FICTION

Naina Rao is ready for this to be her year: She’s entered her mid-twenties, landed a steady job, broken up with her intensely passionate older girlfriend Sofia, and committed to hustling her way into a creative career. But the city doesn’t exactly embrace her with open arms – at least not until she meets David, an aspiring filmmaker and collaborator who makes New York start to feel like home. But is this a professional connection or a romantic one? And does opening herself up to a relationship with David mean compromising her sexual identity and her aspirations?

An Australian romantic suspense full of witty banter, simmering tension and a larger-than-life family dynasty that will become your new obsession.They're the only ones who can stop the murder ... if they don't kill each other first.Solving a murder that hasn't happened yet should be easy, right? But when Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy.For one thing, there's Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family's 'fixer' who's lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life. He refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she is- a disgraced ex-cop who's just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.But nothing is as it seems on the Barbarani Estate, and it soon becomes clear that they won't be able to stop this murder unless they solve the secrets of the past - and learn to trust each other.Can Max and Grey confront their own demons before the last shot fires and they both lose everything?Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, Last Shot is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.'Sizzling, sassy and deadly.' - Tess Woods'A must read. A witty debut with chemistry that practically leaps off the page and twists galore that will keep you wondering whodunit to the very last shot.' - Kerryn Mayne'A sharp-witted debut from one of Australia's hottest new voices - a wild ride and a brilliant read.' - Jenna Lo Bianco

He s on edge while she s en pointe in this fake-dating sports romance from the author of TikTok smash hit Collide. Elias Westbrook, a newly drafted hockey player for the Toronto Thunder, is facing the challenges of fame and media scrutiny. With a growing fanbase and too many expectations on his shoulders, he s struggling to score his first goal. The tabloids are reporting his every move, including which woman he was last seen with, and all he wants to do is escape the spotlight. Enter from stage left Sage Beaumont, an aspiring ballerina with dreams of joining the American Ballet Theatre, but her lack of popularity online leaves her at a major disadvantage for securing the lead role. When Sage finds herself with the perfect opportunity to make her dreams come true by fake dating Elias, she takes her shot. Soon enough, the flimsy fake-dating rules they set in place fall away in the face of their sizzling connection. But before things spiral out of control, they ll have to decide if they re willing to take the leap together or call it quits.Look out for other books in the Off the Ice series- Collide is out now.

The fourth book in the dark romance series from USA today, international, and Amazon #1 bestselling author.Discover the standalone dark mafia romance from the New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation, perfect for fans of Penelope Douglas and Sophie Lark.Mia Sokolov, Mafia heiress and selective mute, holds no prisoners. But when she gives Landon King a taste of his own medicine, she quickly learns that some moves come with dangerous consequences.Landon King is a genius artist, a posh rich boy, and now obsessed with Mia and the dark secret she's hiding.Despite Landon's psychotic tendencies that push Mia to the edge, his obsession pulls them closer together in ways neither expected.But as Landon gets nearer to the truth about Mia's past, so do the horrors that haunt her.She may have learnt to trust him. But when it all comes crashing down, will he protect or ruin her? This book is a dark unconventional romance and contains themes that aren't to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note for content warnings before reading.

The third book in the dark romance series from USA today, international, and Amazon #1 bestselling author.Discover the standalone enemies-to-lovers dark mafia romance from the New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation, perfect for fans of Penelope Douglas and Sophie Lark.'This book was a masterpiece' ***** Reader review'I couldn't put it down, definitely recommend and the spice omg' ***** Reader review'Dark and delicious' ***** Reader review'BookTok did not disappoint' ***** Reader review________________________________When Cecily Knight sneaks into the Heathen Club's initiation on behalf of a rival gang, she's confident she can slip through the night unnoticed.But the moment she steps into their den, she knows she's made a fatal error. The devil has seen her.Jeremy Volkov may not technically be the devil, but as far as Cecily's concerned, he's close enough.He's not just a member of the Heathens-he's their ruthless leader and the heir to the Russian Bratva.And now, Jeremy wants one thing- Cecily.He claims it's to protect her, but Cecily knows better. He wants to possess her, own her, make her his.But Cecily is not about to be dragged into his blood-soaked world... or is she?This book is a dark unconventional romance and contains themes that aren't to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note for content warnings before reading.

Jenna Lo Bianco is 'The Italian Teacher', a passionate Italianist, and also a writer, educator and advocate for Italian language education in Australia. With nearly sixty publications to her name, Jenna is trusted to write about all things Italian. She is a past Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute and Italian Australian Foundation, and has written and consulted in educational publishing for more than a decade. Jenna may appear to live in Melbourne, but her heart and soul are Rome's most permanent residents. Follow Jenna on Instagram @the.italian.teacher.

THE KNITTING CLUB AT WAGTAIL RIDGE A heartwarming story of second chances, baby alpacas, and knitting a fractured family back together. From the 2023 RuBY award-winning author of The Library at Wagtail Ridge.These ladies know a perfect match when they see one...Bree Johnston has given up trying to be the perfect lawyer. It's time to focus on her own dreams, so she decides to leave the city and set up an alpaca farm and wool shop. Her grandmother Rose might be her only supporter, but that's fine. Bree's done trying to win her parents' approval.She finds the perfect property in the charming small town of Wagtail Ridge but gets more than she bargained for when sparks start flying with the handsome real estate agent.Being a dad is the most important thing in Matt Ambrose's life. His small agency is struggling, but he's committed to raising his young daughter, Vicki, in the country, the way he and her late mother had planned. But Vicki's grandmother wants to take control, and her interference is only getting worse, putting his little family at risk.Although these two have a lot on their plates, the ladies of the newly formed Wagtail Ridge Knitting Club know a perfect match when they see one. Or rather two perfect matches, when shearing boss Mike walks onto Bree's farm and into her grandmother's life. With needles, yarn and cups of tea to hand, the matchmaking begins...PRAISE FOR JANET GOVER:"The Library at Wagtail Ridge is a captivating story of love, family and belonging that ticks all the boxes for a sweet summer read." - Better Reading

THE CICADA HOUSEA warm, funny and surprising love story about one woman's journey to find out who she really is - as if Richard Curtis watched Seachange, shared a cold beer with Dolly Alderton, and together they wrote The Time Traveller's Wife.This is a magical love story. Where, despite what I have just told you, the most extraordinary thing to happen is a woman learns to forgive herself.When Caitlin inherits a significant sum of money on her fortieth birthday, she decides to break the habits of a lifetime and throw caution to the winds. She's about to tell her husband Paul that they're leaving London on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Eat Pray Love their way around the world, only ... she doesn't tell Paul that, because before the candles are lit, he tells her that he's very much in love with someone else. After a drunken night trying to console herself, Caitlin books tickets to Australia - anything to get as far away as possible.What does the world feel like when it's ending for you, and no-one else? What does life feel like when you are running away from it? This is a story that begins in a way you expect, and ends very far from there. It is a story of creaking English hallways and vast Australian skies. Of hands that feel like warm sandpaper. Cicadas that sing so loudly they drown out the grief. Of white wine and an old piano and children who want their parents back from the dead. It is a magical tale of travel and mystery. And a very human tale of sex and loss and seawater and the primal joy of coming home. This is The Cicada House.'A glorious novel: captivating, vibrant and original' Jess Dettmann, Without Further Ado'The perfect read for anyone who loves getting lost in a story ... warm, smart, funny, and genuinely poignant ... delicious from beginning to end' Martha Beck, The Way of Integrity'An atmospheric and moving time-travel love story told with great warmth and humour.' Esther Walker, The Bad Cook

GOD OF PAIN The second book in the dark romance series from USA today, international, and Amazon #1 bestselling author.*TOP 2 BESTSELLER IN THE ENTIRE STORE!*From USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes a new STANDALONE grumpy sunshine college romance.Creighton King is silent, brooding, and hostile. Annika Volkov still has a crush on him. She is everything he is not- bright, lively, and the heart of every party. What Annika doesn't realize is that behind Creighton's quiet beauty lies a dark and violent soul.Creighton knows he can never outrun his past, so he unleashes his pain on others. He never expected to be drawn to the girl who is his complete opposite. But as Annika tries to break through his walls, he finds himself captivated by her especially after he uncovers her wilder side. Now that he's obsessed, she will never escape him.Can Annika bring light to Creighton's darkness, or will he pull her into the shadows with him?

An entrancing new rural romance from the bestselling author of A Homestead in the Eucalypts.

BRIGHTEST LIGHT OF SUNSHINEAn emotional friends-to-lovers romance between a tattoo artist who steps in to take care of his baby sister and his sister's ballet teacher, who is ready to start healing from her past. Perfect for readers who love friendships that slowly turn into more, relatable main characters, and happy endings.“As much about moving on from adversity—without pretending it can be forgotten—as it is a love story.” -Kirkus ReviewsDetermined to walk away from a traumatic past, 22-year-old Grace Allen feels ready to take the next step in her healing journey and dip a toe into the dating pool. Although she should probably start by making a friend or two, right?Samuel ‘Cal’ Callaghan isn’t who she had envisioned as her first male friend in…well, forever. With an intimidating build, tattoos everywhere, eight years her senior, and a little sister under his care, he’s the last person she expected to warm up to. As their friendship evolves, Grace can’t help but wonder if Cal is exactly who she’s been looking for all this time.Cal can’t afford to lose sight of his priorities—making sure his tattoo parlor thrives and taking care of his little sister. Especially the latter. He wants to make sure 4-year-old Maddie has a healthy and happy childhood, despite their mother going off the rails and her father’s blatant neglect. There’s certainly no room for love in his life right now. But when a sweet blonde with a veiled past breaks down his walls, he finds it difficult to stick to his guns.

Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Australian Novelist Winner of the ABIA Book of the Year Award Winner of the ABIA Award for Literary Fiction of the Year Winner ABA Booksellers Choice Award for Fiction Winner of the MUD Literary Prize Shortlisted for The Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction Shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year for Fiction Shortlisted Indie Book Award for Debut Fiction Shortlisted ABIA Matt Richell Award New Writer of the Year‘set to be one of the year’s most talked about books’ – Vogue Australia ‘a great read that will become an Australian classic’ – Sydney Morning Herald‘an absolute cracker, Love & Virtue lobs right into the current moment with a clarifying light. I hope EVERYONE reads this book.’ – Helen Garner, bestselling and award winning author of The First Stone and The Spare Room‘one of the best novels I have read this year ... it’s clever, pacy and wonderfully thoughtful. Read it!’ – Zara McDonald, Shameless PodcastSex. Power. Consent.Whenever I say I was at university with Eve, people ask me what she was like, sceptical perhaps that she could have always been as whole and self-assured as she now appears. To which I say something like: ‘People are infinitely complex.’ But I say it in such a way—so pregnant with misanthropy—that it’s obvious I hate her. Michaela and Eve are two bright, bold women who befriend each other their first year at a residential college at university, where they live in adjacent rooms. They could not be more different; one assured and popular – the other uncertain and eager-to-please. But something happens one night in O-week – a drunken encounter, a foggy memory that will force them to confront the realities of consent and wrestle with the dynamics of power. Initially bonded by their wit and sharp eye for the colleges’ mix of material wealth and moral poverty, Michaela and Eve soon discover how fragile friendship is, and how capable of betrayal they both are.Written with a strikingly contemporary voice that is both wickedly clever and incisive, issues of consent, class and institutional privilege, and feminism become provocations for enduring philosophical questions we face today. Praise for Love & Virtue ‘Diana Reid will be called the new Sally Rooney – you’re certain of it by the end of page one. By the end of this real, raw and startling novel, you know Reid is the talent to whom every smart young novelist who follows her will be compared – or hope to be.’ – Meg Mason, author of Sorrow and Bliss ‘Love & Virtue captures the near-erotic thrill of being a young woman, alone and adrift, who finds, in another young woman, an intellectual equal ... Like Elena and Lila in Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend, a touchstone for Reid, their spark feels charged, given to exploding.’ – Sydney Morning Herald ‘Love & Virtue is an accomplished novel – by turns funny and furious, and full of the plangent longing and confusion of early adulthood.’ - The Saturday Paper ‘It is not enough to say Love & Virtue heralds the arrival of a new literary talent: Reid is intensely incisive and brilliant.’ – Sarah Schmidt, author of See What I Have Done ‘Reid’s prose interrogates everything we think we know about love. Heartfelt and unputdownable, this is a remarkably self-assured debut.’ – Victoria Hannan, author of Kokomo<p> ‘A fierce new voice at just the right moment, shining a light on consent and class with clarity and grace.’ – Inga Simpson, author of Where the Trees Were and Understory</p>

He’s the world’s most famous frontman. She couldn’t care less.Lexi is already an Oscar-winning documentary director at just 30 years old. But when she’s asked to ditch her current project to film Rebel Heart—a reunited boy band—she’s far from thrilled. Lexi didn’t work this hard to follow a boy group on tour, documenting their every manufactured move for teenage fans.Then she meets Aidan, the unofficial leader of the band, and sparks fly—but not the good kind. To Lexi, he’s egotistical, entitled, and impulsive. To Aidan, she’s high-strung, secretive, and emotionally unavailable.As tensions rise and Lexi struggles to separate work from her complicated feelings for Aidan, she’s forced to confront the painful past she’s carried with her: a father who abandoned her and a belief that no one stays in her life for long. Aidan might just challenge everything Lexi thought she knew—about herself, her work, and love.Will this project prove her wrong in ways she never expected?A classic enemies-to-lovers romance for fans of Hannah Grace and Ali Hazelwood.Note: I Knew You Were Trouble contains mature content and is recommended for readers aged 18+.Readers are falling in love with Emma Rae:“A mouth-watering read.” – Laura Starkey“The perfect spicy summer read… Emma’s writing style is very enjoyable! Great characters and a lovely bit of escapism.” – Margie the Hun“I devoured the whole novel in one sitting.” ????? Reader Review“I cannot stop thinking about this book… I absolutely loved this!” ????? Reader Review“A great love story… you won’t be disappointed.” ????? Reader Review“This book has stayed in my mind for quite some time after reading it—very much the mark of an outstanding book.” Reader Review“This one got me hooked. I finished the book in one sitting.” Reader Review

From the bestselling author of The Girl from Munich, a sweeping, dramatic tale of love and identity, inspired by a true story. After enduring the horror of Nazi Germany and the chaos of postwar occupation, Lotte Drescher and her family arrive in Australia in 1956 full of hope for a new life. It’s a land of opportunity, where Lotte and her husband Erich dream of giving their children the future they have always wanted. After years of struggling to find their feet as New Australians, Erich turns his skill as a wood carver into a successful business and Lotte makes a career out of her lifelong passion, photography. The sacrifices they have made finally seem worth it until Erich’s role in the trade union movement threatens to have him branded a communist and endanger their family. Then darker shadows of the past reach out to them from Germany, a world and a lifetime away. As the Vietnam War looms, an unexpected visitor forces Lotte to a turning point. Her decision will change her life forever . . . and will finally show her the true meaning of home. PRAISE FOR TANIA BLANCHARD ‘Captures the intensity of a brutal and unforgiving war, successfully weaving love, loss, desperation and, finally, hope into a gripping journey of self-discovery.’ Courier Mail ‘An epic tale, grand in scope … Packs an emotional punch that will reverberate far and wide.’ Weekly Times ‘A tumultuous journey from order to bedlam, and from naive acceptance of the status quo to the gradual getting of political wisdom.’ Sunday Age ‘An original and innovative take on the World War II genre that captures the hauntingly desperate essence of the war. Tania Blanchard has written yet another spectacular novel. Don’t miss this.’ Better Reading ‘A sweeping, dramatic tale of love and identity.’ Fraser Coast Chronicle

This stunning new hardcover edition of the first book in the USA Today bestselling Never After series features specially designed stained edges and an exclusive case design.He wants revenge, but he wants her more...James has always had one goal: destroy his enemy, Peter Michaels. When Peter’s twenty-year-old daughter Wendy walks into James’s bar, he sees his perfect opportunity. Seduce the girl, use her to exact his revenge, and take everything from his rival.It’s a flawless plan—until cracks begin to form in James’s organization. As he hunts for the traitor in his midst, his revenge scheme grows increasingly complicated. What’s worse, James finds himself drawn to Wendy in ways he never expected, forcing him to confront whether she’s just a pawn in his game or something more.Wendy has spent most of her life sheltered by her cold and controlling father, but a spontaneous night out with friends leads to an intense and addictive connection with the dark and brooding James. She knows he’s dangerous, but she can’t resist him.As their relationship deepens, Wendy is torn between her growing feelings for James and the shadowy truths she discovers about his world. Now, she must decide if she’s falling for the man known as James—or the monster known as Hook.