"While Nate wouldn't have called it a run, it was pretty bloody close. He ducked his head, hoping to hide in the shadows of the stolen cloak he was wearing. Behind him, he was shouted at by who he assumed where the cops--not that he understood a word they were saying."
- Minotaurs and other Magic (Mytho Collapse) by TJ Nichols
PRE-ORDERS
TJ Nichols
The Blood and the Seer
Book 2, Hunting Hearts
Expected Release:
28 July
Sent to clean up the mess left by the Orlans, Joel Reid finds himself dealing with unaffiliated vampires who want Reid blood.
TJ Nichols
The Thief's Familiar
The Thief's Familiar
Book 12, Familiar Mates
Expected release:
28 June
Return to the world of the Familiar Mates mm fated mates paranormal romance series. Each book in the Familiar Mates series has a new couple with a HEA.
Fated mates
Opposites attract
A missing phoenix egg
The Thief's Familiar is a steamy gay opposites attract romance between a witch who uses his ability to talk to animals to help him steal magical items and a tiger shifter determined to catch him.
Pre-Order
Mel Teshco
Epello
Book 6, Alien Fugitives
Expected Release:
22 February 2026
She loved his animal forms. Can she love him as the man who brings danger into her life?
With his pink-scaled coloring, Epello was a lower caste alien…until his abilities to shift shape into any creature propelled him into an all-powerful rare. Now that he has fled from his enemies to reside on Earth, he’s not above using his abilities to get what—who—he wants.
He’s been spying on the lovely Harper in his many animal forms to get close to her, but now it’s time to get even closer…in his human form. If only doing so didn’t put her at risk from relentless alien enemies who will stop at nothing to exterminate him.
Harper is over men. Animals are her passion. But as an only child of a family who run a successful and prestigious jewelry business, one that has been in the family for generations, they expect her passion to be jewelry, and for the business to become hers.
A pity she finds it all so lackluster and sterile. She wants warmth and energy in her life. She wants to be surrounded by the very animals that are drawn to her. But what happens when she realizes many of those animals are the one and same man who she can’t stop thinking about?
Pre-Order
Mel Teshco
His Asset
Book 1, The Unnaturals
Expected Release:
30 October
My name is a number, or at least it had always been that way until Adam, my master, brings me to his home and calls me Bella.
He almost makes me feel human—almost—but I’m as much animal as I am person, a travesty to nature according to the vile scientists who created me. That Adam also makes me feel desired, a woman he wants as his own, sends me into a tailspin I can’t control.
But then, I distrust everyone, especially men. I plan my escape, making use of my untried wings to get away. I’m exhausted when I land in a grungy part of a strange city. When a feral gang of men try to overpower me and have their wicked way, I use my powers to overthrow them, but ultimately it’s a stranger, a street-toughened man named Reuben, who saves me.
I willingly stay with him. He’s known as Chief in the underground fighting world, where he battles against other hardened men for glory and cash prizes. But behind closed doors he shows me his tender side, and he makes me feel again, filling some of the void Adam left in my heart.
Or so I thought.
It isn’t until I’m captured again by Adam that I question everything I’ve resisted.
How can I want to be with this brilliant man of science even as I want to be with a man who rules the streets?
Which of them should I trust? Who do I love?
I guess I’m about to find out.
The above cover is by Eleni Konstantine's alter-ego, HelzKat Designs.
M.J. Scott
Wicked Lies
Book7, Techwitch
Expected Release:
12 May 2026
My mother was a wicked witch. Turns out my dad wasn’t so great either. I’ve paid for their choices and I use my magic for good. But that doesn’t mean the darker side of the magical world will leave me alone…
Wicked Deeds is the seventh book in the TechWitch series, exciting dark and sexy futuristic urban fantasy from RITA® Award nominated author M.J. Scott. This series has witches, demons, an ongoing relationship that will have an HEA, sexy times, and a lot of computer geeks. Perfect if you like the idea of a strong heroine, a hot protective billionaire and magic and technology colliding. Enjoy!
Author's note: For tropes and CW, please check the author's website.
K.E. Turner
The Wolf and the Witch
Book 1, The Descendants
Expected:
22 July
He gave her up once. He won’t make that mistake again.
Annabelle Jackson loathes everything about Christmas. Three years ago, beneath the Christmas lights of the Champs Elysees, the love of her life walked away. Christmas hasn’t been the same since. No man has ever captured her heart or stirred her body the way Gabriel did. Now she dedicates her time to her family, her job and the coven she will one day rule. Until the man who abandoned her walks back into her life.
Gabriel Montagne, head of security for the Langeais wolves, met his mate in Paris three years ago. She wasn’t ready for the truth about him, and when pack business called him in, he didn’t look back. Something he’s regretted every day since.
Almost three years to the day, when the San Francisco Bayside coven takes an interest in his ancestor’s arch enemy, Gabriel comes face to face with Annabelle. His Annabelle. Best Christmas present ever.
Trusting the man who left her isn’t on Annabelle’s agenda, but with the coven divided, and Annabelle’s suitability to rule it questioned, she’s forced to work with him on a crucial mission. There’s more than broken trust and power struggles at stake. The fate of witchcraft and the Langeais wolves hangs in the balance.
This time, Gabriel’s not leaving without her.
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Lilliana Rose
Clockwork Hearts
Book 1, A Timeless Affair
Expected:
10 August
Time is fragile. I never expected it to shatter—and take me with it.
Everything changed the day I opened a package containing a glowing pendant that shouldn’t have existed. The world shifted, and I fell through time itself.
Now, I’m stranded in a past where the line between science and magic blurs, and the man with the mechanical heart—Thaddeus—holds the key to both. He has built the chronarium, which is connected with power and time. It could be my only way home, but I’m not the only one who wants it. I
might never return to my time—or the life I thought I wanted. But in this fractured world, I’ve found something unexpected—a cause worth fighting for and a man worth risking everything to save.
Time is running out. But if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that even monsters can fight for the future.
Non spec-fic
Annie Seaton
Beneath Still Waters
Book 4, Daughters of the Darling
Expected Release:
1 July
In the aftermath of a personal decision, Shea O’Byrne has retreated to Melbourne, abandoning her career as a vet nurse to counsel women through pregnancy loss—a pain she understands all too well. When her father’s genealogical research uncovers a long-buried scandal involving the family’s forgotten ancestor, Samuel O’Byrne, Shea reluctantly agrees to help investigate.
Her search leads her to Professor Eliza Westfield and her compelling brother, Heath, a cardiologist whose gentle persistence begins to crack the walls around Shea’s heart. But as Tom delves deeper into the life of Clara O’Byrne—Samuel’s rebellious daughter, whose story eerily mirrors Shea’s—past and present collide in unexpected ways.
When Shea’s former lover follows her to Ceann Mara, bringing with him the painful secret she’s kept from everyone, she must finally confront the choices that have shaped her life. A sudden storm at the billabong forces Shea to decide whether some secrets are worth keeping—and if the O’Byrne family legacy of resilience and love lives on in her.
Spanning two centuries of family history, heartbreak, and healing, Beneath Still Waters continues the sweeping saga of the O’Byrne family, where every discovery on the banks of the Darling River reveals that our most personal struggles often echo through generations.
Pre-Order
Annie Seaton
Hearts in Harmony
Bindarra Creek Christmas in July
(multi-author)
Expected Release:
1 July
Desperate for a fresh start away from her family's farm, preschool teacher Amelia Johnson can no longer watch her father's declining health or endure her sister's constant criticism. When she finds the perfect rental within walking distance of her classroom, it feels like fate has finally smiled upon her.
That is, until the charming and frustratingly handsome Daniel Dupont appears on her doorstep, claiming his aunt owns the property—and he's moving in. As they reluctantly agree to share the cosy cottage, Amelia discovers that living with the gorgeous Frenchman stirs feelings she's not prepared for. Between her grandmother's wholehearted approval of Daniel and the secrets he seems to be keeping, Amelia must decide: should she guard her heart and retreat to the familiar comfort of her family farm, or take a chance on the unexpected romance blooming under their shared roof?
Pre-Order
Annie Seaton
Shadows of the Shore
Book 2, Bec Whitfield Mystery
Expected Release:
20 June
When four backpackers vanish on Dunk Island in the wet tropics of North Queensland, Detective Bec Whitfield is thrust into a chilling search mission. The island’s natural beauty masks a dark reality, and as the days pass, the hunt grows desperate. Two bodies are discovered, but the others remain missing, and suspicions of foul play rise.
As Bec digs deeper, she uncovers a disturbing connection—each of the missing women had a relationship with a well-known resident of the small town. With the community in turmoil, the man becomes the target of relentless social media persecution; his reputation is dragged through the mud as rumours swirl about his involvement in the disappearances.
The investigation grows increasingly complicated as Bec uncovers conflicting stories, personal motives, and dangerous secrets that threaten to tear apart the tight-knit coastal community. As the pressure mounts, Bec must navigate public outcry, a volatile investigation, and her own doubts to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again, leaving little time to focus on her growing relationship with Detective Davenport.
In Shadows on the Shore, a seemingly peaceful island paradise becomes the setting for a deadly game of secrets, vengeance, and the fragile line between truth and rumour.
Will Bec uncover the real killer before the community’s relentless pursuit of justice leads to more bloodshed?
Pre-Order
D.K. Hood
Good Girls Don't Cry
Book 26, Detectives Kane and Alton
Expected Release:
24 June
Madison hesitates before hitching her pink tulle prom dress and running as fast as she can into the wilderness. The ripped edge of her skirt snags on a tree root and she falls to the forest floor. As she catches her breath, she hears the unmistakable sound of heavy boots closing in on her. He knows where she is…
When news of a missing limousine reaches Sheriff Jenna Alton and her deputy, David Kane, they fear for the lives of the ten teenagers who were inside and should have been enjoying their prom night. After picking up each passenger from their home, instead of heading to prom, the car turned toward the darkness of the forest around Black Rock Falls. Has there been a tragic accident, or has something more sinister happened to the teenagers?
Hours later, Jenna’s team discovers the bodies of the five boys from the car, and her heart shatters when she realizes the girls are still missing. The killer has taken them, and he hasn’t left a single trace.
Jenna knows time is running out for the teenagers when a lifeless body is discovered hanging from the branches of a tree, and another is found laying on a boulder nearby, still wearing her prom dress. Taking in the scene, she spots something that makes her pulse race – the girls’ bodies have been displayed just like on a previous murder case she worked. Could there be a copycat killer on the loose?
With three young girls unaccounted for, Jenna’s team works around the clock in the dense woodland looking for clues before they find themselves under attack as well. Jenna knows one thing for sure—the murderer wants to take as many lives as possible. As she reads the notes on her past case, her heart races with worry about what kind of monster she is about to face. Has Jenna finally met her match? And will the missing girls ever come home?
D.K. Hood
The Liar I Married
Expected Release:
22 August
I trusted him with my life. I shouldn’t have…
Opening my eyes, I see a nurse standing over my bed. She wipes away my tears as she tells me I was in a car crash and it was my fault. Confused, I only remember snapshots of my life, but I’m not convinced the crash was an accident.
My marriage had been perfect, until my husband, John, met Rebecca. He said they were just friends and that I was imagining things when I saw them cosied up like they were on a date. Now, as I lie in my recovery bed, fragments of that night come back to me—John late home from work, an empty wine glass, Rebecca climbing out of John’s car, a blazing row on the doorstep…
I beg John to tell me what happened, but he insists I don’t try to recall any details, that it’ll harm my recovery. He reminds me that I’m lucky to even be alive.
But when someone leaves a note, my blood runs cold: Don’t trust anyone. Were my instincts right? Did someone try to kill me? As I look into my husband’s lying eyes, all I can think is, will I make it out of this marriage alive…?
This absolutely nail-biting, and addictive psychological thriller is perfect for readers of The Housemaid, The Girl on the Train and The Perfect Marriage. Prepare to be hooked!
Christina Phillips
Beguiled by the Highlander
Book 1, Daughters of the Isle
Expected Release:
3 June
Their love was forbidden, but destiny had other plans.
She fell for an enigmatic stranger from the sea—and then he broke her heart
Isolde MacDonald knows exactly what she wants, and wedding the arrogant Highlander, William Campbell—who will do anything to claim her land— is most definitely not it. Fiercely proud of her heritage, she’s bound to her beloved isle through an ancient prophecy of her foremothers and is certain no Campbell will understand her bond with her land or her love for her sword.
She doesn’t need a man to make her life complete—until a stranger with no memory of his past washes up on the beach and steals her heart.
He can’t recall his own name—but he’ll do anything to win her heart
When he’s attacked on his own ship and tossed overboard during a storm, he awakens with no recollection of who he is. But of one thing, he is sure. The beautiful Isolde MacDonald, with her independent spirit and skill with her sword, is the only woman he wants.
But when his memory returns, the truth threatens to destroy them both
To win her, he must discover the truth. But there’s more at stake than an ancient prophecy, and if they can’t put the past behind them, they just might lose everything.
Mel Teshco
Falcon
Book 2, Sons of the Sheikh
Expected Release:
31 July
His strike is as sharp as his intellect.
Sheikh Zayn Al-Hadid might love his province, but he doesn’t much care about the politics and legislations in running it. He’d much prefer hanging out with his falcons—the very same bird that has become his nickname—than sitting in the great hall of his palace solving his people’s every dispute.
Using cameras mounted on his falcons, the last thing he expects is for a western woman to capture his attention. After observing her for days, he realizes he must have her with or without her consent.
After her cheating boyfriend breaks her heart, Dolly Clark leaves her homeland of Australia and heads to the Middle East. She wants to go someplace faraway, somewhere with a different culture, a different perspective and far different people. What she doesn’t expect is to be kidnapped by a stalker with his seeing-eye falcon. Even less expected is her attraction toward him or her growing feelings.
But no matter how tempted she is by him, surely nothing and no one can rebuild her trust in men?
Mel Teshco
Unresolved
Book 6, Gangsters at War
Expected Release:
30 May
I was his first love. And now he's found me.
Evander
I never got over losing Gemma. I'm still putting together the shattered pieces of my heart after she walked away from me, as though I meant nothing to her, as though I'd never even existed. It didn't stop me from searching for her, and now I've finally found her I don't intend to ever let her go again. She is mine. A shame a war breaking out between rival mafia families threatens to take her away from me yet again.
Gemma
He doesn't try to pretend I didn't hurt him when I left without even saying goodbye. Perhaps that is why he doesn't care if he hurts me in return by taking away my freedom. He's keeping me hostage in his cabin by a lake in what looks like the middle of nowhere. But if it almost killed me being with him the first time, how can I survive a second time?
Evander
I never got over losing Gemma. I'm still putting together the shattered pieces of my heart after she walked away from me, as though I meant nothing to her, as though I'd never even existed. It didn't stop me from searching for her, and now I've finally found her I don't intend to ever let her go again. She is mine. A shame a war breaking out between rival mafia families threatens to take her away from me yet again.
Gemma
He doesn't try to pretend I didn't hurt him when I left without even saying goodbye. Perhaps that is why he doesn't care if he hurts me in return by taking away my freedom. He's keeping me hostage in his cabin by a lake in what looks like the middle of nowhere. But if it almost killed me being with him the first time, how can I survive a second time?
The above two covers are by Eleni Konstantine's alter-ego, HelzKat Designs.
Suzanne Gilchrist
Hidden Dreams
A Bindarra Creek Christmas in July Romance
(multi-author)
Expected Release:
1 July
Will they trust each other sufficiently to reveal the dreams hidden deep inside their hearts?
Influencer, Pixie Wellington, has one goal in her life – attain fame and fortune and show her ex exactly what he tossed aside when he betrayed her with her bestie all those years ago. Receiving an invitation to her brother’s wedding along with the news of a small town Christmas in July festival, she senses she’s on the edge of something wonderful. Finally, she’ll prove her worth.
Sheep farmer, Jordan Chase, is content with small town life but has given up on finding love. Afterall, the woman who’s been his best mate since childhood is now engaged to someone else. Confronted with an American woman who seems to spend more time filming rather than participating in life, he wants nothing more than to escape back to his almost hermit existence.
Thrown together as best brides man and the groom’s best woman, chief gingerbread house helpers and the family parade float detailers, Pixie and Jordan soon discover they have more in comman than they ever thought possible.
***
Welcome to Bindarra Creek Christmas in July multi-author series and experience love and life in a small Australian town.
Juanita Kees
It Might Be You
A Bindarra Creek Christmas in July Romance
(multi-author)
Expected Release:
1 July
Haunted by the silence in her city apartment after her mother's passing, Bonny Taylor throws herself into her work as a principal violinist for the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra, seeking solace in music. Until a chance encounter with a charming stranger offers an unexpected escape.
Trading the city's noise for the warmth of a small-town celebration, Bonny finds herself captivated by weddings, winter festivities, and the undeniable pull of attraction to Adam McGuigan, the farmer from Yarraman Downs.
As she falls deeper into the magic of the Bindarra Creek community, can a world-renowned musician trade her concert hall for a farmer's field in rural Australia or will the lure of her career prove too strong?
Amanda Ashby
The Widows' Guide to Skulduggery
Book 3, The Widows' Detective Club
Expected Release:
24 June
When a human skull gatecrashes her friends’ big day, it officially becomes the worst wedding Ginny Cole has ever been to. But as the assembled guests await the police, the two families staring daggers at each other across the aisle, Ginny starts to suspect that these nuptials were deliberately sabotaged. Together with her fellow widows in crime-solving, JM, Tuppence and Hen, she decides to uncover who wanted this marriage dead on arrival.
The police have no interest in a twenty-year-old skull, so Ginny and her friends have free reign to investigate. But untangling a web of family feuds and ancient village rivalries soon escalates into much more when a new body turns up…
The widows have stumbled into a devious plot decades in the making, but can they find their way to the truth before one of them joins the village body count…?
An utterly delightful and gripping cozy mystery full of unconventional characters, fantastic twists and shadowy village secrets. The Widows’ Detective Club is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett and Robert Thorogood.
Danni Line
An Eye on the Prize
Book 5, A Trinket Bay K9 Mystery
Expected Release:
17 November
When secrets collide, survival demands impossible choices—and the truth might cost them everything.
Jack Robson! It had been a while since he thought about that name, or the person he once was. That man was long gone, buried in the past, along with the life he’d once known. All because he’d done his job, and he’d done it well. Or so he believed.
Katherine (Kit) Malone’s questionable decisions have kept her alive this long, but she’s done with being a pawn in anyone’s game. One last job for her employer promises freedom, or so she hopes. As she closes in on her target, unexpected emotions threaten to unravel her plans.
With lies revealed and trust hanging by a thread, can they overcome the danger closing in—or will their pasts doom them both?
An Eye on the Prize, the fifth book in the Trinket Bay K9 Mystery Series, is a contemporary romantic suspense novel set in the fictional town of Trinket Bay in South Western Australia. While each book is a standalone, they’re best read in series order.
COVERS
Annie Seaton
Whitsunday Dawn
has new cover!
When Olivia Sheridan arrives in the Whitsundays as spokesperson for big mining company Sheridan Corp, it should be a straightforward presentation to the town about their proposed project. But when a handsome local fisherman shows her what ecological impact the proposal will have, Olivia is forced to question her father's motives for the project.
~~
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Happy Reading everyone. Be safe & well.
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