filmmaker, Owen’s quest for the truth drives him to Loren Brae, determined to uncover the secrets of what lies in the loch. When Owen books Shona’s cottage, he’s thrust into an unexpected attraction for the beautiful gardener who is determined to keep him at arm’s length. As Shona’s magic unfolds, she must do everything in her power to hide the secrets of Loren Brae from Owen, even if it means ignoring her own heart. Can love bloom if the seed is planted with doubt?     AmazonKU

BEARHEART GUARDIAN (BEAR CREEK GUARDIANS BOOK SIX) by Harmony Raines

Secrets are finally revealed as danger stalks the Bear Creek Guardians.   AmazonKU

 

 

 

DREAM HEALING: BOOK TWO OF THE ONEIRI TRILOGY by L A Phillips

What does it say about you when the only solace you find is with the god of nightmares? Nicole is at her emotional breaking point after a fatal car crash takes her boyfriend. Thoughts of ending everything plague her dreams. Phobetor is asked to heal her of the emotional distress. Reluctantly, the god of nightmares agrees and finds her sorrow more profound than her family knew. Someone or something wants Nicole’s fear and suffering for themselves and will stop at nothing to have them. A thousand-year-old secret starts to surface, causing a fight for survival. Who will win? Who will die?

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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE CARE AND FEEDING OF DEMONS: A DEMONIC DISASTERS AND AFTERLIOFE ADVENTURES NOVELLA by Shannon Mae

Beelbufo has lived a comfortable life as a pet frog for two decades, enjoying pets, human food, and horror movie nights with his favorite human, Gabe. But when Gabe and Az fall head over heels in love, they decide Beel needs a companion too. Little does Beel know that the charming pet shop owner, Jon, is about to become his unsuspecting caretaker. There’s only one small catch – Jon thinks Beel is just an ordinary pet frog. When Jon’s safety is threatened, Beel can’t help making an appearance in his human form. Now Jon’s eyeing him with suspicion (turns out his cover story wasn’t that great), Gabe and Az are up to their matchmaking antics, and Beel really just wants another kiss with the adorable pet shop owner. (Oh, did we forget to mention they shared a kiss? Spoiler alert: it was magical.) If Beel’s meddling family can stop interfering, Jon can stop being so suspicious, and Beel can stop being so scared of outing his true identity, these two might just get their own happily ever after. (Hopefully with more kisses, because Beel really does like the kissing.)     AmazonKU

THE LONGEST AUTUMN: A NOVEL by Amy Avery

Under the right circumstances, would even a god fall? Tirne is one of four humans rigorously selected to usher the turn of the seasons into the mortal world. Every year, she escorts the taciturn god Autumn between the godly and human realms. Autumn’s seasonal stay among mortals brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and the harvest of apples and gourds until Winter takes his place. This year, the enchanted Mirror that separates their worlds shatters after Tirne and Autumn pass through, trapping both of them in the human realm. As the endless autumn stretches on, crops begin to fail and the threat of starvation looms. Away from the magic of the gods’ home, Tirne suffers debilitating headaches that return with a vengeance. Worse, Autumn’s extended stay in the human realm turns him ever more mortal and vulnerable, stirring a new, forbidden attraction to Tirne. While the priesthood scrambles to find a way to reassemble the Mirror, Tirne digs into the temple’s secrets and finds an unlikely ally—or enemy—in the enigmatic sorcerer and master of poisons, Sidriel. Thrown into a world of mystery, betrayal, and espionage as she searches for the truth, might Tirne lose her morals, her hard-earned position, and the illicit spark between her and Autumn?

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MY MINOTAUR HUSBAND (STORIES FROM NEW EDEN) by Lyonne Riley

Celeste is one of only a hundred remaining humans on Earth, living on a secured preserve away from the many dangerous monsters out in the world. But some monsters desperately want human companions—and they’ll abide by all the strict rules and requirements to get one. Celeste has applications piling up from those who want to court her, but she’s afraid of taking the leap… until Theo. Theo the minotaur is shy, gentle, and kind, and wants nothing more than a human wife to spoil. When Celeste agrees to move in and start a trial marriage, he’ll do anything in his power to keep her happy and safe in a world where a human might make a great meal for another monster. The only problem? Theo is huge in more than one way—and he knows Celeste isn’t ready for him yet. It will take trust and time to prepare her as they start to build their new life together, and it might just lead to falling in love.

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THE PARLIAMENT by Amy Pokwatka

“Murder owls are extreme,” Jude said. “What’s more extreme than murder owls?” Madigan Purdy is stuck in her home town library. When tens of thousands of owls descend on the building, rending and tearing at anyone foolish enough to step outside, Mad is tasked with keeping her students safe, and distracted, while they seek a solution to their dilemma. Perhaps they’ll find the inspiration they seek in her favorite childhood book, The Silent Queen….With food and fresh water in low supply, the denizens of the library will have to find a way out, and soon, but the owls don’t seem to be in a hurry to leave…The Parliament is a story of grief and missed opportunities, but also of courage and hope. And of extremely sharp beaks.    Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

LET SLEEPING FOXES LIE by Sam Burns

VS Note: “A slightly paranormal cozy mystery…” M/M

Max has settled nicely into life in Welling. He’s got the best boyfriend ever born and a life he never imagined he could have. He’s also written his new screenplay, and the hottest director in Hollywood has snapped it up enthusiastically. So what’s the problem? She’s asked for a two-week long retreat, hosted by him, in his home, with the actors who’ve been cast in the movie. Between the personal disagreements, the weird flirtations, the easily bruised egos, and the fact that one of them invited his family along, the first week has already been hellish. All he wanted to do was find the right time to propose to his boyfriend. Things take a turn for the worse when one of the actors is murdered, and the best suspects are Max, his family, and his houseguests. The sheriff is no help at all, so Max needs to discover who the killer is before someone ends up behind bars.     AmazonKU

PILLAR OF ASH (THE FOUR PILLARS BOOK FOUR) by H M Long

Yske, daughter of the legendary warrior priestess Hessa, has dedicated her life to medicine and pacifism in service to Aita, the Great Healer. When her twin brother Berin, hungry for glory, gathers a party to investigate rumours of strange sightings in the Unmade – shadows in the darkness at the end of the world – Yske joins the mission, to keep him safe. Their journey east takes them through primal forests, walking paths last trod when gods were at war and ancient, powerful beasts were defeated and bound. And the closer they get to the Unmade, the more strange and terrible things haunt them from the shadows, corruptions in nature and monstrous creatures of moss and bone. Earning the respect of Berin and his warriors, Yske must forge a place for mercy and healing in a world of violence and sacrifice. She must survive murderous ambushes and brutal sieges and take her place at the centre of the oldest war of all. Thrust into a desperate conflict of survival, Yske and Berin will wage the final war with the gods – in the shadow of a vast and ancient tree, the fate of creation is about to be decided.

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SO LET THEM BURN (THE DIVINE TRAITORS BOOK ONE) by Kamilah Cole

Faron Vincent can channel the power of the gods. Five years ago, she used her divine magic to liberate her island from its enemies, the dragon-riding Langley Empire. But now, at seventeen, Faron is all powered up with no wars to fight. She’s a legend to her people and a nuisance to her neighbors. When she’s forced to attend an international peace summit, Faron expects that she will perform tricks like a trained pet and then go home. She doesn’t expect her older sister, Elara, forming an unprecedented bond with an enemy dragon—or the gods claiming the only way to break that bond is to kill her sister. As Faron’s desperation to find another solution takes her down a dark path, and Elara discovers the shocking secrets at the heart of the Langley Empire, both must make difficult choices that will shape each other’s lives, as well as the fate of their world.

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UNBOUND by Christy Healy

Rozlyn Ó Conchúir is used to waiting—waiting for the king, her father, to relent and allow her to leave the solitude of her tower; waiting for the dreaded and mysterious Beast of Connacht to at last be defeated; waiting for the arrival of the man destined to win her heart and break the terrible curse placed on her and her land. So when she meets Jamie—a charming and compelling suitor—she allows herself to hope that her days of solitude and patience are over at long last. But as she finds her trust betrayed—and newer, more sinister threats arising—Rozlyn learns that some curses are better left unbroken.

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THE FALL BEFORE THE HEAT (THE NEW HEMLOCK WOLF PACK SAGA BOOK 13) by Maggie Hemlock

Omega wolf, Del, leaves war-torn London to continue his college education at Hemlock Academy. He’s stuffed into a room with an Alpha roommate who leaves him flustered and frustrated. There’s something about Rex that Del can’t quite put his paw on. Only when he finally does it changes their fates and maps out a new future for them both. Will love be enough to carve out a new home for them?     AmazonKU

AMASSED FORCES (HOUSE OF GARNER BOOK EIGHT) by Erin R Flynn

My name is Inez Garner. I’m a vampire princess, the champion of our Goddess, Aether, and in charge of saving as many from the apocalypse as possible. Oh, and trying to get the world back to what it used to be as much as possible… When I have no memories of it. What could possibly go wrong with that? Especially when the apocalypse did not bring out the best in people and it seemed mostly snakes and monsters survived.
The best part? Erebus’s champion has made her first move and come at us. It was lame, but she won’t stay that way for long, so that should worry anyone smart. And I’m smart enough to know not to underestimate people I shouldn’t so we all survive. At least there’s good news. My recovery is better. I feel stronger. I feel supported and loved by more than only my Kristof. If we can just stay on this path and everyone works together, we can all come out ahead and have lives worth living once we win. That’s an achievable, realistic goal. Yeah, right, a bunch of people will undoubtedly try to mess it up. The question is who will go first?     AmazonKU

SOMBER PRINCE (JOYLESS KINGDOM BOOK ONE) by Marina Simcoe

I am his treasure. When I was twelve, my cousin disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Thirteen years later, the shadows from another world cross into ours once again, and this time they snatch me, along with my sister and my friend. Night reigns in the black desert of Alveari Kingdom. Its people are unable to experience happiness on their own, and I am to become the Joy Vessel for their Crown Prince, even as I don’t feel particularly joyful about such a future. As I spend more time with Prince Rha, I begin to understand how humans brighten the gloomy existence of his people and how much I mean to him. I am his treasure, his most prized possession, and a prisoner in his oasis palace. When I get a chance to escape my somber prince, we both are put to the test. Can I leave him, knowing that if I don’t, the people I love will remain trapped here forever? Can he set me free if it means he’d never see me again?

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JOAN AND THE SELKIE: A JOAN OF KERRY STORY by Kat Simons

 

First Meeting Snippet: JADRIAN A SciFi Romance Novel

I’ve decided to change up these weekly snippets and go through my backlist, sharing the first meeting between the two main characters in each book. It’s always fun for me to revisit the books and I hope it will be for you too! Or if you’ve never happened to read a certain book, maybe I can entice you into giving it a try.

Maybe one of the most dramatic first meetings in the Badari Warriors Series occurs in JADRIAN, so here goes:

The excerpt:

Taura crouched in the corner of her small cell, fists clenched, ready to attack the next person who came into her space, be it Khagrish scientist, lab tech or security guard. Today was her breaking point – she felt the emotion viscerally. She couldn’t endure another procedure or test. No more physical or psychological pain at the hands of the uncaring aliens. She glanced at the black bracelet affixed to her wrist and snarled in rage, like the penned animal she’d become under their torture. Maybe this time she could force them to kill her, and her awful existence would finally end.

Where were her captors? Why wasn’t anyone coming to drag her off to the next horrific ordeal? Now that she was ready to fight them to the death? To relieve her tension and unkink her muscles as she waited, Taura rose and paced the none too generous length of the cell. Movement helped her manage the tension but her mood remained on the knife edge of panic.

Gradually, she became aware of strange noises outside her cell, loud booms and the sound of pulse rifles firing in staccato bursts. As grey smoke drifted down from the vent above her head, she moved cautiously along the wall to the edge of the force barrier confining her. There was nothing to be seen in the corridor, other than eddies of smoke. An alarm blared but cut off suddenly.

Was the facility under attack? Had the Sectors finally come to the rescue of their kidnapped citizen? Not likely. Maybe her enemies had their own enemies, though, which might work to her advantage.

Coughing, she covered her face with her arm and croaked out a plea for help. “Here, I’m here!”

Death by fire was a terrifying idea. Her heart raced and her breath came in short gasps, as she couldn’t pull enough air into her chest.

Her head swam from panic and the lack of oxygen.  How ironic, to die with help possibly now at hand. My timing always sucked.

Shapes moved in the corridor, obscured by the smoke which had grown thicker. Her vision swam, blacking in and out.

Taura found herself face down on the cold cell floor.  I must have passed out for a few minutes.

Rising to her knees shakily, one hand on the wall for support, she opened her mouth to yell at whoever was passing by. Surely even the Khagrish wouldn’t be so cruel as to leave her here, trapped in a burning building?

“Please,” she said, inaudible even to herself as she collapsed to the floor.

As a toughened combat veteran, Jadrian of the Badari wasn’t subject to anxiety, but he had to admit moving through a Khagrish lab, and even worse a Khagrish prison block, brought up bad memories. He’d spent time as a younger man undergoing their tortures, kept in isolation from his pack, and the experience had left its scars on him.

The smoke bothered his eyes and lungs less than it might other beings, but it didn’t make for a pleasant environment. He and his teammates swept hastily through the place. The records indicated no human prisoners were kept here, and the force barrier doors had gone down, so it was a quick step into each cell space, checking the corners for any occupant then moving on. Purely an effort to be thorough.

Two Khagrish guards charged into the corridor from the far end, and Jadrian and his teammates scattered, taking cover where they could, returning fire. A cut off scream from the direction of the enemy indicated Jadrian or his compatriots had hit their targets. He grinned fiercely. The Khagrish bred the Badari to possess uncannily powerful vision, even in obscured environments, and now the aliens’ cleverness was coming full circle to bite them.

“Cover me.” Darik, the team leader, sprinted ahead, laying down suppressing fire just in case. “All clear, both dead,” he yelled a moment later. “We’re done here, time to regroup with the others and blow the place.”

“One more cell to check.” Jadrian turned to the right.

“Hurry it up, there’s no one here, just as the records indicated.” Darik’s clipped tone indicated his impatience to rejoin the rest of the strike force and complete the assault on the installation.

I can’t take the chance of leaving anyone behind. Even his leader’s annoyance couldn’t keep Jadrian from making sure there were no prisoners.

Taura curled into the smallest ball she could make of herself, hands over her ears as the sound of the pulse rifles in the corridor outside whined and reverberated. Suddenly, a man stepped into the cell, emerging from the swirling smoke like a hero in an adventure trideo. “I’m sure I heard something,” he said over his shoulder to companions she couldn’t see.

Eyes stinging, tears coursing down her cheeks, she reached out, tugging at his pants leg. “Help me, please.”

Shifting his weapon to leave his hands free, the soldier crouched in front of her. His eyes glowed golden as he said, “We’ll get you out, lady.” He picked her up in a single motion, rising to his full height, and hastened from the cell.

She clung to him as tightly as she could while he carried her through the smoky corridors and outside into clear air and bright sunshine. Eyes watering, she blinked, not having been outdoors since the day she arrived at this cursed place.

“Where did you find her?” another soldier asked her rescuer as he continued to move rapidly away from the building. The entire structure was alight and she shivered at the sight. But for her mysterious hero, she’d have been a casualty and no one would ever have known.

“In the burning cell block, only one there. She’s in pretty bad shape.” His voice was deep, his arms around her comforting.

She leaned her head against his broad chest, clutching his arm, until a spasm of coughing shook her. “I can’t breathe.” Panic stricken as her vision darkened, and the coughing continued without expanding her lungs, she pushed against him. Truthfully, she didn’t think she could stand but her fight or flight reflexes were overruling her conscious thoughts. Taura didn’t recognize her own voice, pleading with the soldier. “Don’t let me die.”

“I’ll get you to the medic, hang on. Take small breaths and hold them, in and then out.” He quickened his pace.

Depositphotos

JADRIAN (A BADARI WARRIORS SCIFI ROMANCE NOVEL): Sectors New Allies Series Book 3

The blurb: Taura Dancer has been pushed to her limits by alien torturers known as the Khagrish and is ready to die when suddenly the lab where she’s held as a prisoner is taken down by an armed force of soldiers.

The man who rescues her from a burning cell block is Jadrian of the Badari, a genetically engineered alien warrior with as many reasons to hate the Khagrish as Taura has. This set of shared past experiences and the circumstances of her rescue create an unusual bond between them.

Safe in the hidden base where Jadrian and his pack take her, Taura struggles to regain her lost memories and overcome constant flashbacks during which she lashes out at all who come near. Only Jadrian can recall her from the abyss of her visions and hallucinations.

As the war against the Khagrish continues, it becomes increasingly critical to find out who she really is and how she can help in the fight. Until she can control her terrors and trust her own impulses, Taura’s too afraid to pursue the promise of happiness a life with Jadrian as her mate might offer.

When he’s captured by the dreaded enemy, will she step forward to help save him, or will she remain a prisoner of her past?

This is the third book in a new scifi romance series and each novel has a satisfying Happy for Now ending for the hero and heroine, not a cliffhanger. Some overarching issues do remain unresolved in each book since this is an ongoing series but romance always wins the day in my novels!

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SFR Profile: Author Eli Donovan Talks Time Travel & Dinosaurs

My guest today is a close relative who is also a USA Today Best Selling Author (under another pen name) and it was fun to ask her questions about writing and her books!

What was the first scifi romance book you wrote, when, give us the 2-3 sentence logline.

The first scifi romance I ever wrote was a novella called Zandro for one of the Pets in Space anthologies. The logline: Hunky kitten rescuer is stranded in space with his ex-girlfriend, and they’re on the run from some bad dudes who want the two rare alien kittens he just rescued.

I know you were in two Pets in Space anthologies with us. None of us can ever pick a favorite book or character but if you had to go live in one of your own books, which would you choose and why?

That would have to be my Time Traitors universe. Yes, there are giant dinosaurs trying to eat you, but they’re still really cool! (I might have more in common with my paleontologist heroine than I want to admit.)  Also, the idea of time travel, and being able to go back and fix a mistake, rescue someone you lost, change the past all really appeal to me.

What was your most recent book and what was the story spark or inspiration for that story?

Book One

I just released a novelette set in my Time Traitors universe on Jan. 7th. It covers some of the events in the first book Time Traitors but from the hero’s POV, which we don’t get in Time Traitors itself. The spark was me wanting to get into his head a bit more before I write book two and sort of figure out why he made some of the choices he made. I loved writing it, and probably fell even more in love with Ben as a character afterward. He is very dreamy.

I really enjoyed both the first book and this latest novella. I felt I really got to know Ben much better. Your own favorite tropes? Least favorite tropes?

I am very fond of gender swapping stories. One of my favorite books to write ever was probably my take on Sleeping Beauty, Enchanting the King, where the handsome king is the one put under a sleeping curse and the princess has to rescue him. I’m also finishing up a scifi romance, Defy the Stars, that is sort of reverse Han Solo/Princess Leia. In my story, he’s the royal and she’s the cynical tough “guy.” My least favorite tropes are probably any of the ones that diminish women or take away their power. “Sexy lamp” comes to mind. (Which is the idea that if you can swap the heroine of a story out with a sexy lamp and the story is not affected in any meaningful way the writer might need to take a closer look at their heroine’s actions in the plot.)

Do you also write other genres? Which ones? How does writing a book in that genre compare to writing an SFR? I do write other genres! I mostly bounce back and forth between different flavors of scifi and fantasy with liberal splashes of romance. I like writing all of it but I probably get most excited by the ideas you can play with in scifi (space travel, time travel, etc.). My fantasy novels are cozy retreats I can return to after the scifi adventures, lol.

Orly with matching vintage Beanie Baby

Do you have a ‘writing buddy’ pet? Care to share a photo?

My 16 year old housecat Orly is snoring next to me as I type. He is a very helpful editor and never tries to sit on my laptop. Nope, never.

What’s next for you?

I’m planning to write a new fairy tale retelling of The Swan Princess set in my Fairy Tales of Lyond universe. Then I might write the second Time Traitors novel which will involve more dinosaurs, one stubborn paleontologist chasing them, and the man who loves her running after saying “are you sure this is a good idea??”

What’s on your To Be Read List?

I’m finishing up reading the latest paladin romance from T. Kingfisher: Paladin’s Faith. The heroes in that series are so sweet and hot. And the heroines are fantastic.

Give us your short author bio and where you can be found on social media.

Eli Donovan is an author who thinks dinosaurs are just neat and grew up reading too many Jane Goodall biographies. Eli lives in Southern California with a husband, kids, and one grumpy elderly cat.

You can find me online at my website and Instagram:

Website: https://elidonovan.wordpress.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elidonovanwriter/

TIME TRAITOR FILES: AGENT NAKAMURA (THE TIME TRAITORS SERIES) by Eli Donovan

VS Note: I loved the story, which fits in with, and explains part of the backstory to TIME TRAITORS. Think time travel and dinosaurs (and a relatively slow burn romance). An 11K word short. Previously released in a newsletter.

After a thrilling career of time-traveling escapades, Time Agent Ben Nakamura finds himself abruptly awakened by the rhythmic beeping of machines and a throbbing head injury. His last memory? A daring expedition to the time of dinosaurs, battling through a perilous jungle with the woman who has stolen his heart. But now she’s missing, and no one will tell him what happened. Faced with fragmented memories, Ben digs into her disappearance. Unfortunately, the more he puts together of the truth, the less certain he becomes that he wants to know. But if he wants a future with the woman he’s falling for, he’ll have to face the past. And maybe…change it? Sometimes it’s good to be a time traveler. Note from the author: Although I believe you can read this novelette without having read the first book in this series, Time Traitors, you are likely to get much more out of it if you read Time Traitors first.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo      NOOK

New Releases in #SciFi #Fantasy and Paranormal Romance for JAN 10

I have not read most of the new releases listed (although I always end up one-clicking quite a few as I prepare these posts LOL). 

‘AB’ denotes audiobook and the Amazon buy link.

*******************************************************************

RESCUED BY THE ALIEN VHAR-KHYNG by Bella Blair

Holly One minute I’m about to give the lecture of a lifetime, the next I’m being swept away by a vortex, straight into Earth’s past. More precisely, millions of years into its past. Lost, lonely, and afraid I walk through the strange landscape wondering what will kill me first: an ancient predator, hunger, or an infection. One morning it looks like a saber-toothed tiger will be the winner and I surrender myself to the inevitable, until suddenly—out of nowhere—a stranger appears, saving me from the jaws of the beast. A stranger who looks like he should be here as little as I should. Do I entrust my fate to this man? I don’t seem to have a choice when he carries me caveman-style into his home. Thor’Steyn: My world was decimated by the malicious Manx. Forced onto a prison ship, it didn’t seem as if my life could get any worse. Until the ship crash-lands on an alien planet. Believing I will be bereft of a fated mate for the rest of my life, I unexpectedly encounter Holly, a woman whose courage rivals the legendary warriors of my home planet. In her eyes, I see a soulmate and a beacon of hope in this savage world. Will she accept me as her mate? Will we be able to carve out a living on this harsh planet of hers?   AmazonKU

ALIEN MYSTIC (VOYAGER BOOK SIX) by Chloe Parker

They tell me I’m an oracle, that I’m key to winning this war…but all I want is to escape with my fated mate. When I met the Skoropi warrior Ravik, I knew he was the one who would take me away from all this, and he did as I wished. He stole me away, and we’ve spent the past six months roaming the farthest reaches of the galaxy. But now, something has happened. A new alien species has stumbled on our ship, and they tell us that our return is essential to the survival of our people. We’re the only ones that can guide them back to the Milky Way, but Ravik is intent on escape…and I have to figure out where my future lies. With Ravik, or with the apocalypse I’ve seen in my dreams for months.     AmazonKU

LETTY AND THE LAST CREW (LETTY’S ZOMBIE CHRONICLES BOOK TWO) by Kitty Siberia

Can there be a safe haven in a world that is overrun by zombies? Letty and her guys arrive at Base 7 and the place is not what she expected. She was sure they would live in a military camp, instead this is suburban bliss. Or so it seems to be. The commander of the base, Colonel Mckenzie, is hiding a secret. Letty wants to find out what’s hidden behind the clean and shiny façade and of course Carlos, Chris, Ramon and Angel have Letty’s back. Expect lots of steam and some mm. Will they be able to find out who tried to kidnap Angel last time? What about the weird Zombies that smell funny and look as if they escaped a research facility? How did they get to the base? And what about the group of runners who have fast cars and know everything that’s going on? This is a zombie apocalypse reverse harem romance novel, meaning that the heroine doesn’t have to choose between her guys. You can read this story as a standalone, but I recommend reading book one first.   AmazonKU

BREEDING HOSPITAL: A DARK SCIFI ALIEN ROMANCE by P Parker

VS Note: Check trigger warnings beginning with the fact the FMC is apparently recovering from a suicide attempt.

AmazonKU

SAVED BY THE SCIENTIST

 

(BANISHED ALIEN WARRIORS BOOK FIVE) by Riley Onyx

They call themselves the Honey, but there’s nothing sweet about these warriors. Tiril – Agreeing to go with the human soldiers was the right thing to do to protect my brothers and the women they’d rescued. As a banished fourth son, I never expected to grow old, so dying doesn’t scare me. Going to the human colony is just another adventure, though it is one I must do alone. When I arrive at the colony, I am not put to work the way I expected, the way the Honey would put a captured warrior to work. Instead, I am shut in a room and examined and questioned. Chloe – The whispers that there are aliens on this world are true. Those who survived the animal attack claimed they saw big men with swords but were quickly hushed by the leaders who didn’t want people to panic. A captured alien will be much harder to keep secret, and he is the proof that the colony leaders lied. Again. The alien may be the only way I can find out what happened to Sabine, my sister. While the alien is resigned to his capture, he makes it clear the only thing he has of value is information and that I will need to work for every morsel. When the colony leaders decide he is no longer useful, I cannot let them bury the evidence that we share this world with aliens.     AmazonKU

FATED TO THE ALIEN WARRIOR (WARRIORS OF TAVIKH BOOK ONE) by Erin Hale

London – Life has sure kicked me in the teeth. After I’m arrested for stealing, I’m given two choices: prison or get shipped to the human settlement on the planet Tavikh. Since orange isn’t my color, I guess off-planet it is. Except when our ship lands we’re attacked by vicious aliens no one warned us about. I’m suddenly rethinking my decision. Just as I swear I’m about to die, a towering alien with long, flowing golden hair and muscles rippling beneath gorgeous purple skin saves me. When the battle is over and the good guys seem to have won, my savior tells me I’m his fated mate. I hate to break it to him, but I don’t believe in fate. Zander – As shefir of the Tavikhi, it’s my duty to lead our tribe and fight against the Krijese. When word comes that another Terran ship has arrived, we rush to defend them against our brutal enemies. I’m unprepared, though, for my mating marks to burn and brighten in color when I rescue one of the human females. Is it truly possible that the goddess, Deeka, has chosen her as my keeshla—my fated mate? Despite her continued denial of the mate bond, the attraction between us flares hotter than our sun. I must do everything to convince her that we are fated to be together. Even seduce her.    Amazon

TELLING TIME (OUT OF TIME STORIES BOOK THREE) by Pauline Baird Jones

VS Note: No one does time travel like Pauline! Can’t wait to read this one.

Time and romance collide as the clock ticks down…Rogue time travelers, Mel and Jack Hamilton embark on a daring mission to identify a malevolent and mysterious force threatening the world. They aren’t the only ones in trouble. Rita Graven, a time-traveling operative, is on the run from her own team. Her only hope is to ask a handsome stranger for help, unaware that he is a time traveler, too. In a volatile dance that ripples through time, the group of time-seasoned travelers must cross epochs, with the relentless tick of the clock as their only soundtrack. Can they outwit a future conspiracy designed to obliterate all opposition to their adversary’s control over time travel, or will they run out of time… literally?

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

THE NIGHT ISLAND (THE LOST NIGHT FILES BOOK TWO) by Jayne Ann Krentz

VS Note: Psychic elements.

Talia March, Pallas Llewellyn, and Amelia Rivers, bonded by a night none of them can remember, are dedicated to uncovering the mystery of what really happened to them months ago—an experience that amplified innate psychic abilities in each of them. The women suspect they were test subjects years earlier, and that there are more people like them—all they have to do is find the list of others who took that same test. When Talia follows up on a lead from Phoebe, a fan of the trio’s podcast, she discovers that the informant has vanished. Talia isn’t the only one looking for Phoebe, however. Luke Rand, a hunted and haunted man who is chasing the same list that Talia is after, also shows up at the meeting place. It’s clear he has his own agenda, and they are instantly suspicious of each other. But when a killer begins to stalk them, they realize they have to join forces to find Phoebe and the list. The rocky investigation leads Talia and Luke to a rustic, remote retreat on Night Island in the Pacific Northwest, where the Unplugged Experience promises to rejuvenate guests. Upon their arrival, Talia and Luke discover they are quite literally cut off from the outside world when none of their high-tech devices work on the island. It soon becomes clear that Phoebe is not the first person to disappear into the strange gardens that surround the Unplugged Experience retreat. And then the first mysterious death occurs.

Amazon     AB     Apple Books     Kobo

BURN THE STARS (CROSS THE STARS BOOK TWO) by Nicole Grotepas

When Anna Brooks was kidnapped, Zach Coburn believed the battle was to get her back. Little did he know how many entities wanted her for the secrets locked inside her. Old enemies have Zach in their sights like never before as the game to control space turns volcanic and small competitors leverage themselves against the massive corporations. Throttled jump distances once gave the corporations the advantage in controlling space. Now the Very Good Mushroom Concern will be their undoing. Without Anna, is that still true? Zach knew he had a lot of enemies, but as they line up to take everything from him and gain the advantage on the interstellar stage, Zach must confront more than the demons from the life he left behind. The journey is as much within him as outside him. Anna is key, but Zach is only now discovering how true that is. Together they have the power to unlock cosmic secrets. …who has Anna? Can Zach and his crew find her before another powerful entity gets their hands on her and either silences her or uses her knowledge to unlock mind-blowing FTL distances? If he has to, Zach will burn the galaxy down on his quest to find her.     AmazonKU

ECLIPSED CROWN (THE MACLEE CHRONICLES BOOK THREE) by Jina S Bazzar

VS Note: Not listed as a romance but I do like a strong FMC.

Krozalia’s fragile stability rests on Leann’s ability to protect Dolenta—the very same cargo she once ferried across the stars. With the Tanue untethered and the emperor dead, Captain Leann has less than three days to help the princess claim the throne. But this time, the captain’s long-buried goals entwine with a decades-old scheme, unveiling a truth that will reshape the destiny of Krozalia and the galaxy itself. In the conclusion of this action-packed science fantasy trilogy, readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Captain Leann’s journey through a galaxy where danger lurks at every turn and the line between friend and foe blurs in the midst of a galaxy-altering conspiracy.   AmazonKU

THE TROUBLE WITH TRIFFLZ: FAR STARS UNIVERSE PREQUEL by Melisse Aires

Wil dreams of seeing the stars. Not building deadlier bombs. A mathematical genius forced to work on bombs, he deserts the German Army. After many years, he finishes his rocket. Wil enters space, his dream. A one-way trip, but he’ll be in the stars. He awakes in a hospital room, surrounded by blue-skinned people, tubes everywhere. His cat, her kittens, and his hens—he couldn’t leave them behind—are in their cages in the room. All alive. A lovely blue woman with rainbow hair takes his animals. Before she leaves, she gives him her name, Shalar. Wil and Shalar, the ship’s widowed Flora and Fauna Specialist, stumble upon a dastardly plot endangering the ship’s leaders and the lives of small alien children. They must work together.     Amazon 

STARBORN HUSBANDS: RETURN TO THE PLEIDES by S Legend

When Guardian Treyu Orion is accused of negligence on the job, he’s sentenced to death. Totally overboard, right? Yeah, but the Guild is full of stars who hate Orions. Prince Zhang Centaurus comes to the rescue with an arranged marriage. Why would Zhang do this? They’ve been frenemies since they set eyes on each other. Most likely it’s an evil scheme to have Treyu come to heel because once they’re married, Pleiadian customs dictate that he obeys his husband. How convenient.
Atlanta Orion is in love, but he doesn’t know how to say it because he’s basically a caveman with feelings. Instead, he gives up his title, family, and home to run away with his beloved, Gemini Centaurus, the crown prince of the Nebula, when the king rejects his impromptu proposal…(more blurb on ebook seller’s page).     AmazonKU

BETROTHED TO THE ALIEN (FATED MATES OF ENCHOR’S HEART BOOK ONE) by Tammy Walsh

After I’m made an orphan and sent to live with my draconian Chi uncle on a backward spit of a colony moon, I count down the days until I’m finally free. But then I discover he’s already betrothed me to the aging Governor and I’m due to marry him within days! The only problem is, I’m already in love with another male… none other than the Governor’s right-hand Chi! Krena tells me he won’t let me go without a fight — even if it ends in death. With both our lives on the line, can we keep our passionate love affair concealed beneath my betrothed’s nose or will we be discovered and forced to live lives I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemy?    AmazonKU

PROMISED TO THE ALIEN (FATED MATES OIF ENCHOR BOOK TWO) by Tammy Walsh

After Mila successfully escapes with her fated mate, I’m left to face her overbearing uncle, Sleii. He blames me for his niece’s disappearance and decides I must be the one to marry the Governor in her place. But when the time comes for him to hand me over, he can’t do it. He takes me back to his lair and comes up with another way to punish me…And I’m not sure my body can take it.     AmazonKU

ENTHRALLED TO THE ALIEN (FATED MATES OF ENCHOR BOOK FOUR) by Tammy Walsh

When I attend the Governor’s engagement party, I expect it to be another dull social affair like countless others. But when he reveals a long-lost painting, I instantly fall in love with the model within its frame – a model that bears a striking resemblance to a member of the Governor’s own staff.     AmazonKU

CLAIMED BY THE ALPHA (FATED MATES OF THE HOGAR BOOK THREE) by Elena Starr

I wasn’t ready to meet my fated mate. It turns out I don’t have much of a choice in the matter. I came to Hogar because Earth is a steaming pile of trash, and now that I’m here I need to prove myself worthy of my mate, the man who formed the Alphas Council after the planet’s old government crashed and burned. Proving myself worthy while working with my mate wasn’t part of the plan. But he and I are the only people brave—or foolish—enough to tackle the Northern Issue, where countless humans enter a camp and never leave. Except when the ship hidden above our planet shakes and causes an avalanche in the ice-capped mountains so dangerous teleportation is banned up there. We seem to make a good team, so Muhl thinks we’re well-matched, but I’m not so sure. Everyone I love leaves me, so allowing myself to fall for Muhl might be the thing that makes us crash and burn. Looking on the bright side, we might die before we get out of here, save the humans, and have to face what fate has unfairly forced onto him and gifted me.   AmazonKU

TIME TRAITOR FILES: AGENT NAKAMURA (THE TIME TRAITORS SERIES) by Eli Donovan

VS Note: Written by a close relative of mine who is also a USA Today Best Selling author. I loved the story, which fits in with, and explains part of the backstory to TIME TRAITORS. Think time travel and dinosaurs (and a relatively slow burn romance). An 11K word short. Previously released in a newsletter.

After a thrilling career of time-traveling escapades, Time Agent Ben Nakamura finds himself abruptly awakened by the rhythmic beeping of machines and a throbbing head injury. His last memory? A daring expedition to the time of dinosaurs, battling through a perilous jungle with the woman who has stolen his heart. But now she’s missing, and no one will tell him what happened. Faced with fragmented memories, Ben digs into her disappearance. Unfortunately, the more he puts together of the truth, the less certain he becomes that he wants to know. But if he wants a future with the woman he’s falling for, he’ll have to face the past. And maybe…change it? Sometimes it’s good to be a time traveler. Note from the author: Although I believe you can read this novelette without having read the first book in this series, Time Traitors, you are likely to get much more out of it if you read Time Traitors first.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo      NOOK

HALO GATE (STARWAYS) by Alexis Glynn Latner

VS Note: UPDATE: I’ve been assured there is a romance! I always enjoy her stories. 

The most forbidding enigma of the Star Age . . .For opposite reasons, Val Savre and Lane Dzimon both want to see what lies beyond the alien artifact called the Halo Gate. The stakes are very high: it kills intruders. Only by combining their scientific training, intelligence, and resolve can they get through the gate alive. They have no idea what they’ll find there. They only have each other.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

RICHTER SCALE (SHADOWZONE BROTHERHOOD BOOK ONE) by 

Tell me you wouldn’t leave Earth behind for the promise of a utopian life with an alien mate. I dare you. The Agency plays matchmaker for women willing to travel across two galaxies to a planet in desperate need of them. Too bad I had to sell my soul to get on that ship. When the Sian envoy arrived on Earth willing to trade almost anything for the one thing they need, I knew I wanted an alien of my own, and Richter… he’s perfect. The Agency has requirements I couldn’t meet without help, and the organization that falsified my records wants information in return. Those records might be the reason Richter isn’t the accountant I’d been matched with. If he was, I’d have been able to bore my handler back on Earth until they gave up on me. Instead, he’s a part of the Shadow Zone Brotherhood. The paramilitary group tasked with protecting their world from the monstrous creatures that wiped out the female population three decades ago has plenty of secrets I could send back through the comm channels. And even though he wasn’t supposed to be mine, now that the bond’s in place, no one can take him away from me. The man who should have been my mate is determined to try.    AmazonKU

REBELS OF PSIERE (MYSTERY OF THE MAKERS BOOK THREE) by K Aten

VS Note: LGBTQ F/F SciFi romance.

If we know anything by the third and final installment of this thrilling trilogy, it’s that Royal Connate Olivienne Dracore is an adventurist, not a soldier. Yet after the events over King’s Marsh, the people and land are in need of both. It’s a good thing her beloved Captain Castellan Tosh is one of the most powerful psi their world has ever seen. Together, with Olivienne’s protective Shield team, they seek to not only right generations of wrongs perpetrated by one family, but to finally solve the mystery of the Makers.

Amazon   NOTE: The first two books in the series are on Kobo.

SILVER LIES SERIES BOOK ONE by Willa Layne

All words that describe blondes in Novum. All words that Ash despises almost as much as she hates her hair. An unknown virus ripped apart civilization and destroyed millions of lives, leaving few light-haired people in its wake. Years later, life has regressed back to primitive methods of survival in tiny towns like Cedar Hill in the country of Novum. After being abandoned by her parents as a child, Ash was adopted by Nan and Pop. Found in the woods and left for dead they raised her as their own. She grew up fast, becoming a skilled hunter because it was the only way to survive after Pop died when she was fifteen. Now at nineteen years old, Ash does all she can to stay hidden, being one of the most sought-after people in the country. Survival depends on avoiding the king, with soldiers and bounty hunters always on the prowl it is no easy feat. Ash’s craving for freedom and belonging is like a tangible force ripping her heart in different directions. Diesel is the only friend she has ever known but the way he looks at her is anything but friendly. With stunning green eyes and dark hair, it would be hard not to take notice of the way she feels when he is around. Ash’s secret keeps them apart but when he finds out the truth—how far will Diesel go to protect her? Does he hold the key to everything she ever wanted or will deeply-rooted lies tear them apart?   Amazon

PLANET PORTUM: RETICERE SERIES BOOK TWO by Lauren Logan

Jael’s “gift” is bringing new horizons and challenges to her new friends.
After betraying the wishes of the elders, August returns to his village with the priceless gift and a plan to build an underground resistance. Recruiting his friends to the cause was the simple part. Mercy is driven to join, wants her former neighbor and childhood love, August. But she wants to be more than just his work partner. Having had enough of his hesitation, she takes the lead and draws a line. A match made by the stars, Jacob and Callum coordinate the base’s construction while discovering new ways to learn and communicate with each other and the world around them. Everyone bands together to face their second greatest threat after finding a sinister graveyard full of their people. Treacherous wilds, devastating revelations, and spilled blood leave Jael and Oz facing impossible odds as they plan their travel north on a covert mission to discover who, or what, is stealing their people. With no one aware they’re alive, no one will see them coming. Reticere Series Book Two – Planet Portum is a dark, science-fiction romance with open door spice, action and adventure, and a touch of horror.      AmazonKU

LUST FOR TOMORROW by Dana Sweeney

I’ve never seen his face. But I ache to feel his body. My fellow soldiers call him Alpha. It’s an insult, mocking his macho bravado, his aggressive arrogance. I’ve heard the snark, seen the rolled eyes. Alpha. It’s a joke. But when I hear him speak…His rich, deep voice. His lush British accent… I guess the joke’s on me. Since the zombies came, civilization fell, and new social structures arose, I’ve known that my independence relies on my disinterest in any particular man. The powers that be haven’t resorted to forced procreation… at least not yet; they still expect we’ll fall in love and walk into the trap willingly. My resistance requires that I avoid emotional connections. My existence requires that I avoid distractions, that I stand and fight. But every time this man speaks, I want to fall to my knees, offer myself to him. However he’ll have me. Lust is a distraction I can’t afford, but it’s not love. As long as I don’t fall in love, I’m safe. And who could possibly fall for Alpha?   AmazonKU

ALIEN’S STOLEN REBEL by Leslie Chase and Starr Huntress

Rachel may be desperate to escape the clutches of the aliens who kidnapped her, but desperate enough to trust a pirate? Just because Kreel is tall, sexy, and muscular doesn’t make him a good guy. No matter how much his burning gaze ignites her desire or his smile makes her heart flutter, Rachel is determined not to fall for his charms. Kreel came here to steal a spaceship, not to have his heart stolen by a feisty human female. But Fate has other plans, and once he sees Rachel, he can’t take his eyes off her. Helping Rachel escape Warlord Frax’s grasp is a foolish risk, but Kreel didn’t become a pirate to play things safe.   AmazonKU

RESIDENT 324 (THE DARTONIAN BESTIARY BOOK ONE) by Mirror Ward

VS Note: 10K short.

Immigrating to Dartor 4 has been hard. There wasn’t much work for humans here, and Cara struggled just to get by. When a unique job opportunity opens up at The Dartonian Bestiary, a glorified zoo where some of the most amazing aliens and monsters in the galaxy are kept on display by their Dartonian captors for all to see, Cara can’t resist applying. Turns out, she’s uniquely qualified for the position, but it’s nothing like she expected. Now she has a choice…Become a companion to the sapient residents of the bestiary, subject to their every whim and desire… Or continue to worry about where her next meal will come from. For Cara, it’s an easy decision. Now, it’s time to meet her first monster.     AmazonKU

*************************BRIEF BREAK BEFORE THE FANTASY/PNR BOOKS!***************************************

Just sayin’, if you need a new scifi romance series to binge, have you tried my award winning Badari Warriors? Fated mates, genetic engineering, alien abduction, forced proximity…it’s an ongoing series, with a different couple in each book but there’s also an overarching series plot arc and previous characters reappear. Here’s the series page on my blog: https://veronicascottauthor.com/about-aydarr-a-badari-warriors-scifi-romance-novel/

*****************************OKAY, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT  IF YOU DECIDE TO CHECK OUT THE BOOK  (because my own books pay my bills) AND ONWARD WE GO!*********************

GUARDED BY THE GOLEM by Cara Wylde

Morals have no place in my line of work. Monster Security Agency stands on neutral ground. As long as the client pays, we don’t question their motives. Especially when the job is as easy as the one I’m on now. All I have to do is stand guard outside a steel door in a mad scientist’s basement. I don’t even need to know who or what I’m guarding. Then one day, I peek behind the door. From the farthest corner of the basement, bright blue eyes stare at me. Dark hair, fair skin, tear-streaked cheeks, and lips sealed with duct tape. I am doomed. This woman is my mate. I know that with rock-solid conviction, and I don’t care how much I’m being paid to keep her here.     AmazonKU

INSANITY (PSYCHIC VISIONS BOOK 24) by Dale Mayer

Dr. Cresswell Simmons, a dream worker, is passionate about traumatized psychics and works in a psychiatric hospital to find those she can help. Six months ago, she barely survived a traumatic experience with a patient. Now on the cusp of returning to work and dreading every minute of it, she’s asked to step back into the same case that almost destroyed her. She desperately wants to say no, but an eight-year-old boy’s life is at stake. Gray Burnett had worked on the original case, watching the devastation that had hurt Cressy. When asked to help her retrieve the information they need, he agrees—but more to protect her and the little boy than following orders. When her return to work is less than joyful, he wonders at the undercurrents in the hospital, as jealousy, admin disputes, even Board of Director members dominate the investigation and not in a good way. Cressy is used to a world that doesn’t understand her work, but she needs Gray to open up and to see what’s going on around them. It’s the only way they will survive, as the case takes a bizarre turn that shocks even her.

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A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT by Allison Saft

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland. But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous gossip columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

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FORGET AND FORGIVE by L A Witt

It’s been a year to the day since Matteo Segreto’s biggest mistake ruined the best thing he ever had, and nothing’s been the same. All he can do is try to move on, but his world is empty without the love of his life. Alone and consumed by regret, Matteo would do anything to undo the past. Then his ex shows up, panicked and begging for his help… with no memory of their breakup. Owen Carter just woke up to a world that’s all wrong. Everything in his condo is different. The streets outside have changed. Worst of all, his boyfriend clearly doesn’t live with him anymore. To his horror, he discovers that a year has passed since he went to bed last night. His memory of that entire time is wiped clean, and only a receipt from a creepy fae shop offers any clue as to how or why. While they work to recover Owen’s memory, the exes slam face first into the past that Matteo wishes he could forget. Despite the hurt and betrayal, they also can’t help but remember how much they once loved each other. But if Owen gets his memory back and truly remembers the hell Matteo put him through, is there enough love or forgiveness to keep them together?     Amazon      Apple Books     Kobo

SWORN TO A DEMIGOD (ROMANCING THE SEAS BOOK THREE) by Athena Rose

VS Note: From DEC 21.

Ava, the oldest daughter of Isis and Poseidon, yearns for love above all else. But when she’s betrothed to the formidable and brooding hero, Hercules, she begins to question her fate. Sent as a gift from Isis, Ava is tasked with marrying Hercules and convincing him to help our heroes on a treacherous journey to collect a valuable treasure. Only then will Isis agree to negotiate and order her sirens to stop attacking men. But with each treasure guarded by a magical monster, success will require the combined skills and bravery of our heroes, along with the help of Captain Stone, Georgette, Serena, and Prince Edward. As they set out on their adventure, Hercules is dark and uncompromising, but Ava discovers a beautiful soul beneath his tough exterior, tortured by his past. Will Ava be able to bring Hercules out of his shell and find true love with him? And what will happen if they succeed on their mission?    AmazonKU

CHERISHING MY CHUCHUNYA (SNUGGLING UNDER SNOW DRIFTS BOOK THREE) by Marilyn Barr

Patricika – Three years ago, I found the love of my life, my soulmate, my dushevnayasvyaz, and I let him go. Fate brings us together time and again, shredding my heart. I’m tired of denying myself a happily ever after for the sake of my dying Chuchunya clan. Why must I suffer a loveless mating at every chase only to have the male despise me for not committing to him? Why can’t my future be filled with human/Chuchunya hybrids surrounded by love? Adam – When I was injured and alone, a merciful angel—with furry arms, not wings—rescued me from freezing to death. Because I’m not a snow monster, I tried to do the right thing and live half a life without her. I’m an anthropologist and understand the need to preserve a culture in danger of extinction…but I can’t help how I feel. Mobsters, scientists, and the leaders of her clan fight to keep us apart, but they are no match for adushevnayasvyaz. Even if it takes my life, we will have a chance to be together…so I can make her dream of creating a family come true.
Their forbidden love story depends on whether or not the clan is ready to believe in a dushevnayasvyaz without the biological symptoms. Sure, a female can be captivated by the throes of dushevnayasvyaz …but can a human male? The spring thaw promises to bring the clan’s greatest joy in a new kit and their greatest fear, a jealous Dr. Barbahall with nothing to lose. Will risking his life be enough to keep his family safe?   AmazonKU

MISLAID IN PARTS HALF-KNOWN (WAYWARD CHILDREN BOOK NINE) by Seanan Maguire

Antsy is the latest student to pass through the doors at Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children. When the school’s (literally irresistible) mean girl realizes that Antsy’s talent for finding absolutely anything may extend to doors, Antsy is forced to flee in the company of a small group of friends, looking for a way back to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go to be sure that Vineta and Hudson are keeping their promise. Along the way, they will travel from a world which hides painful memories that cut as sharply as its beauty, to a land that time wasn’t yet old enough to forget—and more than one student’s life will change forever.

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KNOX: DESTINED PARANORMALS BOOK SIX by Taylor Rylan

Knox Dupont was simply going through the motions of life when his younger brother called to tell him he’d met his beloved. That was all it took for Knox to pack up and head to Montana to start a new life there. He might not have been the one to find his beloved, but his brother was starting a family, and he wanted to be there to support him after their parents had abandoned them. Philip Nelson has spent much of his short life on the run. When his older brother and only father he’s ever known accepts a position with the paranormal council to run the council’s general store, he’s unsure at first but quickly settles into a daily routine, albeit a mundane one. His one bit of joy is having the ability to run in his fox form as much as he now desires. When Philip accepts an invite to go run with the foxes in Timber Valley, he never expected to catch the intense eyes of the sexy vampire tracking his movements. With a little help from Master Ambrosius, can Knox win over his sweet omega fox?   AmazonKU

SO I FELL FOR BIGFOOT (THE MATING GAME BOOK FIVE) by Kristen Strassel

I’m The Mating Game‘s biggest fan, but I never dreamed that my gothic cupcake self would make it on the show. Then I won my own episode. I’m so excited to go on stage and pick a hot shifter who is ready to woo me. Just one problem. During a delay in filming my episode, I had a fantastic encounter in the mountains that included an avalanche and a steamy night with a smokin’ hot sasquatch. Yes, you read that right. Bigfoot himself. Now I’m not sure I want to go on camera anymore. Show host and fairy dragmother Bibi le Bonnet wants me to reconsider. She thinks a total life makeover is in order to turn this superfan into a superstar. I’ll get three questions. Things were hot and heavy between Lars and me that night, but could this be more than a fling? Am I ready to leave my city life behind for this mountain man? And is it bad that I prefer his furry form? (Please say it’s not.) Three potential suitors. Lars isn’t the only beast with his eye on me. Who knew I’d be so popular? It’s a fan girl’s dream come true. But are they after me, or Lars? And three dates to find my forever. Lars is an immortal widower, still pining away over his lost mate. He’s blissfully unaware of modern human life. The dates he chooses are a literal breath of fresh air, and I’m having so much fun introducing him to my favorite things and getting to experience them for the first time all over again through his eyes. But when word gets out that a creature thought to be mythical has been sighted in Sunset Springs, ancient secrets are exposed, long-forgotten creatures come back to settle a score, and being in the spotlight becomes more exciting and dangerous than I ever imagined.

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EXPLOITATION by Allyson Lindt

Magnus – I’ve had everything–everyone–I loved stripped from me. I have my sister back, but I’ll never forgive the god who said he loved me, and lied. And I’ll never forget the phoenix shifter who can’t remember me now that he’s been reborn. Both men left me with a secret. Something that will get me killed if anyone finds out. Something I have to tell them, in order to survive.

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DRAGON KISS: A DRAGON KINGS NOVELLA by Donna Grant

Lotti has come a long way since finding love with Alasdair and uncovering her true origins as a Star Person. She has embraced the magic she once shunned—as well as the label of Destroyer by her own. And it has made her powerful. But will it be enough to stand against her family as they target the Dragon Kings? Alasdair has faced many adversaries who rose up against the Dragon Kings. But nothing could prepare him for the Star People and the discovery that they once enslaved his kind. It’s more than his life on the line this time. It’s the very existence of all dragons. It will take Alasdair and Lotti, together, to defeat their enemy.

Amazon     NOTE: Other books in the series are on Apple Books & Kobo

HOW TO HIDE YOUR WOLFCUB (CLOSET BABY CHRONICLES BOOK TWO) by Anna Wineheart

Liem has a few secrets. The second-biggest one? He has a baby.
A baby who’s a secret from his other dad. A baby who’s being targeted by shadowy outside forces because… well, Liem slept with someone he wasn’t supposed to. And now he’s exiled from his pack, his life and baby jinxed. Worse, his baby’s daddy has come knocking on his door. Onyx is big, strong and forbidden, stupidly handsome, and he’s claiming to be Liem’s bodyguard. Liem knows better than to refuse protection. But how long can his secrets stay hidden before the truth blows up between them? Especially when Onyx oozes temptation from every part of his body, and there’s no space in Liem’s tiny apartment to avoid him. His tantalizing scent. His dark eyes that see too much. Then there’s the matter of Liem’s biggest secret.     AmazonKU

WOLF’S TEMPTATION (GUARDED BY THE SHIFTER BOOK FIVE) by Kate Rudolph

No one will keep him from his mate. When a rescue mission goes wrong and Erin Jackson is abducted by a mysterious enemy, Jericho Gibson will stop at nothing to bring her home. But reuniting her with the rest of their pack is easier said than done when dark magic hunts them on their journey up the eastern seaboard. Erin and Gibson have spent years denying the pull between them, but with emotions running high, and no one there to run interference, there’s no avoiding the inferno of passion that threatens to consume them. But passion is not their problem. A dark force is stalking them, and if they don’t find it’s source, no one will be safe.

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VIPERS AND VENDETTAS (VENGEANCVE AFORETHOUGHT BOOK THREE) by Kyra Alessy

A desperate and cornered former slave with a dangerous secret. Six demons who aren’t ready to let her go. Can they save each other from an enemy who wants her back … and them dead? I’ve worn many masks – thief, liar, con artist – and once upon a time, every mask and job seemed justified. Targeting those who I believed deserved it was a game. One I played well and always won. Until my targets became … more. Maddox, Daemon, Axel, Iron, Jayce, and Krase taught me the meaning of home, of loyalty. I taught them that I couldn’t be trusted. Again. The truth is, they mean more to me than I could ever say, filling my head with dreams of a life I’d never dared to hope for. But that doesn’t matter now. Everything I’ve been running from is finally catching up, and I’m not just fleeing for my life anymore; I’m fighting for a future that’s suddenly become precious – a future I’ll protect with every breath in my body. Once a slave, now a con woman in hiding. But this deadly game of cat and mouse is one I’m afraid I’m not going to win. Time’s running out, and the enemies I managed to outrun for so long are at the gate, ready to collect. I began my life a slave; I’ll be damned if I end it as one.   AmazonKU

CLAIMED BY THE MINOTAUR DUKE by Jove Chambers

Agnes Babbington, the Duchess of Evonshire, has no idea there’s a labyrinth built in the depths of the wood behind her estate until her husband locks her in there. She’s not alone. There’s a bull-headed man with her. Her husband Cyril has been trying to get an heir on her for over a year with no luck. Cyril says she can’t leave until she’s with child—the monster’s child, which he will claim as his own. And it’s worse, because she knows the minotaur. He’s her husband’s brother Dorian, the man who would have been duke if it hadn’t been purported he was dead. She’s never liked Dorian, a rich rake of a man who takes delight in ridiculing her. Dorian’s not dead, though. Dorian is cursed with a bull’s head and bull’s hooves, and now she is locked up with him here in this labyrinth with no escape. She won’t couple with that thing, of course. And Dorian—for his part—claims he’s not interested in forcing her. But then Cyril comes with a revolver and demands their participation. Now, she and Dorian are bound in shared anguish. They will have revenge on Cyril. They will fight their way free. And they will travel together towards whatever happiness is left to broken things like them.     AmazonKU

THE DEVIL’S SON: A FORBIDDEN LOVE MM FANTASY ROMANCE by Loki Renard

Am I a sweet prince, or terrible devil? Why not both? My name is Prince Sebastian Force, and my entire family was killed before my eyes. I would have been slain too if not for the only loyal knight in the castle carrying me off and saving my life. Sir Lucan is brave, brutal, handsome – and a lot older than me. He is everything I am not. I love clothes, jewels, and… men. But no prince of the Kingdom of Force is suffered to be gay.
I know if Lucan had any idea of the desires I harbor for him he would abandon me immediately. So I must be strong, even though I am the weakest I have ever been. Everything has been taken from me. My family. My castle. My crown. Now I am hunted like an animal, forced to live like a peasant, and facing certain death if Lucan ever leaves my side. The knight has no patience for my spoiled tastes. When I defy him, he whips me. Perhaps I should hate him for that, but…I love him. I need him. And I am terrified of what will happen when he discovers who – and what, I really am.     AmazonKU

THE WINTER BALL (GRIMM ACADEMY BOOK 18) by Laura Greenwood

The eldest princess of twelve knows the dangers of dancing the night away. As the eldest of her sisters, Audrey knows that she has to do everything she can in order to protect them, even if it means going to the very ball that could start her prophecy and destroy the life she loves. The Winter Ball is part of the Grimm Academy fantasy fairy tale romance series and is a standalone retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. It includes a fairy tale heroine determined to save herself and a sweet m/f romance.

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DEAD WRONG (CROSSROADS QUEEN BOOK FOUR) by Annabel Chase

Lorelei Clay has spent a lifetime keeping her secret. Now that Kane has discovered it, the prince of hell has cut her off, but she has no idea why. Not only has he disappeared from her life, he’s also disappeared from Fairhaven, and his cohorts refuse to divulge his whereabouts. When a series of strange attacks threaten the town, Lorelei is thrust back into the magical spotlight. This time, she isn’t sure she can weather the storm without drawing too much attention to herself and, even worse, endangering the lives of everyone she’s come to care about.   AmazonKU

DRAGON’S FOREVER (BRIDES FOR BEASTS BOOK ONE) by Candace Ayers and Kym Dillon

Dragon kings of LA need queens…In the high-powered world of Los Angeles, my kind reigns supreme. From the shadows, that is. Power? Check. Wealth? Check. Heirs? Here’s where things get tricky. BfB is my shot at passing on my legacy. And my fortune. With an arranged marriage, I can check the last box on my list. Our union, of course, will be impersonal and unemotional. But when my eyes meet hers, something ancient and undeniable stirs within me. Carmen’s not just a token bride—she’s the one. New item on my list: seduce my reluctant wife. **This is a SHORT, feel-good, instalove-inspired, fated mates dragon shifter romance.**     AmazonKU

ZEPHYR AND THE WESTERN WOLF by Sam Burns and W M Fawkes

The prince is dead, and dragons are the stuff of storybooks. That is, until a great shadow passes over the edge of the Tangled Forest. Rumor sent an intrepid adventurer to a tower in the middle of the woods, and the story he carried back changed everything: Prince Zephyr is alive, and he’s being held prisoner by a giant beast of a dragon. The prince disappeared more than a decade ago, and the kingdom mourned his loss and set his crown on the wheat-blond curls of the young princess. But now, the race is on as every knight in the kingdom and the lands surrounding it have come to slay the beast and bring the prince home. Macarius has travelled from the Western Wastes with nothing but his horse and trusty sword, but he isn’t interested in saving a scrawny prince—he wants to meet a dragon. If he happens to save the prince and take him home, then that will just be a happy accident. Or maybe an annoying one, since Prince Zephyr isn’t nearly as happy to see his savior as he should be. Zephyr and the Western Wolf is an MM fantasy romance featuring one oversized drake, a young mage at the end of his rope (or vines, as it were), and a warrior determined to bring a miracle home for his people… or at least, one miraculous man. It was originally published on Burns & Fawkes’s Patreon page as the 2023 Fantasy Romance.     AmazonKU

SPIRIT WITCH (WITCHES OF WESTWOOD BOOK SIX) by Gina Kincade and C D Gorri

Enid Morrigan has a lot to learn about who she is, and what better place to do it than Westwood Academy? Though new to the world of magic, Enid has always been a little strange. Seeing and hearing the dead is something she would not wish on her worst enemy, but it has always been a part of her life. Secret spells and wards surrounding Westwood have efficiently blocked off her gifts—or curses, as she always thought of them. But what happens when her newfound friends need her to open up her powers? Is she strong enough to face her demons in order to save all magic? Good thing she is not alone. With Rio, Maia, Tana, Jade, and Mabe on her side, Enid and their mates track down a Lorekeeper who might be able to help. Spiritwalker Judge Dusek is a trained guide helping magic users navigate their paths. It doesn’t hurt that he’s sexy-as-sin, but will his pushy, blunt ways be too much for the soft-spoken witch? There’s too much at stake for Enid to back down now.     Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo

MONSTER’S MAGIC (BLACKTHORN ACADEMY FOR SUPERNATURALS BOOK SEVEN) by Julie Morgan and Gina Kincade

When Teagan Osborn’s family becomes the target of corruption by the very people who vow to keep them safe, who can she trust? Blackthorn Academy has been the escape and safety harbor for many who possess special talents and skills, but what happens when that threat follows Teagan to the secluded hideaway of Northumberland Island? Finding solace in the arms of a dark elf named Shayde Drargokin, and the love of her best friend, Evie Woods, she feels unstoppable… until one of her most trusted allies commits an unthinkable act of deceit.

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RISE OF THE WARLOCK: ETERNITY FAE BOOK TWO by Alexi Ferreira

HOPE – We have been fighting the darkness, fighting evil with all our might, Werewolf’s, Elves and Gargoyles have aligned with us. We finally identified the force behind the destruction of everything we know. My sisters and I will not fail, we cannot fail. All are dependent on the Force of Five. I have wanted to give up so many times, but Trek gives me hope, he gives me the light I need in this darkness. TREK – I will not fail. I will not weaken, in this fight for our world, for my race, and for the love I have for Hope. She is the only woman that challenges me at every turn. The only one that has the courage to be mine!     AmazonKU

A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC AND A LOT OF FUR (MAGE MATES BOOK ONE) by Lisa Oliver

VS Note: A re-release.

“What’s wrong with you?” Devin King, wolf shifter and bodyguard, was anticipating a huge life change as his company plans to relocate. Caught up in his thoughts, he’s suddenly distracted by an incredible scent. Is his elusive mate finally within touching distance? “Did you hit your head when you fell?” Riley Loren, magicless mage and artist, wasn’t upset when a hunky wolf shifter saves him from being hit by a car, but the man was clearly deluded. Fortunately, Riley did understand about wolf shifters and allowed Devin to tag along with him, until the man came to his senses, at least. It shouldn’t take long, right? When I tell Sarah about this she’s going to be pissed at me. The man is clearly a few sandwiches short of a picnic. But someone else has their sights on Riley and nothing inflames a wolf shifter’s protective instincts more than a mate under threat. If only Devin could fix Riley’s other issues as easily.   Amazon

WEDDING CAKE AND WISHES (LATTES AND LEVITATION BOOK SIX) by Christine Pope

Skye O’Malley’s wedding is just around the corner, but her love story is about to take an otherworldly twist. When Skye’s estranged mother, Alicia Petrucci, appears out of the blue, secrets unravel, and the plot thickens. The elders of the Petrucci family, powerful witches, are demanding that Skye marry a man she’s never met — Christian Petrucci. As Skye navigates the twists and turns of her impending marriage, the tension escalates. A paparazzo’s murder, Christian’s arrest, and a chilling ultimatum from Isabella Petrucci thrust Skye into a world of mystery and danger. She’s offered a deal: solve the murder before her wedding, or be bound to Christian forever. Skye and Max embark on a thrilling investigation, unearthing secrets, alibis, and unexpected connections. But as the clock ticks down to her wedding day, the pressure mounts. Can they unveil the truth in time, or will Skye’s future be forever entwined with the enigmatic Christian?

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A DRAGON DEN VALENTINE’S (HOLIDAY SHIFTERS OF FROST MOUNTAIN) by Lisa Daniels

Look, my life was a living hell long before I died on Frost Mountain. The plane crash? Just another regular day. I guess it’s what happens when you get cursed by a witch. Too bad I can’t stay dead—at least I wouldn’t be stuck on this magical mountain. And I wouldn’t have met him. But this sexy shifter found my corpse. He brought me to Dragon’s Den. Big mistake. It’s almost Valentine’s Day, but there’s no love in this town. There’s a murderous dragon on the loose…And if he isn’t stopped, a dark history will repeat itself. My savior will stop at nothing to protect his home…Even if it means his own death. But that’s exactly what I’m worried about. Because I lose people to my curse on Valentine’s Day. And this sizzling man just might be next.     AmazonKU

THE ATLAS COMPLEX (ATLAS SERIES BOOK THREE) by Olivie Blake

Only the extraordinary are chosen. Only the cunning survive. An explosive return to the library leaves the six Alexandrians vulnerable to the lethal terms of their recruitment. Old alliances quickly fracture as the initiates take opposing strategies as to how to deal with the deadly bargain they have so far failed to uphold. Those who remain with the archives wrestle with the ethics of their astronomical abilities, while elsewhere, an unlikely pair from the Society cohort partner to influence politics on a global stage. And still the outside world mobilizes to destroy them, while the Caretaker himself, Atlas Blakely, may yet succeed with a plan foreseen to have world-ending stakes. It’s a race to survive as the six Society recruits are faced with the question of what they’re willing to betray for limitless power—and who will be destroyed along the way.

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PHOENIX CHOSEN (THE PHOENIX GUARDIANS BOOK ONE) by Ashe Moon

Tyler Blackwood is definitely not making it to work on time. When he steps into the path of a speeding car, he’s whisked away by a flaming bird to a perilous realm of shapeshifters and magic straight out of ancient myth. He’d always wished for a chance to redo his life—but not like this. Immediately kidnapped by monsters, Tyler is rescued by Kalistratos, a ruggedly handsome rogue with the power to shift into a phoenix. Sticking by his savior’s side—even if Kalistratos wants nothing to do with him—is the only way he’s going to find a way back home. And it’s the only way he’ll survive when everyone wants to capture him. Here, he is an omega; valuable, alluring, and capable of bearing children. Tyler knows that’s impossible—how the hell can a man get pregnant? But when his belly mysteriously swells overnight, he realizes his journey down the rabbit hole is just beginning.     AmazonKU

THE DJINN WAITS A HUNDRED YEARS: A NOVEL by Shubnam Khan

Akbar Manzil was once a grand estate off the coast of South Africa. Nearly a century later, it stands in ruins: an isolated boardinghouse for eclectic misfits, seeking solely to disappear into the mansion’s dark corridors. Except for Sana. Unlike the others, she is curious and questioning and finds herself irresistibly drawn to the history of the mansion: To the eerie and forgotten East Wing, home to a clutter of broken and abandoned objects—and to the door at its end, locked for decades. Behind the door is a bedroom frozen in time and a worn diary that whispers of a dark past: the long-forgotten story of a young woman named Meena, who died there tragically a hundred years ago. Watching Sana from the room’s shadows is a besotted, grieving djinn, an invisible spirit who has haunted the mansion since her mysterious death. Obsessed with Meena’s story, and unaware of the creature that follows her, Sana digs into the past like fingers into a wound, dredging up old and terrible secrets that will change the lives of everyone living and dead at Akbar Manzil. Sublime, heart-wrenching, and lyrically stunning, The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years is a haunting, a love story, and a mystery, all twined beautifully into one young girl’s search for belonging.

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SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW by Aurora Ascher

Some follow their destiny. Others fall for it. For humans, Salizar’s is a place of mystery and wonder. For Harrow, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. A haven where she can disguise both her abilities and who she really is. Until he arrives. He has no recollection of who—or even what—he is. He only knows that he’s a monster, with wings and powerful abilities never seen before. But beneath the layers of rage and isolation, one glimpse into those inky black eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in Harrow. And so she chooses him. She is drawn to the mystery of him, her unquenchable need for his kiss. And as powerful enemies align and conspire against them, Harrow knows their only hope is escape. Now, with every secret she unlocks from his past, a shadow from her own whispers free—luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she’s given them the perfect weapon…because her winged beast is not what he seems. But maybe it’s time they finally learn—neither is she.

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DEATHLESS (VENGFUL GODS MC BOOK THREE) by Crystal Ash

What this cult has done to me is worse than death. Now only the man who hates me can save us all. I’m losing sleep, plagued with bad dreams, and my men can only do so much to help. How can I be the president my club needs when it feels like I’m not only losing my mind, but myself?
The dreams get worse every night and soon, I have gaps in my memory. All the while, we’re chasing the Sisters of Bathory in circles and time is running out. The solution that comes to me is terrifying. Even worse, I can’t breathe a word of it to the men who love me. Hudson is the only one I can turn to. Only this traumatized, reclusive man who hates me can do something so unthinkable. It breaks my heart, but it’s our only chance of winning. Destroying this cult isn’t just necessary. It’s personal. But their goddess’ power keeps growing, and the question remains…How do you kill what’s deathless?     AmazonKU

ADVENTURE OF STERLING JONES: A MURDER SPREES AND MUTE DECREES SIDEQUEST by Jennifer Cody

VS Note: From DEC 2o.

Sterling: My life has been full of danger and fun since the day I realized what widening my big, blue eyes a bit could do for a boy like me. Guys the world over have fallen into that look-at-me-I’m-so-innocent trap, and I’ve never regretted it, even when I was staring down the muzzle of some poor straight boy’s weapon after confusing him with the best bj of his life (they don’t usually try to murder me, and he didn’t succeed, so obviously I’ve never learned my lesson). I love a good adventure, and now I’m looking at the greatest one I’ve ever seen. Jethro Jones knows exactly what hits him the moment I sidle into his personal space, and it’s not because I only have one arm and an off-putting manic grin (I’m very cute, even with the psycho smile). It’s definitely the boner I’m rocking. The ride I offer him after his motorcycle’s been stolen? Well, that’s just the beginning, isn’t it? Besides, I’m adorable, fun, and only inclined to kidnap people I like. The Adventure of Sterling Jones is a 32k word, insta-love/insta-lust MM paranormal romance, Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees sidequest featuring a thrill-seeking trouble magnet and his dangerous werewolf mate with more heat than is probably advisable for how combustible these two are and a stolen engagement ring.   AmazonKU

THE SPELLBROKEN KING by J A Keeton

What could be worse than being falsely imprisoned for a crime you didn’t commit? How about being relentlessly pursued by a seven-foot-tall demonic bounty hunter determined to drag you back to jail? As a magicless human in an otherwise magical world, Celeste enjoyed her relatively ordinary life as a bartender, struggling to make ends meet and still coming up short every time. If life wasn’t hard enough for a 27-year-old living alone in the big city, her creepy stalker finally crossed the line, framing her for a crime she didn’t commit. Forced to escape to a secret town where magic is unusable, Celeste has a new goal to leave her old life behind and never look back. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas, coming in the form of a sexy-as-hell bounty hunter, who turns out to be not only the lost prince but her fated mate as well. With their destinies entwined, Celeste and Ominous’s bond comes with unforeseen complications threatening the fate of the entire world.   AmazonKU

WHISPERS OF THE DEEP (DEEP WATERS BOOK ONE) by Emma Hamm

One of the many engineers that keeps Beta, the city under the sea, running, Mira only wants to make her family proud and to prove herself worthy. She knows the mysterious city better than anyone and it’s her dream to help it flourish. But then, on a solo job in an abandoned section of the city, she encounters a monster of legend. An undine. A dangerous merman from an ancient civilization, long forgotten. Arges has fought his entire life for his people. With deadly creatures under his control, he plans to eradicate Beta once and for all to protect his kind and their peaceful way of life. But when a human woman saves him, she unknowingly creates a bond between them, one he can’t ignore. Even though her flaming red hair haunts his dreams, he needs her for information on the undine’s enemies. So he steals her. Keeps her. Feeds her. Only to realize their bond is far deeper than captor and captive. He cannot let her go—but he cannot keep her under the sea. In a battle to determine if love can survive a war beneath the waves, it will be their decision that changes the tides.     AmazonKU

THE GAMES OF ENEMIES AND ALLIES: MAGIFORD SUPERNATURAL CITY (MAGIC ON MAIN STREET BOOK TWO) bny K M Shea

At night they’re enemies. During the day they’re friends. Only one of them is aware of this…My stress levels skyrocketed after I discovered the deadly vampire who has taken over downtown is Considine Maledictus, one of the most powerful vampires alive. Now I’m even more reluctant to tangle with him, but he’s started showing up in the middle of my investigations, even if they’re outside his territory. I never know if he’s there to fight or to lend me some unexpected help. I don’t have time to ponder his weird behavior, because a group of local wizards are up to some shady practices. They’ve never been fond of the non-magical, but suddenly they’re popping up all over the city, “helping” humans. At least I can count on my vampire friend and next-door neighbor, Connor, for some laughs. Except…he’s been acting strange and is even more touchy-feely than usual these days. Regardless, I’m going to stay focused on protecting my city. I’m just not sure if I should be more concerned about the wizards, or the chaotic vampire who swaps from friend to foe on a nightly basis.      AmazonKU

DESTINY OF A WITCH (THE OTHER WITCH SERIES BOOK FOUR) by Heather G Harris

When the going gets tough, the tough brew potions – I made a potion to fix my mum’s broken mind but only time will tell if it will succeed – or if it will fail like all my previous attempts. As her condition worsens, I’m doing everything I can to save her, but when there’s an attack at the Other circus my priorities have to shift. The circus is the Other realm’s equivalent to a witness-protection programme, and I’ve hidden two of my witches there. When one of them is nearly killed, I realise there is a mole in my coven. I need to find out who the traitor is before it’s too late. Things are heating up. It’s becoming clear that I need to confront the black Coven and its immoral leader – who just happens to be my estranged father. I’ve heard the prophecy about the coming conflict between us, but I’m more than happy to say ‘screw you’ to my supposed fate. No one tells me what to do; I’m the captain of my own ship and I dictate where she sails. Yet whether I want it or not, my destiny is calling – and she says that death is on the cards. But whose?   AmazonKU

ROYALLY CURSED (FATED LOVE, FATED WAR BOOK ONE) by Skye Wilson

I curse the day I ever met Kai DeLune. Literally. In my defense, I put a curse on the gorgeous, domineering alpha for his own protection. Because if he somehow figures out we’re fated, neither of us will live to see the end of this shifter war. It’s just my luck I’ve been assigned as his troop’s healer. Watching him from a distance is torture for me, and if he finds out the truth, he’s headstrong enough to think he can save the world, including me. Except I’m past saving. I was already cursed long before I met Kai, and no one can ever find out. But I can still save Kai. Or at least I thought I could until our military base was attacked and Kai was seriously injured. His only hope of survival is for me to lift his curse so I can get close enough to heal him. Either way, the consequences could be deadly.     AmazonKU

BREWED IN MAGIC (FALLING FOR FABLES) by Jenna Wolfhart

Lilia has always had a wanderer’s heart. She spends her days on the road with her famous Traveling Tavern and only a dragon to keep her company. Despite longing for a deeper connection, she knows she’s destined to wander the world alone. When she meets a handsome stranger on her journey to the winter festival, she finally feels she’s found a kindred spirit…until he vanishes in the early morning without so much as a goodbye. Turns out, he rushed ahead to reach the festival first with his own traveling tavern. One he never mentioned. Now her would-be companion is her rival, or worse. Someone is trying to sabotage the festival by stealing supplies, and all her suspicions point to him. But when he offers to help find the culprit, sparks melt the icy barriers between them. And Lilia must decide if she can trust him with saving the festival—and with her heart.     AmazonKU

WRIGHTING OLD WRONGS (WORLD WRIGHTS BOOK ONE) by Maria Grace

VS Note: From DEC 22

For nearly 200 years, the Wrights have controlled the Elements, shaping them to their will. But, the new era of industrialization threatens their extinction. Journeyman Wright Rebecca Fuller has more important things to worry about, though, like paying bills and keeping a roof over her head. Unfortunately, she inherited her father’s debts along with his shop. With the Guild limiting her prices, even a brisk business barely makes ends meet. If only the Guild would consider her application for Mastery. But between having the audacity to be female and studying under the most unconventional Master in the Guild, her chances were as thin as Air. Unfortunately for Guild Undersecretary David Enright, barrister, procedural maven, and all-around rule-follower, the Guild violated its own rules where Rebecca was concerned. With her irascible temper and unorthodox approach to working the Elements, she’s exactly what he wants most to avoid. Unfortunately, he can’t simply ignore her. Rule-following aside, though, what she knows, what she can do, could be the key to saving the Wrights from extinction. Audacious barely describes David’s strategy to right old wrongs. If Rebecca agrees, his plan could solve both their problems—or cost them everything.   AmazonKU

SHADOW WITCH (PHASES OF THE MOON BOOK THREE) by M Sinclair

The five men I loved were the only ones I could trust. Dark Imaginarium Academy was no longer a safe haven for me. Any hopes for a fresh start have been completely eliminated—forced to flee the academy with the men who have quickly become everything to me. Carmina is far more dangerous than ever before though and even in the secure shadows of the Nyx estate, secrets from my past come to light, revealing something about my heritage I could have never expected. Something that drives me to consider seeking out Astaroth to put an end to the threat that now faced the entire realm…all because of me.     AmazonKU

TWISTED TIES (THE ARROW HART ACADEMY BOOK TWO) by Hannah Haze

VS Note: Why choose romance.

Secret memories locked in my head, an assassin on my tail, and strange powers I shouldn’t possess are the least of my problems. Because now I’m bonded to a man I barely know. My body may be pulled towards him, but my heart can’t forgive his betrayal. And he isn’t the only one. I’m sick of being treated this way and I’m sick of not knowing who I really am. No more secrets. No more lies. I’m determined to learn the truth. No matter what the cost.     AmazonKU

TOO MANY ALPHAS (BETAS IN WAITING BOOK 20) by Viola Grace

Myrtle had just taken a break from work when agonizing pain struck her. An ambulance ride later, she finds out that she is suffering from mate rejection. The only curious thing is that she didn’t have a mate. She hadn’t even met the bugger. Her life force was bleeding out, and there wasn’t any way to stop it. Time passes, and the Elite take an interest in her demise. As death closes in, Myrtle gets irritated and restless. She sneaks past her friends, who guard her door, and heads to a late-night coffee shop. The proprietor greets her, and they chat for a while until a chance contact explains the issue with Myrtle. She’s an Elite omega, as is the shop owner, and it explains the interest in making sure that she dies expressed by the Elite. Myrtle meets two men who are pinch hitters in case of an alpha fatality. They introduce her to the remaining member of her two fated mates, and his situation is only marginally better than hers. They discuss, they negotiate, and at the end of it, Myrtle just wants to survive. She will put up with too many alphas if it means finishing her manuscript and getting on with her life. She just needs an office and a laptop. The rest will take care of itself.     Amazon

LIGHT: A CHOICE OF LIGHT AND DARK BOOK TWO by Lacey Lehotzky

VS Note: Author warns blurb has spoilers for Book One.

Why does this keep happening to me? Kidnapped again by the Iron Fae, I must survive long enough to get back to my friends in the Night Realm. But when undeniable truth starts spilling from Ruslan’s lips, I’m left questioning everything. The web of lies and deceit thickens, and I’m at the center of a prophecy that started it all. Kazimir – What lengths would you go to to save someone you love? I’d stop at nothing to get Izidora back, forcing the other realms to join me in a war against the Iron Realm. But along the way, a dark new magic becomes available. Who am I to deny its power when it will help me get back my mate? Ruslan – I’m known as the ruthless prince, but deep down, all I’ve ever wanted was to be loved. I waited for my mate until she came of age, and when Izidora tells me what the power-hungry kings of Északi did to her, I want to burn the entire world down. Izidora holds my heart in her hands, but will she rip it out of my chest or stand by me as we take our revenge?   AmazonKU

ENTWINED FATES: GODDESS OF DESTINY by Juliane Maibach

Your glances are hot and smoldering. Your voice tender and alluring – they’re a warning to me: don’t play with fire. “It’s nice up here,” says Noah. “We have a great view of the Bay and the city, away from the hustle and bustle, where we can be all alone.” “Yeah, because I can’t get away. That’s what this is about, right?” Noah tilts his head and grins. “Partly.” I can’t stand that smile and I feel like punching him. Noah has shown Teresa his true colors and she tries to steer clear of him at all cost. Unfortunately, that’s not so easy, because he has other plans and refuses to be shaken off. Teresa is just beginning to trust him again when he shows her an even darker side of himself. And very soon, Teresa gets to experience this up close and personal. Because the horror takes on a new face: humanity’s fate is not in its own hands but in the hands of goddesses. And these creatures couldn’t be more terrifying.   AmazonKU

SHOTS AND BARBS (DEEP EARTH DATING BOOK TWO) by Lily Mayne

Nuni – Look, I’m an extremely busy, handsome, charming guy. I am a paragon of physical perfection, I run a wildly successful architecture firm, and I take care of my family. I don’t have time to organise a ten-year anniversary party for my business, so it just makes sense to hire someone else to do the work. Except as soon as I see my new event planner, Anita Chaudhary, with her dark eyes and no-nonsense attitude and sensible shoes, I decide maybe I should be involved in the process. Just, you know, for the sake of being thorough. But mainly so I can keep butting heads with her. She’s competitive and cool-headed and infuriatingly competent, all of which I begrudgingly find attractive. And those sensible shoes of hers drive me wild. But she’s also human. And we all know that humans and demiurgus don’t exactly mix…Anita – Nuni var Rorik is arrogant, pompous, egotistical, vain, bullheaded… need I go on? He’s a frat boy in an expensive suit. A know-it-all. A big, muscular demiurgus with perfect hair and flawless skin and a distractingly beautiful face. He rankles me like no one else. But I can’t stay away from him. Which is definitely not good. I’m his event planner, and my boss is extremely strict when it comes to… ahem… client relations. When our barbed words and competitive needling explode into something hotter than it has any right being, my job and reputation are on the line. I can’t stand the thought of being seen as irresponsible or less than the best, but I can’t stop myself when it comes to him. So we just have to keep it a secret.     AmazonKU

ACCIDENTALLY A DRAGON DADDY (DRAGON OVERLORDS BOOK TWO) by Riley Storm

The night I got pregnant, the rest of my life went to sh*t. First I woke up alone, the jerk not even willing to stick around. Then I got thrown in jail for a crime I didn’t commit. Now I’ve been ‘volunteered’ as tribute for the dragons. It was either that or spend my life in prison. Of course, I didn’t actually get to choose. The Fed’s shipped me off against my protests. Which is where I come face to face with the man who knocked me up. The man who is actually a dragon. He wants to claim us both, to protect us, but I can tell he’s making it up as he goes. After all, how can a man trained as an assassin, with hands covered in blood, make a good father? Yet I have no choice but to trust him. Because that dark past is the only thing keeping our baby safe.     AmazonKU

DELIVERED TO MY ORCS (MAIL ORDER MATINGS BOOK SEVEN) by Mazzy J March

Iyla: I have worked in the family business I was a teenager and planned to continue to do so for the rest of my life. But when my mom and dad died in a freak accident, the will listed my brother as the sole owner and CEO to avoid “dividing the assets.” His first act was to sell everything, including our warehouse and the storefront with the apartment upstairs where I live. He’s always hated the janitorial supply business. It wasn’t showy or glamorous but it paid the bills for our family. The developer who bought the building is planning to tear it down in sixty days. I’ve lost my job and my home, on top of being overwhelmed with grief for my parents. They may have made a bad decision in their will making, but I’d never stop loving and missing them. I am desperate and in shock, and I need a new start and a new plan. Somewhere I don’t drive past my brother’s new mansion every time I go to the grocery store. Preferably before the new owner puts my stuff on the sidewalk. Menace, Saber, and Draven – Orcs don’t have mates. We wait for someone to breed with and if we’re lucky, she’s likable. From what we’ve seen of other relationships among our kinds mates never work out in the end so when we decide to sign up for the Mail-Order Matings app, we do so with no expectations of love. Who could love an orc?     AmazonKU

BATTLE WITHIN: CLAIMED BOOK ONE by Christina Mattingly

VS Note: From DEC 16.

Emma, a sound mage, needs to escape her fast-paced life as a magical nightclub owner in the city, so she decides to visit her brother’s small rural mountain town for the winter. After years of living without long-term commitments or consistent relationships, she may be ready to settle down and find something real. After finding herself in her roommate’s bed, what she thought was a one-night stand turns into a big mess when she discovers Ryder’s wolf imprinted on her, irrevocably claiming Emma as his. He’s just the kind of guy she could see herself settling down with, but Ryder doesn’t want anything to do with a relationship with her. His wolf’s possessive nature won’t let Ryder leave her alone so she can move on, but with Ryder pushing her away at every turn, their relationship seems doomed to fail before it’s ever had a chance.     AmazonKU

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LINKS TO RECENT NEW RELEASES POSTS from Veronica:

January 3

December 27

December 20

December 13

December 6

New” is generally plus or minus a week or two. I try to catch up on ones I missed in recent months.  And I may mention ‘special items’.

NOTE: I’m doing my best to avoid listing anything generated from use of AI but it’s sometimes tricky to detect from the resources I have available. As far as covers go, I list the Amazon cover. I won’t feature a cover in my weekly promo for this post if I believe or suspect it was done with AI.

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 by hand every week based on various informal inputs, and I do curate the list to some extent…

Some authors aren’t in KU but still don’t list books with Apple or other platforms. This report is very time consuming to prepare so I’ve always had to limit myself and cannot go and look up every book on all the platforms. If an author gives me their other buy links, I include them here but generally I develop the post on my own, not from author-supplied information. I curate and prepare this post individually every week to help connect readers/books/authors and I have to be very careful not to give it so much time as an activity that I don’t write my own novels! Thanks for the feedback and happy reading!

I check and verify all the buy links at the time I create the post  but after that I’m not responsible.

 

 

First Meeting: COLONY ON FIRE SciFi Romance

I’ve decided to change up these weekly snippets and go through my backlist, sharing the first meeting between the two main characters in each book. It’s always fun for me to revisit the books and I hope it will be for you too! Or if you’ve never happened to read a certain book, maybe I can entice you into giving it a try.

COLONY ON FIRE is book two in the Haven Colony series about the only doctor assigned to a remote colony world. In this one she gets caught in a wildfire while visiting a patient in a rural area (although there are other subplots and the ongoing romance with the Chief Ranger). I did a lot of research into wildfire episodes (this was before the tragic Lahaina, Hawaii fire) and also drew on my own wildfire experiences here in Southern California.

I also got to research mobile medical clinics and then had fun adapting what I learned to fit a futuristic medical romance scenario.

The excerpt – I should mention Sassia and Micah are living together after book one so this isn’t their first meeting ever, but it’s the first dialog with them in the book: 

Haven Two had an unusually large spaceport for being a small colony on an outer rim world. The huge luxury vacation resort and playground of the rich located on the planet was the explanation for almost everything that happened on Haven Two and this was no exception.

As she rode in her fiancé’s groundcar to the spaceport to collect her delivery, Dr. Saffia Mandell gazed in awe at the array of sparkling, fancy space yachts and small cruise ships spread out on the landing pad. “Usually there’s just the weekly freighter, if anything. This is amazing. I feel like you’re driving me through a used spaceship lot here.” She laughed. Her friend the spaceport manager must be going out of her mind with all the logistics involved in juggling the takeoffs and landings and servicing. Not to mention bigger ships parked in orbit, whose bored, wealthy passengers arrived on the planet in shuttles.

Micah Navonn, Chief Ranger for Haven Two, glanced at her. “The resort keeps the spaceport a going concern too, you know, like the colony itself. Gotta make the credits during the season. Time to sleep and relax later. You’re lucky you’re funded by the Sectors Medical Service.”

Saffia gave vent to an unladylike snort. “Says the man whose people own the damn planet. You don’t depend on the tourists either.”

“We do in a way, since we want to be a valued member of the Sectors. The resort gets us all the attention we need and we make valuable high level contacts.” His answer was serious but Saffia knew the treaty between Micah’s people and the Sectors had been written with great care, to restrict the footprint of both colony and resort and to preserve the wealth and beauty of the world for the indigenous owners. They tolerated the humans up to a point.

Of course since she and Micah were engaged, they tolerated her a little more enthusiastically.

“Aren’t we there yet? How much further?” With an effort, she kept herself from bouncing on the seat like an impatient child but deliberately made her question a whine.

Laughing, Micah said, “Patience, my good doctor. Kayla told you the cargo pannier was in berth 146 and we’ll be there in two minutes.”

“I’ve waited so long for this to arrive. I can hardly believe it’s actually here.”

He covered her hand with his own and squeezed. “You really are taking this seriously even though it means more work for you. You’re not contractually required to travel to the mine or the remote settlement—they have to come to you here in town.”

“Which requires a three hour flight or a six hour drive one way so no one ever comes down except for emergencies and that’s not practicing good medicine at all. The best thing is to be proactive, treat problems and conditions when they’re minor,” Saffia said. “There are children up there who’ve never had a well-baby checkup or are overdue for the required inoculations. The doctor assigned here before me was incredibly lax about not even doing the annual physicals on those people.” Her medical Artificial Intelligence, Warby, had been reluctant to tell her the astonishing fact and when he did her own blood pressure had spiked through the roof, she was sure. “Oh, I think I see it! Is that it over there?”

Micah brought his groundcar to a sweeping halt in front of the robo cargo hauler and shut off the engine. “Your new chariot awaits.”

Saffia practically tumbled out of the car and hastened to the control panel on the front of the gigantic container. “Do you know how to operate this? I mean, Warby loaded the instructions onto my handheld but I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Remember who you’re talking to, doc. We used to get shipments like this on our behind the lines missions when I was in the Special Forces, only of course the pannier was delivering something a lot more lethal than a traveling medical clinic.” As he went to work punching in the proper codes from the notes on her handheld, Micah grinned. “Any chance the freight forwarder sent you an armored personnel carrier instead?”

“Better not have.” Saffia wasn’t worried. The basic chassis of the vehicle might be the same but it was used for so many purposes the refurb center’s catalog had made her head spin. “I bought the top of the line mobile medical configuration. Second hand but with guarantees and warranties.”

The panel slid open, revealing the interior of the cargo hauler. Her new acquisition was a tight fit, securely grav clamped in place to avoid problems during delivery from the main cargo ship far above in orbit.

“Hurry up,” she said, fidgeting. “I want to see the whole thing and take it for a test drive.”

Micah activated the hauler’s systems and a moment later the huge vehicle Saffia had purchased slid out of the interior on an antigrav sled and smoothly settled to the surface of the landing pad as the servos detached and zipped inside to their roosts.

Saffia stood stunned. She’d known the mobile clinic would be large but the ground vehicle in front of her was huge. “I’m not sure I’m prepared for this.”

The Blurb: 

Colony On Fire Haven Colony Book Two: (The Sectors SF Romance Series)

When she came to Haven Two Dr. Saffia Mandell expected to grimly do her five years of medical service as the colony’s only doctor, work off her medical school debt and leave. Then she’d fallen in love, handled an epidemic and become an accepted member of the community. Now, in her second year, she faces new challenges as the tinder dry planet heads into a fire season and a mysterious food allergy threatens the local restaurant’s reputation.Chief Ranger Micah Navonn of the Calinurra never expected to fall in love with a human woman but Saffia was a special person who captured his heart and now means everything to him. Not all of his people are as enthusiastic about the situation and his efforts to handle the politics are getting complicated. Add to that an infestation by insects from another world, causing portions of the forest to die off and his plate is full.
When the jet stream shifts course and the fires rage, will the colonists and the Calinurra set aside their differences? With Saffia’s life hanging in the balance, can Micah arrive in time to save her and the colonists in jeopardy?

Life on Haven Two never lets up…

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By veronicascott Posted in Snippet