Harlow's Hot Releases 10/12 - 10/18

 

Intro

Welcome to Harlow's Hot Releases! This is a weekly blog where we dive into indie books releasing that week! This blog covers books releasing from October 12th to October 18th of 2026. This is the inaugural blog of this series so if there's anything you think could be tweaked, feel free to share!

This Week's Releases

Release #1 out on 10/16

Title: Dirty Zone (Book 5 in the Enforcers MM Hockey Series)

Author: Heather Leighson

Genre: MM hockey romance

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

Doing what’s right matters, but he’s here, close enough to touch.

Skylar

I did what I had to, for both our sakes. Sometimes love means letting go. And since he’s living his dream and playing in the NHL, I’ve never doubted my decision.

But he’s furious, standing in front of me and figuring out my secret.

Only a fool turns away a second chance at true love.

I’m a fool.

Yet, I can’t resist him.

Maverick

I don’t know if I should kiss him or demand answers. He ghosted me, leaving only questions about our relationship and what was real.

We were starry-eyed kids, but I was totally in love with him.

Still in love with him.

My deceit tore us apart, but fate’s giving me another shot.

But I didn’t count on fighting my Skylar, my angel.

Release #2 out on 10/13

Title: Anchor Point (Book 2 in the Harbour of Hope series)

Author: Hannah Cowan

Genres: romance, omegaverse, why choose

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

I’ve spent years proving to myself that I don’t need a pack. I just didn’t expect getting pregnant on my own to bring one straight to my door. As an omega, I was raised to believe that finding a pack was the beginning of every happily ever after. I tried that once, and all it taught me was that losing yourself for the sake of being loved isn’t much of a fairytale.

So I built a life that belongs entirely to me instead. A career I love, a clinic dedicated to helping omegas who need it most, and absolutely no plans to hand any part of myself over to an alpha again. There’s only one thing missing.

A baby.

The Everwell Clinic offers me exactly what I one carefully selected alpha, one heat, and no expectations afterward. Until Callum turns out to be far more than just the alpha I chose. And somehow, he isn’t the only one.

Callum, Elias, and Rasmus have found their way into very different corners of my life, and when instincts finally snap into place, I’m left with the one thing I stopped believing I’d ever have.

A pack of three scent-matched alphas who don’t just want to bond me. They want to court me and make room in their lives for a baby that won’t belong to all of them by blood.

I wanted to become a mother. I just never expected to find a family along the way.

Release #3 out 10/13

Title: Flicker My Flame (part of the Too Hot to Handle series with multiple indie authors)

Author: Bindi Kennedy

Genres: romance, first responder

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

In Tomothy Burke’s mind, people think of firefighters as strong, confident, bold, and brave. They do not think of him—a man trapped behind a desk and afraid of the shadow his large frame casts. Tom’s dissatisfied with the present. Wary of the future. Haunted by his past—including a fastidious red head who used to live next door, but mysteriously vanished one night from their small Aussie town.

Zac Hutton has a thing for bow ties, flirty banter, and giant men. He’s has been living a nomadic existence for a decade, but when fate calls him home, he answers, bringing with him laughter, sunshine and an eternal spark a certain grumpy fireman feared he’d never experience again.

Will Tomothy open himself up to happiness?

Will Zach stay long enough to find out?

Release #4 out 10/13

Title: Wombats and Wildfires (part of the Too Hot to Handle series with multiple indie authors)

Author: Vicki Hilton

Genres: romance, first responder

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

It’s usually bad form to profit from someone else’s misfortune, unless your victim is a six-foot-something, smoking-hot fireman with a sopping-wet T-shirt. In those circumstances, all bets are off.

Sunshiny Melody is one more rejection away from giving up on her photography dreams. All she needs is a paying job. Instead, she gets a wombat sanctuary to run. Blue Gum Valley couldn’t be further from the bright lights of Melbourne, but with her career on “do not resuscitate”, she has little choice but to put her dreams on hold.

Grumpy firefighter Ethan Barnes doesn’t have time for romance. The last time he tried, heartbreak put him firmly off dating. Then a desperate woman contacts the station needing her dog rescued. Of course, Ethan steps up. What he isn’t expecting? His emergency caller to be so beautiful… or so damn infuriating.

Ethan thinks he’ll never see her again, but when Melody posts a picture of him in the river, it sparks a thirst-trap storm neither of them saw coming.

Release #5 out 10/13

Title: The Second Spark (part of the Too Hot to Handle series with multiple indie authors)

Author: Katie Montinaro

Genres: romance, first responder

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

When Keely Baxter finds herself at the centre of an international scandal, she has no choice but to flee to the cosy childhood hometown she’s spent years trying to outrun. But hiding is difficult when she suddenly finds herself under the blazing gaze of the only man she’s ever loved - her brother’s best friend.

Tyler Whitmore’s life revolves around helping raise his niece, routine and simplicity. As a firefighter, he can handle emergencies, but he can’t handle Keely Baxter moving back across the street. For years, Tyler has tried to forget their secret dalliance…and failed.

With old feelings reigniting and the whole world watching, they must navigate the scandal that has followed her home while fighting their attraction to each other. Keely can’t risk another very public fall from grace. And Tyler has no intention of watching her walk away again.

After everything they’ve been through, can they trust that the timing might finally be right?

Release #6 out 10/13

Title: Flirting With Fire (part of the Too Hot to Handle series with multiple indie authors)

Author: Brooklyn Dean

Genres: romance, first responder

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

Things are getting HOT 'round here.

Gone are the elf ears, festive hats, and the security of a job Bonnie Snow was destined to do. This former Santa Coach and Texan expat has moved to Australia and is making life-changing adjustments in more ways than one.

Unbeknown to her, Henry 'Cavill' Cooper (ex-firefighter calendar model and her ex-holiday fling) is in Blue Gum Valley, too, and literally building a new life from the studs up. When rekindling their old flame leads to a disaster - including a blow-up chair, accidental public exposure, and a major housefire - Bonnie is left with no option but to move in with him.

They're flirting with fire, attempting to survive a platonic housemate situation - when the ‘house’ is nothing but splinters and a broken hot tub. Will Bonnie and Cav manage to rebuild their new lives, identities, and a home – together? Or will it all go up in smoke?

Release #7 out 10/13

Title: Almost Enough (book 2 in the Lily Ridge series)

Author: Alexandra Ayres

Genres: romance, comtemporary

Where to buy: link

Blurb:

Beau

I've spent years making myself easy to overlook. Work at the shop, go home, keep my head down.

Then my best friend's wedding sends me cross-country with the maid of honor—one truck, one cottage, and nonstop chatter I can't tune out.

Whitley Collins talks to strangers like old friends and asks the questions I've spent years avoiding. I tell myself I just have to get her there on time.

I don't just get her there. I fall for her.

But letting her in means she'll find out why I never left Lily Ridge, and I know what happens once people find out.

They leave.

Whitley

I've been told I'm too loud and chatty my entire life.

So when I'm stuck on a road trip with Beau Sinclair, a man who communicates mostly in grunts and disapproving eyebrow movements, I figure he'll beg me to take a vow of silence.

Instead, he listens. All the way through my excellent game of naming every cow we pass.

We make it to the wedding. We dance. I even get the broody guy to smile like he means it.

Then he's gone. No explanation.

And I'm left wondering… Was I too much after all?

Outro

This week is totally up my alley! What a way to kick us off! So many incredible releases have made my TBR super full.

WPS 2026 Day 30: Kaitlyn Hiller

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 30: Kaitlyn Hiller

Welcome to day 30 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Kaitlyn Hiller. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Kaitlyn Hiller's LGBTQ+ Release

• High Tech Low Life

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Pansexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Intersex"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I’m not sure since I did a little bit of various genres."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"My own wild imagination since I was seven."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Finishing book 2 of the Khillerchronicles series!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I honestly don’t have one >.<"

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases! 

WPS 2026 Day 30: Laura Catherine

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 30: Laura Catherine 

Welcome to day 30 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Laura Catherine . Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Laura Catherine 's LGBTQ+ Release

• Enemies to Booksellers

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bisexual and non-binary"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Sapphic, queer rep, mental health, and neurodivergent"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I’d really like to try sci-fi, something Firefly-esk."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Wanting to share the story ideas filling my head that i can’t find anywhere else. And wanting to explore more diversity through those stories to share with others."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I have a new book releasing on August 22nd called A Witch’s Curse. it is the first in a fairytale inspired queer duology about witches, hunters, and unbreakable curses."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"AK Mulford is one of my favourite queer authors and all-round delightful person. I really admire them, their writing style, productivity and passion."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Thank you for joining me on this adventure!

WPS 2026 Day 29: Angelica Reece (A.D. Reece)

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 29: Angelica Reece (A.D. Reece)

Welcome to day 29 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing A.D. Reece. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

A.D. Reece's LGBTQ+ Release

• Wayward Magic

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Lesbian and genderfluid"

2. What rep do your books have?

"BIPOC, gay, lesbian, asexual characters, depression, and ambulatory wheelchair use"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Definitely horror. I love twisting fairytale aesthetics just enough to bridge back towards creepier concepts, but currently my work is fairly lighthearted/comedic and focused on a happily ever after."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Writing for me is the best way I can make sense of the world around myself. There is not a moment in which my mind isn’t absently working through plot holes or character motivations in the background of my every day life. I am inspired by every book I read, every movie I see, every human interaction I find myself a part of. When things feel especially difficult, I love to listen to podcasts (No Write Way with V. E. Schwab is currently my favorite) and bounce ideas off of my very supportive wife. I want to spend the rest of my life telling stories where people feel seen, crafting characters and plots outside of what Hollywood and Trad publishers expect us to settle for, and push those boundaries as far as I can."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I am working on the sequel to my debut, Wayward Magic, in which the very angry fairy godmother gets to tell her side of the story. I’ll also be appearing at Lavender Con and Knotty Con this summer for the first time as a published author, so that feels unreal and very exciting."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I am inspired by people who live honestly and vulnerably as themselves in their lives and artwork. Some of my favorites are Janelle Monae, Dan Levy, and Casey McQuiston who, whether it be music or television or novels, go out of their way to spread queer stories and joy in a time when it might be easier to avoid doing so. We so need people who will continue to speak out and share queer experiences now more than ever."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 29: Nicky Silber

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 29: Nicky Silber

Welcome to day 29 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Nicky Silber. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Nicky Silber's LGBTQ+ Release

• Electric Boy

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Nonbinary and aro/ace"

2. What rep do your books have?

"BIPOC, all main characters are gay or bisexual"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"YA Urban Fantasy. I actually have a couple of ideas for a series!"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Reading! The more I read, the more I want to write."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My first book, Electric Boy, is coming out in May and will be followed a few months later by the sequel!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"One of my biggest inspirations is Mae Martin. I love seeing nonbinary rep and they're so unapologetically brave, funny, and crazy talented."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 28: S.J. Gathercole

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 28: S.J. Gathercole

Welcome to day 28 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing S.J. Gathercole. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

S.J. Gathercole's LGBTQ+ Releases

• The People We Trust

• Patterns of Us

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Pansexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"The People We Trust: Gay and bisexual 

Patterns of Us: Gay, bisexual, genderqueer, grief, ADHD, and chronic illness (Psoriatic arthritis)"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I have an idea that's been niggling at me for a feminist horror story, but it's not a genre I read much and not one I've really written since my era of writing supernatural horrors as a teenager. But the idea simply won't go away, so maybe one day."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Just life in general. I think you can find little nuggets of inspiration anywhere."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I'm moving house which is both exciting and stressful! Once that's all tied up I'm looking to write a sequel to The People We Trust!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Dan Levy. Not only did his writing and character of David Rose help me finally put an explanation to my own sexuality which I previously hadn't been able to articulate, but he also just incredibly funny and incredibly talented and lovely. I'd happily devour anything he wrote or performed in."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 28: B.L. Brown

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 28: B.L. Brown

Welcome to day 28 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing B.L. Brown. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

B.L. Brown's LGBTQ+ Releases

• Faun Over Me
• In A Rut
• The Witch of Hexen Holler
• Ritual Income
• Ritual Dues
• Ritual Tools
• Shady Depths
• Stitching Palms

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bisexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Ritual Income, Dues, and Tools: Bisexual, pansexual, neurodivergent, anxiety, and PTSD"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I would love to write in the SciFi space, or Contemporary. There's something about Fantasy and magic that grabs me, but SciFi scratches a part of my brain that needs to make things make sense in a Vulcan-esque logical way (though I would definitely end up working in a hazy area somewhere between the science fiction of Star Trek, and the science fantasy of Star Wars, let's be honest). Contemporary, however, eludes me. I have nothing but the utmost respect for contemporary authors. I'll be so engaged with a book set in our world, without magic, or any fantasy whatsoever, but when I sit down to write in that genre, I can't stop thinking, 'But what if there were manticores in this world? How would that change things?' And the next thing I know, I've written another urban fantasy."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Writing the stories I wanted as a kid/teen/adult. But even in that, I have to look back and recognize the authors who made me: Anne Rice is a huge influence on and inspiration of my work, especially when it comes to my coven of witches in Witch of the Demesne, and the trials they face. Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nicieza, the architects of the X-Men I grew up with, were highly formative, alongside Peter S. Beagle, Patricia C. Wrede, Alexander Lloyd, and of course, Bruce Timm — specifically his work on Batman: The Animated Series."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Yes! I've just sent book 4 of my witchy series, Witch of the Demesne, off to my editor and am diving right into revisions on book 3 of its companion series, Witches of C.R.O.W.. This one delves into the POV of my most hated character, so, of course, he's my favorite to write. Queer, wildly powerful, obnoxiously confident, with an ego the size of Texas and reeling from the events of Book 4. He's well into his redemption arc and teamed up with the one witch who can hear his lies. It's going to be a fun one.

Beyond books, I'm prepping for Spellbound in the Valley (Poughkeepsie NY, Oct 23-24), and Fall Into Books Fest (Nov 12-14, Orange County CA) as my last out-of-state big events of the year!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Alan Cumming. I remember watching his performance as the Emcee in the 1998 Tony Awards and knowing something, though I wasn't sure how, or what. My little (unbeknownst to me) bisexual brain fixated on Mr. Cumming, and his career. Cabaret, Goldeneye, Spice World, Plunkett & Macleane... anything I could see him in, I inhaled. When he began speaking openly about his sexuality and relationships, I recognized what drew me to his persona, style, aesthetic, and demeanor. It was a kindred sort of spirit and fluidity. His advocacy for LGBTQIA+ representation, and the work he does to protest anti-queer legislation is an inspiration."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

PWS 2026 Day 28: A.J. Peterson

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 28: A.J. Peterson

Welcome to day 28 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing A.J. Peterson. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

A.J. Peterson's LGBTQ+ Release

• Oblivion's Hymn

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bi and demisexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Depression, autism, bisexual, lesbian, and pansexual"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I am such a huge fantasy nerd, it's hard to imagine writing in any other genre. Secondary worlds are my favorite playground to write in, so if I had to write another genre it would probably be sci-fi. But like, more toward the space opera, highly emotional and zero explanation for the technology side!"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I have learned so much about storytelling, inventing fantasy worlds, character development, and my own development from watching D&D shows like Critical Role and playing it myself. It's an even better method than writing for inhabiting a character and working with a group of people to create something. One of my campaigns that died too soon was the inspiration for Echo and Rhienne, the two main FMCs of my books, and the campaigns I'm currently in are an essential part of refilling my creative well every week."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I'll be opening ARC applications for the second book in my epic fantasy trilogy soon, which will be releasing this October! It's very much a continuation of the first, with added POV characters, expanded world(s)-building, and even higher stakes than fighting the gods (which we do at the end of book one). I am so excited to get it out in the world."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"In line with the D&D inspiration, I have to say Erika Ishii (she/they/he). Aside from just being a complete badass, I love how unapologetically themself they are, the huge variety of different characters that they play, and the policies and rights that they fight for."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 27: Harlowe Savage

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 27: Harlowe Savage

Welcome to day 27 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Harlowe Savage. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Harlowe Savage's LGBTQ+ Releases

• Alexander
• Emperor Ai
• Hadrian
• Elgabu
• The Cretian Crown
• Rob Me Blindly

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bisexual, polyamorous, and demigirl"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay, bisexual, lesbian, depression, and anxiety"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Probably speculative fiction or epic fantasy. I love books that really dive into the 'what ifs' of life like Babel by R.F. Kuang, The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler, and The Stone Witch of Florence by Anna Rasche."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"My biggest writing inspiration are all the amazingly talented fan fiction authors on AO3. I started my writing career on there under the moniker The Original Waifu and it was really only through the incredible storytelling and beautiful prose of some of the works I found on there that I decided to get into publishing. Getting spicy, queer stories out into the mainstream is top of my list in terms of daily inspiration; normalizing all types of LGBTQIA+ relationships is a group effort and I am just so happy to do my part."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I have a second Flipped Fairytale novella coming out mid-June that's an MM Cinderella, but instead of magic, he's just a crossdresser. It's called Dream Me Lovely and it's my second Flipped Fairytale, after my sapphic Robin Hood retelling, Rob Me Blindly. I am also going to be attending Phoenix Fan Fusion at the beginning of June and San Diego Comic Con in July!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Casey McQuiston. Casey's writing, marketing, and general vibe are all things I hope to live up to one day. The fact that they got Red, White, and Royal Blue made into a movie long before our sorts of stories were even heading in the direction of the mainstream is something that I respect and look up to every day. I only hope to one day meet them, shake their hand, and thank them for everything they've done for our community as a whole."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 27: Alexis Roberts

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 27: Emma Gerts and Esme Stevenson (Alexis Roberts)

Welcome to day 27 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Emma Gerts and Esme Stevenson. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Alexis Roberts's LGBTQ+ Release

• Revelation

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Esme is asexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Asexual, generalized anxiety, and MM"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Esme: Together Emma and I have tried our hand at many different genres over the years, mostly spec fic, even some contemporary romance. But recently, we have been having fun with Sci-Fi and I wouldn't be surprised if that becomes our next big project.

Emma: We're big fans of challenging ourselves so we'll write just about anything, but we love the freedom Spec Fic gives us. As Ez said, scifi is likely to be our next big project."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Esme: This is going to sound really weird, but I've never really had any 'inspirations'. I have authors that I love, of course, but I feel like I want to focus on my own journey, rather than wish for someone else's. 

Emma: I started writing because I read Lord of the Rings when I was a kid and it absolutely blew my mind - so I guess that's a sort of inspiration! I've never really wanted to write like anyone else, but I have always wanted to be able to make someone else feel the way I did when I first discovered reading and then writing - like you can do it too!"

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Esme: Of course! Book two of our trilogy The Second Coming is getting real close to being finished, and we can't WAIT.

Emma: Not to mention finally getting to start really getting into the meat of book three! It's been sitting on the backburner for a long time while we got the first two books tidied up, but it's going to be SO GOOD and I can't wait to get working on it!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Esme: The first person that came to mind is Will Kostakis. He's an Australian author that writes a lot of YA. His stories are all amazing, a lot of them queer, of course. I've watched him handle a lot of situations, which no one should have to handle, with such grace and patience. He's such a nice guy and I feel like a lot of the work he does creates such a wonderful, safe space for the queer community, especially the young ones.

Emma: I really respect Roxane Gay, as someone who is pushing back against the expectations placed on her because of her gender, body and sexuality. I don't always agree with everything she says, but I think she's incredibly brave and always someone willing to say the quiet part out loud - I think if more people were willing to speak their truth the way Roxane does there'd be a lot less shame around."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 27: Meg Swanson

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 27: Meg Swanson 

Welcome to day 27 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Meg Swanson . Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Meg Swanson 's LGBTQ+ Release

• Songs from the Depths

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Lesbian"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Nonbinary"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Honestly, of late, I've been drawn to creative nonfiction. My story is not a new one, but I feel that not enough people (women specifically) talk about the comp/het they experience through their lives, and even if (like in my case) it's acceptable to identify as bi, the expectation is hetero relationships. One of my goals with my writing is to offer an escape, yes, but also help people feel not so alone in their living experiences.

I also have been dabbling in contemporary sapphic romance. I have a dual POV book in the works...maybe..we'll see. I really love the magic of fantasy and how real-world issues can be dealt with through metaphor and nuance."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Greek Mythology from Edith Hamilton's edition to Rick Riordan's modern retelling. Also, as I've been exploring my sexuality and gender identity, I've made concentrated efforts to read more queer authors - Aiden Thomas, JJ Arias, Andrew Joseph White, Ashley Herring Blake, and those are just the authors I can name off the top of my head. It is so important to read and make representation known - I didn't understand how important that was before I started paying attention and really reading what actually resonated with who I am, and what I want to represent."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Book 2!!!! Rising from the Depths. I am so excited to be done with this project. It has been a huge undertaking, and so much closer to home than my first book. This book started as a goodbye letter to a childhood friend (not dead, but we fell out years ago, and I never reconciled it with myself), and it has evolved from that into a love letter to myself."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Suzy Izzard - since I was a teenager. Their humor...I still quote Dressed to Kill regularly. David Sedaris. His journey with addiction, which you can trace in his writing, influenced me a lot and actually helped me embrace myself as a sober writer. OK, these aren't queer figures, but Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo in To Wong Foo, and Kevin Kline and Tom Selleck in In and Out, I didn't realize how groundbreaking those movies were for LGBTQ+ people in the 90s. While I was definitely fully immersed in the comp/het life, I was still in the community, but....I think I allowed myself to be blind, just because it was normal for people I loved, doesn't mean it was an accepted lifestyle, and I didn't support them the way I should have. So, I look up to those who were out when I couldn't be, and I hope they know how important that is for those of us who couldn't come out, and who still maybe can't."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 26: Maude Winters

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 26: Maude Winters 

Welcome to day 26 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Maude Winters . Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Maude Winters 's LGBTQ+ Release

• Love in the West End

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Pansexual/queer"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Pan and bisexual"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Probably a political thriller with the drama of primetime soap and plenty of queer characters!"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I have always loved gothic novels, but especially Rebecca which you can't tell me isn't a queer text! I also love family sagas and it's probably why all my books are set in the same universe!"

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I am releasing my second sapphic book that is Eurovision-inspired (Love on the Main Stage) in August and I can't wait to share it with readers. I also have a fun query project I am super excited about that definitely blends romance and gothic elements but I can't say more!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Martha P. Johnson because she just kept moving. 'Pay it no mind' is something I tell people in my life because sadly, the world isn't always there to lift you up, but you matter to someone every day whether you know it or not."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 26: Emily O'Malley Liu

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 26: Emily O'Malley Liu

Welcome to day 26 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Emily O'Malley Liu. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Emily O'Malley Liu's LGBTQ+ Release

• Wine for Roses

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Biseuxal and asexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay, asexual, disabled, and Mexican American"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I'm a SciFi/Fantasy writer, but I would love to write a murder mystery! It's next on my bucket list. I fear I'll need to upskill quite a bit to pull it off."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Music has always been such a rich source of inspiration for me. I don't create writing playlists per se, but oftentimes I'll find the emotion of a thing in a song. I listen to it over and over. Then that feeling becomes a character, a settling, a plot point. One I've never managed to quite nail down is Sting's Why Should I Cry for You. That song is my Mr. Brightside.

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I'm headed to WorldCon in LA in August! I'm looking forward to meeting up with friends, both old and new. It will also be the first time I'll get to meet my publishers (the lovely folks at Shiraki Press) in person."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Right now my biggest creative hero is Jacob Tierney (the creator of the Heated Rivalry television series). He understands plot and pacing very deeply, and it's so educational to listen to him talk about his creative decisions."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 26: Naomi Rivers

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 26: Naomi Rivers

Welcome to day 26 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Naomi Rivers. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Naomi Rivers' LGBTQ+ Releases

• Why Not Us?
• THIS: A Simple, Complex Love Story

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Lesbian married couple"

2. What rep do your books have?

"BIPOC and LGBTQ+ in both"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"So far, we’ve made our mark writing romance and women’s fiction. If we stretched our creative chops, though, we’d love to explore new genres! Naomi, drawing on her psychology background, would write a gritty thriller in the style of Stacey Abrams or S.A. Cosby. Rivers, utilizing her naval experience, would dive into a non-fiction book to share her insights on leadership."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Our biggest inspiration is to write stories that reflect women who look like and love like us. We’ve been lifetime readers, who have read widely, and we'd like to see more diverse stories with our experiences in the literature available. A la Toni Morrison, we’re writing the books we would like to read."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Yes, we’ve started book number three! Each book we've done something different, the first book, THIS: A Simple Complex Love Story we emailed chapters back and forth. Why Not Us? our second, Naomi wrote the first draft. Rivers is taking the lead on the third novel. The working title of our next novel is Jael’s Story. If you read THIS, you may remember meeting Jael, a naval officer who was about to deploy. With nearly 50 years of military service between the two of us, we thought it was time to explore a story line or two about folks wearing the cloth of our nation. Please connect with us on social media or our newsletter and we’ll share our progress and offer a sneak peek in a few months."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"There are many influential figures we could name; however, two always come to mind for Naomi - James Baldwin and Octavia Butler. James Baldwin’s wit, talent, authenticity and brilliant insight into humanity are unmatched. Likewise, Octavia Butler was just extraordinary in her prose. Our family book club read Kindred (a reread for some) last year, and we were struck by how uncannily it mirrors today’s societal climate. Her entire body of work remains incredibly relevant."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 25: Alden B. Atmore

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 25: Alden B. Atmore

Welcome to day 25 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Alden B. Atmore. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Alden B. Atmore's LGBTQ+ Release

• Rhymes with Metaphor

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Aromantic and asexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay and demisexual"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I write romance under my pen name. Under my legal name, I've written every genre under the sun (poetry, short stories, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, satire, literary, mainstream, non-fiction, and radio plays). It's all story-telling in the end, and every genre has its points."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Saki."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Apart from my new book, Come Out with Your Hearts Up, which releases on July 1st, I'm working on a new book--a psychological thriller with an mm romance subplot."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I'll name two: Alexis Hall and Samuel R. Delany. If I write 1/10 as well as either of them, I'm doing great."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 25: Artemis Glass

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 25: Artemis Glass

Welcome to day 25 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Artemis Glass. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Artemis Glass's LGBTQ+ Releases

• The Funeral Crasher: A Romance
• The Audrina Diaries: The Complete Collection  

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Ha! This is a super fun question since I do write in many other genres (nonfiction, kidlit, poetry). I started out publishing traditionally with two YA contemporary novels, both of which had romantic storylines."

2. What rep do your books have?

"The Funeral Chaser: sapphic, mental health"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Ha! This is a super fun question since I do write in many other genres (nonfiction, kidlit, poetry). I started out publishing traditionally with two YA contemporary novels, both of which had romantic storylines."

Writing queer adult romance remains my favorite I get to return to my favorite kind of writing - writing long-form fiction with an HEA / HFN. As a novelist and as an avid reader of romance, I mean– put me in a fun, sexy, sometimes ridiculous world and keep me there for a while… 

So if I were to step away from any/ all of these genres… what could be a new one…?

Oooh - I know! I recently attended a writing retreat that was focused on applying principles of theater, improv, and movement studies to the craft of revision. It was SO fun, and so meaningful – I very much enjoyed the experience of being assigned to act out a fictional character or physically interpret the lyrical line of another writer’s poem… which leads me to my answer… 

I’ve recently been talking to a writer friend about taking a sketch comedy class. 

So my other genre would be: sketch comedy! It sounds terrifying and fun, but I think it could be really helpful with the pacing of scenes and general characterization work, which is essential to writing fictional worlds."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"As an author of unapologetically queer adult romance, I believe in joy, self-determination, consent, and pleasure. Drawing on over two decades as a writing teacher,  my academic training in kinesiology and integrative wellness, I love writing romance that centers bodily autonomy and emotional well-being.

As someone who lives with chronic illness and champions health equity, I understand intimately the importance of representation and the radical act of claiming pleasure and agency in our own bodies and relationships. Truth be told, during the darkest of times, particularly over the past decade, reading queer romance has saved me, multiple times, and so I write as a fangirl, myself In my own stories, I aim to explore the full spectrum of queer love and desire, creating space for characters who are complex, empowered, and bold."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Yes! I recently had my books featured at the amazing Underdog Bookstore, and I'd most definitely would like to uplift their upcoming Pride Fest in June! 

I'll also be returning to Queerly Connected in Silverlake Triangle in August. One of the best part of Queerly Connected is that the organizers, who are all amazing therapists out of Open Space Therapy Collective, encourage creators like myself to design interactive activities for all. So in addition to learning about my books, attendees were invited to play a trope-mixing game that I designed, inspired by my decades-long career as a creative writing teacher.

At my table, attendees were invited to play the I’d Rather Be Writing Romance MIX & MATCH YOUR MEET-CUTE game, and leave with the first seeds of their own love story by playing with the essential elements that make romance irresistible: the spark of tension, the ache of longing, and the joy of the happily-ever-afters (or happily-for-nows!).

I had sooooo much fine talking tropes and treasure of writing romance, connecting with new readers and fellow writers, and just generally being in community with so many amazing queer creatives and healers.

Whether they were brand new to the genre or seasoned writers (and even a few who were initially skeptical of the genre of romance), so many attendees left with trope cards in hand, having claimed space for their own queer love stories, which was itself just utterly inspiring. Queer romance is an act of resistance and joy in that it insists that our love stories deserve to be told.

I am currently in talks with a local, queer artist who is working on updating the design so we can take it to print as an official deck - so stay tuned for future news!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Just one! That’s so hard! There are soooo many I love and admire! Well, I have to say, the most influential queer figure in my life has been Michael Stipe, lead singer of R.E.M. I was in the seventh grade when I begged my mom to drive me six hours into the middle of Wisconsin so that I could see the band perform live. She was never one to miss a good concert, so off we went, my 56-year old mom and a sea of high-as-F college students. We squeezed up to the front row, so close that I will forever swear I was only three feet away from Michael Stipe. 

Michael Stipe, to me, embodied – and still does, for the record -- integrity, artistry, vision, and voice, particularly in terms of queer storytelling and writing. Whether it be pacing, lyricism, imagery, or just plain heartache and outrage at the world’s inequities, his work is always leading us forward, and he always provides hope for a better world."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!