Magical People, Places, Sleuths & Wise Women

Anthologies - fantastical worlds, multifaceted characters, engaging themes, adventurous journeys

Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction

edited by Sheree Renee Thomas, Oghenechovwe Ekpeki, Zelda Knight

Tordotcom, November 2022

We're Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction 2021

edited by L.D. Lewis, Charles Payseur

Neon Hemlock Press, October 2022

All Kinds of Love

Witchful Thinking (Elemental Love #1) by Celestine Martin

contemporary speculative romance

Forever, September 2022

To avoid spoilers, my general feeling is that the author of this delightfully layered and whimsical love story about finding one's purpose, place, and people is probably a fan of some early Tom Hanks movies. Lucinda and Alex's connection exudes #relationshipgoals.

Blackmail and Bibingka (Tita Rosie #3) by Mia P. Manansala

contemporary mystery

Berkley, October 2022

Ah, family... Can't work with them without drama, can't let them get wrongly accused of committing murder--even if maybe sometimes they make you so crazed that you're tempted. Really tempted. Lila and Tita Rosie feed their family's and community's bodies and souls while figuring out who's really guilty. Cue the mayhem. Plus, scrumptious recipes!

Small Town, Big Magic (Witchlore #1) by Hazel Beck

contemporary speculative romance

Graydon House, August 2022

A bit of a more light-hearted The Witches of Eastwick collides with The Stand and ends with the suggestion of a cliffhanger, generating anticipation for the next installment of Emerson and Jacob's story in August 2023.

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Heartthrobs, Zombie Mobs & Hollywood Divas

Laughs, gore and drama galore! [3 trade paperback books from left to right: One Death at a Time, He Falls First, Zom RomCom] One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman contemporary mystery Berkley, April 2025 Sobriety challenges, meetings, an uneasy alliance, a road trip, an assortment of unusual and unlikely allies, betrayals, lots of laugh and profound sentiment make Julia and Natasha's journey an enjoyable ride even as it addresses ageism sexism with organic candor. He Falls First by Jill Shalvis contemporary romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025 This love story focuses on the joy of support offered by biological and found family even as it references the evolution of recovery from past experiences of domestic violence. Zom RomCom by Olivia Dade contemporary speculative adventure romance Berkley Romance, August 2025 A laugh-aloud spoof of manmade horrors with its own unique quirkiness that delivers so ...

Everyday Magic & Genre Mashups

Three outstanding reads by authors who've crafted irresistible tales that defy the confines of the narrow expectations of a single genre. [three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe] Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell contemporary speculative fiction with romance Bywater Books, June 2025 In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism. Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like ...

Deja Vu, Recalibrating, Pyramid Schemes & Narcissists

More satisfying romances from an array of talented authors who love love to help offset the real-life ethical and moral horrors shared in a riveting memoir. [3 trade paperback books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Pugs & Kisses, When Javi Dumped Mari, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball] Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon contemporary adult romance Hachette Book Group, July 2025 Evie's juggling a lot personally and professionally. Can the man who ghosted her years ago earn her forgiveness and regain her trust enough to work with her to achieve her personal and professional goals? Revealing those answers offers readers a charming tale of wooing. When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa contemporary adult romance G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2025 In the decade since they became college besties, Mari and Javi have decisions to make. WIll they jeopardize the shaky stability of the status quo or risk their hearts and the futur...

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