Let’s Get Cozy (with fantasy)

When life gives you lemons, squeeze them into a stiff drink and stir.

After twenty years defending the frozen north against some of the most dangerous threats in the nine kingdoms, Rhoren "Bloodbane" has finally earned his retirement. While the blood mage's service to the realm may have ended, burning veins and aching joints remain, and Rhoren soon learns that a warmer climate offers relief from his chronic pain.

And a chance at a fresh start.

In the warm and relaxing atmosphere of Eastborne, the umbral elf finds a new purpose and a sense of belonging. He may have left the frozen north behind, but he brings with him the skills and strength gained from a lifetime of defending the realm. Along with his most prized possession-a book of drink recipes inherited from his father.

Spilled cocktails may not carry the same weight as spilled blood, but opening a tavern brings a unique brand of challenges. With the right friends and a little bit of luck, he might just have a recipe for success.

"You asked for this, Rain. Let's go capture a pirate."

While searching for stolen dragon eggs, newly engaged couple Kianthe and Reyna find themselves smack-dab in the middle of a swashbuckling love story.

On one side is Serina, a failed farmer turned river pirate. Her booty? Wheat, grains, and the occasional jar of imported tea leaves. It's quite the embarrassment to Diarn Arlon, the powerful lord of the Nacean River, and he'll conscript anyone to bring her to justice. Especially Kianthe, the elemental mage who just crashed his party, and her somewhat-scary fiancée.

Begrudgingly, the couple joins forces with Bobbie, one of Arlon's constables--who happens to be Serina's childhood friend. Bobbie is determined to capture the pirate before anyone else, but it would be a lot easier if Serina didn't absolutely loathe her now.

As Kianthe and Reyna watch this relation-shipwreck from afar, it quickly becomes apparent that these disaster lesbians need all the help they can get. Luckily, matchmaking is Reyna's favorite past time. The dragon eggs may have to wait.

“Let’s go somewhere. As long as it leads back here.”

All Neda wants is the gentle kiss of sunshine on her skin. And all Urza wants is to create beautiful sculptures instead of swords and armor.

Urza is just a stranger to Neda—a she-orc she met in prison who just happens to have a knack for knowing when Neda needs another fur swathed around her shoulders. Together they flee down south to Sunfall, a river town dotted with fragrant, blooming trees that’s far from the front lines of the Centuries’ War and the eternal winter that plagues it.

What comes next? Minding a glass shop for a centaur-turned-cat, practicing magic on moonlit nights, and spending evenings together sipping tea in the local cafe, chatting with neighbors beside a freshly kindled fire.

A missing moonstone threatens to derail their hard-won peace, but Neda’s acceptance of her new nature brings her strength and healing. And in the chaos that follows, Neda and Urza discover how much they truly mean to their adopted town.

And to each other.