Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) chats with Tess Carletta (she/her) about writing a quiet and reflective moment of queer joy to rejuvenate those who are fighting to survive.

The Kings of Oak and Holly have woven their fates together in an unbreakable bond. The further adventures of Wren Lofthouse, Shrike the Butcher of Blackthorn, and their friends continue in this collection of short stories, including…

Bruises Bloom in Blackthorn Briar
…wherein a moment's comfort is sought between Cemetery Gate and the Solstice Duel.

Sentiment
…wherein the Oak and Holly Kings return to Wren's ancestral home to retrieve certain articles of a sensitive magical nature.

Bookseller & Bone-Setter
…wherein an unfortunate accident forces Hullvardr to reveal certain fae truths to his mortal beloved, Mr Ephraim Grigsby.

The Unveiling of Daniel Durst
…wherein Daniel shows his true self to his guardian for the first time.

A Quiet Solstice
…wherein the Oak King yields to the Holly King.

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

JP Rindfleisch IX (he/they) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the appeal of cozy fantasy, from spiteful inspiration to the hidden sharp edges beneath slice-of-life stories and the eternal question of who a character is if not a hero.

JP Rindfleisch IX (he/they) writes cozy fantasy about grief, transformation, and queer joy wrapped in found families, botanical magic, and the occasional raccoon familiar. His works include the novels Mosswood Apothecary and Mandrake Manor, amongst other titles. You can learn more about them at their website: jprindfleischix.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

From Game of Thrones to Baldur's Gate to The Church of the Mountain of Flesh, a roundtable of indie authors discuss how fantastical religions can enhance the verisimilitude of imaginary worlds.

Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet). You can connect with them on instagram @ninawolverina

Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: lunadaye.com

Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: neshamapublishing.com

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong.

Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal's hands.

Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he's inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can't help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart.

As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King.

Oak King Holly King is a gay romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a mortal clerk fated to save him.

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

It's like they always say: "Marry your best friend." Three indie authors discuss one of their fave romance tropes, Friends to Lovers.

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com

Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: lunadaye.com

Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: neshamapublishing.com

Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Mr Warren's Profession - a gay Victorian romance by Sebastian Nothwell, narrated by Gary Furlong. Listen now wherever you find your fave audiobooks!

Lindsey Althorp, the only son of a wealthy baronet, has never worked a day in his life.

Aubrey Warren was born in a workhouse and hasn't stopped working since.

Buoyed by Lindsey's optimism and fuelled by Aubrey's industry, the two men strive to overcome the class divide between them. But a horrific accident reveals a betrayal that threatens to tear them apart forever.

Mr Warren's Profession is a queer Victorian cross-class romance featuring hurt/comfort and a happily-ever-after.

Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Mr Warren's Profession, its sequel Throw His Heart Over, and the fae romantasy Oak King Holly King, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: sebastiannothwell.com

Lou Wilham (she/her) chats with Tess Carletta (she/her) about pushing the limits of cozy fantasy, rewriting 1990s nostalgia to heal queer hearts, and the importance of seeking community.

Lou Wilham (she/her) is the author of the urban fantasy series Bay of the Dead 'Verse, including Witches of Moondale, Hunters of Ironport, Fae of Eventide, and her newest release, History Will Call Them Tombmates, alongside the Shakespearean retelling Benvolio & Mercutio Turn Back Time, the fantasy series The Heir to Moondust, and sundry other works. You can learn more about her and her stories at her website: louinprogress.com

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com

This week, we're thrilled to present a special sneak peek into the audiobook for the queer cozy fantasy novel A Captured Cauldron by R.K. Ashwick. Enjoy!

Grumpy potioneer Ambrose Beake has only one social event marked on his calendar: the country's three-day Potion Convention. Alchemists from all over the world pour in to discuss their life's work, and Ambrose eagerly dives into the excitement. Greeting old friends, speaking on panels, hopping into heated debates…

And getting kidnapped by an underground crime syndicate.

The criminals demand that Ambrose brew an impossible illusion potion—but the Guild's protocol for such kidnappings is clear. He must agree to do the work, then delay the project as much as possible, while above ground, his boyfriend Eli and best friend Dawn plot to save him. They're not alone in this venture, either—a beautiful journalist arrives to cover the rescue, just as eager as they are to investigate, infiltrate…and ignite a few sparks in Dawn's heart along the way.

But while Dawn struggles to ignore those sparks and Eli struggles to save his beloved, Ambrose delves into the syndicate's secrets—and finds something far more impossible hidden within its depths.

R.K. Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Side Quest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com