Kensington Publishing – serie

As turmoil simmers within a divided nation, smoke from another blaze begins to rise. Sparked by individual acts of resistance among those enslaved across the American South, their seemingly disparate rebellions fuel a singular inferno of justice, connecting them in ways quiet at times, explosive at others. As these flames rise, so will they. Luke, quick-witted and literate, and Henri, a man with a strong and defiant spirit, forge an unbreakable bond at a Virginia plantation called Magnolia Row. Both seek escape from unimaginable cruelty. And sure as the fires of hell, Luke and Henri will leave their mark, sparking resistance among the lives they touch... One is Josephine, a young, sharp, and observant girl who wields silence as her greatest weapon. A witness to Luke and Henri's resilience, she listens, watches, waits for the moment to make her move. Then there is Charity Butler, her husband a formerly enslaved man who proved his ferocity as a young boy standing alongside Josephine. At his encouragement, Charity fights for her freedom in court and wins - only to battle a deeply unjust system designed to destroy the life they've built. And finally, there is Nathaniel, who ruthlessly exploits other Black people and mirrors the cruelty of the white men who, like him, are enslavers. A perversion of the system of slavery, his fragile and contradictory rule will become a catalyst of its own. Inspired by the true stories of the profoundly courageous men and women who dared to fight back, Burn Down Master's House is a singular tour de force of a novel - breathtaking in scope, compassion, and a timeliness that speaks powerfully to our present era.

Unexpected sparks ignite a slow burn in this grumpy/sunshine workplace romance when a single mom proposes a marriage of convenience to save her boss’s brewery. Fans of Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, Carley Fortune, and B.K. Borison will find their next obsession with this second standalone in bestselling author Lena Hendrix’s spicy, emotional, deeply romantic Kings Series set in small town Michigan. *DELUXE LIMITED EDITION PAPERBACK featuring stenciled edges, holographic foil, designed interior covers, chapter headers, and full color special character art!*You might think it’s reckless for a single mom to enter into a marriage of convenience with her boss.You would be correct.To make matters worse, Abel King is a grumpy local brewer with a criminal past. He also happens to be my boss and a total stick-in-the-mud. Every time I come to work with a smile and wave, I’m lucky if I can get a grunt in response.When I accidentally-on-purpose overhear that he’s having trouble securing a business loan due to his criminal record, I hatch a plan to help the both of us.The arrangement is perfect—a business transaction and nothing more. Like having a roommate without the hassle of other people bugging you for dates.I will definitely not be falling in love with him—no matter how many times he says “my wife” and tingles dance in all the right places.Trouble is, as time goes on, things stop feeling like business and start feeling a whole lot like pleasure . . . and really, that’s just my luck . . .

Oil and water. Angels and Demons. Some things shouldn’t mix. But when a disgraced angel needs the key back to heaven, her only hope in a world where between Grumpy and Sunshine lies irresistible passion, may be a crow-shifting demon. New York Times bestselling author Aurora Ascher blends spicy demon romance, cozy fantasy, and rom-com for the latest in her wickedly funny, warm-hearted Hell Bent series – perfect for fans of Hannah Nicole Maehrer, Brynne Weaver, Jenna Levine, and Kimberly Lemming. DELUXE LIMITED EDITION featuring stenciled edges, designed chapter headers and inside covers, series spine design and bonus content! Only available for a limited time and while supplies last.A demon with a forgotten past . . .Raum is the quiet one who rarely smiles. He’s felt numb since Heaven erased his memory as punishment for crimes he can’t recall. His only relief comes from his penchant for theft and his unusual connection with animals. Until, that is, he crosses paths with a beautiful angel.An angel searching for redemption . . .A loyal servant of Heaven, Sunshine is fighting to regain her rank and redeem herself for her shameful past. Tasked with retrieving a grimoire from Hell, she binds Raum into her service with an unbreakable contract. He must help her navigate the underworld—or lose everything he holds dear. But her plan backfires when she finds herself drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.A forbidden desire . . .The rivalry between demons and angels is ancient, deep, and …obvious. Yet it can’t extinguish their scorching attraction. But when hints of Raum’s past finally come to light, a web of deception and betrayal is revealed that changes everything.

In thrilling, sharply funny conclusion to G. A. Aiken’s feminist, rollicking romantasy Scarred Earth Saga, a hunky royal farmer and a shrewd, intriguing She-centaur form an unlikely alliance in war—and in love . . .Lysebet of the Scarred Earth clan is aware that everyone, including her mother, believes her to be . . . less than aware. But what they see as “vapid staring into space” is really Lysebet’s fascination with nature’s puzzles. So many to be solved! Still, this doesn’t explain why the royal she must escort into the territories of the Dragon Queen keeps smiling at her. Having to babysit royals is so insulting—especially this goofy farmer prince, though admittedly, he’s built like one of the massive bulls he happily herds around the human queen’s lands. Fortunately, if necessary, Lysebet can fight anyone. She enjoys a good weapon as much as any other battle-centaur . . .Duncan Farmerson loves his life! This, despite that his family has been at war with their evil sister, Beatrix, for nearly a decade. To sustain their army, Duncan works to keep the farming industry thriving. But he’s also skilled with weapons, and extraordinarily strong. Now, his family needs him to infiltrate the horrifying territories of the Dragon Queen, where his other sister, Isadora, is captive—though he knows she went there willingly. Thankfully, there is one bright spot . . .Duncan loves watching Lysebet the Centaur’s silent staring! In fact, he loves Lysebet! Gods, he hopes this slightly off-putting, perfect-for-him She-centaur loves no one else. He’ll just need to keep them both alive as they fight Beatrix’s ruthless army. But after their victory they can be together forever! Raising a herd of their own! Of course, he won’t tell her all that yet . . .

For fans of Benjamin Stevenson, Rob Osler, and Kristen Perrin, Lee Hollis puts a modern, wryly witty, slightly campy slant on the classic murder mystery, as a father-daughter sleuthing duo are drawn into a case close to home . . .You never forget your first corpse. For former child star Jarrod Jarvis, that discovery was twenty-plus years ago, and a lot has happened since he solved a string of real-life Hollywood murders. Now Jarrod lives in Palm Springs where he writes and directs local theatre, while quietly grieving the loss of his partner, police detective Charlie.Jarrod hasn’t disclosed much about his sleuthing past to his daughter, Liv, who just earned a degree in criminal justice. There’s been distance between them since Charlie’s death, and Jarrod’s unsure how to bridge the gap. Liv, meanwhile, has put her career on hold in order to help her filmmaker boyfriend, Zel. His new documentary idea is to track down the surrogate who gave birth to Liv. Skeptical and annoyed by Zel’s pressure tactics, Liv goes to confront him at his apartment. But there’s no need to break things off—because someone has bludgeoned Zel to death.Jarrod rushes to Liv’s aid, surprising his daughter with his ease around a crime scene, firing off questions like a modern-day Columbo with better hair and wardrobe. Another shock is quite how many people had motive to finish Zel off—including a Russian film professor, a former First Lady, and a sexy Secret Service agent. Together, Liv and Jarrod comb for clues across the sun-drenched Coachella valley, growing close again. But while there’s nothing like murder to bring a family together, this father-daughter reunion may be short-lived as long as a killer is on the loose . . .

Bestselling author and SHEEN Magazine Literary Excellence Award-winner Porscha Sterling returns with a sexy and scandalous sequel featuring the adulterous heiress Sage McMillian as she vows to destroy anything that stands in the way of fixing her broken marriage to former street king Dom “Ink” Richardson…Some say the opposite of love is hate. Others say it’s indifference. For Sage McMillian, the oppositeof love is revenge. A loveless marriage was not on the list of things Sage McMillian ever thought she would fight for. But now she’s questioning the life she built with Dom “Ink” Richardson, the former street king for whom she risked everything, her privileged life as the heir to an empire, her reputation, and her heart.In Sage’s weakest moment, another man, Malik, comes on the scene, bringing renewed hopes of romance and adventure. It feels like the love of a lifetime, and Sage finds herself falling for him. Even when Ink grows suspicious, she can't stop herself. And then it’s too late. By the time Sage realizes Malik isn't the man she thought he was, she’s lost her family and Ink has moved on.However, Sage is not accustomed to “letting go.” And she doesn’t intend to start now. In fact, quite the opposite. Fueled by the revenge building in her broken heart, Sage sets her sights on getting back everything that was taken away from her and annihilating anything—and anyone—standing in her way.

Brimming with unpredictable twists and scandals, the latest Depression-era Alabama novel from award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe tells of a mistreated wife who finally finds the love she's longed for—only to be plunged into deceit, betrayal, and murder . . .As a young woman, Naomi Simmons grabbed her one chance to escape the overwhelming demands of her selfish family by marrying devout older man Jacob Purcell. But it only landed her with a controlling, unfaithful husband who delights in hurling insults at her and their troubled now-teenage daughter, Ethel Mae. So, Naomi is amazed and touched when Homer Clark sees her for the vibrant, intelligent woman she truly is. Believing the handsome, widower is her love of a lifetime, Naomi plans to leave with Homer and start anew.Then Jacob suffers a debilitating stroke, and Naomi can't bring herself to abandon him. Unfortunately, Homer refuses to listen—or understand.  Relieved when he leaves town and disappears, Naomi dedicates herself to the now-grateful Jacob’s care. And she feels truly delighted and blessed when Ethel Mae finally gets her life on track away from home—and comes back with good news . . .But Ethel Mae’s surprise will shock Naomi to her core and threaten everything and everyone she holds most precious. With no one who can help her, Naomi battles increasingly insidious mind games even as her world starts falling apart. Can she defeat what appears to be a twisted scheme against her?  Or will she be forced into a devastating showdown that will leave no one undamaged—or standing?

Combining the sugar rush of candy making with a fascinating look at Amish life, a quirky whodunit, and a sweet romance between chocolatier Bailey King and Sheriff Aiden Brody, Amanda Flower’s USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries continue, as summer wedding season comes to the village of Harvest, Ohio…Horror d'oeuvresSummer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d'oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy's ex-boyfriends . . .Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?Recipe included!

London’s first woman doctor and a skeptical Scotland Yard detective find their holidays sidelined by a murderer threatening the royal family in this historically rich, gritty mystery set in Victorian London.1867: For commoners and nobility alike, the Isle of Wight is an ideal holiday destination. Queen Victoria and her family frequently spend time at Osborne House, their stunning coastal residence. For the next few days the island will also be home to Dr. Julia Lewis, who is traveling with her grandfather and her great-aunt. But despite the pleasant surroundings, Julia is beset by worries.Julia and Inspector Richard Tennant grew close during their last investigation, but he abruptly left England on a dangerous chase. She has heard nothing from him in weeks; meanwhile her maid, Kate, is nervous about rising anti-Irish sentiment. Editorials call for harsh retaliation against those determined to rid Ireland of British rule.When Julia is called to perform an autopsy on drowning victim Lizzie Dowling, a young, Irish-born servant at Osborne House and a favorite of Princess Louise, she discovers that the girl was pregnant. Was her death a suicide? The distraught princess is eager for answers, and as Julia digs deeper, a second tragedy points to murder and perhaps a political scandal. There are rumors of smugglers funneling weapons to Ireland—and assassins who would target the Queen herself.Motives abound but time is in short supply—and every day brings deeper urgency and threats that neither riches nor royalty may withstand . . .

Far from England and their beloved Morrington Hall, Viscount “Lyndy” Lyndhurst and his American wife, heiress and equestrian Stella Kendrick—now Lady Lyndhurst—find fossils and murder in Montana . . . Led by his passion for paleontology, Lyndy’s father, Lord Atherly, has traveled all the way to Montana, to explore the fossil-rich horse ranch owned by Stella’s mother, Katherine, and her second husband, Ned Smith. Urged by Lady Atherly to look after her husband, Stella and Lyndy follow in his wake. Stella is excited to be reunited with her mother, and Lyndy is eager to experience the real “Wild West.” Both are equally thrilled to participate in a fossil dig.But when a local man who was guarding the dig site overnight is found the next morning dead in a creek bed, the couple fear his death may not have been an accident—especially when things get wilder still. The paleontologist on the dig has his notebook stolen, several fossil bones disappear, and a second body is found in the research tent.No one is above suspicion—a rival paleontologist up to some skullduggery, members of their own crew, even Lord Atherly himself. Stella and Lyndy must keep digging to unearth the clues that will expose a killer in their midst—before more bones must be buried . . .

The darkly atmospheric and gruesome tale of Jack the Ripper unfolds against the backdrop of a Victorian London reform school, as a young inmate sets out to find the identity of the elusive serial killer in a riveting new book perfect for fans of The Square of Sevens and Enola Holmes. **DELUXE STENCILED EDGES**London, 1888. Committed to the Whitechapel Hall Reform School for “incurable delinquency,” Adelaide “Dell” Morton is a precocious, defiant misfit. She’s also a voracious reader of the sordid, sensationally popular Penny dreadful stories. In a stroke of luck, she’s found a kindred spirit in her poised roommate, Pippa. Their obsession is only further fueled by the Jack the Ripper murders blazing a trail of terror throughout London’s seediest streets . . . right outside Whitechapel Hall’s front door.  Desperate for adventure, they embark on their own investigation—and discover an ally in Noah, son of the local butcher. The trio’s budding spywork soon yields shocking results: Why was straightlaced Whitechapel teacher Miss Kaye escaping the school the night of the latest crime? Could Jack the Ripper be a she? Delving into Miss Kaye’s background, Dell is both horrified and thrilled to find that within Miss Kaye’s past lies a chapter dark enough to rival any Penny dreadful . . .Dell’s fixation with Miss Kaye reaches dangerous heights while a series of suspicious events leaves Miss Kaye in sole command of Whitechapel Hall. Trapped in their teacher’s ever-tightening web of control, the young detectives devise a risky plan to track her. But what ensues may only propel them into secrets, lies, ruthless acts, and betrayals that go back decades—and a confrontation that will irrevocably change the fates of all involved . . . if they survive.

In 1945, World War II ended one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Geared for battle were nearly 1,000 trailblazing Black pilots trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, an unrepentantly segregated facility in Alabama. Hailing from the Iowa cornfields to the Texas Gulf Coast to the tobacco plantations of North Carolina, the Tuskegee Airmen already proved, under the toughest circumstances, to be among the most resilient and defiantly patriotic men of the Army Air Corps. 27 of them disappeared during the final critical missions in Europe. So, too, would the government's efforts to find them or help to bring closure to the loved ones that the valiant 332nd Fighter Group left behind. In Forgotten Souls, award-winning investigative journalist Cheryl W. Thompson delves into the true stories of the Black combat pilots who faced unimaginable racism - before, during and after the war - from a military that told them they were less than, even as their courage and aviation prowess saved scores of White brothers-in-arms from the enemy and possibly death. As cruel as war itself could be, the friends, family, communities and fellow Tuskegee Airmen who mourned the lost pilots never imagined how unforgivable it could get. After 80 years, Forgotten Souls honours the impact they made, and the sacrifices they endured on America's behalf.

The latest novel in this sharply witty, will-they-or-won't-they new mystery series delivers Hollywood dish, clever intrigue, and maybe even true love between actresses Bexley Simon and Sam Farmer…Since the hugely successful reunion special for their hit show Craven’s Daughter, TV detectives Bex and Sam find themselves busier than ever—but, unfortunately, two thousand miles apart for long months. So much for quickly coaxing the long-simmering spark between them into flame. Finally back in L.A., though, all bets are off, and Bex and Sam are looking forward to some IRL time by the pool—at least until Bex’s sister, Frankie, brings home a truly juicy bit of gossip garnered from her nepo baby girlsquad . . .Ramona Watts was once the Gen X It Girl—Hollywood darling, household name, muse, and coolest of the cool, until the “Icon with Issues” spectacularly crashed and burned, disappearing for a good 20 years. But a new hit horror series, The Howling, convinced her to sign on, and bring all her charm and 90s nostalgia to the role. Suddenly, Ramona Watts is a Name again—except that she fails to show up on set for Season 3.It's none of their business, of course, but Bex and Sam are curious. And they both have Hollywood connections left, right, and center stage, some of whom would love to see them sleuthing again. Plus, spending that kind of time together means another chance at a real romance. So what if they’re not actual detectives? In Los Angeles, isn’t everyone playing a role?

A sumptuously vivid and poignant account of the Lusitania’s fateful last days, drawn from the true story of an extraordinary young actress who survived the unthinkable—for fans of Marie Benedict, Louis Bayard, Fiona Davis, Kate Quinn, and HBO’s The Gilded Age.In turn of the century England, the Jolivet family lives a charmed existence. Daughter of a wealthy vineyard owner and a French pianist, vivacious Marguerite, the eldest of three, loves spinning stories and entertaining her family’s well-connected friends. No one is surprised when she announces, at 18, that she intends to become an actress. Her sister, Inez, a virtuosa violinist, moves to London with her. Soon the two beauties are being celebrated in the highest social circles.Marguerite takes the stage name Rita, and quickly draws the attention of legendary theater producer Charles Frohman. From the West End to Broadway, and then in the new medium of silent film, Rita is known for her “sultry eyes, her mystic smile,” and her star burns brighter with every role. While filming in Italy, she’s courted by a charismatic aristocrat and Rita feels on the verge of a life even better than her dreams. Inez, meanwhile, has already found love, and travels the world with her adored husband.Yet soon, war is raging across Europe. Rita, in New York for the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s The Unafraid, receives word from Inez that their brother is about to enlist. Hoping to see him before he departs, Rita books a ticket on the fastest steamer available: the RMS Lusitania. But the ship sails under a British flag, and the German government warns that all such vessels are fair game. Few believe Germany would risk attacking a ship carrying Americans, certainly not one as swift and imposing as the Lusy.Once aboard, Rita is delighted to discover both Charles and her brother-in-law as fellow passengers.The days pass in a haze of parties and pleasurable pursuits, and the comforts of the luxury ocean liner are almost enough to calm Rita’s ripples of unease. But as the ship nears Liverpool, every assumption will be tested, and Rita, her family, and the world, will be changed forever by the voyage’s infamous and catastrophic end . . .

When 30-something graphic artist Shelby Phillips reluctantly returned to her small hometown outside Asheville, North Carolina to manage her mother’s needlepoint shop, she thought it was temporary. But getting entangled in murder investigations has a timeline of its own…It’s been a little over a year since Shelby started managing Nina’s Nimble Needle following her office-romance and career implosion, and Shelby’s mom has finally handed her the reins—technically, at least. Next, Shelby is excited to oversee two well-known needlepoint designers who will be participating in the town’s first two-week-long arts festival . . .Laura Bitters and Paul Bardo have each stitched up one-of-a-kind pillows that should be big wins for the Nimble Needle at the festival’s auction . . . until the pillows vanish amid a sudden string of shoplifting incidents.To add to the knot in Shelby’s stomach, Laura proves highly anxious, while Paul is an egomaniac who believes Laura has been stealing his customers for years. But things go from bad to tragic when Laura behaves oddly at the auction dinner, then collapses—dead.Soon after, Shelby makes a shocking discovery in Laura’s room at the local inn. Then tests reveal that Laura was poisoned. Resolved to piece together the truth, despite the police chief’s determination to keep her on the fringes, Shelby rallies her personal team, including her sister, Jessica, her friend Deb, and Jake, her potentially more than a friend. As an extra twist, a magazine reporter arrives with unsettling—yet useful—dirt that includes Laura and Paul.  What unravels is a skein of suspects, long-held resentment, bitter jealousy, and betrayal, from which Shelby will have to pull the one crucial thread tied to the killer: a murder-worthy motive . . .

This thrilling historical mystery series debut propels readers into the dazzling excess of the Roaring Twenties, as the world celebrates the end of the war and the Spanish flu pandemic, and the Harlem Renaissance marks a thriving rebirth of Black cultural activity. Yet across the country, the mix of Prohibition and new freedoms is a recipe for flourishing corruption—as one Harlem newcomer is about to discover . . . 1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet’s cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boardinghouse for independent-minded single women.It’s a bold move, since Harriet has never met Junetta. But the fatalities of the Spanish flu and other tragedies have already left her and Lovey with little to lose—or so it seems as they arrive at sophisticated Junetta’s impressive brownstone.Her cousin has a sharp edge, which makes Harriett slightly uncomfortable. Still, after retiring for the night, she finally falls asleep—only to awaken to Junetta arguing with someone downstairs. In the morning, she makes a shocking discovery at the foot of the stairs.What ensues will lead Harriet to question Junetta’s very identity—and to wonder if she and Lovey are in danger as well. It will also tie Harriet to five strangers. Among them, Harriet is sure someone knows something. What she doesn’t yet know is that one will play a crucial role in helping her investigate her cousin’s murder . . . that she will be tied to the others in ways she could never imagine . . .  and that her life will take off in a startling new direction. . . .

A newly wealthy Rhode Island empty-nester hones her sleuthing skills in the latest novel in this fun and fast-paced new cozy series from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lucy Stone mysteries. Carole Capobianco knows life can take unexpected detours—and not just the kind her beloved Brittany spaniel, Poopsie, drags her on during their daily walks. Sometimes, those surprises are delightful—including the family’s recent windfall thanks to her husband Frank’s plumbing invention. But sometimes, they’re shocking, like the sudden death of her daughter Connie’s boyfriend, Jared.Jared was gunned down outside a Providence restaurant, and Connie, who sustained minor injuries at the scene, is grief-stricken. True, Connie hadn’t known Jared Mayes long. In fact, as Carole does a little digging, she starts to wonder if there was an awful lot about Jared that her daughter didn’t know. His shooting seems to have been a targeted attack and may be connected to a new movie being filmed in nearby Newport. Clearly, Carole will have to infiltrate behind-the-scenes . . .Snagging a role as an extra alongside her mother-in-law, Carole reluctantly swaps her designer duds for a scullery maid’s faded costume. Between on-set antics, a very friendly producer, and keeping various relatives—and pampered Poopsie—out of mischief, she has plenty to keep her busy while she works to catch a killer. It’s no easy feat, as Carole quickly learns there’s no more convincing actor than one determined to get away with murder . . .

For fans of Ryan Coogler's Sinners and readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, Stephen Graham Jones, and Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, this ingenious reimagining of the vampire origin story set during the early days of American slavery blends alternate history with supernatural horror, as the last surviving member of an ancient African vampire tribe meets a slave desperate for freedom, and together, they lead an army of enslaved people in a cinematically blood-soaked battle for freedom and revenge. **DELUXE PAPERBACK with stenciled edges and bonus content!**In the Province of Carolina, 1710, freedom seems unattainable for Willie, for his beloved Gertie, and for their unborn child. They live, suffer, and toil under their brutal master, James “Big Jim” Barrow, whose grand plantation was built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the enslaved. To flee this hell on earth is to be hunted and killed—until one strange night Willie is offered a dark hope by Rafazi, an enigmatic slave with an irresistible and blood-chilling path to liberation.Hailing from the Kingdom of Ghana, Rafazi is the lone survivor of the Ramanga, an African vampire tribe rendered nearly extinct by plague. Rafazi has roamed the world for centuries with an undying desire to replenish the power that once defined his heritage. In Willie, Rafazi has found his first biddable subject to be turned and to help in a hungry revolt. And Willie desires nothing more than to free his people from malicious bondage. Whatever it takes.One by one, as an army of blood slaves thirsting for revenge is gathered, the headstrong Gertie fears that no good can come from the vampiric legacy that courses through Rafazi’s veins. Willie knows that only evil can fight evil. And when the woman he loves stands between the reemergence of the Ramanga and the justified slaughter of the oppressors, Willie must make an irreversible decision. Only one thing is certain: on the Barrow plantation, and beyond, blood will spill.

In a brilliantly terrifying blend of supernatural horror and alternate history for fans of Ryan Coogler's Sinners and readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due, and Stephen Graham Jones, a vengeful vampire tribe formed of formerly enslaved Africans wages war across the Southern colonies in the ultimate battle of blood and betrayal.Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose, however, pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies to free his people.But the gravest threat comes from within: Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.In Carolina and beyond, a reckoning is coming that will change the colonies forever.

Amidst the devastation of Ireland’s Great Famine, a young woman is salvaged from certain death when offered a mysterious position at a remote manor house haunted by a strange power and the horror of her own memories in this chillingly evocative historical novel braided with gothic horror and supernatural suspense for readers of Katherine Arden’s The Warm Hands of Ghosts and The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins.County Clare, 1848: In the scant few years since the potato blight first cast its foul shadow over Ireland, Maggie O’Shaughnessy has lost everything—her entire family and the man she trusted with her heart. Toiling in the Ennis Workhouse for paltry rations, she can see no future either within or outside its walls—until the mysterious Lady Catherine arrives to whisk her away to an old mansion in the stark limestone landscape of the Burren.Lady Catherine wants Maggie to impersonate her late daughter, Wilhelmina, and hoodwink solicitors into releasing Wilhelmina’s widow pension so that Lady Catherine can continue to provide for the villagers in her care. In exchange, Maggie will receive freedom from the workhouse, land of her own, and the one thing she wants more than either: a chance to fulfill the promise she made to her brother on his deathbed—to live to spite them all.Launching herself into the daunting task, Maggie plays the role of Wilhelmina as best she can while ignoring the villagers’ tales of ghostly figures and curses. But more worrying are the whispers that come from within. Something in Lady Catherine’s house is reawakening long-buried memories in Maggie—of a foe more terrifying than hunger or greed, of a power that calls for blood and vengeance, and of her own role in a nightmare that demands the darkest sacrifice . . .

The new edition of a modern classic by New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Mary Monroe, this poignant and passionate novel in the acclaimed God series features unforgettable lifelong friends Annette Goode Davis and Rhoda O’Toole—two women whose best intentions don't always yield the best results . . .Even though her life has its ups and downs, Annette feels lucky. Most of all, she’s grateful that her husband, Pee Wee, took her back after he discovered she was having an affair. The trouble is, while Pee Wee agreed to give Annette another chance, she's not sure his heart is really in it. Rhoda is quick to point out that Annette got herself into this mess; now she has to be patient until Pee Wee forgives her. But time may be running out.Annette’s suspicions are confirmed when Pee Wee moves out—and in with his new lady. She takes the news hard and so does her daughter, Charlotte. Annette won’t let her family go without a fight, but she also knows she must prepare for the worst—because one lesson she’s learned all too well is that when life kicks you in the teeth, you have to come out swinging.

This intoxicating debut spin-off of the author’s popular small-town Oregon-set Witch Way Librarian mysteries features an intriguing young woman with a unique connection to the magical realm of scent. Sometimes, she can even sniff out a killer . . .Some people read auras—a light or color that surrounds others, revealing their character or emotions. Lise Bloom reads ribbons—of fragrance, that is. Whether she’s around old friends or new, fragrance often unfurls from them—an ability called “clairalience.”Hoping to gain insight into her gift, Lise works at the Lucky Lotus, a New Age shop. Unfortunately, the oils the owner, Dyann, concocts, nauseate Lise and impede her sense of scent. Worse, the shop feels more like wealthy Dyann’s hobby than a spiritual place, thanks to her toxic love-torment relationship with her ex-husband, Richard.Dyann is so pleased with her latest vengeful scheme that she shares it with Lise and gleefully remarks that when Richard finds out, he’ll kill her. For Lise, it’s the last straw. Persuaded to quit by her caring, colorful crew of housemates, Lise emails Dyann a resignation letter. But when she goes to the store the next morning, she detects a fetid odor she doesn’t recognize—and discovers a spilled bottle of Mayan ceremonial liqueur . . . beside Dyann’s dead body.  In her rush to call the police, Lise doesn’t notice that Dyann’s half-completed reply to Lise’s resignation email is on the monitor of her desktop computer—making her the prime suspect. Now, she’ll have to follow her nose to uncoil a venomous truth. It just may lead her life in an entirely new direction—unless a killer cuts it short . . .

Gothic sapphic romance meets supernatural suspense on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest, as a night of forbidden passion opens a Pandora’s box of dangerous secrets and dark magic in this sinfully spicy, standalone novel by New York Times bestselling TikTok sensation, Harley Laroux. *** DELUXE LIMITED EDITION HARDCOVER with beautifully stenciled edges, soft touch cover with gold foiling, full color printed case jacket, a 2-page art insert, and designed endpapers!***SALEMI wasn’t supposed to be here.I was supposed to be marrying my fiancé, looking forward to a tropical honeymoon. Instead, I found myself on a ferry headed for historic Balfour Manor on Blackridge Island, in the Pacific Northwest. Now I’m stranded, with a woman I’m irresistibly drawn to.Rayne holds secrets as dark and mysterious as her old house. Crimson shadows stalk the halls and strange voices call out in the night—but it's she who haunts me most.Following a gruesome murder, the island's true nature is revealed,  and every night becomes a fight for survival. Something is stalking the forest, killing indiscriminately . . .And this time, we're its prey. RAYNEDeath has followed me since childhood. My mother's murder and father's violent death changed me, teaching me just how cruel the world could be.I never got what I wanted, until Salem showed up at my door. She’s adventurous, beautiful, and doomed if she stays here. Now, I suddenly have something to lose: the woman who broke down my walls and saw through my mask, who showed me I'm worth loving.My family has long been buried, but even the vilest of secrets must be dug up again to survive the evil that hunts us.  I finally have something to fight for, and I'll do whatever it takes to save her.

Amidst the brutal yet alluring underbelly of the New York City, a ruthless mafia boss and a determined NYPD detective play a dangerous and seductive game of cat and mouse in this thrilling dark romance for fans of J.T. Geissinger, Sav R. Miller, Rina Kent, HD Carlton, and Shantel Tessier.FrankieI don’t have to hide behind a mask anymore.I rule New York.It’s time to finish what I started ten years ago—destroy the man who took my life.No one can get in my way.That is, until I’m arrested for murder and have my first taste of Detective Zara O’Reilly.The woman is hell-bent on ruining my plans.She thinks I don’t know she’s watching my every move, waiting to drag me back into that prison cell.She can pretend I’m the enemy all she likes.In reality, she craves me as much as I do her.No matter how much we fight it, my stalker becomes my obsession.She doesn’t realize the power she holds over not only me but the city.Together, we will be unstoppable . . . if she lets me break her.

When a wronged bride and an NFL quarterback find themselves sharing the same Hawaiian vacation, a no-strings, just-for-fun encounter quickly becomes unforgettable in this warm-hearted, extra spicy football romance for fans of Sarah Adams, Tessa Bailey, Monica Murphy, Kristen Callihan, and Lucy Score. **DELUXE LIMITED EDITON with interior 4-color character art, designed chapter headers, and stenciled edges!** “Strangers-to-vacation roommates-to-lovers? Chasing the Ring is Lauren Rowe at her most brilliant!” —Lucy Score, #1 New York Times bestselling authorIris Benedetto’s wedding day just went viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.After a heated blowout with her lying, cheating fiancé at the altar, Iris storms off on a solo honeymoon—loudly announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good sex is all about. Rebranding from small-town preschool teacher to #Horny Runaway Bride was not the plan, but the insanely hot stranger who ends up double-booked in her bungalow on the island of Kauai is an opportunity even devastated Iris can’t ignore.It’s not often NFL quarterback Roman Maguire meets someone who doesn’t recognize him. Even rarer to have that someone barge in while he’s taking a shower and quickly make him an irresistible offer. Roman is in Hawaii to secure the deal that could finally land him a Super Bowl ring—and closer proximity to his son. A sexy fling in paradise is a perfect way to spend a week with a surprise roommate . . .Except . . . suddenly a week doesn’t seem nearly enough. And once the truth about Roman’s identity, Iris’s internet infamy, and all kinds of loyalty-testing secrets are revealed, will they both be willing to step into the real-life spotlight together?

In a riveting historical novel about love, grief, the devotion of dogs, V.S. Alexander brings intriguing new perspective to a story that still resonates and fascinates today, as a young couple and their Newfoundland dog set sail on the Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage . . .Finn, the loyal, steadfast Newfoundland dog owned by Sir Gordon Shelton, is quite at ease as he trots aboard the ocean liner at Southampton. The smell of the sea is welcome to him, for like all of his breed, Finn loves to swim.His master, however, feels quite differently. Gordon has a deathly fear of water, no matter how much his wife, Ruth, tries to reassure him. But first-class passage on the Titanic, paid for by the Chairman of the White Star Line, is not an offer Gordon can turn down. Once the ship reaches New York, American-born Ruth will see her family for the first time since their wedding.At least the Sheltons have no concerns about Finn’s well-being. There are a dozen dogs on board, all belonging to first-class passengers, and they receive regular walks and fresh food. Finn finds a traveling companion in Kitty, a pretty Airedale terrier who belongs to the Titanic’s most illustrious guests, John Jacob Astor IV and his young wife, Madeleine. Amid new friends and luxurious surroundings, far from the cares of daily life in England, Gordon begins to feel at ease and he and Ruth grow even closer, planning their future together.Then tragedy strikes, unthinkable and terrifying. As the Titanic sinks into the icy depths on that fateful night, Finn’s only instinct is to protect those he loves.  And at the end of this voyage, and throughout the extraordinary journey that follows it, that fierce loyalty will prove itself a beacon of hope, time and time again . . .

At long last, Jane and Redvers have arrived in Venice, the famed city of love, for their honeymoon. But behind  a mask at a costume ball on the Grand Canal hides the gaze of a heartless killer…Venice, 1927: As romantic as it is mysterious, the Floating City is a dream destination for the newlyweds, but they’ll soon discover the twisting canals hide more mystery than they expected. It begins when they are invited to an elaborate party at Clara Morton’s stunning palazzo on the Grand Canal. The affair is as eccentric as the hostess, who is dressed as Medusa, and features everything from snakes to her pet cheetah to tarot card readings.The fete also features a fresh corpse—Clara’s ex-husband, found dead in the garden with marks around his neck. The hostess accuses the tarot card reader, who happens to be an acquaintance of Jane, claiming the woman foretold the death of someone close to her.  Jane and Redvers come to the young woman’s aid as they learn she was far from the only partygoer with a motive. As the couple follows a labyrinthine trail of scandalous affairs, brazen blackmail, and people who are not who they say they are, they hope that Venice will disclose her secrets before they both end up in over their heads . . .